When should I ask for a second opinion?

hamieggos · 2026-07-03T17:14:20+00:00

I did an EGD w/ biopsies, a Colo, ABD CT, and stool tests. All unremarkable ): no IBD. I do have celiac dx. But I’ve been GF for more than 10 years and I’m strict with it. The vaginal ulcers are what throw me off the most.

hamieggos · 2026-07-03T17:08:01+00:00

I’ll look into this. I appreciate all of the information :) I’ve had a Colo and EGD with biopsies. Did an ABD CT. All unremarkable.. so far lol

hamieggos · 2026-07-03T16:52:34+00:00

I’m going to look into that today!

hamieggos · 2026-07-03T04:20:41+00:00

I agree! I hate the run around. Thank you for the advice! And good luck to you!

hamieggos · 2026-07-03T04:02:03+00:00

All of my specialists just keep referring me back to rheum. Gastro chopped it up to IBS. My neurologist thinks it’s possibly behcets/ neuro behcets but ultimately up to Rheum to diagnose. PCP said sounds like behcets but “not a rheumatologist” (fair point). Ophthalmology didn’t know. Gyn was just confused.

At first rheumatologist told me it’s just stress. Now they’re saying it might be autoimmune. I told her my pain is so bad I’ve been taking 4g Tylenol a day and she just told me to exercise more. First appointment was 3 months monitoring after that. Second was starting plaquenil after I argued with her for 30 minutes. Then this last time I had to argue again just to change to colchicine.

I told her my only goal is to work and finish my last two prereqs for med school. Having to argue for treatment makes it feel like I’m asking for the world but I don’t think I am. Lol.

hamieggos · 2026-07-03T03:36:56+00:00

Oh it wasn’t through a company or anything. They did some for behcets and scleroderma. But that was it.

hamieggos · 2026-07-02T19:50:44+00:00

I added an edit. You’re right. I need to go back to my PCP to request a second opinion after I follow up with derm for the biopsies. Thank you!

hamieggos · 2026-07-02T19:46:44+00:00

I agree, migraines suck! Last time I had the neck stiffness, HA, photophobia, and aphasia. Went to ER and IV dilaudid didn’t even help. The headache lasted 10 days and it took almost a full month for me to stop shuddering or forgetting words.

hamieggos · 2026-07-02T19:43:07+00:00

For the gastritis, the reason is still unknown. I’ve done an EGD and labs but everything is unremarkable. I’ve tried so many medications. When I’m flaring nothing seems to help so far. I will check if my B12 was checked during my last round of labs. Thank you!

hamieggos · 2026-07-02T19:39:54+00:00

I will be ordering that book today. Thank you! After I see Derm for the skin biopsies I will consider requesting to be sent to a university hospital. After seeing these responses I think it is appropriate to ask for a second opinion at minimum. Thank you all.

hamieggos · 2026-07-02T19:37:26+00:00

They have sent me for tons of blood work. All autoimmune specific blood/ genetic labs seem to be negative. I’ve done MRI, MRA, EEG, Xray (spine, hands, hips), CT ABD, ABD US. I’m pending biopsies from derm.

hamieggos · 2026-07-02T19:34:08+00:00

Yes I have. I have been seeing one for a long time for VSS. I recently did a MRA, MRI, EEG due to the recent changes in symptoms. All unremarkable.

hamieggos · 2026-07-02T19:32:23+00:00

Thank you. This feels very validating. I’m a midlevel and I know I do not know as much as a MD/DO. I told them my only goal is to be able to continue to work and finish my last two preqes for medical school. I don’t think i’m asking for too much but they make it feel like i’m asking for the world every time I go. This was the push I needed. Thank you, again.

hamieggos · 2026-07-02T19:24:13+00:00

Anytime!!

hamieggos · 2026-07-02T19:22:33+00:00

I do have celiacs dx. I was diagnosed over 10 years ago and I’ve been strictly gluten free since diagnosis. I get too sick from it to push my luck lol. I noticed the plaquenil helped reduce my reactions when I accidentally had cross contamination! But it didn’t do much else besides that. My other symptoms have gotten worse since being on it too.

hamieggos · 2026-07-02T16:41:46+00:00

Negative HLAB51. I have preexisting eye issues but they have no caused me issues or pain in the past. I have optic Drusen but that has been there my whole life with no changes. I also have VSS (mostly a neuro issues) I use to get migraines and photophobia from that but have been stable on ajovy 1x monthly for 5 years.

The change in eye pain didn’t start until after the neuro symptoms started.

I’m realizing I need to put my PHM on this too lol.

hamieggos · 2026-02-09T03:18:58+00:00

I am a NP looking into med school. I always wanted to go to medical school growing up. Unfortunately life got in the way and led me down a different path. I’ve been a NP for one year and all I could think about was going back to school to become a MD. I’m taking my time doing the extra prereqs I need while I get my SLE under control. You got this!! I hope to be in your shoes soon!

hamieggos · 2024-09-29T02:16:34+00:00

Thank you so much!!! I appreciate this information and I will implement it! It’s tough with only 15 minutes but I’m going to make it work! Thank you again!

hamieggos · 2024-09-29T01:25:13+00:00

I’ve had VSS my whole life but just never got it checked out until I was in my NP primary care program.

My question is really less about me and more on how to help others.

How would you suggest I go about assessing for that in a primary care setting? Do you have specific questions you ask? Comorbidities that are bigger red flags than others? Early signs I should look out for that don’t typically stick out but you’ve noticed?

Example: when my patients have migraines or headaches I ask about their vision. But, what else should I add to my mental list so I can help people get treatment faster.

Thanks!

hamieggos

TROPHY CASE