[phoenixflower]

I've been having a myriad of symptoms that suggest an autoimmune problem (although I have no idea what yet), but I was wondering if anyone has ever experienced rapid weight gain (~30-40 lbs in 3 months) as a symptom of an autoimmune issue. I'm kind of at my wit's end with the fatigue, malaise, pain, chronic infections, abdominal swelling, night sweats, spontaneous rashes, and no answers. All of a sudden the rapid weight gain set in, and my body is starting to feel that much more foreign to me (and my doc)... Any input would be greatly appreciated!

 

[lazylegs]

Welcome to the site Phoenixflower.

The rapid weight gain brings to mind a problem with your thyroid. Have you had it checked recently? Thyroid problems can also cause fatigue, malaise and night sweats. It is worth getting checked if you haven't already.

Has your doctor done an ANA test yet?

I also suggest you keeping a food diary in correlation to your abdominal swelling. It may be you are sensitive to certain foods.

Since your doctor is puzzled maybe it is time to ask for a referral to see a rheumatologist for a second opinion.

Take care,
Lazylegs

 

[phoenixflower]

Hi there,

So far, my doctor has ordered 7 ultrasounds (for the abdominal swelling - I look about 6-7 mos. preggo, though I'm not), repeated WBC and RBC counts, urinalyses, and TSH blood tests. So far, all that's been negative.

I'm going to see an internal medicine specialist, but since I was experiencing a number of symptoms that suggest a potential autoimmune issue (not saying it's definitive by any means), I just wanted to see others' experiences.

 

[debatat]

Hi, welcome to the site. It sounds very uncomfortable that swelling, I hope that you can get some relief soon. Let us know how you get on.

Take care

Deb

 

[Coastiewife]

I had this problem during my dx track. I ended up having motility issues, my stomach was not working the way it was suppose to and it was holding on to food for way longer than it was supposed to, no digestion was taking place therefore causing me to swell up like I was preggers. the way this was discovered was thorugh an upper GI series. I was fasting but there was still a great deal of food left in my stomach and they couldn't do the test properly.