Hi there, I'm new here

[californian80]

Hello,

I'm 24 years old and have been chronically sick since November, 2002. Symptoms: very poor stress reponse, severe fatigue, muscle aching, muscle weakness, muscle burning, 20 pound weight loss, yawning, sensitivity to smell, intermittent joint pains and swelling. Hair loss as well as VERY VERY low BP and temperature.White cells are slightly elevated between 10.7-12 most of the time, including when on antibiotics for lyme treatment. Recent biopsy found leukocytoclastic vasculitis, also called hypersensitivity vasculitis. (My immune system is very sensitive to everything!) Was treated for Lyme disease for about 5 months at high dosages of Ceftin 1000mg and Doxycycline 400mg.

Lyme treatment had zero response. Now MD's are not sure if it is Chronic Fatigue or perhaps Addison's. They're also leaning toward celiac or wheat allergy.

I was extremely active in college as a triathlete and student leader.
I also studied abroad twice, etc. Very busy and never dealt with
health problems until Senior year of college when I got a severe viral infection that left me hospitalized for one week. Vomitting, diahrrea, abdominal cramping, 103 fever, dehydration, syncope. To this day many MD's still are perplexed as to what exactly it was that made me get so critically ill. I did recover from this, or so I thought.

I moved cross country with my family into a newly renovated house--paints, chemicals, and lots of mold. Then I got a flu vaccine on top of a cold. The morning after the flu vaccine I was so weak I could hardly move. Initially Guillain Barre was thought to be the problem. Ever since I've had TONS OF BLOOD TESTS, ct scans, biopsy, etc. Only now, 2 years later, are they finally giving me: 24 hour urine cortisol, AM cortisol, ACTH stimulation test, saliva testing, etc. FINALLY.

The most troubling aspect is how much I've declined over the last 2
years. The symptoms have gotten worse as time goes on. No problems
sleeping but morning stiffness and feeling unrested are common. I've been through a few very significant traumas in my life, some MD's think my body just gave out/got too tired. I hate hearing that!!

****The biggest issue is how I crash and burn after trying even the slightest bit of activity or engaging in a long conversation. Muscles burn, ache, nausea and loss of appetite. In the shower I constantly feel as if I'll pass out: I
already did once and cut open my head resulting in a severe concussion.

Any input would be very appreciated..I've had to defer graduate school
admission twice. Anytime I try to do something semi-normal my body punishes with me without remorse.

Thank you for any help you can provide!!!!

Gratefully,

a Californian!

[karen t.]

Hi, I was actually looking for another medical problem when I cam across yours. My brother-in-law has had addisons for about 20 years. At the on-set I can remember he was about 25, and he went through so many tests. It took about a year to finally pin-point his problem. During that year, he lost so much weight and his energy level was very low. His skin, especially his face, looked very dark. He did go to work, but was always drained. When he did catch a cold during that year it just wiped him out. After he got the correct diagnosis and got on the right meds, he made a complete turn-around. He went back to playing sports and traveling. It is something which he will have to live with for the rest of his life, and when he does catch the flu or cold, his meds may have to be adjusted, but his life is his own again. I hope that you find the answers you are looking for. I know there are more symptoms than I have mentioned, but it does sound similiar. Best of Luck.