Sinus symptoms and body aches, fatigue?

[de49152]

Hi,

This is my first post.  I am an otherwise healthy 32 year old male, but frustrated by this recent baffling problem.

For the last 2-3 weeks, I've had mild sinus congestion & pressure, along with strange "flu-like" body aches, weakness & fatigue.  I have no fever or night sweats, and nasal mucous is clear.

I do get a lot of allergies, but never these "flu-like" symptoms.  I went to the doc and have been taking Septra for a possible sinus infection, but no improvement.

I don't know what's linking the sinus condition with the other symptoms... virus (like chronic fatigue), allergies, infection, autoimmune disorder (hope not)?

Any advice or comments welcome.
-Dan

[PlateletGal]

My Immunologist told me once that allergies alone could be disabling. It sounds like you could have food allergies. One thing you could do is try going without sugar, dairy products, wheat/whey/oat/barley/rye and corn products for 2 weeks. Then slowly reintroduce these products and wait a couple of days before trying the next one.... see if you have an allergic reaction.

[de49152]

Thanks for your comment, its good to know.

[PlateletGal]

You are very welcome. I believe your symptoms could be due to an intolerance or allergy to wheat products; maybe other foods as well and that is why my physician put me on the diet I suggested earlier. Here's a helpful link:

http://allergies.about.com/cs/gluten/f/blniaidceliac2.htm

[LMND]

This is my first posting.  I have been "sick" for 3 months now with sinus pressure and pain, fatigue, sometimes dizzy.  After 3 rounds of antibiotics no better, and over the counter allergy meds., Dr. sent me for a CT of sinus and it was clear.  Sent me to an ENT - gave me nasal steroid and antihistamines.  No help.  Been doing saline irrigation, vitamins.  Am now on Prednisone (steroid pills) for 6 days.  After 1 and 1/2 days feel better and pressure is leaving but scared because I know after this 6 days I'll be back to where I was and I'm extremely run down and need to rebuild to fight whatever this is.  Scheduled for allergy testing the end of the month.  Have always had sinus, but NEVER like this and for SO long.  Exhausted.  If anyone gets relief please post, as will I.

[blocked]

I have experienced the same daily " aches" and muscle pains especially in the morning , along with congestion , headache, or severe sinus migraines. I was also told to eliminate wheat from my diet, while drinking a detox shake of supplements and things that detox the body from allergens. Every morning i'd wake up like a truck hit me, stiff, sore, but not my bones. Like it was my muscles. I thought " chronic fatigue syndrome? Fybromyalgia? All this was with sever fatigue to the point where it was hard to function. I feel a bit better eliminating wheat, and detoxing on this protein powder. I'm also looking into investigating my thyroid. Hope this helps. Your'e not alone. It's weird and vague and crippling as you cant get much done.
Thanks for posting. I hope its a simple allergy that can be corrected.
"blocked"

[argyle]

Hi,
I have a lot of the same symptoms as de4912.  Has anybody recovered since they posted.  I'm so frustrated and am looking for some releif.
Thanks.

[LMND]

I posted in one of the other forums - diagnosis non allergic rhinitis that Dr.'s don't know much about.  Want's allergy testing and then go on Singulair and Nasalcrom.  Check the forum for details.

[Billum]

Hi I am a 41 year old male who has had on and off nasal congestion, Chronic cough and flu like body aches. I have not said anything to my doctor yet but he has told me my cough is allergy related. The body aches are new. Has anyone had a definitve diagnosis yet? I have been living on Motrin for the aches. Also this time around I have neck and shoulder pain.

[G711]

