Pain in all of my joints, any ideas?
Posted , 5 users are following.
I know I won't find a diagnosis, but maybe some insight? I'm in my early 20's, female, and for the past 12 months (but probably longer) on any given week I experience pain or aches in my joints. My main locations are knees, hips, elbows, and tender spots on the back of head/upper neck region. But I also get aches on the tops of my feet, legs or various parts of my body, Lowe back, upper back. I think something everyone can relate to is that "growing pain" feeling we all had as a child, well that's what it feels like usually. There really isn't a day where I don't notice an ache. These aches very rarely become intolerable or super painful, I can actually live my life through them...but something is telling me it just isn't right? On top of all that, I have other symptoms as well: frequent headaches, anxiety and some days I just feel very irratable, almost like I can't seem to get comfortable in any position I'm in, and I get very short-sharp and irratated when I'm socialising. I don't have any noticeable fatigue (I work 9-10 hours a day, and I'm always fine after work in terms of energy levels, just your standard tiredness that should be expected). I have seen two doctors so far but no answers and it is still an ongoing issue, but I thought I'd also try a forum for advice whilst the doctors also try and help me. it's a long post, but any insight, advice or stories are welcomed to be shared!
1 like, 6 replies
amkoffee meggsy194
Posted
You don't say what blood work they did but heres a few I would request: sed rate and c-reactive protein (shows inflammation in the body); iron and all B vitamins (can indicate anemia); D vitamin; and finally a white blood count. With the exception of the white blood count the others are not included with a standard CBC blood test.
You also might consider seeing a rheumatologist. She can check you for fibromyalgia and other possible autoimmune diseases that could be causing your symptoms.
caz1967 meggsy194
Posted
sue84978 caz1967
Posted
Hi there,
i couldn't help but to contact you, because your comment "...........what she needs is to be seen by a specialist." I know you are frustrated for your daughter, any parent would be, but see a Specialist in what? Until her doctor has a clue as to what is causing her problems, eg. endocrinologist, immunologist, cardiologist, neurologist. & the list goes on.........
sue84978 meggsy194
Posted
Hi there,
i am a retired nurse/midwife of over 30 yrs, & im inclined to agree with 'amkoffee's reply. However, I'm very sure that your doctor will have already taken bloods, for a variety of tests, to give a clue as to your diagnosis. You say you're irritable, is that daily or cyclical? Perhaps we're dealing with an hormonal issue. You would definitely be wise to keep a journal, documenting your daily health issues. This may uncover a clue to your diagnosis. I must admit, fibromyalgia did cross my mind, as did SLE (Systemic Lupus Erythematosis). For now, your best friend is your journal, so start one right away.😊
meggsy194 sue84978
Posted
All replies have given me something to think about and to bring up with a doctor at a next visit. Something that I did not mention in my original post, and I didn't mention it for a specific reason, however your replies have prompted me to mention it...it was that I have what I like to call a "highly debatable" thyroid "issues". What I actually mean by this, is that I have an enlarged goitre that has what appears to be nodules. Thus, a multinodular goitre is what I am told I have. That is definitely diagnosed and confirmed. Now, the hard part. My thyroid hormone levels are in the complete normal range, I have had them tested routinely by three different general family doctors and they all share a similar opinion. HOWEVER, I recently had my antibodies tested and they have come back as high. ...and that's pretty much where I am at with the thyroid "issue". No diagnosis. No clue whatsoever. Im at a complete stand still. I now know all about autoimmune conditions of the thyroid, joints because of those damn high antibodies. I am now second guessing myself and wondering if something deeper is going on there. It is not normal for a women my age to feel this way on a regular basis. As for keeping a journal, so far the only thing I have recorded are my headaches, as they are making me very worried. I will start recording everything on a daily basis now. This is starting to get me down. Also, one last request? If anyone has any ideas of speaking to doctors to get more answers, or being more confident in expressing my concerns, would be very helpful. There is only so much I can say in a 10 minute appointment. I feel useless, and I know I'm not being taken 100% seriously. Thank you again!
priya456 meggsy194
Posted