Strange Condition Remains Undiagnosed - Help

[rdavido]

I am a 23 yr old male. I have been experiencing a strange array of symptoms that all started in February of 2011 when I had a bad case of influenza (strain unknown). The doctor prescribed me tamiflu, of which I took for two days, but developed diarrhea, and subsequently discontinued. Starting in late February, I developed muscle fasiculations that were localized to my left shoulder, but subsided over two weeks. In March of 2011, I went on spring break with friends, and after a heavy week of drinking, I became extremely fatigued. After returning home, I felt like I was very deconditioned. Things I used to be able to do, such as climb stairs, required much effort and would give me shortness of breath. I went to see a doctor in April 2011 and she noted that I was hypertensive (150/90). In addition, a cranial x-ray showed a L maxillary sinus cyst. She sent me home with levaquin (for a sinus infection) and a consult with a cardiologist for an echo. The echo denoted mild/moderate right sided hypertrophy with no valvular regurgitation and normal pulmonary pressures. During this same period, I suspected that I was suffering from sleep apnea, and so the cardiologist labeled the condition secondary to sleep apnea. In June 2011, I had my tonsil taken out as a corrective measure for sleep apnea, and a follow-up sleep study confirmed the abolishment of any sleep disorder. However, post surgery, the muscle fasiculations returned. This time, they were more systemic, but would seem to localize to a specific region on a given day. I did tons of research to determine if I had an electrolyte deficiency, and I started taking magnesium taurate to no avail. Blood results showed that everything was normal, with a slight elevation in creatinine (0.1 mg/ml higher than upper level of normal) and bicarbonate.

It is now Jul 15, and after seeing a host of doctors including Neurologists, Endocrinologists, Cardiologists, and Internal Medicine doctors, my condition is ongoing. A follow up echocardiogram in April of 2012 showed that my heart was perfect, with no notable right sided pathology.

My current symptoms are:
- Extreme Fatigue and Brain Fog that begins as soon as I wake up in the morning (I never wake up feeling refreshed)
- Insomnia - Despite feeling extremely tired, I wake up much earlier than I should (I used to be able to sleep in).
- Muscle Twitches - Comes and Goes and some days are worse than others
- Palpitations - I can feel my heart skip beats when I exercise (not all the time) and when I'm in bed
- Hypertension
- Oliguria - Despite how much water I drink, I don't produce as much urine as I used to. It seems as if I'm retaining more water

I have had an ELISA Lyme test done in December 2011 that was negative.

If anyone has any suggestions or questions, I would be so thankful for your help!

[rdavido]

What kind of Lyme test did he have? ELISA or Western Blot? I hear ELISA produces a lot of false negatives and western is in fact more accurate. It's just such a bizarre feeling I have, and I know it's not normal. It's not how I used to feel. I have a hard time concentrating and thinking of the right word to say in a conversation. Moreover, my ability to learn has been greatly altered.

[jewell120]

I would redo the Lymes test although they are useless in finding a diagnosis of Lymes.  A friend of mine had Lymes and the test was negative but it showed expossure to the diseaase.  The reason it came out negative is because most people are started on antibiotics before they have the test done which totally screws up the results.  The other thing is have a 24 urine out-put done for creatinine clearance.  What is  your blood pressure?  The other questions is do you take Tylenol on a regular basis?  Hope you find out whats' going on soon so you will be on your way to recovery.

[margypops]

In my opinion it is caused by environmentals allergies....do some research and check out what they are spraying ...in abundance upon us .A heavy metal toxicity test will tell you .

[rdavido]

I have had numerous urine analyses performed. The first one showed minor microhematuria. The subsequent two, performed over a period of 8 months, showed everything clear.

I would have to lean on it being some form of auto-immune reaction to the flu I had. I have not had any imaging studies performed.

I am also a second year medical student, and that's why this is bizarre. I've learned a lot of pathological conditions, systemically, but can't elucidate mine to a single region.

[toomanymeds34]

In my opinion it could be fibromyalgia or chronic fatigue syndrome. What blood work have you had done, if any? Have you had a head CT or MRI done? What are your results? I am NOT an MD!! Just dealing with similiar symptoms since I was 10 years old. I have LOTS of advice BUT need to know more about you... Blessings, MG

[Red_Star]

From Dr Kaslow's website...

"CO2 BICARBONATE

Typical Ref. Range: Serum pH: 7.35-40; PaCO2: 35-45 mm/HG; PaO2: 80-100 mm/HG; HCO3: 22-32 mEq/L

Optimal Range: 24-28mEq/L

Causes of Increased

Metabolic Alkalosis

Excess bicarbonate intake (calcium antacids)
Adrenal cortical hyperfunction
Compensated Respiratory acidosis
Hyperventilation
Renal dysfunction
Long-term diuretic therapy
PVC's with hypokalemia
Milk-alkali Syndrome"

"CREATININE

Optimal Range: 0.8-1.1

Causes of Increased

Renal dysfunction (including obstruction)
Congestive heart failure
Starvation-dehydration
Uncontrolled diabetes (can interfere with test)
Muscle degeneration"

Going from both of these labs, there is one condition mentioned in both - renal (kidney) dysfunction. If you have a kidney disorders you should not take magnesium without supervision since you can retain magnesium.