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Stiff Neck, Loss Appetite, Anxiety Symptoms, Palpitations, Kidney Area Pain, GERD, Meningitis, On Aleve, Antacids
Question: About 14 days ago I woke up with the worst stiff neck I've ever had. I could barely move around. About 8 days ago, I started to get a very feint sore throat, sinus pressure, slightly sticky mouth, and complete loss of appetite as well as anxiety symptoms (which I usually have anyways) such as palpitations and feelings of dread. (i have dealt with anxiety since my tour in iraq in 2004-2005) Occasional chills, but not any "severe" fever symptoms. I was also severely depressed for a couple of days about 5-6 days ago. My neck got better each day and my appetite finally came back 4 days ago for the most part. I only ate one meal a day this mast M,T,W, TH, then 3 full meals this past fri, sat, sun, until today I've eaten once, but feel hungry at least. I'm concerned that this might possibly be meningitis?
I also have very acute kidney area pain and not what i would call "frequent" but more frequent urination (7-9 times a day , almost every two hours) sometimes with bubbles, sometimes hardly any, just seems unusual, though it could be from me drinking slightly more now with the sticky mouth. Some runny nose. I started taking some aleve 3 days ago. feel slightly better except for "nervous" feeling and appetite not being entirely back.
I have a history of GERD. I have never been on medication for it. I just take antacids throughout the day as needed. also have had a history of borderline high blood sugar (115-122) rested.
I also have very acute kidney area pain and not what i would call "frequent" but more frequent urination (7-9 times a day , almost every two hours) sometimes with bubbles, sometimes hardly any, just seems unusual, though it could be from me drinking slightly more now with the sticky mouth. Some runny nose. I started taking some aleve 3 days ago. feel slightly better except for "nervous" feeling and appetite not being entirely back.
I have a history of GERD. I have never been on medication for it. I just take antacids throughout the day as needed. also have had a history of borderline high blood sugar (115-122) rested.
Hello,
Thanks for posting your query.
First of all let me reassure that your symptoms are least likely to be due to meningitis. The spontaneous improvement in your neck stiffness suggests it to be due to a muscle spasm.
Most of the symptoms you are having seem to be due to a viral syndrome affecting your nose, throat and causing generalized weakness and loss of appetite. Frequent urination with mild bubbles without any pain or dysuria is a normal finding.
These types of viral syndromes typically last from as little as 3 days up to sometimes 4 to 6 weeks. I would advise that you support your body with good hydration, adequate sleep, a well-balanced diet and a moderate exercise regimen. Exercise is actually good for the immune system which is why I suggest it here. In addition you can supplement your diet with some Vitamin C - 1000 mg daily and consider drinking some immune boost type of tea such as Echinacea which is readily available at most supermarkets.
I expect your symptoms to gradually level off and improve over the next week or two. In the event that this does not occur, I suggest you visit with your primary physician for a complete physical exam and possibly some blood work as well. In the meantime, try not to worry about this and focus on maintaining good health as I have recommended with diet, fluid intake and exercise as well as adequate sleep (7-9 hours per night).
Hope this answers your query. I will be glad to answer the follow up queries that you have.
Regards.
Thanks for posting your query.
First of all let me reassure that your symptoms are least likely to be due to meningitis. The spontaneous improvement in your neck stiffness suggests it to be due to a muscle spasm.
Most of the symptoms you are having seem to be due to a viral syndrome affecting your nose, throat and causing generalized weakness and loss of appetite. Frequent urination with mild bubbles without any pain or dysuria is a normal finding.
These types of viral syndromes typically last from as little as 3 days up to sometimes 4 to 6 weeks. I would advise that you support your body with good hydration, adequate sleep, a well-balanced diet and a moderate exercise regimen. Exercise is actually good for the immune system which is why I suggest it here. In addition you can supplement your diet with some Vitamin C - 1000 mg daily and consider drinking some immune boost type of tea such as Echinacea which is readily available at most supermarkets.
I expect your symptoms to gradually level off and improve over the next week or two. In the event that this does not occur, I suggest you visit with your primary physician for a complete physical exam and possibly some blood work as well. In the meantime, try not to worry about this and focus on maintaining good health as I have recommended with diet, fluid intake and exercise as well as adequate sleep (7-9 hours per night).
Hope this answers your query. I will be glad to answer the follow up queries that you have.
Regards.
Note: Consult an experienced Otolaryngologist / ENT Specialist online for further follow up on ear, nose, and throat issues - Book a Call now.
Above answer was peer-reviewed by :
Dr. Raju A.T
Answered by
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