Saturday, 12 December 2015

Piddle In A Tube.

Hi there, yes it's me, Gary, the human dad of Penny the Jack Russell dog and modest internet superstar!  I will now take this opportunity to thank Penny very much for taking over the blog site as I continue to try and find the baffling cause to my ongoing chronic fatigue.  *Boo! Hiss! Bring back the dog!*  Huh?  What was that?  Now then, where was I?

On Friday, the 27th of November, I had an appointment for a check-up with the nurse at my health centre.  When I saw the nurse, she seemed surprised that I was having a check-up because I'd had a check-up about three months before.  I explained to her that I was phoned and asked if I would like a check-up.

So, just for fun, or something like that, she took my blood pressure.  My blood pressure was perfectly normal.  So, just for fun, or something like that, she decided to take some blood from me to be analysed for cholesterol.

I told her, despite every other test I've taken, there has been no indicator as to why I'm feeling constantly exhausted.  It gets very frustrating having tests come back showing that everything appears to be normal.  Well, normal in regards to physical tests....

The nurse suggested I make an appointment with a doctor right after my visit with her.  I went to reception and made an appointment to see a doctor on the following Monday, the 30th of November.

When I saw the doctor, although she means well, I felt like I was getting nowhere with trying to solve my chronic fatigue mystery.  The doctor printed up a bunch of stuff in regards to healthy eating and sleeping.  Oh my, I've done this all before and I've been very good at improving my lifestyle. Anyway, she handed me over a tube that I was supposed to piddle in.  Not then and there, I should add.   Nope, take it home, piddle in the tube and then bring it to reception.

Piddle in a tube
I felt like a boob
Piddle in a vial 
My urine on trial
Took tube to reception
No urine deception
Here's my pee
For all to see
The piddle 
Was not a riddle
Got a phone call
They were on the ball
Your urine is fine
Was the bottom line
Then I got a letter
This gets better and better
Please arrange for another blood test
We kindly request
Test after test
Surely, they jest
What does this mean
I might make a scene
Tired of being tired
Something's backfired
Must get inspired
Patience required.

94 comments:

  1. LOL!!!!! Great poem! But seriously, I wish they'd figure out what's wrong with you. I hope these tests will be helpful.

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    1. Hi JoJo,

      Pleased you like my poem :) I'm starting to think that they cannot find anything psychically wrong with me. Every test indicates I'm normal. Whatever normal might be.

      Thank you, JoJo.

      Gary :)

      Delete
  2. Love the poem! :)
    It must be so frustrating - keep your chin up and hang in there!!!

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    1. Hi Jemi,

      Thanks for that, my kind friend.

      My chin is attempting to reach the ceiling :)

      Gary

      Delete
  3. Take it home? But then you could have had someone else piddle in the tube, even Penny.

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    1. Hi Pat,

      Yep and they ended up testing dog piddle. Since then, I've had this incredible urge to bark and lick my balls....

      Thank you, Pat.

      Gary :)

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  4. Well, you may not know what is causing your fatigue but you can write poetry!

    Have you ever had a sleep study done and been tested for sleep apnea?

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    1. Hi Birdie,

      Thanks and I did have a little help with the dog in writing my pawetry, um, poetry :)

      I haven't had a sleep study done for sleep apnea. A good suggestion and should try and suggest that to the doctors, the nurses and anybody within the health profession that might listen to me. I'm really starting to think it's something to do with my new environment and life-changing upheavals.

      Thank you, Birdie.

      Gary :)

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  5. Love your poem.
    And relate so much at the test after test after test caper. Passing grades on all of them, and nothing changes.
    Hugs.

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    1. Hi Sue,

      Glad you liked my poem. Thank you.

      Oh yes, aren't all these tests after tests, followed by tests for the tests, rather ironically, exhausting. Every test has come back that I seem to be in reasonable health. Oh my.

      Hugs to you, Sue.

      Gary :)

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  6. There's a few books on adrenal fatigue that are interesting and similar to you, doctors cannot find anything but it's still there.