HI, I AM A 42 YEAR OLD FEMALE.  FOR THE PAST FIVE YEARS I HAVE HAD THE SAME SYMPTOMS, OF AND ON, THIS LAST EPISODE HAPPENED JUST RECENTLY AFTHER ABOUT 10 MONTHS.  I WILL TAKE YOUR ADVICE AND BEGAN WATCHING WHAT I EAT. ESPCIALLY CORN. BECAUSE I DID HAVE CORN, WHICH I DO NOT EAT VERY OFTHEN.THE DAY I GOT THE SYMPTOMS AGAIN.  FIRST THE SERVERE FATIGUE HIT ME AND THEN ABOUT TWO HOURS LATER, MY WHOLE BODY BEGAN TO ACHE AS IF I HAVE THE FLU AND THEN WHEN THE ACHS WENT AWAY, ALL OF MY MUSCLES FELT EXTREMLY SORE AND THEN I GOT BAD SINUS PAINS. BEFORE READINGS THESE PEOPLES COMMENTS AND RESPONSE, I HAD NO IDEAS THESE SYPMTOMS COULD HAVE BEEN RELATED TO MY ALLERGY AND SINUSES.   I HAVE BEEN COMPLAINING TO MY DOCTORS FOR YEARS ABOUT MY SYMPTOMS.  I WAS ALWAYS ASKING MY DOCTOR IF BODY ACHES, SORENES AND FATIGUE AND SINUSES PROBLEMS HAVE ANY RELATIONS AND I WAS ALWAYS TOLD NO.  SHE ONCE SUGGESTED THAT I SART TAKING A ANTI DEPRESENT PILL.  AFTHER I HAVE READ YOURS AND OTHERS RESPONE TO THIS PROBLEM, YOU HAVE NO IDEA HOW YOU AND OTHERS MADE ME FEEL LIKE I WAS NOT LOSING MY MIND. THANK YOU SOOOOOOO MUCH!                    

[Tracii]

Mold/yeast can cause joint and muscle aches, headaches, asthma attacks, fatigue, and worse, even for those not "allergic" to it.  If there's so much as a fingernail-sized patch of mold in my house, I become too exhausted, cranky, depressed, and my joints and sinuses swell and ache.  I read somewhere that mycoplasma (mold) has even been found in the joints of people with rheumatoid arthritis!  
Mold grows anywhere humidity/water is present both indoors and out and yeast can be found in many foods, such as breads and beer.  Many foods are processed using molds, like certain cheeses.  Mold stimulates yeast overgrowth in the body, worsening allergies.  Yeast overgrowth has been implicated as a contributing factor in symptoms of MS, depression, arthritis, lupus, allergies, chronic fatigue, and nearly any disorder you can dream of.  You might do some additional research, as most doctors will look at you like you're crazy if you bring up yeast.

[Teresa60118]

Out of control allergies! I have been miserable off and on for years. I am an optamistic person and when I get laid out like this, it blows me away. You all sound the same as I feel. I have been researching thinking that because of my horrible breathing that I have oxygen deprivation or carbon dioxide poisoning. My Dr. who I think is great. Is convinced that my allergies are out of control. I take shots, Astelin, Zyrtec D, Clariten, Benedryl, Flonase... nothing is working... I am in allergy fog and no doubt feel sick allot as I catch everything my kids bring into the house. Last night in desperation I went to the drug store and purchased another OTC med. Chlortramine, or something like that... a 4 hour jobby. My head started cracklin open and I started breathing better! ISo, I am feeling more rested than usual this morning... am also going to try the Zicam Seasonal allergy spray.

I don't discount CFS, but I don't want to accept that diagnosis either. Just because it is a catch all when we don't know what else to call it. I think allergies can make you miserable. It's August in the midwest and I have been "sick" for a month. Like a Mack truck has hit me every morning. All the rain has the mold up and the rag weed is seeding...

Any way, it is good to see I am not alone... I wish everyone well and the search to alleve the symptoms.

Take Care

[Jeanne A]

Hi Fellow Allergy Sufferers,

      My symptoms (flu-like aching of feet and legs, extreme fatique, breathlessness, malaise, with very mild sinus pressure and sore glands) began about a month ago. Since I've had a couple tick bites (dog ticks) and rashes this summer, my internist put me on an antibiotic to cover Lyme Disease. After 15 days of taking the antibiotic (which also cures sinus infections), there is no improvement.

       I've had similar symptoms in the past, and am still trying to discover the cause. I once had a very severe reaction to drinking lots of corn chowder during a cold weekend in Maine. In addition to severe gastro-intestinal symptoms, I felt as though I was coming down with a bad case of the flu.  A day or so later the symptoms vanished! I have a milk allergy (but can usually tolerate dairy) and suspect that I also have a corn allergy, given the incident just cited. Yet, I often eat popcorn without a problem.  Tonight, I realized that my  current symptoms were coincidental with taking Caltrate chewables which contain corn syrup. There was also some moldy food in my fridge ( I'm very mold sensitive), but I cleaned out the fridge thoroughly with Clorox.

       In my case, food sensitivities are so variable that it is difficult to know whether I need to cut out certain foods from my diet.

