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What Causes Chronic Pain And Stiffness Throughout Body?

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Posted on Tue, 21 Jul 2015
Question: Hi, I have been seeing a rheaumatologist for a couple years now. He has diagnosed me with Fibromyalgia and has been monitoring my unexplainable elevated ESR AND CRP, it has crossed his mind about rheumatoid arthritis, but doesn't think thats it. I am in chronic pain all over my body with stiffness, aches and pain, burning like sensation in my shoulders, chronic back pain (ruptured l4,l5 disc 23mm ) i am aneamic, Hypothyroidism, i have had a total hip replacement 4yrs ago and my esr and crp where high prior to surgery but didn't come down after, i have arthritis in all major joints of my body. I do suffer from major depression. Have been referred for an endoscopy upper GI to check for ulcers etc. i have sleep disorder. Wondering if you could give me some info and help with what is going on. Fibermyalgia, Rheuamatoid arthritis, Aneamic, Hypothyroidism, major depression, unexplainable ESR, CRP, etc????? Advise please
doctor
Answered by Dr. Aashish Raghu (2 hours later)
Brief Answer:
Fibromyalgia symptom complex

Detailed Answer:
Hi there.

Welcome to Healthcare Magic.

I have read your query and understood your problem.

Fibromyalgia is disorder that has many symptoms in its complex presentation.

Decreased sleep, brain fog, depression, irritable bowel syndrome, painful points in the body, fatigue etc.
Since you are aisi having hypothyroidism, this cab add to most of the above symptoms like depression bowel problems, sleep disturbances etc.

Joint disease can occur in the form of specific arthritis like Rheumatoid arthritis, Crystalline arthritis, Pseudogout etc which can cause serious manifestations of joint pain and restriction of mobility. Usually Fibromyalgia can cause ah arthritis like picture which is not truly arthritis.

In Fibromyalgia there is joint stiffness and reduced mobility with can lead to joint disease and further therapy. I would firstly examine and investigate my patient to rule out other forms of joint disease line Rheumatoid arthritis, Osteoarthritis, Osteoporosis, Gout, Pseudogout, etc. Laboratory tests like anti ccp and Rheumatoid factor can help in the diagnosis of Rheumatoid arthritis. Joint aspiration and microscopic escalation of the joint fluid can help diagnose Gout. I am not sure if these test were performed by your doctor.

ESR and CRP are usually elevated in Fibromyalgia.
Other causes of their elevation needs to be sought out by your Doctor like Rheumatoid arthritis, Crystalline arthritis. Even Anaemia can cause increased ESR, which in your case could occur due to the Hypothyroidism or due to less intake of iron rich diet.

You also seen to be suffering for Upper GI ulceration.

Kindly understand that must of these symptoms are part of the Fibromyalgia complex and also overlap with Hypothyroidism. However as I mentioned earlier, I would run a few tests to rule out other possibilities before confirming the cause as fibromyalgia.

If fibromyalgia is confirmed, I would treat my patient with antidepressant like Escitalopram 20mg daily which will help with the symptoms of depression. CBT therapy involves a discussion of the patient's problems and logical reasoning out of them to help the patient understand how to effectively tackle them and avoid worrying excessively about a problem.

Further hypothyroidism needs to be treated with Thyroid hormonal therapy after doing tests to find the levels of Thyroid hormones in your blood. I've the hormonal therapy has started, many of the symptoms will improve. Your physician will know about the dose needed in your case. T

Eat healthy and include fresh fruits and green leafy vegetables which will help with nutritional anaemia. Keep well hydrated. Drink plenty of water. Stay stress free with Yoga. Get 6 to 8 hours of sleep. Exercise with cardio exercise daily for atleast 45 minutes to an hour daily. Avoid smoking, drinking alcohol, junk food, colas.

Kindly consult with a leading Psychiatrist who will be able to offer you the above mentioned treatment for Fibromyalgia and offer your relief.

Your Gastroenteroloist will help you manage the ulceration.kindly avoid the above mentioned diet to reduce the progression of stomach ulcers.

Fibromyalgia needs the combined treatment of your Primary care provider, Rheumatologist Orthopaedic surgeon, Gastroenterologist, Psychiatrist and Counsellor Psychologist for the proper management and effective therapy.

Kindly follow up with me once you consult your Doctor about the same.


I hope I have answered your query.

Thanking you.

Regards,

Dr. Aashish Raghu


Above answer was peer-reviewed by : Dr. Prasad
doctor
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Follow up: Dr. Aashish Raghu (1 hour later)
Hi Dr,
I forgot to mention that I do take thyroid medication (200mcg eltroxin), antidepressant (100mg pristique, abilfy 5mg once daily), Trazodone 200-300mg nightly,(for sleep), Antipsychotic (quetiapine (serequel)100-150mg nightly for sleep), Lyrica(pregabaline, 225mgx2daily), Tramadol (100mg x 1 daily), Ms Cotin (30mg every 8 hrs daily), Lasix-edema(20mgx1-3 once daily), Tecta-Pantoprazole man (40mgx1 daily-to treat possible ulcer until GI can be evaluated), Also I just started to take over the counter Iron supplement called EURO-FER (Fumarate Ferreux 300mgx3 daily).