    I wish you the best and that you finally get a doctor that can help you feel less tired.

    PS: Is there any mold/mould in your house?

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    1. Hi Ivy,

      I've had test done for adrenal fatigue and nothing showed up out of the ordinary. Something may well be lurking that they haven't detected.

      Cheers and these days, it's difficult to see my usual doctor due to our idiotic government cutting back on the funding.

      No mould in my brand new apartment but thanks for the thought.

      Gary :)

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  7. Keep bugging them, Gary. I know it's exhausting, but there has to be a reason. Love the poem. You may be exhausted, but you still got it. It being talent. Hope they find something soon. Meanwhile, bring back the dog any time. Penny is a charmer. Not that you aren't. You are. A charming, I mean. Okay, time to sleep.

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    1. Hi Joylene,

      I shall continue to bug them. Of course, ironically, I'm getting more exhausted trying to find out what's causing my exhaustion. Thanks for loving my poem. I can barely string a sentence together. Yep, the dog is quite the charmer and I can only dream of being as charming as Penny. Okay and thanks, your charming lady, you! :)

      Gary :)

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  8. This is so typical of you Gary! First we learn of a really tough time that you are having health-wise and then you make us laugh with a very clever little rhyme. Your spirit will carry you through any adversity Gary.
    CLICK HERE for Bazza’s fabulous Blog ‘To Discover Ice’

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    1. Hi Barry,

      Thank you for such kind words, good sir. I do try to live, as best I can, with a sense of realistic positive anticipation, rather than negative speculation. Indeed, spirit and a bit of ironic humour is quite the tonic.

      Cheers, bazza.

      Gary

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  9. I do like your poem and I hope they get to the bottom of what's causing your fatigue. It must be so frustrating for you not knowing.

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    1. Hi Eileen,

      Thank you, my friend. Ah yes, the frustration of not knowing the cause is making me more exhausted.

      Gary :)

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  10. Hi Gary - oh gosh round and round in circles - and hospitals are not the most conducive places to be ... or doctor's offices. I hope they can resolve it for you - but repetitive procedures aren't much help really. Good luck.

    Glad you've posted for us and can make light of it (to a degree I'm sure). Take care ... and a big hug for Penny ... cheers Hilary

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    1. Hi Hilary,

      Circles within circles, it seems. I think I'm getting the runaround by the medical profession because it's so difficult to ascertain the cause.

      To attempt to make light of it does make it a little easier to bear. Thank you, Hilary. Penny loved the hug.

      Gary :)

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  11. Doctors are the smartest dumb people ever, they always go for the easy answer or tell you in not so many words to live with it. Hopefully they figure it out, at least you got to practice your aim with the tube lol

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    1. Hi Pat,

      That's a great way of putting it! My aim in the tube made a splash in the health centre, so to speak! :)

      Cheers, Pat in the Hatt.

      Gary

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  12. It sounds like you need some Vitameatavegimin.

    Take care dear Gary, and I hope you get some answers from your blood teats.

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    1. Hi Arleen,

      Good idea. Maybe I can get some from Lucille Ball :)

      Thank you, my dear friend. Probably end up getting blood tests for my blood tests.

      Gary :)

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  13. I have been in that maze and it feels like you will never find your way out. Here's hoping an answer will soon be found. Perhaps, you need to see a new doctor who might have a different view.

    Here is a virtual ((hug))...take care my dear friend

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    1. Hi Truedessa,

      We shall amaze and get out of that maze. I have seen numerous doctors and it's difficult to see my usual doctor these days who better understands what the heck I'm trying to say.

      And a virtual hug back to you, my lovely friend.

      Gary :)

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  14. Love the poem, even with the fatigue you find time to be humourous.

    Just a thought, but have you had your thyroid tested? An underactive thyroid could cause a lot of the fatigue - I have a friend who was in similar circumstances a while ago and several tests showed nothing until they did the thyroid one which showed up the cause of her tiredness.

