Severe Joint Pain - With Flu Like Symptoms?
My husband has been suffering from excruciating pain in his joints, along with flu like symptoms. The pain is primarily in his ankles, wrists, knees. The flu symptoms include general aches, no energy, feeling hot and cold all over. He has this in periods of every three to four days and he cannot get out of bed. The doctors have diagnosed him with Rheumatoid Arthritis and Fibromyalgia. What we can't understand is why the drugs don't work and he keeps having flare ups. Has anybody else ever suffered from these symptoms - maybe we have a wrong diagnosis. Also he has worked in farming and perhaps has contracted a virus from the animals? You guys are great out there with your help and suggestions thanks in advance!!
Public Comments
1. I just answered another question and I am going to suggest the same to you. There is a website of a nutritionist: www.karenhurd.com. She has helped our family tremendously with more than one issue. There is a ton of free info on her website. She has a book called "And They Said it Wasn't Possible" about stories of people's recoveries (from RA, colitis, IBS) just from changing their diets. I highly recommend it. She is very smart and knows a lot about nutrition and the science of the body. I know she can help.2. it can be difficult to find the right medications to treat arthritis. i have rheumatoid arthritis and tried probably 5 different anti-inflamitories and pain meds before we found a good combo that actually worked for me. im on an anti-inflamitory and pain medication. fibromyalgia can also be hard to treat because, again...you need to find the right medications that will work. becasue of the pain with fibromyalgia, ive heard there are some anti-depressants that help with the pain. i'm not 100% sure tho, talk to the doctor about that.
i hope your husband starts feeling better soon.
3. Rheumatoid arthritis is a lifelong disease. Sometimes it can go away for a while with treatment. It is important to see your doctor as soon as you have symptoms.
Rheumatoid arthritis can cause many other health problems. Your hands may become bent or twisted. You may find lumps in the backs of your arms or other areas. Lung and heart problems also can happen.
4. if it really is fibro--tehre are no good treatmenst--some help a small number of people--but most treatments have limited benefits.
it is important to be tested for other conditions including things that are autoimmune and virus (mono--not the SPOT test--the full test)
lymes, lupus, and many other things are possible
many docs diagnose any pain as Fibro-even if it is due to artritis or lifestyle (going 24/7-not getting rest willingly)
blood tests can show if there is an infectious process going on--but not always tell what it is