        Teresa's description (just above) of feeling as though she's been hit by a Mack truck certainly applies to my morning awakenings. I'm also skeptical about CFS, having once been so diagnosed. I was given a variety of pills to increase quality of sleep. These only made me groggy and did not relieve the aching which is my main symptom.

         I appreciate all of your sharings. It helps a great deal to feel joined in this quest for solutions.

[Sarah Lee2]

This is day 21 of feeling absoultely terrible.  Muscle aches (especially in a.m), disabling fatigue, itchy eyes, "mushy" ears.  The fatigue is so bad that even folding a sheet is taking effort.  I live in East Texas and the ragweed is a possible culprit.  However, to complicate matters I am a Celiac (gluten intollerant).  
Does anyone have any treatment answers to overcome these symptoms or do I just go to bed until November??
Thanks,
Sarah

[body listener]

I know you are all on the right track.  You should read and study many more sites and books.  I think that the best immediate relief for all your symptoms is the Master Cleanse.  You can purchase the booklet from most all health food stores and you will be absolutely amazed at he results.   You can find the recipe on line as well, but I highly recommend the book in order to understand the benefits.  It only cost a little under 7 dollars.

Also research the netti pots. They work really well.  I also use silver as an antibiotic in most cases and homeopathic remedies for mold, yeast and pollen.

Good luck and God bless!!

[rhufus]

Boy do these symptoms sound familiar.I have been suffering for 9 yrs with all the above (started when I hit 30) ,they come and go,and mornings are the worst. It took trips to neurologists,muscle biopsies,MRIs,blood test after blood test...the list goes on and on. Finally after my OWN research I went to see an allergist. Well it seems as though a lot of what you folks and I suffer from are severe allergies. My GP couldnt believe it. Kinda goes to show doctors dont know everything they think they do. Me Im lucky they never go away completely but the do lessen. LOTs of prescriptions!! Hang in there guys I know its not easy feeling this way but you do get used to it and adjust to knowing just when and how much you can do things. Good luck everyone and hang in here.

[taxigirl]

there are many things one can do to lessen allergic reaction within their own home. the 8 hours or so you spend in bed sleeping are especially important. keep room clean, eliminate clutter, enclose mattress and pillows in protective covers (not padded mattress covers, this is simply another place for dust mites to live) preferable the water resistant kind. I found mine at a store that sells foam futons, mattresses, pillows etc. can find them online as well. I learned about them through nurse I have been seeing for my symptoms at the asthma clinic here. check windowsills for mold. important, read up on mold, can be source of great distress.

[taxigirl]

years ago i had cough spasms, didnt know why. eventually found there was mold growing on wall behind my bed. must have been poorly insulated house. i cleaned that off, think i used bleach in the water. my cough went away.
however, i am currently back having trouble. planning to move, this apartment is 40 years old, original carpet. no point replacing as owners dont maintain well, water issues, leaks in walls i am sure. there is mold on bottom floor in the drywall where there was a leak. I am moving soon. hope this helps.

[PlateletGal]

Hi Guys,

Some of you may want to join us in this discussion in the Neurology forum on CFIDS and lyme disease:

http://www.medhelp.org/posts/show/41035

One thing about CFIDS is that most of us are unable to tolerate gluten and alcohol. I've had the Celiac disease panel and my labs were normal... however, my physician told me that you can have an intolerance to wheat, but not actually have Celiac disease. That is what I had.

[odd_symptoms]

A lot of the symptoms you all described have suddenly hit me like a brick this morning.  I am doing some research because I am too weak to walk to the clinic, and I have found doctors to be often unhelpful, unless I arrive with my own ideas about what might be wrong.  I have clogged sinuses, sever headache, body aches (esp. my lower back), severe dizziness (esp when I try to sit up/stand up), and nausea (also wierd abdominal pain, which started 2 days ago -I thought it was something I ate).  This combination of symptoms is entirely new to me.  I have been on SSNRIs for a little over a year, and for the last two weeks, have had cloudy, smelly urine (sorry for that info), but no pain, or blood.  I have never had an allergy problem in the past.  Any help would be great!

[dclogan]

you should investigate whether some or all of you are suffering from depression and/or anxiety disorder.  See a good psychologist or clinical social worker and talk through your current issues and childhood, etc.  A lot of the symptoms you are describing are very common among people suffering from depression and/or anxiety.  We try to find "external" cures by blaming it on our bodies, but so often the problem is really psychological.  That doesn't mean it's not real -- it just means you have to attack it a different way to cure it.  Good luck to you!

