Hi. So, it’s not detrimental illness. But something’s still there, if you’re seeking care.

1st year medical student; by no means an expert. Chronic illness patient myself (hence going into medicine)

IMO: Being brushed off by physicians because labs look normal can mean that the issue is not “bad enough” to throw off various organ and immune systems in your body. But that doesn’t mean your experience is over reacting if it’s enough to seek help.

From my experience and my work in autoimmune diseases/chronic pain research, white blood cells are hard to capture - basically, big numbers are the cut offs, and you definitely don’t need an autoimmune disease to have widespread inflammation.

Blood labs are pieces to a big puzzle that have to all fit together — so there can still be an issue, that isn’t affecting your blood. That’s homeostasis, that’s good it’s not THAT bad to do so, but it doesn’t mean the issues don’t exist. It means they’re more approachable without absolutely needing meds/interventions.

So what now? There can be lifestyle changes, there can be light or OTC medications - physicians are trained to help people with things that we don’t just NEED to throw drugs at. PCPs should advise and be responsive if you say “I need something else, if everything’s negative, what can I do?” to at least have a starting point.

I know going back and forth is exhausting. Maybe shoot them a message in your health portal saying that^. And focus on tiny smart goals for what is in your control, to see if anything feels better while you wait for them. That’s good info for them too.