[37F] With joint pain and armpit lumps
Patient Description
A 37-year-old female reports several weeks of joint pain in fingers, elbows, wrists, toes, and ankles, described as a sprain-like pain, rated 7/10 in severity, and worse in the mornings with stiffness but minimal swelling. She also noticed hard, red, and painful lumps in the armpits appearing today, without any injury. Recent symptoms include fever, fatigue, weight loss, and night sweats. She had a recent stomach bug and mastitis. No other swollen lymph nodes noted. Current medications include duloxetine 60mg daily, pregabalin 300mg daily, domperidone 90mg daily, melatonin 10mg daily, Advil 500mg daily, and postnatal vitamins. These medications were started three months ago with no symptom changes. No known family history of autoimmune diseases or similar symptoms.
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Arora's Assessment
What might be happening
Your symptoms could be related to several conditions:
-
Rheumatoid Arthritis (RA):
- RA is an autoimmune disorder that causes joint pain, stiffness, and swelling, often worse in the mornings. It can also cause fatigue and lumps under the skin, known as rheumatoid nodules.
- Diagnosis typically involves blood tests and imaging studies. Treatment may include medications to reduce inflammation and manage symptoms.
-
Lymphadenopathy:
- The hard, painful lumps in your armpits could be swollen lymph nodes, possibly due to an infection or inflammation.
- A healthcare provider might perform a physical exam and possibly imaging or blood tests to determine the cause.
-
Infection or Inflammatory Response:
- Given your recent mastitis and stomach bug, your body might be reacting to these infections, causing joint pain and swollen lymph nodes.
- Treatment would focus on addressing the underlying infection.
What you can do
Joint Pain:
- See a healthcare provider for a thorough evaluation. They may recommend blood tests or imaging.
- Manage pain with over-the-counter pain relievers like Advil, but follow dosing instructions carefully.
- Stay active with gentle exercises to maintain joint flexibility.
Lumps in Armpits:
- Monitor the lumps for changes in size or pain. If they worsen, seek medical attention.
- Apply warm compresses to the area to help reduce discomfort.
General Tips:
- Rest and hydrate to support your body's recovery from any infections.
- Track your symptoms using MDandMe to provide detailed information to your healthcare provider.
What you should look out for
- Increased pain or swelling in your joints or lumps.
- Fever or chills that persist or worsen.
- Unexplained weight loss or night sweats.
If any of these occur, or if your symptoms don't improve, seek medical attention promptly. Always consult with a healthcare professional for a formal diagnosis and treatment plan.
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2 mo ago