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Suggest Treatment For Body Pain, Fatigue And Muscle Stiffness
Question: I have all over body pain, random fevers, muscles that are turning into concrete and severe fatigue. I have a negative test for Lupus and RA but have C reactive protein, a positive double stranded DNA test, high white blood count and inflammation levels in my blood. I also have blue veins around my right knee and my right ankle. So far all that the Rhuematologist has come up with is Fibromyalgia but everything I am reading about this it does not cause the blood levels to be off. My Aunt and my Sister have RA,Lupus and Sjorgens and they are testing my niece as well for these. So far I have been on Cymbalta and now Lyrica but I do not feel any difference from either drug. Do you have any suggestions? I also changed my diet 4 months ago and am only eating lean protein and fresh fruits and vegetables...I have lost 36 pounds and my pain is increasing.
Brief Answer:
Other causes to be considered.
Detailed Answer:
Hello,
Welcome and thanks for your query.
I understand your concern.
A significantly positive CRP and anti DNA antibodies significant. These are elevated in both SLE and Sjogren Syndrome. Did you have a urine test? Was it normal?
Another possibility of these symptoms with recurrent fever, body ache and positive anti DNA antibodies is Infectious mononucleosis if the symptoms are of recent onset.
Also check for Vitamin D deficiency as it is a common cause of aches.
Other causes to be considered.
Detailed Answer:
Hello,
Welcome and thanks for your query.
I understand your concern.
A significantly positive CRP and anti DNA antibodies significant. These are elevated in both SLE and Sjogren Syndrome. Did you have a urine test? Was it normal?
Another possibility of these symptoms with recurrent fever, body ache and positive anti DNA antibodies is Infectious mononucleosis if the symptoms are of recent onset.
Also check for Vitamin D deficiency as it is a common cause of aches.
Above answer was peer-reviewed by :
Dr. Chakravarthy Mazumdar
I take a daily regimen of vitamin D because it was slightly low but have been taking the supplement for 6 months. I have not had a recent urine test but my Aunt and Sister are both telling me to have the lip biopsy done because both of them tested negative until that was done. Would you recommend the lip biopsy as the next yest that should be performed?
Brief Answer:
Only if you have typical symptoms of Sjogren's syn
Detailed Answer:
Lip biopsy is useful if there is strong suspicion of Sjogren's syndrome.
The main features of Sjogren's syndrome are dryness of the eyes and lack of salivation.
Since you don't have these, the chance of lip biopsy leading to a diagnosis is low.
Follow up on the CRP and anti DNA antibodies and check on the urine for indication of Lupus Erythematosis.
Only if you have typical symptoms of Sjogren's syn
Detailed Answer:
Lip biopsy is useful if there is strong suspicion of Sjogren's syndrome.
The main features of Sjogren's syndrome are dryness of the eyes and lack of salivation.
Since you don't have these, the chance of lip biopsy leading to a diagnosis is low.
Follow up on the CRP and anti DNA antibodies and check on the urine for indication of Lupus Erythematosis.
Note: For further information on diet changes to reduce allergy symptoms or to boost your immunity, Ask here.
Above answer was peer-reviewed by :
Dr. Chakravarthy Mazumdar
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