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What Causes Body Pains, Fever And Exhaustion?

Posted on Tue, 22 Jul 2014

Question: I have been feeling very achey all over, and like I have a fever inside of me, very tired, foggy thinking and just an over all not good feeling, I have graves disease that I was diagnosed with around 6 years ago, and take thyroid medication. This feeling has come and gone within the past few months and when it comes it stays a few days, If I rest I start to feel better, but if I keep going, which I do, because I support myself and work everyday, im exhausted and never feel like doing much. Not motivated, low energy. What could this be? There is also a history of fibromyalgia in my family. My sister has it. Thank you, XXXXXX

Answered by Dr. Binu Parameswaran Pillai (4 hours later)

Brief Answer:
Hello

Detailed Answer:
Hello XXXXXXX
Good day.
Noted your history as well as the family history of fibromyalgia.

The symptoms could be due to multiple reasons.

a)Commomest being a viral infection especially, the diffuse body ache. What is the duration of these symptoms ? Did you have flu like illness recently ? How is your apetite ?

b) Second probability is due to thyroid dysfunction itself. HAve you had a recent Thyroid function test?
And why havent you opted for a permanent cure for Grave's disease ?
The chances of Grave's responding to medicines is with in first one year and if it hasnt spontaneously gone away wiith in ths period, you may need permanent cure like radio iodine treatment or Surgery. Are you on Carbimazole /Methimazole or PTU for grave's ?

These drugs are liver toxic and can cause bone marrow supression ( rare though).

c) The third possibiity is fibromyalgia or vitamin D deficinecy.

I strongly encourage you to do a CBC, ESR, LFT ( liver function test) , Free T4, TSH , Vitamin D level and a blood sugar test plus a urine routine test. We will be able to decide further based on these tets.

Are you on any hormone replacement after menopause?
Do you think you are depressed? Smoking/Alcohol status? How is the sleep ?

I know that i have asked too many questions. But beleive me, more than 90% of times, we make diagnosis based on a good history. I would appreciate if you could answer my questions.
Regards
Binu

Above answer was peer-reviewed by : Dr. Chakravarthy Mazumdar

Follow up: Dr. Binu Parameswaran Pillai (1 hour later)

Hello, I have had radioactive therapy for the thyroid, which I do not have my thyroid any longer. My dr. checks my levels when I see him. ususally 6 months to a year . If the levels are not good he adjusts the medication levothyroxine. I think I may have a viral infection because my chest is breaking up and I am scratchy on the back of my throat and felt sick today. But this started last Monday and lasted all week and I still have it. And I had it like 2 months ago as well. When I cough the right side of my head hurts and my ears feel blocked. I have had this like 2 months ago and it keeps returning. I have had breast cancer so I am not on hormone replacement therapy. I am also on a antidepressant and have been for about 7 years now. Also on Cholesterol medication. I will make an appointment to see my doctor this week. When I had this a couple months ago I went to the urgent care office because of lingering symptoms, and he told me it was "the common cold" and did nothing. My nose isn't blocked but my head and ears feel blocked. Anyway, thanks for your help and if there is anything you suggest, write me back. I just think this is happening too often and there is a reason for it.

Answered by Dr. Binu Parameswaran Pillai (7 hours later)

Brief Answer:
Hello

Detailed Answer:
Hello,
Good day.
Thank you for the reply. I agree that the whole thing could be due to a viral infection. You immune system could be a bit weak and that may be one of the reasons of getting frequent viral infections. Stay away from sick people and public transport and crowded areas during flu season. Take food rich in vitamins especially vitamin C like citrus fruits.

Drink lot of fluids and take rest when you have a viral infection. Panadol and antihistamines may help as well. It may be worth considering an yearly flu vaccine shot and a pneumococcal vaccine ( usually once in 5 yrs or so). You may discuss this with your GP.

Depression certainly would add to these symptoms and it weakens immune system further. Stay active and cheerful. Please continue levothyroxine.
Wish you good health.

Regards XXXXXXX

Above answer was peer-reviewed by : Dr. Chakravarthy Mazumdar

Follow up: Dr. Binu Parameswaran Pillai (9 hours later)

Hello, thank you very much and I have been getting my flu shot every year. I work in a hospital so I am constantly sanitizing my work area, as I come in contact with patients all day long. But I understand what you are telling me.Thank you for your time and take care, XXXXXX

Answered by Dr. Binu Parameswaran Pillai (7 minutes later)

Brief Answer:
Hi

Detailed Answer:
Glad to know that you are a health care worker. We healthcare workers are constantly exposed to all bugs. However, use a mask during fever season and carry a personal antiseptic hand rub all the time.

You are welcome to ask more questions.
But if you feel that there is nothing more to ask, may I request you to close the query.

Wish you good health

Regards
Binu

Note: For more information on hormonal imbalance symptoms or unmanaged diabetes with other comorbid conditions, get back to us & Consult with an Endocrinologist. Click here to book an appointment.

Above answer was peer-reviewed by : Dr. Chakravarthy Mazumdar