Joint pain

I am a very active 47 year old female, who is a breast cancer survivor of 13 years.  My bc treatment consisted of CMF chemotherapy.  Over the last year I have developed progressive left hip pain with progressive decreased range of motion and chronic pain.  As of late I have been increasingly fatigued. TSH, Sed rate and C-reactive protein levels are normal. I am currently treating unconventionally with Serrapeptase 90000, vitamin supplementation, Glucosamine sulfate,  and 2400 mg of Fish Oil per day, sports massage.  I continue to work out although I am working out with pain.
  
I also have notice that other joints are now becoming symptomatic (shoulder, wrist CTS, knee, heel pain).  I am becoming increasingly despondent.  Do you have any recommendations or advice?

Thank you

[NewLeaf]

I am sorry you are having these difficulties. The symptoms you describe are both painful and confusing if you don't know what is happening to your body. They can also be very debilitating over time.

Sounds like beginning symptoms of RA, lupus or another immune system disorder which are tricky to diagnose until they are full blown. For example Rheumatoid Arthritis (RA) in many cases doesn't always show up as positive in the beginning stages. It could also be Fibromyalgia.  CRP is a very sensitive test for measuring inflamation (inflammation) levels and can change on a daily basis so that test should be repeated a few times on a random basis.

I have RA with additional complications due to the the disease also attacking my soft tissue such as muscles, heart and lungs so I understand your pain and concern. The other tests you could have done are an ANA for Lupus and the RA factor test for rheumatoid arthritis.

Good luck and keep posting. There are those here that are helpful and always ready to listen.

[Fionajnz]

You need to see a rheumatologist to figure out what it happening, preferably asap.  Working out with pain is never a great idea, your body is indicating to you that something is not right and you may cause further damage to your joints if something is wrong and its inflammatory in nature.  I would quit working out or cut your routine significantly until you have some clear answers.  The other recommendation is always to work within the boundaries of pain, pushing past it seldom pays off.

Sorry to hear you are dealing with this.  I also know chronic pain and few answers, so I feel your pain :-)

Hang in there, if you follow through my best guess is that you will find some relief soon.  I admire anyone who has survived cancer, but please do not let that diminish how seriously you take these joint probs and increasing fatigue.  BTW, worth getting your adrenals tested it can fit with increasing fatigue.  I presume you have also done an iron stores panel?

Best wishes.

Fiona

[Grammy7]

[Grammy7]

Your story is very similar to mine.  I agree with Fiona in that you have struggled (as have your adrenals) through a lot of stressful years.  I also tried the nattokinase and serrapeptase. I felt like I was getting sicker.  I now think it may have been the affect of the "healing crisis".  After 7 months of testing and now only a short time away from being "wheel chair bound" (though I have no diagnosed disease) I too am very despondant.  I have 4 married children and 7 grandchildren who live 3,000 miles from me, and though I so much want to be an active grandma my body just won't cooperate.  I am finding less and less enthusiasm for life, let along finding a diagnosis.  I have recently been tested for pheocytoma (tumor that secretes hormones causing constant fight-flight response).  My gut tells me it is exactly the opposite of excessive hormonal secretion.  I think my adrenals (though they put up a huge fight over the past 25 years) have finally let me down.  When my grandson was born and diagnosed with spinal meningitis at 4 weeks old I tried with all my heart and soul to be supportive to my daughter, but I was a wreck and have been spinning downhill ever since.  I am trying to get a doctor to listen to me, but I think I'm now listed in their "crazy patient" list.  Please keep me updated on your situation, and I will do the same for you.  Best of luck!  And, by the way, if you are still working out you are DOING WELL.  

[nursealert]

thank you for your feedback.  I hate that we get labeled when only trying to get an answer so that we can live according to OUR standards of living.  
I believe that I may have found the fundamental answer to my physical decline.  I recently underwent a hysterectomy (with ovary removal).  I did very well post operatively, but have since progressively developed joint pain, fatigue, depression, ect ect... I am certain that I have severe hormone depletion (estrogen/progresterone) and possible adrenal fatigue.   I am going to actively pursue hormone replacement (natural versus manufactured) and get my active life back.  

Grammy have you considered getting on an anti-depressant?  Although I am not a huge advocate I am really beginning to believe that it may help balance me out.

Nursealert