[67F] Experiencing severe muscle and joint pain with weakness

What might be happening

Based on the information you've provided, the following conditions could be contributing to your symptoms:

• Polymyalgia Rheumatica: This condition causes pain and stiffness in the muscles, particularly in the shoulders and hips. It typically occurs in people over 65 and can come on suddenly. It's often accompanied by fatigue, weight loss, and a low-grade fever.

  • Treatment usually involves low doses of corticosteroids, which can provide dramatic relief within days.

• Myasthenia Gravis: This is a neuromuscular disorder that causes weakness in the skeletal muscles, which are responsible for breathing and moving parts of the body, including the arms and legs. The weakness tends to get worse with activity and improve with rest.

  • Treatment options include medications to help improve nerve-to-muscle communication and suppress the immune system, therapy to manage symptoms, and surgery if necessary.

• Rheumatoid Arthritis: This is a chronic inflammatory disorder that can cause joint pain and damage throughout your body. The joint damage usually happens on both sides of your body, so if a joint is affected in one of your arms or legs, the same joint in the other arm or leg will probably be affected too.

  • Treatment focuses on controlling symptoms and preventing joint damage, and often involves medications, physical therapy, and sometimes surgery.

Please remember that these are possibilities, not a definitive diagnosis. It's important to consult with a healthcare provider for an accurate diagnosis.

What you can do

1. Schedule an appointment with your primary care provider to discuss your symptoms. They may refer you to a specialist, such as a rheumatologist or a neurologist, for further evaluation.
2. Keep a symptom diary. Note when your symptoms occur, what you're doing when they occur, and how long they last. This can provide valuable information to your healthcare provider.
3. Try gentle exercises, like walking or swimming, which might help reduce muscle pain and stiffness. But be sure to rest when you need to and don't overdo it.
4. Eat a balanced diet and get plenty of sleep. These can help boost your immune system and improve your overall health.

What you should look out for

Seek immediate medical attention if you experience:

• Difficulty breathing or swallowing
• Sudden, severe pain in any joint
• Fever, chills, or unexplained weight loss
• Any new or worsening symptoms

Remember, I'm an AI and this advice is based on the information you provided. It's always important to consult with a healthcare provider for an accurate diagnosis and treatment.