they say it's arthritis but...

[hmr1978]

My younger sister is 25 years old and has been battling some sort of mystery ailment for a couple of years now.  They have done numerous tests but have found no answers.  I remember specifically she was tested for Lupus and Lyme's Disease but they were negative.  They labeled it arthritis and pretty much called it quits.  My mother suffers  from rheumatoid and ostri arthritis and said what my sister has is not arthritis.  Let me also say my mother is a nurse so she is experienced both personally and professionally!  I tried to do some research and my findings all lead to Lupus, which was ruled out.  I'll tell what I know about my sister's symptoms and perhaps you can help.  She is always tired and can easily sleep 12 hours, always hungry, swelling of feet, ankles and knees, severe stiffness of joints that does not improve with continued movement.  She takes massive amounts of ibuprofen and was prescribed Prednisone.  Every so often she has knee fluid removed.  I would love to be able to find some answers and bring her some relief.

[bigsissie]

You are welcome. I hope she gets the help she needs soon. Best of luck.

Sissie

[hmr1978]

Thank you!!!

[bigsissie]

Has she been tested for other autoimmune diseases/disorders? Here is a link to a check list that may help her. http://www.thyroid-info.com/articles/autoimmune-checklist.htm

I was diagnosed with Hashimoto's in Feb. and had swelling, sleeping, hair loss, dry skin, muscle pain, joint pain ect. I have had these symptoms for years but kept getting missed on the diagnosis. If she has a lot of the symptoms on the checklist I would suggest joining the autoimmune forum and asking help on getting diagnosed. Best of luck.

Sissie

[LeftFielder]

Excessive hunger is related to the hypothalamus in the brain, perhaps there is a malfunction with some neurotransmitters? That would explain sleepiness, which is sort of dependent on food intake.