In June of 2010 I had a respiratory infection. That was unusual and it wasn't getting better-I ended up with 3 rounds of antibiotics and steroids. I got better from the infection but I had no energy at all and felt terrible. I could hardly work. I was sent to a pulmonologist who diagnosed me with asthma. For 3 months she prescribed more steroids and my fault I forgot to take probiotics. After 3 months or so with her she told me she made a mistake and compared my breathing test to a male's. I was in the ER at one point because of chest pain and feeling terrible and horrible gagging on mucus.. It was the worst experience. I got a script for Tramadol which I had taken before for back pain. For whatever reason the Tramadol relaxed my throat and gave me a little energy so I could work. I started seeing a holistic doctor and had alot of tests not normally given by a primary care physician. I had overgrowth of yeast in my body causing the fatigue and other symptoms - she told me to start a gluten free diet and gave me alot of information-I lost 55 pounds also in the process. I had to get to one more year of work for my benefits so she agreed to continue the Tramadol so I could work-I recently retired a year early to deal with this-I know the gluten free will help but very scared to go back to those horrible symptoms, in addition Tramadol withdrawal. I have been on it a total of 4 years, the last year everyday 2 / 50 mg--she will be weaning me off this med but I don't know what kind of life I will have. I am 65 years old and luckily have a supportive husband and friends. This is the worst health experience I have endured.
Mary