Aa
Aa
A
A
A
Close
Avatar universal

Reiter's Syndrome

Hi,

In May of the last year I started to experience the following symptoms: rash (red dots) throughout my body, low grade fever, joint pain (knees and hands), conjunctivitis and painful calves. Numerous visits to the ER resulted in antibiotic treatment for urinary tract infection (Microbid 100mg, 2x7days) and a referral to the rheumatologist. The specialist diagnosed me with Reiter's Syndrome, but no treatment has been given. In November my family doctor concluded that the Reiter's Syndrome has been caused by chlamydia psittaci. I have been given Minocin  100 mg for 14 days (1 tablet per day) to get rid of the infection. Initially the antibiotic caused flare ups of the symptoms. Now three weeks after the treatment the only symptoms that are left are slight pain in the calves and yellow discharges from the eyes. The joint pain is completely gone; however, the presence of other symptoms makes me worried that the bacteria is still present in my body. My doctor says that it is useless to have a blood test for chlamidya because it would be shown in my DNA even if it is not present. Please advise if it is normal to continue experiencing some of the symptoms after antibiotic treatment or I should be asking for another week of Minocin. I am also planning to get pregnant in three months and am worried if this bacteria, if present, might have an effect on a baby.
Thank you in advance for your help with this matter.
4 Responses
Sort by: Helpful Oldest Newest
601870 tn?1224042061
A related discussion, Reiter's syndrome along with Ankylosing Spondylitis was started.
Helpful - 0
Avatar universal
A related discussion, Can bladder inflammation be treated was started.
Helpful - 0
Avatar universal
I'm 20 years old and I've been having the exact same thing! It all started 7 months ago. Eventually the doctors told my i had chlamydia and that caused reiters syndrome. I took anti biotics to get rid of it. But i still have joint pain, its not so intense, but i cant get back to normal activities. How long did your joint pain last? I'm worried that this will get chronic.....
Helpful - 0
242516 tn?1368223905
MEDICAL PROFESSIONAL
it's an auto-immune reaction to your own body, cross-reacting from the presumed chlamydial infection.  The chlamydia wouldn't be in your calves and eyes, it's the reaction against your own body.  The bacteria would likely be gone after the course of antibiotics, and would not inhibit fertility, unless it had caused a pelvic infection, which would have typically given you pelvic symtoms which you didn't mention.
Helpful - 0

You are reading content posted in the Arthritis Forum

Popular Resources
Find out how beta-blocker eye drops show promising results for acute migraine relief.
Could it be something you ate? Lack of sleep? Here are 11 migraine triggers to look out for.
Find out if PRP therapy right for you.
Tips for preventing one of the most common types of knee injury.
Here are 10 ways to stop headaches before they start.
Tips and moves to ease backaches