Unusual Onset of Symptoms

[Spyro Alexopoulos]

Dear Doctor,

I know that my symptoms do not help indicate a specific disease and starting off I'll just tell you that my bloodwork(elimination of serious disease) is very normal.  The history of my disease is unusual because it wasn't a sudden onset but rather quite gradual.  It began 3months ago when I noticed a slight drop in energy and I had sticky mucus and unusual dry feeling in my tongue and sides of my cheeks.  I thought i was burnt out from work and thankfully in July I had vacation.  Well on vacation, I noticed I was still exhausted and still had this dry sticky mouth.  On the second day back to work, I had to leave in the middle of the day due to dizziness, sweats and nausea.  So I went to a DOCS and got a quick CBC that was in normal range.  Well my fatigue continued and I haven't shown any viral illness but my symptoms have increased and gradually worsened.  I have dull, boring pain on the left side of my face and back pain like you wouldn't believe, also shooting pains in the joints and muscles.  So I sought out a rheumatologist who checked to see if I had FMS by checking some trigger points.  Not even one.  I am a 23 year old male and cannot see what has triggered this. I never had a bout of depression, never really felt affected by stress.  Finally the doctors lifted their hands up and told me I have a chronic fatigue syndrome of sorts and that I would have to endure  and hope it passes.  Well I feel as if I have no direction and in the prime of my life I have had to reduce and/or eliminate activity.  It has greatly affected me at work as well.  Sorry for being so lengthy but any advice you could offer would be greatly valued and appreciated.

Regards

[CCF Neuro[P] MD, RPS]

thanks for your comments.

CCF Neuro MD

[Spyro]

Ray,

Thanks for your suggestion.  I hadn't checked the postings for awhile.  Turns out that I do live a lyme endemic area and although I tested negative on the test, my doctor suggested antibiotic treatment and most of my symptoms have disappeared or diminished and this is only after one week of medication.  Surprising.  Hopefully this continues.

[CCF Neuro[P] MD, RPS]

Dear Barbara:

We never say never in medicine.  But if you do not live in an area where lyme disease is found, then the likelihood is so rare that if you have it, buy a lottery ticket because it is a winner.  

CCF Neuro MD

[CCF Neuro[P] MD, RPS]

thanks for your comment.

CCF Neuro MD

[Barbara]

I've had most of the tests mentioned in this forum, except that I wasn't tested for Lyme disease. My internist said that there hasn't been one reported case in our county. Should I still insist on this to cover the bases, or does it only really make sense in geographic areas where this disease is more prevalent?

[ray]

Have you checked out the possibility of Lyme Disease? You don't have to have a rash for that to be a possibility. The symptoms can be like you listed or completly different. It's worth a look at Lymealliance.org to get an idea what that is about. Click on the Medical button and also the personal stories is good.
   If you think that could be a possibility scroll down the right side of the home page and find the support group near you. Be sure to talk to them before you talk to a doctor.

[CCF Neuro[P] MD, RPS]

Dear Mr. Alexopoulos:

I am assuming that you went to a neurologist and your complete neurological exam was normal.  If not, I suggest that you see a neurologist and get a good neurological exam.  Many various types of diseases can give one non-specific symptoms that need further investigation to prove their etiology.  A simple CBC helps but it is far from conclusive concerning a viral infection.  Detailed history and physical is always needed in those diseases that seem chronic in nature.  So, if you think you have been overlooked by your physicians, see a second opinion and get a good exam.  I would suggest the basics such as complete electrolyte work-up, thyroid (TSH and free T4), sedimentation rate, CBC with differential, lactate, ANA profile.  See what the tests show, the physicial exam and go from there.

Sincerely,

CCF Neuro MD