Fatigue, arthritis

Resolved question:

I have been suffering from severe back pain and fatigue since my thirties. It started after getting my flu jab, which was my first and even last. Glandular fever tests were negative, and GPs told me that it may be chronic fatigue, depression or ME. During my late forties, I have been suffering from swellings in ankle, fatigue and tear in calf and sore throats. Later it got confirmed that I was affected with osteoarthritis. Moreover, 18 months ago, I fell down and broke my wrist, resulting in permanent pins and needles in arm. Later, fatigue became extreme leaving painful hip. Moreover, I got a sinus infection, tonsillitis and insect bite, recently almost at the same time. I took antibiotics then, and got better. Is it the osteoarthritis showing all other symptoms? Is it spreading to the whole of my body? Please help me get out of this.

Submitted: 4 Days
Category: Sexologist

Expert:  Dr. John Monheit replied 4 Days.

Hello. Thanks for writing to us.

I guess you are having a difficult time with these symptoms from a long duration.

Your symptoms of back pain, painful hip, pins and needles in the arm all relate to neurologic pain. The back pain and pain in the hip may be associated with age related changes (osteoarthritis) where as the pins and needles in the arm are related to number of conditions like Diabetic neuropathy, deficiency of Vit B12, deficiency of Folate, Auto antibodies that destroy the nervous system etc.

The symptoms like easy fatigability, pain in the ankle, sore throats, pins and needles all guide me towards the deficiency of B complex vitamins. I would like to suggest few things:

1)Consume balanced diet

2)Take vitamin supplements as they are of utmost importance in your case

3)Avoid smoking and cut down alcohol consumption if any

4)Practice simple exercises for relaxing the joints.

5)Continue the medications which were given by your physician

6)Practice some breathing exercises for your sinus infection.

However it is advised to consult a physician for a complete physical examination and a detailed workup of your case.

Hope this helps.

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