My rheaumatologist tried me on Prednisone which worked wonders for me for a trial, took me off and tried me on Methotrexate (pill form) I did not respond well to this he then put me on Methotrexate Inject (with little response to none) then added Plaquenil, I tried these together and did not respond to either of them and then was taken off as they were not beneficial. He then sent me for a second opinion, was told that there was no significant indication that I had Rheumatoid Arthritis and that my aches and pains were more that of Fibromyalgia, but he did not comment on the unexplained ESR and CRP, which leaves me in the air.. Please advise if this information was helpful?? Much Thanks
doctor
Answered by Dr. Aashish Raghu (37 minutes later)
Brief Answer:
Needs multidisciplinary management

Detailed Answer:
Hi,

Thanks for the follow up query.

Though I am not a psychiatrist, I can see that you are already on a large number of medications. I do not understand why your Doctor has prescribed antipsychotic medication for sleep. I would prefer using benzodiazepines such as clonazepam instead for sleep purpose. Please check with your doctor. In my view, antipsychotic drugs have lot of side effects.

Raised ESR and CRP are non specific indicators. It may be elevated in fibromyalgia. Hypothyroidism and anemia besides other condition may also produce raised ESR and CRP. I understand medication like Methotrexate and Plaqentil are usually given in Rheumatoid arthritis and sometimes in Gout. However it would be worth to confirm / rule out arthritic conditions through proper protocol and laboratory tests. Discuss with your rheumatologist.

Perhaps you can also discuss the need for muscle relaxants in your treatment. It helps patients with pains and aches. Further there are a subset of Patients with Fibromyalgia who respond well to steroids and hence you need to studied about this with your Rheumatologist.

I hope I have answered your question.

Thanking you.

Regards,

Dr. Aashish Raghu
Note: For further queries, consult a joint and bone specialist, an Orthopaedic surgeon. Book a Call now.

Above answer was peer-reviewed by : Dr. Prasad
doctor
Answered by
Dr.
Dr. Aashish Raghu

Orthopaedic Surgeon

Practicing since :2011

Answered : 5480 Questions

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What Causes Chronic Pain And Stiffness Throughout Body?

Brief Answer: Fibromyalgia symptom complex Detailed Answer: Hi there. Welcome to Healthcare Magic. I have read your query and understood your problem. Fibromyalgia is disorder that has many symptoms in its complex presentation. Decreased sleep, brain fog, depression, irritable bowel syndrome, painful points in the body, fatigue etc. Since you are aisi having hypothyroidism, this cab add to most of the above symptoms like depression bowel problems, sleep disturbances etc. Joint disease can occur in the form of specific arthritis like Rheumatoid arthritis, Crystalline arthritis, Pseudogout etc which can cause serious manifestations of joint pain and restriction of mobility. Usually Fibromyalgia can cause ah arthritis like picture which is not truly arthritis. In Fibromyalgia there is joint stiffness and reduced mobility with can lead to joint disease and further therapy. I would firstly examine and investigate my patient to rule out other forms of joint disease line Rheumatoid arthritis, Osteoarthritis, Osteoporosis, Gout, Pseudogout, etc. Laboratory tests like anti ccp and Rheumatoid factor can help in the diagnosis of Rheumatoid arthritis. Joint aspiration and microscopic escalation of the joint fluid can help diagnose Gout. I am not sure if these test were performed by your doctor. ESR and CRP are usually elevated in Fibromyalgia. Other causes of their elevation needs to be sought out by your Doctor like Rheumatoid arthritis, Crystalline arthritis. Even Anaemia can cause increased ESR, which in your case could occur due to the Hypothyroidism or due to less intake of iron rich diet. You also seen to be suffering for Upper GI ulceration. Kindly understand that must of these symptoms are part of the Fibromyalgia complex and also overlap with Hypothyroidism. However as I mentioned earlier, I would run a few tests to rule out other possibilities before confirming the cause as fibromyalgia. If fibromyalgia is confirmed, I would treat my patient with antidepressant like Escitalopram 20mg daily which will help with the symptoms of depression. CBT therapy involves a discussion of the patient's problems and logical reasoning out of them to help the patient understand how to effectively tackle them and avoid worrying excessively about a problem. Further hypothyroidism needs to be treated with Thyroid hormonal therapy after doing tests to find the levels of Thyroid hormones in your blood. I've the hormonal therapy has started, many of the symptoms will improve. Your physician will know about the dose needed in your case. T Eat healthy and include fresh fruits and green leafy vegetables which will help with nutritional anaemia. Keep well hydrated. Drink plenty of water. Stay stress free with Yoga. Get 6 to 8 hours of sleep. Exercise with cardio exercise daily for atleast 45 minutes to an hour daily. Avoid smoking, drinking alcohol, junk food, colas. Kindly consult with a leading Psychiatrist who will be able to offer you the above mentioned treatment for Fibromyalgia and offer your relief. Your Gastroenteroloist will help you manage the ulceration.kindly avoid the above mentioned diet to reduce the progression of stomach ulcers. Fibromyalgia needs the combined treatment of your Primary care provider, Rheumatologist Orthopaedic surgeon, Gastroenterologist, Psychiatrist and Counsellor Psychologist for the proper management and effective therapy. Kindly follow up with me once you consult your Doctor about the same. I hope I have answered your query. Thanking you. Regards, Dr. Aashish Raghu