    I hope you soon get some answers to whatever it is you've got and you start to feel better - until then take care, and hugs to you and Penny. x

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    1. P.S. - I love the new header photo, Penny looks so cute with the wee folk :)

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    2. Hi Eunice,

      I appreciate that. The humour aspect is something that sure does help :)

      A thyroid test was one of the first tests I had. The test can back stating that all is as it should be. Thank you for the suggestion and I'm glad your friend managed to get the cause of her tiredness.

      Thanks again and I might be reaching the point where it may well be all in my head. Still, whatever the cause, I have to focus on getting better. Your hugs to Penny and I are warmly embraced.

      Very pleased you like the latest header photo. Penny and the wee folks posed pawfectly, um, perfectly.

      Gary x :)

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  15. That is, no doubt, no exaggeration, the best poem about urine that I've ever read. I really hope they get to the bottom of things this time. Also, I really want to hear what happens when you read that poem at an open-mic poetry slam.

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    1. Hi Pickleope Von Pickleope,

      Thanks an urine fine form yourself :) Maybe it's in my bottom. Oh wait, that was another test for something else...Seriously, thank you. Yes, slam away on poetry day. What a battle and what them rattle.

      Cheers,

      Gary :)

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  16. I hope you get it figured out. Last summer I felt exhausted and found it was a combination of a lack of vitamins (must remember good nutrition!) and a bit of the blues. The worse I physically felt, the worse I mentally felt. To feel better, I needed to move and eat better. To move and feel better, I needed some energy. Oy vey.

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    1. Hi Elizabeth,

      Getting it figured out might mean I post more. Then again....Of course, we both realise how important a healthy, balanced diet is. The blues can be such a contributing factor as the physical and mental health well being are intertwined. I hope keeping active, as best you can and maintaining a healthy diet works well for you on all the energy levels. It takes a lot to get the momentum going and continuing.

      Thank you, Elizabeth.

      Gary :)

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  17. Poor Gary, I love the poem, but I know what you mean about all these tests. Very frustrating. Have you tried researching it? Sometimes you can find the answers or at least things to suggest to the doctors.

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    1. Hi Jo,

      Thank you. I've done a fair amount of research and passed on the possibilities to the doctors and nurses. So far, nothing has helped in finding the cause.

      Thank you for your suggestion, Jo.

      Gary :)

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  18. Cute poem...NOT a cute situation. So very frustrating for you. I hope they find some answers for you PDQ. Fingers crossed Gary.

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    1. Hi Delores,

      Thanks for that and yes, the situation is not so cute. I shall continue to seek the answers. I shall continue on, regardless. Appreciate that, Delores and be well, my kind friend.

      Gary :)

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  19. Oh dear, Gary, sorry you're suffering. I hope the doctor finally gets to the bottom of your fatigue. Like the poem :-)

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    1. Hi Annalisa,

      Thank you for your kind, thoughtful comment. I'm getting the impression that I'm going to have to solve the cause of my fatigue without the help of the so-called professionals. Glad you like the poem :)

      Stay well, dear Annalisa.

      Gary :)

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  20. So sorry you're still feeling poorly. At least you're keeping your sense of humor about all of this. Your poem was great!

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    1. Hi Diane,

      Thanks for that. Indeed, trying to somehow maintain a sense of humour has helped me battle through this. That and the support I receive from kind people like you. Glad you liked the poem.

      Take very good care, Diane.

      Gary :)

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  21. Keep up the humor, Gary! It's the only way to get through it. I spent a year, in 2014, going to doctor after doctor after apecialist after blood test and moor blood tests. I was a human pin cushion. 19 vials every few months to check, verify, and double check. I was told most things looked normal but Then the shrugs for why others were "abnormal" finally, they just gave up and called it fibromyalgia. I think that's doctor speak for "I dunno"
    Still wishing you all the best and I do hope they find something to help you.
    Jamie Dement (LadyJai)
    Http://caringforaveteran.wordpress.com

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    1. Hi Jamie,

      Thank you and I shall do my best to keep the humour rocking along :) Oh wow and what an ordeal for your good self. It seems the I dunno is basically what the doctors are trying to say to me.

