what is causing my muscle aches and pains?

good afternoon

thanks so much for your help in advance.about 2 months ago i had a bad breakup with my girlfriend. i have had a liitle depression and aniexty(mild to moderate in my oppion)since then i started having mild muscle twitches.in the last month i have had mild to moderate to severe muscle pain and aches and headaches. advil and tylenol dont help at all. i know that these symptoms are present in numerous diseases and i dont wish to search the internet and diagnose myself.i am concerned and frustrated and starting to get more depressed and have anxiety do to not feeling well. i personally believe that anxiety and depression can lead to intensifying these sypmptoms but i find it hard to belive that anxiety and drepession alone can lead to the pain that i am having although i have read differently.i have read about fibro and it sounds similar to my symptoms but i know that there is no test for that. some of my pains include shooting pains.the pains are not limited to any where on my body. again i am very frustrated and concerned. hopefully you can point me in the right direction. are there any specific tests that i should have done with my doctor other than the normal blood work. i am in very good shape . i am a 33 yr old male but this pain is becoming somewhat intolerable.i have had some lost of appetite and stomach pains as well and insomnia.im sure im leaving something about but again your help is very appreciated. my aches and pains feels similar to when you would have the flu . thanks again

                                    jon

[Kevin Pho, MD]

Difficult to say without examination.  I would consider a physical exam with your personal physician to rule out any musculoskeletal sprains or strains.  

More uncommon diseases like various types of myalgias or rheumatological diseases can be evaluated if the symptoms persist.  Blood tests to check the muscle enzymes (creatine kinase levels), liver tests, ANA level (looking for rheumatological disease) and rheumatoid factor can all be considered.

A referral to a rheumatologist can be considered if the symptoms continue.

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_

[AquaticChic33]

You sound EXACTLY like me and I have Chronic Lyme Disease. There is so much you need to know about Lymes. I don't even know where to begin.

Here is a Lyme symptom list. You can have any combination of symptoms.

Unexplained fevers, sweats, chills, or flushing
Unexplained weight change--loss or gain
Fatigue, tiredness, poor stamina
Unexplained hair loss
Swollen glands
Sore throat
Testicular pain/pelvic pain
Unexplained menstrual irregularity
Unexplained milk production: breast pain
Irritable bladder or bladder dysfunction
Sexual dysfunction or loss of libido
Upset stomach
Change in bowel function-constipation, diarrhea
Chest pain or rib soreness
Shortness of breath, cough
Heart palpitations, pulse skips, heart block
Any history of a heart murmur or valve prolapse?
Joint pain or swelling
Stiffness of the joints, neck, or back
Muscle pain or cramps
Twitching of the face or other muscles
Headache
Neck creeks and cracks, neck stiffness, neck pain
Tingling, numbness, burning or stabbing sensations, shooting pains
Facial paralysis (Bell's Palsy)
Eyes/Vision: double, blurry, increased floaters, light sensitivity
Ears/Hearing: buzzing, ringing, ear pain, sound sensitivity
lncreased motion sickness, vertigo, poor balance
Lightheadedness, wooziness
Tremor
Confusion, difficulty in thinking
Difficulty with concentration, reading
Forgetfulness, poor short term memory
Disorientation: getting lost, going to wrong places
Difficulty with speech or writing
Mood swings, irritability, depression
Disturbed sleep-too much, too little, early awakening
Exaggerated symptoms or worse hangover from alcohol


No Lyme test is 100% accurate, and in my opinion are COMPLETELY useless. The only way to know for sure if you have it is if you see a LLMD (Lyme Literate Medical Doctor). Which state do you live in? I could let you know some doctors in your area.

I have been sick with Chronic Lyme Disease for over 5 years and I don't remember ever being bitten by a tick. I have beem going through hell trying to figure out what is wrong with me. Nobody in the world believes that I am sick. They think it is 'all in my head' when in fact, anxiety and depression are symptoms of Lyme!!

Also, 70% of people who have Lyme never get the 'bulls-eye' rash... never. Did you get one? How long ago?

Fibromyalgia is a VERY common misdiagnosis of Lyme. DON'T BE FOOLED! I really really believe that you have Lyme disease. You sound exactly like me and I don't want you to suffer longer than you have to.

Please get help! I know what you are going through, so you can always talk to me for support, advice and to ask questions. It is always so nice to know someone who is going theough. :)