Mystifyed! - General Health Message Board

Philip Jones · 02-27-2009, 09:05 AM

Hi, I have become more tired over the last 6 months and the results from a couple of blood tests seem to demonstrate that I am an healthy 50 yo male! I have had to stop working because I am easily exhausted; my symptoms are, tender glands in my armpits, sweats and feeling chilled, slight swelling above left eye which makes eye feel tired most of the time. Doctor recommends anti-depressants as normal bloods points to psycho-somatic condition. Because of swelling above left eye, I thought that it might be sinus related and ENT consultant has discovered the presence of a polyp. I don't want to take any medication unless I absolutely have to and especially wish to avoid anti-depressants! Any suggestions anyone?

RickRude · 03-01-2009, 08:09 PM

"tender glands in my armpits, sweats and feeling chilled"
When do you have the sweats? Does your family have a history of cancer? Have you: 1. been exposed to anyone with any illnesses? 2. traveled outside of the country? 3. had unprotected sex? had gay sex? 4. used illegal drugs? 5. drink well water? 6. live on a farm? 7. have any pets? 8. changed brands of deodorant lately?
Also, what is your profession?

Swollen, tender lymph nodes in the armpits could be an infection or an allergic reaction to a new soap, cream or deodorant.

Philip Jones · 03-03-2009, 04:11 AM

Many thanks for replying to my posting; you have asked more questions of me than my GP? My work is sedentary and office based although I do live on a farm. I have been a dairy farmer for much of my working life but haven't had anything to do with cows for 5 years now. I haven't had sex, gay or unprotected heterosexual for 3 years, since my wife died and I have never slept with anyone other than my wife of 17 years. I use an antiperspirant that kills bacteria to prevent bad odour but isn't scented and am too typical of outdoor type males and wash infrequently! I was in Peru back in 1988 and had a good dose of travellers trots after drinking what I thought was a fizzy drink but was in fact a cordial made with river water. Mum died of breast cancer, one of my sisters from ovarian cancer and Dad from overexposure to steroids which were prescribed for his asthma. I don't do drugs but enjoy the occasional pint of organic beer or cider. We do have three sheep dogs although we no longer have livestock so they have become family pets but live outdoors. The only sick people that I come into contact with are my children, who bring back coughs, colds and sore throats (and nits!) from school. I have done a self diagnosis and consider that I might have candida type problems, so am cutting out bread and confectionary and hopefully will begin to feel better in a couple of weeks!

jenj770 · 03-03-2009, 09:30 AM

This may seem far-fetched but will offer it anyway. You say you live on a farm. Do you think you could have had a tick bite? Some ticks carry Lyme Disease. You can look up the symptoms if you think this might be a possibility.

shisslak · 03-03-2009, 01:29 PM

You also could have some type of virus--the swollen glands, chills and maybe a low grade fever. You are tired because your body is telling you that you need to sleep to help it fight whatever infection you may have. I love doctors who think that just because your symptoms do not fit their textbook than you must be depressed. I often wonder how you could have visual symptoms and really not have those symptoms.

The previous post suggested Lyme and I would certainly looked into that theory. Make sure that you see a rheumotologist who has experience with Lyme Disease.
You should also try to drink extra fluids (water or gadorade) and get some extra sleep. If your symptoms begin to get worse or really do not improve, I would suggest returning to your doctor (if you still feel comfortable seeing this closed minded professional).

Good Luck

I hope you feel better soon