[42M] With chills, hot flashes, knee and head pain, and mouth sores

What might be happening

Based on the symptoms you've described, here are some possible explanations:

Mouth Sores

• Aphthous Stomatitis (Canker Sores): These are common and can be triggered by stress, minor injuries to the mouth, acidic or spicy foods, or underlying health conditions. They usually resolve on their own within 1-2 weeks.
• Viral Infections: Conditions like herpes simplex virus can cause painful sores in the mouth.

Hot Flashes and Chills

• Infection: Even without a fever, infections can cause hot flashes and chills. This could be a viral or bacterial infection.
• Hormonal Imbalance: Conditions like hyperthyroidism can cause hot flashes and chills.
• Jet Lag and Stress: Traveling across time zones can disrupt your body's normal rhythm, potentially causing hot flashes and chills.

Knee Pain

• Degenerative Joint Disease: Given your history of degenerative disc disease, it's possible that you might be experiencing early signs of osteoarthritis in your knee.
• Overuse or Strain: Even without a specific injury, overuse or strain from travel or changes in activity levels can cause knee pain.

Headache

• Tension Headache: This is a common type of headache that can be caused by stress, poor posture, or muscle strain, especially given your neck and shoulder involvement.
• Migraine: Although less likely, migraines can cause severe, throbbing pain and might be triggered by changes in sleep patterns, stress, or diet.

Fatigue

• Jet Lag: Traveling across time zones can disrupt your sleep and cause significant fatigue.
• Infection or Illness: Fatigue can be a symptom of an underlying infection or illness.

What you can do

Mouth Sores

• Avoid Irritants: Stay away from acidic, spicy, or rough foods that can aggravate the sores.
• Topical Treatments: Over-the-counter topical treatments like benzocaine (Orajel) can help numb the pain.
• Salt Water Rinse: Rinse your mouth with a saltwater solution to help reduce pain and inflammation.

Hot Flashes and Chills

• Stay Hydrated: Drink plenty of fluids to stay hydrated.
• Dress in Layers: Wear layers that you can easily remove if you start to feel too warm.
• Monitor Symptoms: Keep track of your symptoms and any potential triggers using the MDandMe journal.

Knee Pain

• Rest and Ice: Rest your knee and apply ice to reduce pain and swelling.
• Over-the-Counter Pain Relief: Continue using Motrin (ibuprofen) as needed, but do not exceed the recommended dose.
• Gentle Exercise: Engage in gentle exercises like stretching or walking to keep your knee mobile without overstraining it.

Headache

• Pain Relief: Continue using Motrin for pain relief.
• Relaxation Techniques: Practice relaxation techniques like deep breathing, meditation, or gentle yoga to reduce stress.
• Good Posture: Maintain good posture, especially if you're spending a lot of time sitting or using electronic devices.

Fatigue

• Adjust Sleep Schedule: Try to adjust your sleep schedule to the local time zone gradually.
• Stay Active: Engage in light physical activity to help reset your internal clock.
• Limit Caffeine and Alcohol: Avoid excessive caffeine and alcohol, especially close to bedtime.

What you should look out for

Given the range of your symptoms, it's important to monitor for any changes or worsening of your condition. Seek medical attention if you experience:

• High Fever: A sudden high fever could indicate a serious infection.
• Severe or Persistent Pain: If your pain becomes unbearable or does not improve with over-the-counter medications.
• Shortness of Breath or Chest Pain: These could be signs of a more serious condition.
• Neurological Symptoms: Any new or worsening neurological symptoms like numbness, weakness, or confusion.

Remember, while I can provide some guidance, it's important to consult with a healthcare professional for a formal diagnosis and appropriate treatment. You can use MDandMe to journal your symptoms, track your progress, get insights, and share your medical notes with your provider.