Can anyone help explain this? Almost 3 months of odd unrelated symptoms and worried!

[sabbine123]

Hi

I am a 25yo female and have had a series of undiagnosed symptoms and I was wondering if anyone has any previous experience with any of these, it would be greatly appreciated.

My symptoms began around 11 weeks ago, with a strange left-sided migraine type headache that was way more intense than my usual ones (they would go overnight with treatment and darkness). It lasted almost 2 weeks and radiated all the way to my arm and caused weakness on that side and brain fog. All that subsided with physiotherapy as it was partly caused by a trapped nerve in the neck/shoulder. The headache does come back occasionally but it's generally better. As I was very scared I went for an MRI of the brain and it came back normal, with the exception of nasal inflammation.I also have pretty bad post nasal drip, mostly on the left side, along with frequent nosebleeds, especially when it's cold.

Around the same time I started getting diarrhea, an upset stomach, tiredness. I initially put a lot of that down to stress as I am working and studying at the same time but the stomach symptoms are still there, although it feels like it's worse right after waking up.

I had a serious panic attack in mid February as a result of all the stress, which has evolved into health anxiety. After that I started having really bad pains on the back of my knees, like growing pains that radiate around the area. It also came with slight swelling behind the knees and red kneecaps.These are much worse at night and have better and worse days. Shortly after I started getting a low grade fever (around 37.2-37.5, normal temp is at 36.6) along with a very mild irritation in the throat and ear, no pain.

I went to the doctor and he ran a million tests. CBC, ESR, liver, kidney, thyroid function all normal. ANA anti-bodies are also normal. The only abnormality they found was that my igA was slightly elevated at 410 (normal range 80-300).
I also had an ultrasound of my belly and that was clear.

At that stage because the temperature had been around for 2 weeks the doctor prescribed Augmentin for 2 weeks, as he said it could have been a sinus infection. These seemed to work at first in terms of fever, but right after I finished them, I seemed to get worse.

For the next three weeks to this day I have had a low grade fever again (sometimes it feels like it goes away, other times that I just can't regulate my body temperature). I checked my throat my left tonsil only is slightly inflamed, with two of the adjacent lymph nodes palpable but not tender, movable and not larger than 1cm. I also feel achy on that side, and get pains radiating to my jaw and down to my chest, only on the lest side (possibly nerve pressed?). I still have the knee pains, the upset stomach and the post nasal drip and was wondering if there is any type of infection/ inflammation that could cause all that? I also get bouts of really bad fatigue. When that hits I have slight palpitations and dizziness unless I sit and do nothing for a bit.

I am overly anxious that it could be something serious. My latest fear is lymphoma but I know that it's unlikely. I have thought of GERD, chronic sinusitis (but my MRI was normal), chronic fatigue syndrome, and the list goes on. My doctor now dismisses me saying I have nothing but I know my symptoms are real. If anyone can help enlighten me that would be very much appreciated as I'm worrying myself too much.

Thanks for reading!

[SassyLassie]

Hello~I am so sorry you are having so many health issues.

My first thought was possibly Chronic Fatigue Syndrome, you do present with symptoms that point in that direction. I do know that worry and anxiety can make the symptoms worse and the fact that you are understandably concerned could be making the symptoms more prevalent. Maybe keep asking your doctor or even get another opinion.

One other suggestion that may help, and I am only saying this because you have had so many tests and they have all come back favorably, and that is to see a chiropractor. Believe it or not, you may have some pinched nerves or misaligned vertebrae in your neck and spine, and this can cause a myriad of symptoms. He/she will take your history, some x-rays, read over them, and then discuss a plan of action and also if chiropractic adjustments will help. After a few treatments, many people have felt lots better.

I hope you feel better soon. God bless you.

[sabbine123]

I do think a lot of it becomes worse with the anxiety and I will have a look into CFS and maybe going to a chiropractor. Thank you very much for your response I appreciate it!