Hello...
My 1st time contacting for some advice.
I am a 47yo female. I was diagnosed with Rheumatoid Arthritis (RA) in 1984. I have been through multiple treatment regimens with great success. I have also
had several hand surgeries, including a fusion on the right. I was diagnosed with CFS in 1994 (my rheumatologist told me it was all in my head) after seeking a 2nd opinion. I am an RN and at the time I worked in the Intensive Care Unit at one of the local hospitals. I changed jobs and was started on very low dose tricyclic antidepressants. Within 6-8 weeks, I was back to my old self.
I attribute the remission of the RA to a very active lifestyle of aerobic exercise 5 days/week and a positive attitude about my disease processes. But
a little over 2 weeks ago, I started having problems:
Muscle aches/joint tenderness
Extreme fatigue sleeping 16-18 hours/day
Hot/cold sensations with low grade temps
Headaches
Loss of appetite
I have been to the doctor twice. All labs are normal with no evidence of infection, etc. Of course one of the first questions I was asked was "Are you depressed"? "No".
My question is: Is there anyone out there with CFS, who has been treated into remission, who had the disease return? And, if so, how did you get the
doctor to see it? The MD who originally diagnosed me is no longer in the state.
I appreciate the help.
Sincerely,
Rin Ran