[sninny]

Wow.  Like many of you, I've been frustrated and confused by a combination of symptoms including fatigue, muscle and joint pain, severe headaches and neck pain, and bloating.  I've had bouts of depression and anxiety but after extensively pursuing this angle I've concluded that they are the result of having so much chronic pain and discomfort and not the cause....  I've followed rigid food elimination diets in the past but that was before my pain and fatigue kicked in a few years ago.  I'm trying the Peter D'Adamo Blood Type Diet as well as higher doses of Allegra, believing that mold allergies may well be at the root of my health problems.  Since increasing Allegra, the intensity of my headaches has been reduced as well as the foggy feeling.  Since introducing the blood type diet I'm experiencing less stiffness and body pain and have been able to cut back on Ibuprofen.  This diet  is based on the idea that our blood heritage indicates which foods are beneficial (support the body's natural healing mechanisms) and those which are destructive to a particular blood type.  All further complicated by the possibility that premenopause is causing fog and other hormonal imbalances.  I've also just introduced all the microbial balancing solutions sold by Perelandra.  I hope to resolve all this but am conflicted as to whether there's more "out there" to support me.  I appreciate knowing others are having similar problems and hope to see more postings of what's working.

[Soonerman]

Have you tried eliminating gluten for a month or so in your elimination diets?  Alot of these symptoms fit Celiacs....fatigue, muscle and joint pain, bloating, headaches, even depression, irritability.  I would google Celiacs and probably Candida to see if either of these could be the cause.

[sninny]

Thanks you, I'll take a look at both of these.  I had blood work done a couple of years ago and I thought my physician said Celiac disease was included in this panel though I could be mistaken.  He also checked for lyme disease (though I realize the test isn't definitive).  It's worth a look in any event.  Thanks again.  

[Soonerman]

If they did test for Celiacs, know that the testing is not always all that accurate.  There are several methods to get tested, genetic testing, antibody blood panel, biopsy, and/or fecal tests.  Most of the methods show a pretty high rate of false negatives (except for the genetic testing; its kind of like pass fail, but if you do have the genetic markers it doesn't mean you definitely have it, and if you don't it doesn't necessarily mean you don't).  It can just give you a good idea of whether you are more likely to develop it.  So it may be more effective for you to just research celiacs, and gluten and then eliminate gluten completely for at least a month and see how you feel; you could begin to see results within just a few days.

[colette57]

I have symptoms like many of you describe. Severe sinus problems plus the flu like body and joint aches. I am looking at Wegener's disease and hope to God I don't have it.

[Commenter]

Try a gluten free or grain free diet

[Felicia6]

I have suffered from all of the above (headaches, neck, shoulder, back aches, muscle aches, dizziness, fatigue, bloating, etc.,etc.) for years.  Like most of you, I tried all kinds of remedies, went to all kinds of doctors and had very little relief.  I finally began to exercise and found that I felt somewhat better.  I increased my exercise program to one hour on a bicycle at a fast pace, one half hour of weight bearing exercises (I am a 58 year old woman and have been exercising with weights that range from 10 to 20 pounds) 500 crunches and a number of other stretch exercises.  I did this at least 5 days a week, sometimes more. For years I was virtually symptom free.  Two months ago I broke my leg and have been unable to do any of my exercises and, guess what?  All of the nasty symptoms are back in force.  I cannot wait to resume my exercise regimen as I know I will once again feel strong amd pain free.

[Logansmom03]

My son and a few of his friends came down with a cold or something resembling strep about a week a go, which I got from him as well.  Extreme sore throat, coughing, muscle aches and pains, headaches, fever and fatigue.  My son wakes up crying about not being able to walk due to the pain, which leads me to believe it is some kind of virus, not a disease.  ANy input?!?!

[Dr_Aparna]

Hi,
Sinusitis is inflammation of the sinuses.Sinusitis is categorized as infectious or allergic.Sinusitis in older people most frequently occurs with rhinitis as part of the common cold and so is caused by a virus. The nasal congestion that results blocks the sinuses, preventing drainage of mucus into the nose and mouth. The sinus mucus then builds up and thickens, and infection in the sinuses becomes more likely. Infectious sinusitis can also be caused by a bacterial infection or sometimes by a fungal infection.
Allergic sinusitis is caused by an allergic reaction to dust, mold, pollen, or another substance in the environment.
If you have infectious sinusitis it may be causing the "flu-like "symptoms.It should settle down with anti-biotics.
Alternatively you could be going in for a viral infection.

