Should I see another doctor?

I would say you are not happy with the diagnosis of the doctor nor his manner therefore its important you DO seek a further opinion.

Hope you feel better soon

See another doctor.

I think you are right to seek a second opinion if you are not happy you have been taken seriously.

However, I don't think those blood tests results are necessarily related to your symptoms.

Gamma-GT is a liver enzyme traditionally raised in alcoholic liver disease (hence his questioning about alcohol). However if the rest of your liver enzymes are normal and it is only mildly raised, I personally wouldn't attach too much significance to it. (Although I would want to find out if you were on any meds that might cause it, or had any other signs or symptoms of liver disease) To be honest, your symptoms do not sound as if they are caused by liver disease.

WRT your cholesterol, as you mentioned yourself, the first option is to manipulate your diet. You might need medication in the future though, esp with your family history.

Is there any thing you are particularly worried about, or do you have any ideas about what may be causing it?

ME/CFS can be diagnosed by GPs but ideally you should be referred to a specialist clinic who will assess and decide if that is in fact the correct diagnosis.

Hope that is at least a little bit helpful.

I think you should definitely seek a second opinion.

Thanks all and for that information!

I don't have any idea and am quite happy to accept that it is CFS/ME. I'd be happy to accept it's in my head but I just felt the need to be taken seriously. My auntie, who has a little bit of knowledge (but a dangerous lack thereof!) suggested lupus, because of the rash, but surely that would show up in my blood tests?!?!?

The truth is, I have no idea, but I am tired of feeling like a wet rag. I love my life and have enjoyed the last few years enormously so hate it when people look at me as if I am making this up or that I am stressed etc.

I would seek a second opinion.

Do you have private medical? Could you get a referral to see a specialist?

If not just go and see a different Dr at your surgery.

Your aunt is right - SLE is definitely something I'd want to rule out - joint pains, rash, and the phenomenon you describe as happening in your fingers when you get cold, could all be related to SLE (although classically the lupus rash is on the face, or on sun exposed areas)

SLE will not show up in 'general' blood tests - unless your GP specifially asked them to test your ANA or autoantibodies. I go back to your Dr or a new Dr and mention lupus to them, and ask if the test has been done.

Also - I'd be very careful about calling ME 'all in the mind' ?

Thanks all and especially R-A. My rash tends to be on my elbows and knees when I am ill but the patches where I always have it are on the backs of my shoulders near my underarms (almost where you would have a vest top). But it's usually itchy.

I will go back and see the other doc and mention the lupus idea, then.

As for ME being in the mind, I don't believe that - it just seems to be what a lot of people think. Feels very real from where I am sitting! Hee, hee! What I was poorly trying to say was I'd be happy with an ME diagnosis OR it being in my mind, even. Just need to know! ?

Thanks again all, especially R-A for your valuable advice.

No worries.

Don't really want to jump into internet diagnosis - BUT - your rash sounds quite like psoriasis (depending on whether it's on the inside or outside of your elbows/knees)..... may be worth mentioning that too ?

Whilst it would be fab (and convenient!) to find one thing causing all your symptoms, it may pay to separate them out, at least to the Dr - you may find there is more than one thing going on.

You have mail....

Yes, you should ?

Even if you do have ME - and some of your symptoms can be symptoms of it - then "google it" is hardly an adequate response. If you do get a diagnosis of ME then something should happen in terms of a referral to a specialist team of some sort.

All in the mind? No. But then again, yes. And FFS don't google "ME" because you'll end up with a load of gloomy websites about people being gloomy and playing symptoms bingo...