What do I ask for - Battery of Tests?

[Sage]

I see that many people get tests to see if certain areas of the body are imbalanced or if to see that organs are ok. I am confused as to what to ask to have tested in terms of hormones, organs, blood counts, vitamin levels (potassium, magnesium, etc). Is there a test that looks at everything? I have had my cholesterol and blood pressure checked but no one checked me for hormone or vitamin deficiencies when I ws anxious and depressed.
What do I ask for and does a general doctor have to do it or can my cholesterol doc or gyno do it?

[scotty]

Sage, a good place to start is with a:

Complete Blood Count
Comprehensive Metabolic Panel
Magnesium
Calcium
Phosphorus
Thyroid Panel
Liver Enzymes
PT/PTT (this is blood clotting)

This doesn't address hormones.. they would have to be done separately based on the specific hormone that you're looking at.

[Sage]

Thanks Laurie -- you are so fast!
Do doctors even acknowledge that hormone deficiencies can cause anxiety/depression? Or will I get the ol "it's a chemical imbalance -- you need: PaxilProzacLexaproEffexorSerzoneXanaxKlonopinAtivanSeroquelLithiumLamictalGeodonDepakoteRisperadalAb ilify and an increase in your Zoloft?"
LOL -- can you tell I am still bitter from my misdiagnosis and Lithium script??!

[scotty]

LOL!! Most doc's jump to the ssri's because the patient is looking for a "quick fix". Any doc that isn't willing to look at other biological reasons or imbalances isn't worth going to.

[Sage]

You know it's interesting -- I was thinking honestly about "lessons learned" thoughout all of my medical issues and I found that I always looked for a quick fix -- acne (Accutane), anxiety/depression (Paxil, Zoloft), sleeplessness (Ambien), colds (cold medicines). Through these difficult journeys and b/c of this website I have grown a lot.

Now, whenever something is hurting/bothering me both physically and mentally, I review my commitment to nutrition/vitamins, exercise, stress management skills (ie.therapy) and relaxation PRIOR to taking any medication - including over the counter. That is now a last resort for me.

I sometimes wonder if I could have avoided the pain and terror of Ambien and Paxil withdrawal and the hell of unecessary Lithium treatment/an incorrect and upsetting BPIII diagnosis if I wasn't driven by a quick fix (although I believe many in our society look for a quick fix/miracle cure).

But then I think if I didn't go through all of this, I wouldn't know what I do now and I am still young and can proceed with patience and level headed decisions when it comes to my health. Just think, if I was still in this "quick fix" mind set, I may have tried Glaxo's new OTC weight loss pill to battle the 45lbs I have gained over the past year and ended up with anal seepage!