      Thank you for your supportive words, my kind friend.

      Gary :)

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  22. HAHA! That was a fun poem :)

    I'm sorry you're feeling so tired. I hope that gets resolved soon. Sleep apnea came to mind, like Birdie mentioned above. And low iron levels. That was my daughter's problem answer to feeling tired all the time. But I figure since they've tested your blood, they've checked for that.

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    1. Hi Martha,

      Thanks for liking the poem, eh! :)

      Oh yes, a resolution, a conclusion to my confusion. I'm not aware of any sleep apnea. Besides, rather weirdly, despite the exhaustion, any form of sleep, or something like that, is erratic at the very best. Yep, I've been checked, double-checked and back around in the circle.

      Thank you, Martha. Take real good care.

      Gary :)

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  23. Love the poem, but not that you're suffering such fatigue. I hope you get some answers soon and a solution xx

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    1. Hi Teresa,

      Delighted you like the poem. The fatigue is becoming most aggravating. Answers and solutions would be awesome! Thank you, dear Teresa.

      Gary xx

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  24. The cause of chronic fatigue is always SO hard to diagnose, from what I understand. Keep at them doctors, Gary! And may your good humour persist as you piddle in more tubes and give more blood! Hugs to you and Penny.

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    1. Hi Debra,

      From what I really beginning to understand, chronic fatigue is a mystery to figure out. I shall continue to hound the doctors. Or maybe get the dog to hound the doctors! Yes, I shall think of funny stuff as I piddle in a variety of tubes and donate my blood for scientific study.

      Hugs back atcha', Debra.

      Gary :)

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  25. Well, right there and then would've been worse! I can't piddle while being watched.
    Pray they find a solution and soon, Gary.

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    1. Hi Alex,

      Yes, bashful bladder could well occur. Although, bringing in a tube of piddle to the reception did seem rather strange.

      Thank you, Alex. Take care of your good self.

      Gary

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  26. Hello there Gary so nice to hear from you but sorry to learn that you are still suffering with the fatigue. I hope you can find the answer soon. Stay strong.

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    1. Hi Suzanne,

      It's nice to be heard :) Thanks for you kind thoughts and I will probably figure it out long before the medical folks figure it out. I shall stay strong, my lovely friend.

      Hope you're well.

      Gary :)

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  27. It appears you can still find humor...hope you find the cause and the mend.

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    1. Hi Liza,

      I still manage to muster up the end to go seeking for the humour :) The cause and the mend, what a wonderful thought.

      Thank you, Lisa and take care.

      Gary

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  28. Glad even though you are tired that you are still finding the lighter side of things. Sorry you still don't have any answers. Hope you feel better soon. Sending good thoughts your way!
    ~Jess

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    1. Hi Jess,

      The lighter side of things sure makes it a bit more bearable. Thank you for your nice wishes, Jess. Your good thoughts are greatly appreciated.

      Look after you good self, Jess.

      Gary

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  29. Gary,
    I love your humor about life in general, darling!
    Xx kiss for Penny from MN.

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    1. Hi Kim,

      Why thank you :) Life in general hospital...

      Have a lovely day in Duluth, darling.

      Gary and Penny xx

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  30. I'm still there with you. :( Just had them test my thyroid, vitamin levels, so on and so forth again. It all came back normal. Again. But they just give up after that until it gets so bad I go in again. We're medical mysteries, you and I.

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    1. Hi Shannon,

      We have quite the empathy going here, Shannon. When we have the energy, we should collaborate a book about being medical mysteries :) Here's to you and a solution.

      Gary :)

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    2. Sure, once we have the energy. That'll be any day now, right?

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    3. Hi Shannon,

      A bit of energy would be good. I shall have a word with the Duracell Bunny! :) My energy has taken another beating today because I have lost 15 followers in one day and I find I'm getting blocked on commenting on certain blog sites. My confidence is taking a further shit-kicking.

      Sorry about the rant. Yes, here's to that any day hope.