[birdie0311]

I am also suffering from many of the symptoms you all describe, sinus pressure, sinus headache and extreme fatigue and body aches. This is the 5th and longest bout (about two weeks long so far) in 3 months.  I have tried antibiotics and it comes back.  I am on every allergy treatment -- zyrtec, allergy shots, steriod spray and I got a steroid shot when I was at the doc a week ago.  Alll of it has helped in the past, but not since March.

I did find a few alternatives on the internet I am trying (out of desperation).  The most promising so far is the sinus flooding procedure, where you flood your sinuses with mesosilver collodial silver supplement.  Sounds wierd, but if you check out the site, many who have been suffereing swear it works. http://www.****.htm

I have also bought sinus buster nose spray at sinusbuster.com that uses a chemical in a pepper to desensitize you to allergens, and also am trying sinus wars -- a number of remedies at sinuswars.com  Nettle tea also I hear works well but haven't pursued that yet.

I will let you know how it goes and am anxious to hear if any of you found relief

[gilldemp]

I experience symptoms identical to those mentioned above. Interestingly, so does a colleague of mine, who sits very close to me in our staff-room...I am a school teacher. He sits directly under the air-conditioning vent in our staff-room and I sit close by.
I recognise when he is coming down with the symptoms as he gets a blackening under the eyes first, along with extreme fatigue, as do I.

Before I moved to Australia, from England, I had never suffered with allergies/sinus problems/blocked ears/chronic fatigue (when suffering these symptoms) and I had also never worked in an air-conditioned room.

I am wondering if a mold/dust allergy combined with a poorly maintained air-conditioning system  in workplace could have anything to do with our symptoms?

Would be interested in your comments on this.

Kind regards,

Gill

[soosmoo]

Just in reference to your comment re depression/anxiety and the symptoms involved in this disussion.  

I was diagnosed as clinically depressed and have been on Prozac for a number of years, however, it's only in the recent year that I've started the aching muscles, chronic fatigues, sinusitis, headaches and feeling completed exhausted.  (Strange itchy untreatable spots too) Although depression/anxiety can be a cause for these symptoms these complaints can also be viral and completely indepentent of underlying psychological issues.  Something that was mentioned to me recently also was Mercury Poisoning from fillings (I have a mouth FULL of mercury!) as the sypmtoms of this are very similar too. (that's the problem, so many causes for these symptoms)

I've started the process of elimination recently and am now awaiting blood test results to rule out Rheumatoid Arthritis, (Fibromyalgia can't be diagnosed by blood tests unfor) and any other issues that blood tests can determine.  I tried treatment for Fibromyalgia, nightmare, I wouldn't advise anyone to go there unless absolutely necessary!

The plan is to do a lot of the work myself, ie I've given up dairy and for the first time in years my sinuses and head aren't throbbing, next is Wheat, then, to rule out bacteria/parasites in the gutt I plan on doing a complete colonic detox (you should see what comes out of your body, scary!)  Anyone HAS to feel better with that **** out of your body!

Anyway, I might just start getting my fillings changed too because I'm leaving no stone unturned, I'm sick of being sick and am determined to change the way I feel (a straightforward diagnosis would be a pleasant surprise at this stage and it might well be RA!)  but really I think Doctors are very quick to put everything down to being viral or psychological if blood tests don't diagnose a straightforward illness.  

Good luck to you all with this and keep your progress posted please!

[down_bad]

I have very identical symptoms to those of "blocked" and half the people out here. Sinus pressure (with absolutely clear sinuses), severe muscle pains and fatigue, and a general feeling of being down and out. I all suffer from dyspepsia, though that is a long-standing symptom.

I had lots to study when these symptoms started and Dr.s told me it was due to stress. Things got worse when I actually came down with Depression and I believed that it was the cause. But after over a year of treatment for depression, I am no better. Now I feel strongly, as someone mentioned earlier, that my symptoms are the reason for my anxiety/depression rather than the effect. There seems to be nothing wrong with me clinically, as far as my tests show. Therefore, I really hope that its an allergy since that will give me a reason for these annoying problems that are creating havoc in my life.

I was very pleased to find this forum and see that there are fellow-sufferers of this inexplicable syndrome. Hopefully we shall all find relief and, most importantly, correct diagnosis!

Thank you, all!

