[40F] With long-standing joint pain and multiple chronic conditions

What might be happening

Given the information you've provided, several conditions could be contributing to your symptoms:

• Fibromyalgia: This is a chronic condition characterized by widespread pain in the muscles and bones, areas of tenderness, and general fatigue. Symptoms like your joint pain, fatigue, and sensory processing disorder could be attributed to this condition.

  • There's no cure for fibromyalgia, but medication, exercise, stress management, and healthy habits may ease symptoms.

• Gastroesophageal Reflux Disease (GERD): This condition occurs when stomach acid frequently flows back into the tube connecting your mouth and stomach (esophagus). This backwash (acid reflux) can irritate the lining of your esophagus, causing symptoms like heartburn and acid reflux.

  • Treatment typically involves lifestyle changes and over-the-counter medications. In severe cases, prescription medication or surgery might be necessary.

• Sinusitis: This is inflammation or swelling of the tissue lining the sinuses. This can lead to symptoms like sinus pain and green discharge.

  • Treatment typically involves managing symptoms with over-the-counter treatments and improving sinus drainage. In some cases, antibiotics or surgery might be necessary.

• Polycystic Ovary Syndrome (PCOS) and Endometriosis: These conditions can cause a variety of symptoms, including menstrual irregularities, excess hair growth, acne, and obesity.

  • Treatment typically involves lifestyle changes, medication to manage symptoms, and potentially surgery.

What you can do

1. Consult with your doctor: They can provide a formal assessment and order relevant tests if necessary.

2. Lifestyle changes: Regular exercise, a healthy diet, and adequate sleep can help manage many of your symptoms.

3. Medication management: Continue taking your prescribed medications and discuss any side effects with your doctor. They may need to adjust your medication or provide additional treatment to manage the side effects.

What you should look out for

Seek immediate medical attention if you experience:

• Severe chest pain or pressure, especially if it radiates to your jaw, neck or arm
• Shortness of breath
• Sudden, severe headache unlike any you've had before
• Fainting, sudden dizziness, weakness or loss of coordination or balance
• Sudden, severe pain in your abdomen or lower back
• Any other symptom that is severe or concerning

Remember, while this information can be helpful, it's important to consult with a healthcare professional for a formal diagnosis and treatment options.