mystery illness

[lisapin]

Hi there...hope someone out there is able to help. My husband is 36 and has been battling an ongoing "mystery illness" for almost 3 years now. It comes and goes. His most notable symptoms are excessive sweating, when I say excessive, I mean he looks completely drenched! , fatigue and frequent urination (sometimes he will stand there for 10 minutes trying to go). He had a kidney operation as a child and at first, we thought that it was Nephritis or perhaps some sort of prostate problem. He has been to the Urologist and aside from excess protein in his urine and minor swelling of the prostate, she says he's fine! 3 years ago when this first started, he had all sorts of tests and x-rays and nothing! Symptoms continue to come and go. Perhaps worse when he's stressed?

Most recently, he has had intense pain and swelling in his testicles. The same urologist said it was "Epiditimytis" and put him on antibiotics. She says bacteria can settle in the scrotum and cause this condition. Two weeks later, the swelling and pain were so intense we went to the ER. They did a testicular ultrsound and said it all looked fine...even the epiditimytis was non existent. Once again...no diagnosis. I'm actually shocked at how uninterested everyone we've seen seems in getting to the bottom of this.

Could he have some sort of infection is running through his body that is sometimes dormant and sometimes active? I'm thinking we need to have him tested for the following: Mononucleosis, Extrapulmonary Tuberculosis and Diabetes. I'm actually considering taking him in for one of those body scans too. Please help...he, WE are miserable!

[lisapin]

Thank you, Dr Pho. We will discuss these options with our physician at our next appointment. One thing I forgot to ask about....could these be symptoms of low testosterone? And, could it possibly be lingering symptoms from a reaction to a sulpher based anti-biotic? I was reading some interesting things about reactions and long term symptoms to Bactrim.

[Kevin Pho, MD]

I would take a closer look at the prostate.  Infections here can be difficult to find and treat.

Obtaining a transrectal ultrasound can image the prostate.  A prostatic massage can be done to send the fluid off for culture and analysis.  

If a prostate infection is found, longer course of antibiotics may be needed - sometimes in the order of several weeks to months.

Regarding the sweating, other infections have to be ruled out.  I would obtain a TB test and blood cultures.  

There are some cancers that can lead to sweating, including lymphoma.  A CT scan of the chest and abdomen would be reasonable if this is suspected.

These options can be discussed with your personal physician.

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.
www.kevinmd.com