Cyclical joint pain, fever, sore throat, headache - Arthritis Message Board

Erik08 · 06-18-2003, 01:49 PM

I am 22 years old and for the past 6 months I have been experiencing joint pain(hands,feet,wrists,elbows,knees,back ,shoulders) that is not symmetrical. It comes every 3-10 days accompanied by a low grade fever, headache, and sore throat. I have been tested for many common diseases, but the results were all negative. The doctor thought that it might be Reiter's disease, but that came back negative also. I was given anti-inflammatory drugs but that barely helped. I then was on steroids for eight days, and it cleared up. However, when those ran out, it came back. Has anyone had anything like this or know what it might be? My doctor still has no clue what it might be. Please help.

cris2 · 06-18-2003, 02:58 PM

My friends father had simiular syptoms thought the joint pain was arthritis and other just a bad cold, come to find out he had Lyme Disease which is caused by a deer tick.If you work outside or have been in deep woods lately I consider maybe asking doctor for a test.You never know now a days about what you can get from animals or insects.They moved away recently so I dont know what happen wish i could say more.

Good luck and keep us posted

cris2 · 06-18-2003, 02:58 PM

My friends father had simiular syptoms thought the joint pain was arthritis and other just a bad cold, come to find out he had Lyme Disease which is caused by a deer tick.If you work outside or have been in deep woods lately I consider maybe asking doctor for a test.You never know now a days about what you can get from animals or insects.They moved away recently so I dont know what happen wish i could say more.

Good luck and keep us posted

Erik08 · 06-18-2003, 03:39 PM

They tested me for Lyme disease. They also tested me for Lupus and Parvovirus which all came back negative. Thanks for taking the time to reply.

Ron · 06-20-2003, 07:40 AM

Hi Cris,

It is possible for a lyme test to miss an infection, so get it done again if things don't improve soon.

Have you had all the blood tests to look for a hidden infection? Sed Rate, C reactive Protein Antinuclear Antibody, White Blood Cell Count and Rheumatoid Factor
can be elevated and this would be sufficient to prescribe long term antibiotics, like minocycline,
doxycycline etc, until the titres return to normal.

Can you describe anything that might have preceeded
your aches and pains? A bad flu, food poisoning,
a trip to some sunny isle where you may have eaten
a salad prepared with local untreated water, or even had a mixed drink with ice cubes made with untreated water could have been the beginning.

If you are not able to get your doc to be proactive,
ask for a referral to an Infectious Disease Doctor.

Good luck...
Ron