In October of 2007, I began to have episodes of flu-like body aches. After quickly being told it was probably "something viral", I was given a cortisone shot and sent on my way. I did receive relief from the shot but then in about 3 weeks had the same symptoms along with severe fatigue. I continued to make about 3 more trips to the doctor with the same symptoms. In January of 2008, I was diagnosed with a positve flu test. I felt better about one week and then the body aches began again. By the end of February-first week of March 08, I had muscle fasiculations in my arms and legs but mostly in my legs, severe bilateral leg weakness and tingling, severe hand weakness (could not open the door on one occasion), severe fatigue, body aches, and joint pain mostly isolated to both hips. At times the hip pain was so severe I could barely walk. It is now at the end of May. I am a physical therapist, so I am familiar with with neurological diseases and symptoms. I have been to the neurologist and been diagnosed with post viral syndrome. MRI, EMG, and all blood work are normal. Heavy metal tests, RA, Lupus, Lyme disease, HIV, West Nile Virus are all negative. Cortisol levels, B12, C-reactive protein, and sed rates normal. I go to the rheumatologist tomorrow. I am now off work as I cannot physically perform my job duties as a physical therapist. I continue to have fasiculations, involuntary movements of my hands and feet, severe fatigue, and weakness mostly in my legs and hands. When my symptoms were at their worst, I had slightly slurred speech when tired and it took greater effort to lift my left foot. I also have hand tremors. Symptoms are much better with rest and are much worse when I am tired. Myesthenia Gravis test was negative. I also have dry mouth and eyes. What other tests should I request? How long should I expect these symptoms to persist if this is post viral syndrome? Should I have a spinal puncture? If this were MS, would anything show up with a spinal puncture since I have a normal MRI? I have no vision changes.
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MS, post-viral syndrome, or something else?.