[gbstewart]

Healthy and very energetic male until 2 1/2 years ago. Developed sudden onset of episodic fevers (100-104), joint pain, fatigue...felt flu-like is the only way to describe it. Two hospitalizations with enormous work ups from I.D, cardiology, I.M. and Rheum. Most labs normal or marginal: + ANA (speckled), sed rate up to 80, anemia, ra ruled out. Rheumy started plaq. in may 08. Today w/o fevers, joint pain somewhat better, lots of fatigue remain, and struggle to get through work days and crash on weekends. Family is having hard time adjusting to this 180. I feel useless at times. Just want to know what I'm dealing with.
GBS

 

[Maia]

Hello and welcome! Of course, very sorry for what brings you here...

It sounds like they are leaning towards lupus or some sort of autoimmune disease. It is promising that you are already feeling an improvement on the Plaquenil after just four months. That's great! As to what to expect... it's never easy to know that when you have lupus/similar autoimmune disease. Many MANY people will improve so dramatically with treatment they get to a remission state, so that is one possibility. That's certainly the option to hope for...

I can remember trying to work full time and doing just as you describe... struggling to get through each day and then try to come home and care for my then 1 year old DD. I would crash at night and weekends too and could do next to nothing besides working. I tried that for 1.5 years and then had to stop working.

I hope the Plaquenil continues to provide some improvement for you and they are able to finalize a diagnosis soon. Take care and welcome again!