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An unknown illness...

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Guest
Guest

Hello,

I am writing here because I am desperate. My illness is taking over and I feel as though my life is falling apart. Anyone who has experienced anything similar to how I’m feeling, please talk.

It all began in October 2015. I was working my Saturday job as usual and all of a sudden my vision went strange (this is one of, if not THE main symptom). I thought I was having a migraine and that it would go away once I’d got home and had some rest. As well as this, I felt slightly drained, VERY slightly. I went to the opticians to check out my vision, they told me that my vision is perfect.

After a two weeks and a single doctor’s appointment, which was of no help, my symptoms went away and I was fine.

That all changed in January 2016 when my symptoms returned, much like before, when I was working. The vision problems and fatigue had returned. The fatigue was slightly worse this time but had no effect on my ability to do anything. It was simply inconvenient.

In March 2016, the symptoms stepped up greatly. My fatigue grew to be uncomfortable, my vision had worsened and now my legs had begun to ache. I went to the doctors to pursue the issue as I could no longer put it to the back of my mind. He ran all the blood tests, thyroid function, anemia, diabetes, everything… The only thing to come back abnormal was my vitamin D level which was 14.

After much chasing of various doctors I was treated for my vitamin D deficiency in May 2016. I was given 20,000IU a day for 2 weeks. My levels rose to 137. At this point my symptoms had begun to get quite worse. The tiredness, leg aches and vision problems had all stepped up.

In July 2016, my Vitamin D levels were retested, they had dropped to 64. The doctor said that, at this point, my symptoms should have relieved themselves and I should be back to normal, therefore, Vitamin D was not the problem.

In August I had a full blood count re-done. Everything came back within the normal range except for two things: Neutrophil Count (which was around 2 below the normal range) and Creatinine Count? (which was only just over the normal range). The doctor explained that neither was a cause for concern. I am now being referred to my heart doctor for an echo and chest X-Ray to eliminate any possibility of my past heart condition (Bacterial Endocarditis) causing my problems although the doctor is very doubtful that this is the cause.

My symptoms are (in order of starting):

Vision Problems (my first and main symptom):  It is difficult to explain but I can see. No blurry vision, tunnel vision or difficulty focusing. My vision doesn’t shake etc. The only thing I can say is that, at the centre of my vision, I can see less. I have difficulty reading, especially with large signs because I can’t see the entire word. I also have lots of floaters.

Fatigue: The fatigue has got gradually worse, but does not seem to be worsened by anything in particular. I am still working full time, but I find standing for long periods of time is difficult, however, if I’m on the move constantly, it doesn’t affect me as much. I feel this is the most debilitating symptom. Although it is somewhat relieved by rest, it is not completely relieved. It is like another tiredness on top of my normal tiredness if that makes sense?

Leg Aches: The generally occur on waking. My legs aren’t stiff, however, the ache from the front of my calves to the side of my thighs and then into my hips.

Headaches: The headaches are strange; they have no pattern and tend to be on the side of my face inside my ear, rather than on top.

Ears popping: My ears feel like they need to be popped almost constantly. I get this strange pressure in my head. The ear popping seems to be worse while I have a headache.

Jaw ache: The muscles in my jaw just ache sometimes; this is in correlation with the headaches.

Upper Arm/Shoulder Ache: This has begun today (26/08/2016) I feel weaker than ever in my upper body. Something I have not experienced before.

Do I have chronic fatigue syndrome?

I am a 19 year old male. I had just turned 19 as my symptoms began in October.

Thank you for reading; I appreciate any and all input.

James

2 likes, 4 replies

4 Replies

  • Guest
    Guest Guest

    Posted

    Hi James, I alike you have an unknown illness going on that the doctors are trying to figure out and haven't come to a conclusion so I know how you're feeling and experiencing. I'm getting headaches joint pains, fatigue that like you said isn't effected by anything and occasionally vision problems and ALOT of floaters but this is accompanied by abdominal pain and really loose stools which makes it doubtful we suffer from the same thing. Chronic fatigue is unlikely as normally it comes about after recovering from viral problems to begin with, do you get chills and occasional temperatures?. when you first experienced symptoms were you coming down with something before the initial phase? Chronic fatigue what I've done to hopefully aid in my bid to find out what the problem is is try to think back a week before the incident and all that happened and recall as many details as possible, such as if I was feeling under the weather, I went for a work trip or you had a temperature etc so that when it's time for my appointment they'll ask me questions and I won't fail to recall details that might be vital. Suggest your CFS idea, and It would be a good idea to get an mri scan if you're saying that the worse of your problems are in your head. It's tough not being able to live comfortably and not knowing what the problem is worsens things, but hang in there, hope you find a diagnosis.

    Bob

    • Guest
      Guest Guest

      Posted

      Hi Bob,

      Thank you for your reply. As for your questions...

      No I do not get fevers or chills, I was tested for glandular fever and that came back negative. I have also never had the flu.

      I believe I had tonsillitis just after the initial period (in October) however, this was short lived. (Isn't tonsillitis bacterial?)

      I have spoken to my GP (and various other GPs) about my CFS hypothesis. One has said that I categorically do not have CFS for various reasons including my age, my gender and it's onset. Others have said it may be a possibility.

      I have also been suffering loose stools recently! Although that may have something to do with how I'm eating, I'm unsure.

      I have problems with head pressure, it is very uncomfortable. Do you have any issues like this?

      Again, thank you for your reply, I am very appreciative.

      James

  • anesa55559
    anesa55559 Guest

    Posted

    Ask to do CT of your head. I dont want to scare you but having all those symptoms for that long is a sign that something is going on .
    • Guest
      Guest anesa55559

      Posted

      I'm only scared about one thing: Chronic Fatigue Syndrome!

      I know whatever it is is serious.

      I'm going to talk about having an MRI, CT scan or whatever, I just want to find out what's wrong with me and get it sorted. I'm so fed up.

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