Teaser for the pros

[cascred]

Hello,

I have an undiagnosed problem I would like to present.

These symptoms have been occurring for over a year, but three doctors have not found the problem.  I am looking for ideas.  

Weakness -- Physical weakness.  I can't lift as much as I used to.  My muscles are tired even after walking.

Fatigue -- Constant.  Some days are worse than others.  I can't get enough sleep.

Burning / Numb Mouth -- I have this feeling constantly, mostly on the tip of my tongue and my lips.  Sometimes the tip of my nose.

Constant Mild sore throat -- I think it is related to the mouth.

Headaches -- I have a mild headache most days.  It feels like a flu headache.

Muscle aches -- I often have sore muscles and joints, even though I haven't stressed them.

Sore palms and soles of my feet:  Sometimes these will get sore for no reason.  They feel slightly inflamed.  

Trouble concentrating -- This affects me the most at work.

I have been tested for diabetes and anemia by each doctor.  I've also had standard tests for my thyroid, liver, kidneys, etc.  

I'll add one more item in case someone thinks they are connected.  I have a lump in my lower back.  The skin moves over it, but the lump is stationary.  I'm not worried about it unless it is connected, but it has been around over a year.

The fatigue and weakness is what I want to cure.  If anyone has any ideas, I can present them to my doctor.  

[momof2boys1979]

My uncle was diagnosed with Lou Gherig's Disease, or ALS, and had SEVERAL if not the majority of those symptoms. There is a forum on here for ALS. You may want to check there.

Hope this helps.

[cascred]

I thank you for your response.

I do tend to get dry skin, and some dandruff.  
I just read about EBV, and found that most people are infected with EBV.  

One thing that seems to fit is a B12 deficiency.  I don't believe I have been tested for that, so I'll ask.

In the back of my mind, I have always felt like this was connected to a lump on my lower back that showed up about the same time as the symptoms.  I wonder if it's a cyst with a constant low grade infection, which causes everything else.  It's under the skin and stationary.  I have had doctors look at it, but they quickly dismiss it as Lipoma, or a muscle knot, etc.  Maybe they are right, but I would like someone to check it out to make sure.

[SickbutEmpowered]

Well that is good that you have no sores in your mouth. Do you get a really dry mouth or have dry skin along with dry eyes? These things can run hand in hand with autoimmune diseases. The reason I mentioned an infectious disease doctor, or whatever type of doctor you could find that deals specifically with Chronic fatigue syndrome, EBV (if you have not been checked to see if you have active EBV, ) and many other viral illnesses that other doctors don't run tests for or do not consider. I think a rheumatologist is a good start, but I worry about too many patients being given a catch all diagnosis. I won't go into my opinions on this on here directly and I cannot message you so, maybe you can understand what I am trying to say without directly saying it. Sorry, but I think sometimes a lot gets overlooked when so many things are going on. Sadly, so many things can go on at the same time and it takes forever to get a diagnosis. Sometimes patients never get one, and sometimes they do. As the sister, daughter, grand daughter, and great daughter or women who have suffered or suffer from severe autoimmune disease I err on the side of caution. Sometimes a disease does not come into full blown status until after several years, even decades. Some people don't have anything but a few oddball results here and there and doctors need to put together a comprehensive profile and patient history. Problem is, there are so many patients and not enough patience. There are so many patients and sometimes not enough care to go around. I really believe things would be a lot easier when some of us could have help from an experienced patient advocate. Unless you are good at advocating for yourself. So, whilst trying to educate yourself and get help for your condition, remember that it may take a long time and many different roads. Then again, you might be one of the lucky ones...and I really hope you are. I personally think certain diseases are over diagnosed, and other ones under diagnosed or overlooked. But hey, that is just me. I really hope you can find the help you need. It took an Immunologist to find out what was the reason for why I kept getting URIs. This was 20 years later, so. Hang in there and best of luck.
Peace
The Impatient Patient

[cascred]

Thanks for the comments.  I'm going to research hyperparathyroidism and Fibromyalgia.  

I'll answer a few questions posted.  I am not on any medication, except some occasional ibuprofen.  I eat a relatively healthy diet.  I have no sores or fissures in my mouth.  It looks normal.  My eyes do tend to get dry.  I am intrigued by the infectious disease specialist suggestion.  Does anything you see point to a possible infection?

[SickbutEmpowered]

Are you on any medicine that can cause tardive dyskenisia (saking, tremoring)? Does your mouth look like their are sores or fissures? Do you have dry eyes or dry mouth all the time? Here is another question for you, do you have an eating disorder or not eat a range of foods or avoid supplements? There are so many things to consider.  I agree with the top posters above, but you should consider everything in your life, and what may or may not be something associated with another illness. So, the only thing I can suggest aside from the above posters is have you been seen by an infectious disease specialist, or even an internist to coordinate care and help you find what direction to take.
Good luck

[darlingdivatx]

Could be hyperparathyroidism. Read info @ www.parathyroid.com. Might also be neurological too.

[emeyer1]

I have alot of similar symptoms. Especially muscle weakness. I can't lift my arms over my head for more than 15 seconds without them feeling like I just lifted weights. They get so tired. Plus the fatigue is the same. Do you have sleeping troubles? I was recently diagnosed with Fibromyalgia. It seems to cover alot of your problems. Have you seen a Rheumatologist? If it isn't your problem I would also suggest an MRI to rule out a tumor in your back that could be effecting your nerve passages.

[angel677]

I am not a doctor, but I also have a lot of the same symptoms. Have you had a M.R.I?
The reason I ask is because my doctor is sending me for one to rule out M.S..

I don't know if this helps.

Good luck
Angel

[cascred]

I have an amendment.  

I also have a mild case of the shakes, especially in my hands.  It is noticeable when I write.