"Down and Out"

[down_bad]

I have very identical symptoms to those of "blocked" and half the people out here. Sinus pressure (with absolutely clear sinuses), severe muscle pains and fatigue, and a general feeling of being down and out. I all suffer from dyspepsia, though that is a long-standing symptom.

I had lots to study when these symptoms started and Dr.s told me it was due to stress. Things got worse when I actually came down with Depression and I believed that it was the cause. But after over a year of treatment for depression, I am no better. Now I feel strongly, as someone mentioned earlier, that my symptoms are the reason for my anxiety/depression rather than the effect. There seems to be nothing wrong with me clinically, as far as my tests show. Therefore, I really hope that its an allergy since that will give me a reason for these annoying problems that are creating havoc in my life.

I was very pleased to find this forum and see that there are fellow-sufferers of this inexplicable syndrome. Hopefully we shall all find relief and, most importantly, correct diagnosis!

Thank you, all!

"Down and Out"

[arteest]

Wow. I've been going through many of the same symptoms as the rest of you. I've had achy legs in the past but the last month or so have been getting me down. I was really bloaty and realised I had been eating a lot of popcorn and corn on the cob. I felt better in a few days of not eating any corn (that I knew of). Last night I ate quite a bit of pasta and today I'm in agony. No bloating, just pain all over my body. I'm so glad to read all your posts because I was beginning to think my life was over. I had shoulder surgery last Spring and it's been extremely hard to bounce back. I can understand how people just give up and get old. I will be watching my food very carefully for the next little while. I was really healthy and felt great when I got all my carbs from vegetables. I would have cheese once in awhile but have been eating it every day lately. You all have convinced me to go back to my "better way" of eating. Thank you!

[Cynnieb4]

Agreed with everyone above. Sounds like food allergies. You could also try probiotics. I would have a thyroid checked, since those are strongly linked. Also try and avoid sugar. Its so hard to do. I loved my mt dew, I still have to have the one, but it makes me feel so awful after i drink it.

[MCHK]

I am very relived seeing that I am not alone.
Moving to this new place know for allergies, since 2 yrs my life has been a havoc.
Having been in almost perfect health until then, I stared getting severe allergy symptoms including eye allergies,fatigue, dry cough and wheeze .,esp during spring.Time coincided with my oral surgery.Penicillin, bruofen, and Allegra took a toll on my stomach this time, I believe.Ended up having dyspeptic attacks.My physician disagree that the medicines caused it, and swears it is the stress.She wanted me on antidepressants.But though I agree,I do have certain degree of stress and not a very ideal stomach friendly diet since I like to eat spicy food, I managed all these years without any complaints.
It just made me think of all possible diagnosis from Cancer to Multiple sclerosis.

I challenged to take care of it myself without any antipsychotic drugs when my physician wanted to prescribe antidepressants.

What I believe has helped me be symptom free is regular probiotics tablets /lots of yogurt, Omega 3 tablets, changed my vitamin brand, no coffee, tea(miss my green tea tho'), mild spices in my diet,
V8 juice each day, a banana first thing in the morning(works wonders for dypepsia), avoiding dry wheat products like bagel, toasted bread.
I believe these changes have kept my dyspepsia at heal, and my body fatigue and immunity seems to be doing better too.At least no allergy symptoms for right now, have to wait and watch until next spring.Still not been able to have a regular exercise schedule, will work on that.
Realizing that my symptoms are not unique is a big relief !!!!
Yes, we can work out a plan to help ourselves to get out of this unknow and depressing state, without having to be prescribed too many medicines which come with their own new side effects!!!!!

[Teresa60118]

Hi,

Just wanted to put out there, what has worked for me. I just saw my own previous post in this thread. I remember how bad I felt.

I did get tested for food allergies and only had a very mild corn, wheat, onion, tomato and strawberry allergy. Didn't even register a 1. I started cutting stuff out and nothing changed for me. (I had already done the probiotic thing).

So... if nothing else is working and you are sick all of the time, what do you do? Here is what worked for me.... may not work for everyone, but it literally changed my life. My doctors couldn't help me.

My allergist told me to start using the sinus rinses (nettie pot)... and put me on Allegra (again). Welp... my nose felt better but the Allegra really didn't cut it. I went to the pharmacy and bought every over the counter allergy med. I could buy. Praying that something would work.

I took some Chlortrimaton one afternoon... and within about 10 minutes... my head started crackling and popping and opening up. It was the best! Within a couple of days the lowgrade fever feeling, the body aches and fatigue were gone. Tavist also seems to work pretty well...

