If you’ve ever watched the TV show House then you’ve seen doctors in differential diagnosis mode. Think of it as multiple doctors trying to solve a medical case via a process of elimination.

A differential diagnostic procedure is a systematic diagnostic method used to identify the presence of a disease entity where multiple alternatives are possible… a process of obtaining information that shrinks the “probabilities” of candidate conditions to negligible levels, by using evidence such as symptoms, patient history, and medical knowledge to adjust epistemic confidences in the mind of the diagnostician (or, for computerized or computer-assisted diagnosis, the software of the system).

In other words, doctors rule out causes to get to the actual cause so treatment works.

My case would have been an interesting differential diagnosis. Abdominal cramp fasciculations, general fasciculations and, worsening, weakened back muscles, mild fatigue, labored breathing.

To date, improved diet and regular exercise regimen have produced excellent blood tests and reduced excess weight.

Symptoms persist. It’s time for some fresh eyeballs.