Blood tests taken

Took the following to my GP yesterday after therapist suggested I go back to try to find out if there is any physiological cause for my continual fatigue, pain and malaise...awaiting results which is a result!

Possible causes chronic tiredness, joint & muscle pain…
Ruled out:
Diabetes
Anaemia
Infection
Possibilities
Fibromyalgia – is it worth following up this suggestion for more advice & whole syndrome approach – rule out other diagnoses, which can co-occur or mimic? Hughes syndrome, Lupus, - do get discrete rash across nose and cheeks and upper arms, Sjoergen’s Syndrome, antiphospholipid syndrome, Sub clinical deficiency of Vitamin D
Any other auto immune stuff that causes joint and muscle pain without obvious swelling?

NHS Direct suggest: Routine laboratory and x-ray testing may be conducted along with a complete medical history and physical examination to rule out those conditions with symptoms similar to fibromyalgia. These include chronic fatigue syndrome, lupus, under-active thyroid, multiple sclerosis, myositis, rheumatoid arthritis, and Sjogren's syndrome.

Your GP may refer you to a specialist in connective tissue disorders (a rheumatologist) to rule out arthritis and get more information.

History of allergies – penicillin & food intolerances – hot flushes most common soon after meals (next worst when asleep)…

Any tests available so I can further improve my diet? Already eat all home cooked, low carb Mediterranean type diet?…high fruit veg fish olive oil etc, 2 –3 cups tea a day other wise drink water

Meds
Every night
Mirtazapine 150mg antidepressant
Zirtek antihistamine

As needed
Co-codamol
Diclofenac
Migraleve
Mebeverine & loperamide – less often since dairy free

New - inhalers




History:

Dr B mentioned possible diagnosis of fibromyalgia April 04 – upper torso T- shirt of pain, tired, tired, tired, joint/ muscle pains, brain fog, memory problems – especially words, names, dates. …….advice…to exercise – whatever suits, minimal alcohol, keep a diary… explains history of joint pains, numbness, tingling, weakness etc? Still find even 30 mins exercise causes major fatigue for following day or 3

Also visual disturbance said to be classic migraine. ( Had frequent full 2-3 day migraines with vomiting, pain etc until given beta blockers during final exams at Uni 1990. Rare reoccurrence since of full type but frequent visual problems ~ past 4 years.


· Mirena coil – 4 years, side effects are wonderful for alleviating PMS & associated worsening of all aches & pains
· Chest infection after holiday in Greece October 2003/ again 04 & 05
· Polyp removed from bowel following ~2 years severe digestive problems.IBS & sickness & diarrhoea. Dairy problems became apparent, switch to soya & dairy free made huge difference.
· Re-occuring mild incontinence
· Major endogenous depression 1990(?) … hospital 6months. Curtailed postgraduate studies. Seemed to follow/ be triggered by something which made bottom of legs/ ankles swollen, red & itchy – Dr suggested a virus of some sort
· Allergic to penicillin


There's no specific treatment for chronic fatigue syndrome. In general, doctors aim to relieve symptoms by using a combination of treatments, which may include:

Lifestyle changes. Your doctor may encourage you to slow down and to avoid excessive physical and psychological stress. This may save your energy for essential activities at home or work and help you cut back on less important activities.
Gradual but steady exercise.

Treatment of psychiatric problems. Mood has lifted….
Treatment of existing pain. Acetaminophen (Tylenol, others) or nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs) such as aspirin and ibuprofen (Advil, Motrin, others) may be helpful to reduce pain and fever.
Treatment of allergy-like symptoms. Antihistamines.
Treatment of low blood pressure (hypotension). The drugs fludrocortisone (Florinef), atenolol (Tenormin), and midodrine (ProAmatine) may be useful for certain people with chronic fatigue syndrome.
Treatment for problems of the nervous system. Symptoms such as dizziness and extreme skin tenderness can sometimes be relieved by clonazepam (Klonopin). Your doctor may prescribe medications such as lorazepam (Ativan) and alprazolam (Xanax) to relieve symptoms of anxiety.