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1003418 tn?1250185999

ANA:1/640, multiple neurological symptoms

In 2004, I became very ill with symptoms of fever, severe joint pain, WBC 1.2, anemia, very low platelets and severe fatigue.  The doctor thought I had meningitis due to caring for a pt in the ER with meningitis a week earlier.  These symptoms persisted for 3 months and every test seemed to be performed with only positive ANA, elevated IgG and IgM levels as well as pancytopenia.  I seem to recover therefore I never followed up with a Rheumatologist.  In May of 2009 I had sudden visual disturbances (distortions) lasting 10 seconds.  It happened twice.  One week later, I completely lost my balance (couldn't walk straight), also my left arm became heavy and weak.  The doctors thought I had a stroke.  Multiple neurological workup has not shown anything except a 3 mm aneurysm which they say can't be causing my symptoms.  My ANA is 1/640 now and have recently (3 weeks ago) developed fevers again with severe bone pain in my legs and left hip. I feel so hot inside (inflammation). I also have a wierd metallic taste in my mouth. Still feel off balance but not as bad as it was initially.  I can't hardly get out of bed (one would think depression for this) but I am not depressed just frustrated that my life has taken a turn for the unknown again.  Its months before I can get in to see the Rheumatologist so my doctor is trying to send me to Mayo clinic.  Any suggestions?  I am a bit concerned about the persistant IGM and IGG levels as this could be a problem with the bone marrow??
Thankyou for any suggestions
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881165 tn?1265984588
IgG and IgM can also be elevated with something like rheumatoid arthritis, which isn't great, but probably better than a bone marrow problem!  Autoimmune diseases can attack the nervous system and cause peripheral neuropathy, which could definitely cause your vision and balance problems, and maybe even your left arm weakness.  Here's the MedHelp page on PN
http://www.medhelp.org/medical-information/show/74
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Avatar universal
I am so sorry that you are feeling so horrible.  If your PcP wants to send you to Mayo run!  Unfortunatley, what you have described sounds all too familiar.

In 1994, I was working in ER.  I took care of a patient that died after 1 hour in the ER from bacterial menningitis.  I was hospitalized twice after that for "mennigismus"  basically my pressure where very high, but nothing grew.  I also kept getting bronchitis and every other bug that walked through the ER  (I previously worked CCU, Open heart recovery so no one was "sick" before I moved to ER)

Long story short, I took two weeks off work to recover from what I thought was recurrent mono. (had it in high school before)  I haven't been back to work since.  I sure do miss it!  

Anyways, you will become very dishearted with our profession.  It is a fight to get physicians to listen to you after awhile.

So, go to Mayo and make sure they follow through.  Make sure they give you answeres.  Best of Luck,
Karen
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