Question: Hi. I have some kind of protracted flu/cough, whatever. Today it seemed like my whole body was swollen, and while out on a walk with a friend, i noticed discomfort in my hands, the fingers were swollen, and there were white lines, like rings, across my knuckle just above the nail bed.

Do you have any notion of what this is?? Thanks, XXXXXX

Hi there, in response to your clarification questions --

1. I was in England, the cough/cold started there, i may or may not have had fever but definitely had the aches/pains/fatigue onset, that would have been about may 7th. I was coughing and tired, achy, for about five days. I thought it was fading. Returned to XXXXXXX on the 13th feeling still a little weaker than my usual but better.

2. Cough was intensely bad for about 5 days, then light, like an after-effect, for two weeks now (unusual for me, i never have them). Expectoration was white-ish yellow.

3. Urine color has been paler than normal.

4. No abdominal pain but some distention, like all this coughing gave me gas, or the sensation of bloating (i literally felt like i had coughed my sides out).

5. I feel as if i've been drinking a lot of water but not urinating as much, but it comes and goes.

6. No insect bites that i know of. England in spring is pretty awesome that way. Nothing at home, either, but i did wake in the night and felt something bite me a few days ago. Basically i'm writing to you bc i have never had a cold, cough, or aches linger like this.

7. Joint pains, yes! I felt a bit achy when the cough came on in England, but i was very active, walking the dog daily and taking strolls in villages and countryside. Not my usual, though, i would have done a lot more. Just today, i felt in particular aching in my feet, hands, and neck/shoulder areas. Glands a little sore, like when i've had strep in the past. Went on a long-ish walk with a friend and i felt like my hands were going to pop, then came the white stripes and we were both puzzled.