      Gary :)

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  31. LOL! If they start asking for brain samples, then they've gone too far.

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    1. Hi Diane,

      If they asked me for a brain sample, my remaining brain cell would be very lonely :)

      Gary

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  32. Here's hoping they find out what's wrong soon. You've made me laugh this Monday morning, so that improves my day and health. :)

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    1. Hi Christine,

      Thanks and what a wonderful result that would be. Oh, how very kind of you. I'm delighted that the laughter tonic on a Monday morning was all part of your positive environment.

      Take care and keep laughing, Christine :)

      Gary

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  33. Hugs to you, Gary. I can relate to your frustration on some level. I went through medical issues a couple of years ago and they never could figure out what was wrong. They just slapped a label on it and threw meds at me. Eventually things worked out for the best for and I hope things resolve quickly for you too. A good sense of humor definitely helps. Sending healing vibes your way.

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    1. Hi Elsie,

      Thank you for the hugs, Elsie :) I'm sorry to read you had some medical issues and the frustration you endured. Thankfully, you situation was resolved. I'm sure I'll be fine, eventually. Having a bit of a laugh about it does help. Thank you for your healing vibes, Elsie.

      Keep looking after your good self.

      Gary :)

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  34. After all those tests, you're going to be more than exhausted! Keep your sense of humor on alert; that's the best medicine most of the time.

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    1. Hi Lee,

      Oh yeah, the irony of ongoing tests for exhaustion are making me more exhausted! A sense of humour, aka, humor, is deffo' the best medicine.

      Thank you, Lee. Have a peaceful day.

      Gary :)

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  35. I'm sorry you aren't on top of your game, Gary, but I loved your poem! I tend to get more fatigued in the winter. I think it has something to do with the lack of sunshine. :( Hope you are feeling better soon.

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    1. Hi Sharon,

      I think my game needs a new coach :) Thank you for loving the poem, Sharon. Seasonal Affective Disorder, aka SAD. I sense that I will be better soon.

      All the best to you, my lovely friend.

      Gary :)

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  36. I hope your fatigue goes away. Sometimes I'm way more tired than I should be, and I don't like those times at all.

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    1. Hi Medeia,

      Thanks and may the fatigue vanish very soon. For sure, it's a most unpleasant feeling when you are tired and you wonder why you are so tired.

      You do very well, Medeia.

      Gary :)

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  37. Can you request a referral to a rheumatologist or an internist to be screened for Chronic Fatigue Syndrome? There is no test that can specifically diagnose CFS, but it may be the cause if you experience overwhelming fatigue for six months and no other cause can be found by the usual means. (At least that was the criteria when my daughter was diagnosed.) The specialist would be the one to make the diagnosis. CFS is still a medical mystery, although much research is being done all over the world. Good luck.

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    Replies
    1. Hi Jenny,

      What you suggest is certainly something for me to pursue. Of course, you're right, there doesn't seem to be a specific test for CFS. I have been like this since last Christmas. I'm leaning towards an huge upheaval in my life may be part of why I'm like this.

      Thank you for your thoughtful comment, Jenny. Take real good care of yourself.

      Gary

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  38. Hi Gary and Penny:
    Sorry I'm so late in getting here. I've had my own go-a-round with the medical profession in the last few weeks. I can relate, and loved the humor of your poem, but I know the frustration runs deep. Don't give up, they say you have to keep pressing, someday, someone will listen and have the answer. I think most of these folks simply report to a job, do what's needed, and collect a paycheck. Few, a very few are interested in looking deeper. If the blood test says normal - that's all they see - and the complaint you walked in with, as far as their concerned, is solved or more likely, they don't even remember your complaint, all they are doing is reading a test result. Patience my friend, patience. Says the woman who's reached the end of her own rope. :)

    Wishing you, Penny and your son the most Merry of Holidays and a healthy and peace filled New Year!

    Thank you, for your support, your kindness, but mostly for your friendship!

