[59F] Experiencing muscle pain, fatigue, and swollen neck glands
Patient Description
A 59-year-old female presents with a 3-day history of dull, widespread muscle pain rated 4 out of 10 in severity, which is somewhat alleviated by Aleve. She also reports tender, swollen glands in the neck and fatigue. The patient has a family history of autoimmune diseases, including rheumatoid arthritis and thyroid disease. She has been managing diabetes and hypertension for the past 10 years and is currently on Metformin, Jardiance, Amlodipine, and Lisinopril. She has a known allergy to penicillin. No recent injuries, fever, severe headaches, joint pain, stiffness, changes in vision, or jaw pain have been reported.
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Arora's Assessment
What might be happening
Based on the symptoms you've described, there are several possible conditions that could be causing your symptoms:
- Viral Infection: The combination of fatigue, swollen glands, and muscle aches could be due to a common viral infection, such as the flu or mononucleosis. These infections often resolve on their own with rest and hydration.
- Fibromyalgia: This is a chronic condition characterized by widespread muscle pain, fatigue, and tenderness in localized areas. It's more common in women and often starts in middle age. Your family history of autoimmune diseases might increase your risk.
- Hypothyroidism: This condition, which can occur when your thyroid doesn't produce enough hormones, can cause fatigue, muscle aches, and depression. Given your family history of thyroid disease, this could be a possibility.
- Rheumatoid Arthritis: This is an autoimmune disease that causes pain, swelling, and stiffness in the joints. However, you didn't mention joint pain, which is a common symptom of this condition.
Please note that this is not an exhaustive list and other conditions could also explain your symptoms.
What you can do
Given your symptoms and their duration, it's important to seek medical attention. Here are some steps you can take:
- Schedule an appointment with your primary care provider. They can perform a physical examination and order tests to help determine the cause of your symptoms.
- Keep a symptom diary. Note when your symptoms occur, their severity, and any potential triggers. This can help your healthcare provider in diagnosing your condition.
- Stay hydrated and rest as much as possible. This can help your body recover if your symptoms are due to an infection.
What you should look out for
If your symptoms worsen or you develop new symptoms, seek medical attention immediately. This includes:
- Severe pain
- Difficulty breathing
- Fever or chills
- Sudden weight loss
Please remember that while I strive to provide accurate and helpful health information, this advice is intended to be general in nature. You should seek care from a healthcare provider to get a formal diagnosis and treatment.
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9 mo ago