My sister has been experiencing muscle and joint pain. Can anyone help?

Question

For the past four years she has been experiencing the following symptoms: Pain and stiffness in most joints especially knees, hips and most recently ankles; constant muscle aches and pains around back of thighs and hips; tenderness and swelling in tendons/ligaments; general skin sensitivity; constant tiredness(extreme at times), lack of energy and motivation, sleep disturbances and mild headaches. Doctors visits and blood work have not resulted in any diagnosis. Doctor believes that symptoms are related to menopause. She is 47 but has not had menopause yet. The onset of these symptoms has been gradual and they have become more constant and severe in the past 6 months, though not debilitating.

Has anyone experienced similar symptoms and if so, what is the diagnosis and has there been any effective treatment? If this is related to menopause, do the symptoms eventually go away or at least lessen?

I have told her to start doing yoga and get some acupuncture. What do you think?

Answer 1

Does arthritis run in your family?  Has she been check for anemia and vitamin deficiencies?

By chance is there a way should could have contacted lyme disease?

I'm not sure if it is related to menopause.  

If for the past 6 months it has been more constant and severe I don't think it will be going away (it might though).

I would make sure she is getting a well balanced diet, plenty of sleep, reduce stress, and if she doesn't get better maybe ask for a referal to a specialist.

You can try additional reasearch here.http://www.webmd.com/

EDIT:  you may want to look up chronic fatigue syndrome and fibromyalgia as well.

Answer 2

HI, it is possible she could have a disease called Wegeners' Granulomatosis. This is how my daughter started out. She needs to see a rheumatologist. Have the doctor do some blood work, especially a blood test called ANCA, also a SED rate. He will know what they are, Check out www.vasculitisfoundation.com.  Wegeners is a crazy disease, and can affect any age. It is not menopause. See a rheumatologist. It is very serious disease. Has she ever had sinus problems, nose bleeds, coughing up blood. these are othersymptomss in addition to the ones you listed, Get back to me, I just happened to get on this site by accident but maybe it was meant to be. Sharon