Joint/Muscle Pain for over a month

[Zerlina]

Hello,
I am a 22-year old female with no major health problems on record.

For over a month now I've been experiencing a variety of symptoms.
Intermittent musculoskeletal pain in all extremities and to some extent my trunk, especially the lower back. This started after Christmas when I began to have joint pain and UTI symptoms. I was told I might be suffering from reactive arthritis and put on antibiotics for three days. Yet the pain persisted. I also found out my urine was normal.
I have seen a doctor, had routine blood work done and it showed nothing. I was told to relax and take OTC painkillers. Sadly Ibuprofen does little to relieve my pain so I stopped taking it.
Last week I went to the ER because one evening costochondritis pains was making it difficult to breathe when I tried to sleep. I also felt like I had some swelling on my neck. Had Xray done and it showed nothing suspect.
Aside from the muscle and joint pain I have no other complaints. I will say that pain I have had in my legs have been the cause of concern this past weekend. I also had TMJ pain.
I had additional blood work done recently to check for autoimmune/Rheumatologic disease. I will be getting the results soon. Perhaps they will elucidate something. Right now I feel as if I have no answers. As is now I have no idea if this may be a thyroid problem, CFS, Fibro, Hepatitis C, Or Lyme disease.


Would anyone have any advice? Should I request that imaging test be done? The hip/knee/leg pain is the worst.

[Jadeartista]

Oh wow!
Did they find a parasite is causing your pain? I am going through the same thing. I have joint pain, fatigue, constipation, tingling, can't sleep etc. The test they have done so far are coming back negative. No one has ever mentioned a parasite check. All they recommend is pain medication.

[akwise]

I am 20 years old and suffered a similar ordeal too. I have had mysterious muscle pain for about 5 months. It has migrated. I am seeing a homeopathic doctor now after 12 doctors have failed to give me any advice on my pain. My homeopathic doctor thinks that my pain may be contributed to parasites. according to her 90% of all fibro. cases are caused by parasite infections that are not detected. 85% of the pop. apparently has parasites in them.  I am going to try a very intensive parasite herbal cleanse and hope that gives me some results. I will keep everyone posted. Good luck! I can totally relate to you...I have had over 20 test run on me and over 30 vials of blood taken, it is so frustrating and stressful! We are too young to be in so much pain! Fibro. has to be caused by something, it is finding the root of the problem that is so frustrating!

[Zerlina]

Visited the Rheumatologist.
As expected, received a fibromyalgia diagnosis. I have mixed feelings about all of this.
My symptoms and not 100% gone but as I am now, I feel much better than when this whole ordeal began.

[PlateletGal]

To rule out Hasimoto's Hypothyroidism, your physician will order a TSH and other antibody tests. Hashimoto's Thyroiditis is a type of autoimmune thyroid disease in which the immune system attacks and destroys the thyroid gland. The most common systems are: hair loss, low body temperature, dry or brittle hair, constipation, increased menstrual flow, weight gain, sensitivity to cold, depression, fatigue, muscle weakness & muscle cramps. Of course many of these symptoms are common with other autoimmune or endocrine problems.

[Zerlina]

Blood work for Rheumatological disease came back normal.
So did thyroid TSH level test. Although, because I did not receive a full thyroid work I'm not so convinced.
I informed the doctor of my migrating leg  pains that range from shallow to very deep. I had hoped to get some imaging test done but told me to try OTC pain killers and look for a Rheumatologist.
I have made an appointment to see a Rheumatologist in the future. Not as soon as I would have preferred but at least I take comfort in just knowing there may yet be hope for a real diagnosis and possible olution to all of these horrible symptoms.
I may look into consulting an endocrinologist as well. May someone specify just what type of thyroid test is sufficient to catch a disorder like Hashimoto's Thyroiditis?

[idesofmarch]

The problem with Fibro is that all tests come back normal and Fibro mimics many other illness'.  You are on the right track and if the RA bloodwork comes back normal ,then you should continue your search.  If you don't have a Reumatoligist then that would be the next doctor to see for a consult.  Thyroid bloodwork comes back normal for Fibro. patients if they do the less expensive test.  Keep that in mind when you speak to your doctor. If it turns out that you have a thyroid problem then an ENDO-------olgist? is the doctor to see.  I feel for you, it usually takes years for the correct diagnosis if you don't go into the doctor armed and ready with KNOWLEDGE like you are getting now.  You know your body better than any doctor.  Keep a symptom diary or print out a lost of FIBRO symptoms and highlight what pertains to you.  Same with THYROID or LYME disease.  Your KNOWLEDGE of whatever is wrong with you will help you through whatever is to come. When looking for a doctor make sure they have a belief of what you think you have.  Many doctors don't believe or have enough knowledge of some of these weird illness'.  You owe it to yourself to interview the doctors that you will be trusting with your health and body.  Good luck & keep in touch

[PlateletGal]

Let's see what those lab results show first. It looks like you are on the right track right now. Let us know when your lab results are in.

good luck!