[40F] Experiencing muscle weakness and pain with mouth ulcers

What might be happening

Based on the information you have provided, the following conditions could be causing your symptoms:

• Ehlers-Danlos Syndrome (EDS): This is a group of inherited disorders that affect your connective tissues — primarily your skin, joints and blood vessel walls. You mentioned that you were diagnosed with EDS 20 years ago. EDS can cause a variety of symptoms, including muscle pain and weakness. However, it's less common for EDS to cause mouth ulcers.

  • There's no cure for EDS, but treatment can help manage symptoms and prevent complications. This often includes physical therapy and over-the-counter pain relievers.

• Fibromyalgia: This is a disorder characterized by widespread musculoskeletal pain accompanied by fatigue, sleep, memory and mood issues. It's often considered a rheumatic condition, a medical condition that impairs the joints and/or soft tissues and causes chronic pain.

  • While there is no cure for fibromyalgia, a variety of medications can help control symptoms. Exercise, relaxation and stress-reduction measures also may help.

• Behcet's disease: This is a rare disorder that causes blood vessel inflammation throughout your body. The disease can lead to numerous signs and symptoms that may seem unrelated at first. They may include mouth sores, eye inflammation, skin rashes and lesions, and genital sores.

  • There's no cure for Behcet's disease, but you may be able to manage symptoms with medications that reduce inflammation and suppress the immune system.

Please note that these are only possibilities. It's important to consult with a healthcare provider for an accurate diagnosis.

What you can do

1. Continue taking your prescribed medications as directed by your healthcare provider.
2. Try to identify any triggers for your symptoms and avoid them if possible.
3. Maintain a healthy lifestyle. This includes eating a balanced diet, getting regular exercise, and ensuring you get enough sleep.
4. Keep a symptom diary. This can help you and your healthcare provider identify patterns and triggers, which can be useful for managing your symptoms.

What you should look out for

If you notice any of the following symptoms, seek medical attention immediately:

• Severe pain that doesn't improve with rest or medications
• Difficulty breathing or swallowing
• Changes in vision or eye pain
• Signs of infection, such as fever, chills, or redness and swelling around a sore

Remember, it's important to consult with a healthcare provider for an accurate diagnosis and treatment.