Of course these are first generation allergy meds, and most Allergists push the 2nd gen. for obvious reasons. They think if Benedryl hasn't worked for you, the other more obscure ones probably won't. Welp... I found one that did.

I didn't want to be tired all of the time, so I get by, by doing the saline nasal rinse in the morning (sometimes I'll add a sudafed it is really bad)... and taking Chlortrimaton at night. I feel pretty good.

Bad news... Chlortrimaton is not sold in a 12 hour any more in the US. It is sold out of Canada though under another name.

Just wanted to throw that out there.
:o)

[cobmass]

am 25 year old male
have had some same seemingly mysterious, often sudden and debilitating symptoms as most of you, plus some other psychological issues, bad dreams and depression issues. and just general malaise. have been doing research including wheat/gluten allergies, celiac's disease, lymes and environmental allergens. i would definitely suggest looking into the candida yeast overgrowth issues. have tried candida diet and felt physical relief but is very stressful on a low budget. i agree that cutting out wheat can be very helpful to start as it is definitely not going to hurt you.
Also if you think about the fact that most of our not so distant ancestors were eating much simpler, cleaner diets for hundreds, even thousands of years, possibly within 1 or 2 generations of us. it makes quite a bit of sense that our bodies may react badly to the homogenized diet we currently consume

[cobmass]

also i would say that i agree strongly with felicia6 about exercise. GET SWEATY. and then get clean to remove irritants/allergens. moving around makes your body work harder thus processing faster. eat light and often. keeping the metabolism up seems to help. and it helps your head. when your happy you feel better, maybe not all the way better, but every step is in the right direction. and dont let yourself  be diagnosed with mental problems (or anything for that matter) right off the bat. if you dont react well to what most people do or eat, it doesn't necessarily make you sick!

[Elgar]

For over a month now, I've had general weakness, and strangely profound weakness in the muscles, with a recurring headache that moves around from the eyes to the back of the head, which also causes a mild feeling of nausea. This all seems to have started with the Santa Ana winds which seemed to provoke a very harsh, burning nose cold, which mostly went away only to be slowly replaced by the current vague yet profound symptoms described above.
I grew up in the 1970s, and I never had anything like this. In the old days, you'd just get sick, maybe really sick, and then it would be gone in a week or two, etc. But from about 1994 onwards, I've had bouts of this modern stuff that stays with you for a LONG time, and stops you from exercising. I'm told that it's allergies, which in turn allow some current virus to enter your system and stay there. I was told to try Zrytec. I may do that, but I just can't get used to the notion that the root is allergies. I grew up with allergies, and they didn't EVER make me weak like this, weak and depressed, with interpersed parts of the day when I feel I'm almost totally better, only to have it come back. I suppose you can develop a totally new allergy as you get older. I suppose the root of what I have is a bad nasal allergy that is causing everything else. In the old days it would only cause sneezing, watery eyes, etc.
I just don't get it, and never will!

[PlateletGal]

You guys are all welcome to join me in the fibromyalgia / Chronic Fatigue Syndrome forum.

If you guys have:

muscle aches
joint pains
weakness
frequent infections
severe allergies
chemical sensitivites
headaches
brain fog

.... then feel free to check out this link and/or consider joining us in the fibro / CFS forum:

http://www.medhelp.org/health_pages/Fibromyalgia/Symptoms-of-Fibromyalgia-and-CFIDS-ME/show/524?cid=39

[wpooh55075]

I'm "glad" I´m not the only one suffering from this. I have been treated for sinus and bronchitus (bronchitis) infections that "weren't there" for years. I´ve been off the milk products for a month now and I don´t have that feeling of having weights on my limbs and I can´t move. I've also given up bananas and I´m finally able to breathe without the sensation of having an elephant on my chest- I´m still going to go see an allergist because I want to see if there is something else I need to watch out for.

[jajsip]

I also suffer with flu like aches and was told I had everything from Fibromyalgia to CFS. I refused to accept that - It took me FOUR YEARS to figure out what it REALLY was - I'm allergic to cottonseed oil and canola oil. As long as I avoid these things - which is difficult - because they're in almost everything, I feel great. I do have other things like when the lilacs bloom or when the grass gets sprayed that will give me these same flu like aches - I've just decided my body is VERY sensitive.