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    1. Hi Yolanda,

      No worries, dear lady, always a pleasure when you can visit :) You summed it up rather nicely. Patients need patience when it comes to patiently waiting for an outcome that seems to be elusive. I do think most of the medical folks I have seen are concerned. However, with cutbacks to our health service by our idiotic UK government, it has become difficult to see the same doctor. Has become a bit of a doctor lottery.

      And on behalf of Penny, Tristan and the exhausted one, here's to a joyous, hopeful holiday season and a peaceful 2016.

      Your interaction, your friendship, dear Yolanda, is warmly embraced.

      Hugs and hope,

      Gary x

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  39. I have a similar relationship with dentists. I go there with toothache and they can never find any cause for my pain. Very frustrating.
    Chronic fatigue is very hard to live with I've heard, one of my neighbours tells me she has and she takes three naps a day before going to bed at 6.30 in the evening.
    If you ever find the reason or an answer, I'd like to hear about it.

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  40. P.S. LOVE your Christmassy header.

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    1. Hi River,

      Oh how awful in regards to your dentist situation. You would think they could find the reason for your toothaches.

      If I find out what the heck is happening with my chronic fatigue and the cause, I shall certainly pass on the info to you, River.

      Thank you for liking the header. Penny and I are well pleased.

      Thank you, River.

      Gary :)

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  41. I can see that you are tired of not being able to find the reason of your tiredness. Here in the US they call it Chronic Fatigue Syndrome. I am not so sure why they add the word "Syndrome" to a symptom instead of looking at the real causes.
    I hope that your blood sugar is all right. I get tired if I eat sugary things. My doctor advises that I eat natural sugars only and not added sugar. There might be a very good explanation for your tiredness and it has not been pin pointed as yet.
    I wish you good health and I hope that there is a very simple solution to taking care of your tiredness as well. Take care. Give my love to Penny.

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    Replies
    1. Hi Munir,

      Oh yes and the irony of feeling even more tired due to the tiring, endless tests. In the UK, they also call it Chronic Fatigue Syndrome. Of course, a syndrome can pertain to a group of symptoms, which, like you state, doesn't really pinpoint an actual main cause.

      My blood sugar is just fine. It was slightly above what it should be, but I had a retest and the levels are now fine with my reducing my sugar intake to a minimum. I do not knowingly add sugar to anything I prepare. Thank you for noting that, however.

      Thank you for your kind, thoughtful comment, Munir. I shall pass on your love to the adorable Penny.

      Gary :)

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  42. Cute poem! I won't feel like writing a poem about it when I go to see my doctor on Monday.

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    1. Hey Eve,

      Thanks. Okay, no poetry for you in regards to your doctor's visit. Have a nice weekend.

      Gary :)

      Delete
  43. Fatigue, when there's no apparent cause, can be so frustrating. Hope they get to the bottom of it soon.

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    1. Hi Sandra,

      First of all, lovely to make your acquaintance and linking into this blog. Thank you :) Indeed, if only the medical profession could find the underlying reason for this baffling condition.

      Hope you had a peaceful, positive weekend, Sandra.

      Gary

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  44. Hey Gary,
    Just wanted to thank you for stopping by and the follow.
    Happy Holidays.

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    1. Hey Sandra,

      My pleasure to visit your blog and link into your site. Happy holidays to you and your loved ones.

      Gary :)

      Delete
  45. Funny poem! Piddling in a tube or peeing in a cup is always awkward. I hope they find out why you're so echausted. Take care!

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    1. Hi Chrys,

      Glad you liked the poem :) I think the medical profession is taking the piss, literally. Thank you and this exhaustion is exhausting.

      Take care, Chrys.

      Gary :)

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  46. I LOVE the new picture on top! And LMAO at your poem. Hang in there!

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    1. Hi Riot Kitty,

      Thanks for that and Penny is delighted that you like the new header! *Arf!*

      I shall hang in there or act like an exhausted vampire bat :)

      Gary

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I do try to comment back to each commenter individually. However, I might have to shorten my replies or give a group thank you. That way, I can spend more time commenting on your blogs. Thank you and peace, my friend.