virus like symptoms, extreme fatigue & aches

[Stacia99]

I've been ill with something like a virus for over 3 months & have no diagnosis as of yet.  Have muscle aches, sore throat, occasional ear ache, occasional low fever of 99.5, worsening fatigue, weakness, shakiness, diarrhea & dizziness.  2 wks ago left parotid gland swelled, dr said was from virus or stone.  It drained but other symptoms remain.  Left cheekbone hurts as of 3 days ago.  Left neck lymph node is swollen and my armpits occasionally hurt as though they are also swollen.  Have seen my GP 3X since Oct & dr at walk-in clinic 2X since April, no diagnosis from either.

Current symptoms similar to sudden onset of fatigue, dizziness, occasional sore throat & earache in 2006.  Starting in 2006, also had recurrent sinus infections.  Had CT scan, facial x-ray & blood work but nothing found.  Felt better during some of 2007, but last October I got sinus infections again & have been sick since.  Sinus infection never resolved & in February it became bronchitis per my GP.  Took 4 rounds antibiotics from Oct-Feb.

Bronchitis resolved.  In March I had "stomach flu", which resolved.  A week later I got another "flu", i.e. the symptoms I still have today.  

Other info:  I'm a 36-year-old female, obese, on lisinopril for high blood pressure and Flonase for seasonal allergies.  Take multi-vitamin & do nasal rinses daily.  I have extremely heavy menstrual bleeding.  Also cramps & pelvic pain most of the month, which the OB/gyn thinks is endometriosis.  Blood tests in 2006 & 2007 were normal except my glucose is kind of high (112) and I was anemic in October.  Started on iron supplements and as of last month I was not anemic anymore (13.4).  In 2006 I was told my thyroid was "a little low but nothing to worry about".  

Do you think my current symptoms are a virus?  If so, is it normal for a virus to last this long?  Could it be related to the undiagnosed problems I've had since 2006?  What could cause these frequent infections & fatigue?

[Kevin Pho, MD]

I agree with the workup this far, and it has been comprehensive.  

A variety of infections are possible  Testing for HIV can be considered, as well as Epstein-Barr (leading to mononucleosis).

I would consider blood cultures, and if positive, an echocardiogram to exclude endocarditis.

You mentioned CT imaging.  Ensure it was done of the chest and abdomen, as an abscess or lymphoma can be excluded.  

A referral to an infectious disease specialist can also be considered.

This answer is not intended as and does not substitute for medical advice - the information presented is for patients education only. Please see your personal physician for further evaluation of your individual case.

Kevin, M.D.
www.kevinmd.com

[Stacia99]

Thank you Dr. Pho, I appreciate these suggestions greatly.

Today I was surprised by a sudden opening with my new doctor's nurse practitioner, and she ordered blood work and a UA.  I know she was testing for HIV but I will check on Epstein-Barr, and suggest it if they have not already thought of it.  The CT imaging was not of the chest and abdomen, it was only of the head, so I will mention that as well.  Thank you again for your ideas.

[RWebster]

i recommend having your thyroid checked again.  i had a viral infection with no flue/cold/sinus symptoms, that wrecked my thyroid, and decreased the strength of my heart by 20%.  if you see a cardiologist, or your GP will order it, i'd also recommend an ultrasound of your heart to make sure it's not compromised.  better safe than sorry.  the only reason i found out about my cardiomyopathy is because i already have a Premature Ventricular Tachycardia w/ arrhythmia  witch was found at age 14, diagnosed as congenital, and i have a great cardiologist i've seen the last 13 years.  i went hyperthyroid first, raising my already high heart rate, and my blood pressure, which was usually on the low side, then it crashed, and i'm now Hypothyroid, which pretty much slowed everything down, except my heart rate is still 100-160 at rest, which i take Toporol for to prevent any further damage of my heart.  i had nasty viral infections constantly as a child... usually incredibly resistant to treatment, and every time i get around a large group of people i get a hardcore sinus infection that wipes me out for weeks.  i hope you find some answers... i've still not been given a diagnosis relating all of my illnesses, with i believe with all my heart, is an autoimmune disorder.  each specalist treats every symptom separately, and no one will look at the big picture.  it's been an ongoing struggle my entire life.  i wish you the best of luck:-)  keep in touch and lemme know what they find, and if you ever wanna chat,  i can give you my aim, gmail, email, etc. info.  i know it REALLY helps talking to someone who can empathize.  i'm currently reading 2 books on autoimmune disorders, and i've done a lot of research on the different symptoms of the different diseases.  please feel free to contact me any time.  talking to other people going through the same things as i do, really helps.  

take care
-Becky