[help1973]

Also my first post. I have been achy, especially in the neck and shoulders and have had flu like symptoms for over a year.Feel like I have a fever but I don't. Been to an allergist but didn't have the food allergy test done. I can't imagine it's something I am eating that is causing this! I had a CT and was told it is not sinusitis. Had every type pf blood work done. Most days it is hard to function. I am at my ends wits and feel I am running out of options and no one can help.  

[helpt]

Can someone help me figure out how you get the food allergy testing done? Is this something insurance will cover? Can I just ask my PCP and do you need to request a specific test? I think people think i'm crazy when i tell them i think its my food that might be making me feel like this!

[FurballsMom]

You can ask to see an allergist for these tests.  But, don't be surprised if you find that you react to certain foods that you test negative for.  The igE tests don't test for sensitivities, which are like hidden food allergies.

The best way to test for food sensitivities is to see a naturopath and go through an elimination diet.  It takes quite a bit of time to do this, but it's definitely worth it if avoiding certain foods makes your symptoms improve.

Ignore the naysayers.  They don't understand that food sensitivities and allergies can indeed make one feel pretty lousy.  As Platelet Gal mentioned, wheat and gluten intolerances, which automatically includes dairy intolerances, can make a person feel pretty lousy and even cause extreme fatigue and body aches.

[architectlink]

the comment by dclogan, Feb 13, 2008 09:24AM regarding these symptoms as depression needs to be removed.  

I play tennis and have these symptoms increasingly as I age after a hard game and have muscle pain.  I do not like to take meds, therefore a hot bath and much rest is usually what improves my condition, and I think I am also depleted in vitamins and electrolytes.  My muscle pain and fatique is most likely related to allergies or a missing nutrient.

It is the mumbo-jumbo of looking to doctors for meds to "remove" these symptons that worry me the most.  Depression is not the cause or the answer to these symptoms and it is odd that people want to push anti-depressants so much these days.

[stonet002]

Can allergies to food or environment cause a fever?  I had a full day of intense sneezing fits (about 5-7 sneezes at a time) coupled with TERRIBLE body aches, and a fever of 101.4.  The next day, the sneezing and congestion was turned off like a light switch, but the aches got worse and the fever, while a little lower was still there.  Today, the body aches are lessened a bit, but now have been having occasional muscle twitches all over, and fever is lower still...I'm a little perplexed by this.  Does anyone have any clues as to what this could be?

[nhman]

I know what is the cause of such aches and the other symptoms of which everyone is describing.  I have been personally searching for the cause of this problem for the past five years or more.  I have run through all of the possible causes and solutions mentioned by previous comments and to no avail.  It is very frustrating to have doctors and others tell me (and doubt me) as to the severity and legitimacy of what I am suffering.  OK here is the silver bullet cause in my opinion and experience:

Those who suffer the pains, sinus/breathing difficulties, fatigue, etc that are being submitted in the comments are having a reaction to mold.  The specific mold is named "alternaria" and it grows when living plants (especially cut grass) decompose.  It grows and thrives in hot and humid weather.  The heat and humidity allow the mold to grow and become suspended in the air we all breath.  Thus, the aches are most prevalent in hot and humid months and when grasses grow and are cut the most (June-August).  Other allergies can compound the problem/symptoms.  

Relief comes with a change in the weather - cool temps or rain which cleans and knocks the mold out of the air.  Alternaria does not grow below 60 degrees so cold nights and cool days are when the symptoms are least felt.  Winter/snow cover is the only total solution to the presence of alternaria.  

Mold does a couple of things to the body.  First it inhibits the respatory system and thus interferes with the Kreb's cycle causing a build-up of lactic acid in the muscles - thus the severy cramped, stiff and achy feeling.  At its most severe it will cause dizziness and nausea.  The proteins in mold also contribute to the production of lactic acid and the body has no means to absorb the lactic acid due to the breakdown of the Kreb's cycle and the continual production of lactic acids over time.

Once the mold suspended in the air is diminished by some force such as a reduction of humidity (particularly hot & humid), rain or cold temps then the effects on breathing in the mold diminish.  Often, the temps drop but the air still holds the mold if no rain has fallen and wind keeps the air stirred with previous mold growth.

If this sounds like it fits everyone's pattern of suffering then I believe the cause is mold in the air.  Mold is many many times (1000's) more potent than pollen so there is really nothing that can provide relief.  Sometimes nasal steroid sprays can provide relief, but not if the mold is particularly prevalent in the air.