Member Comments are provided by individuals and reflect their personal opinions only. Under NO circumstances should you act on any advice or opinion posted in this forum. ALWAYS check with your personal physician before taking any action regarding your health! MedHelp International and our partners, sponsors and affiliates have no obligation to monitor any comments posted on this site, or the content and/or accuracy of such exchanges. MedHelp International does not endorse the views of any user.
Arthritis (Expert Forum)
Mounting Pain, Fatigue, Joint weakness and bruising...
Answered by
Kevin Pho, MD - Internal Medicine
Kevin Pho, MD
Boston - MA
This forum is for questions and support regarding arthritis issues such as: Arthritis, Autoimmune Disease, Bursitis, Fibromyalgia, Gout, Juvenile Rheumatoid Arthritis, Lupus, Myositis, Neuralgia, Osteoarthritis, Polymyalgia Rheumatica, Rheumatoid Arthritis, Sciatica, Tendinitis, Vasculitis.
Mounting Pain, Fatigue, Joint weakness and bruising...
by shancal, Aug 07, 2006 12:00AM
I am an 18 year old female who has been suffering from a number of symptoms that I would like to sort out. They include fatigue, weakness, migraine headaches, mysterious bruising, bags under the eyes and joint pain coupled with "crunchy" sounding joints. I maintain a very healthy diet and sleep the recommended eight hours, but still tend to get sick often. I am on a low-dose birth control pill.
I've been experiencing mild to moderate fatigue for over four years, and have been variously prescribed/recommended amphetamines, antidepressants, vitamins and exercise. Last year I was diagnosed with Mono, which my pediatrician deduced had been lingering for at least two months. I took a week off from school to rest, but my energy level remained low. Prior to taking a week off for the mono, I developed dark bags under my eyes that will not go away.
Three months ago I was in a low-speed car accident. I got mild whiplash, which I am in therapy for. My chiropractor is treating the whiplash and the migraine headaches, which have come as a result of the whiplash and the subsequent displacement my c2 vertebra. Since the crash my wrists, elbows and shoulders have become weak and painful. They do not appear swollen, but minimal motion causes them to crack and pop. I am a piano player, and the pain is interfering with my ability to practice.
Over the past two weeks I have been getting bruises around my left and right wrists and elbows. The bruises occur in exactly the same spots on both sides and are tender to the touch and brown in color. My arms, particularly my left arm, are becoming weaker, to the point that holding a pizza with one arm is almost impossible.
My joint pain, fatigue and headaches tend to get worse as the day goes on. My pediatrician, chiropractor and gyno each attribute the symptoms to different things. Should I consider another opinion?
I've been experiencing mild to moderate fatigue for over four years, and have been variously prescribed/recommended amphetamines, antidepressants, vitamins and exercise. Last year I was diagnosed with Mono, which my pediatrician deduced had been lingering for at least two months. I took a week off from school to rest, but my energy level remained low. Prior to taking a week off for the mono, I developed dark bags under my eyes that will not go away.
Three months ago I was in a low-speed car accident. I got mild whiplash, which I am in therapy for. My chiropractor is treating the whiplash and the migraine headaches, which have come as a result of the whiplash and the subsequent displacement my c2 vertebra. Since the crash my wrists, elbows and shoulders have become weak and painful. They do not appear swollen, but minimal motion causes them to crack and pop. I am a piano player, and the pain is interfering with my ability to practice.
Over the past two weeks I have been getting bruises around my left and right wrists and elbows. The bruises occur in exactly the same spots on both sides and are tender to the touch and brown in color. My arms, particularly my left arm, are becoming weaker, to the point that holding a pizza with one arm is almost impossible.
My joint pain, fatigue and headaches tend to get worse as the day goes on. My pediatrician, chiropractor and gyno each attribute the symptoms to different things. Should I consider another opinion?
Doctor's Answer
by Kevin Pho, MD, Aug 08, 2006 12:00AM
, Aug 08, 2006 12:00AM
A referral to a rheumatologist can be considered to evaluate the fatigue and joint pain.
It is possible that the discomfort can stem from the injuries you have suffered. However, I would do blood tests for diseases like lupus or rheumatoid arthritis - including an ANA level and rheumatoid factor. Other tests to consider would be a blood count (to evaluate for platelet dysfunction that can lead to bruising) as well as markers of inflammation (i.e. a sedimentation rate or C-reactive protein).
If the rheumatology evaluation is non-revealing, a referral to a neurologist can be considered to evaluate the weakness.
These options can be discussed with your personal physician.
Followup with your personal physician is essential.
This answer is not intended as and does not substitute for medical advice - the information presented is for patient education only. Please see your personal physician for further evaluation of your individual case.
Kevin, M.D.
kevinmd_
It is possible that the discomfort can stem from the injuries you have suffered. However, I would do blood tests for diseases like lupus or rheumatoid arthritis - including an ANA level and rheumatoid factor. Other tests to consider would be a blood count (to evaluate for platelet dysfunction that can lead to bruising) as well as markers of inflammation (i.e. a sedimentation rate or C-reactive protein).
If the rheumatology evaluation is non-revealing, a referral to a neurologist can be considered to evaluate the weakness.
These options can be discussed with your personal physician.
Followup with your personal physician is essential.
This answer is not intended as and does not substitute for medical advice - the information presented is for patient education only. Please see your personal physician for further evaluation of your individual case.
Kevin, M.D.
kevinmd_
In my case the symptoms started just as I neared puberty, with my first memories of joint pain being about a year before my period started. autoimmune diseases are most common in women, and a hormonal link is strongly suspected. By 18 I felt like I was 100, and had to quit my job due to the extreme fatigue. I also caught every germ that blew my way, and was sick all the time. In fact I have quit working 3 times because of my illnesses. It took until I was 25 to even get a Dr. to listen to me, and until the week I turned 30 to get a label of "Mixed Connective Tissue Disease". This is an overlap of autoimmune symptoms, primarily Scleroderma, and Lupus. There are many treatments avilable once you get a Dr. who takes you seriously, and once you get a diagnosis (even if it's just "ballpark" like mine). I am now almost 31, and have found some medication that slows the progression of the disease, and impoves my symptoms. I am pregnant right now though, so I just have to suffer, because it is not safe during pregnancy or nursing.
It is very important to be presistent. It sounds like your Mom is a good suport for you. (I did not have that luxury.) Take her to all your appontments if you can. Two heads are better than one. Good luck, and post back if you have more questions.