I was just released last week after spending another 10 days in the hospital for the same ole stuff that has been happening since early this summer ( lung congestion, high heart rate, and infection). Prior to being admitted my family doc put me on steroid infusions 4x daily for 5 days as an outpatient and to see him in 2 days. When I went to see him 2 days later, he admitted me because I had a fever of 103.2 and my heart rate was 136. I am so used to feeling miserable, I had just taken it in stride and didn't realize how sick I was. My family doc called in an Internal Medicine Specialist to consult with on my case and when he came to see me, he told me I was presenting similar symptoms as I had 4 years earlier when I was diagnosed with H1N1 (same doc I had 4 years ago during that time). I was put in isolation and there began a battery of tests.
Once the blood work was completed I was put on Avelox, another antibiotic (cant remember the name) and steroids through the IV (had been completely off the steroids since September due to inflammation of the liver). Orally, I was on, Tamiflu, Ativan, Calcium, Vitamin D, Diamicron, Upiphyl, Flovent (2puffs 2x daily), Mask Treatment 4x Daily, Tecta, Tiazac XC and Zopiclone. My blood tests and swabs started coming back and was negative for the majority of it with the an exception of a high WBC.
On day 7 I awoke to a lot of swelling in my legs, feet and abdomen. An ultrasound of my legs showed no blockages and my blood work came back good. I was started on Lasix through the IV. I had put on 24.5lbs! The doctors didn`t know what caused the fluid retention and on day 10 I was well enough to go home. It was during my discharge conversation with my doctor that he told me not to take my plaquenil until I heard from my PsA doctor, when I questioned him as to why not, he said I needed to have my immune system and not to take anything that will suppress it. He said he will be sending her a letter about my condition and she will contact me.
So after this long winded story, here is my question: I feel like my current condition is due to one of two things, 1. Damage that was done from the H1N1 Virus, because prior to that I was never sick nor had any of these issues, but did have them after that virus and have gotten worse and much more frequent in this past year. 2. Is it possible this could be from PsA? A lot of my issues seem to have a lot to do with inflammation. Could it be a combination of both 1 and 2?
On top of everything I have gone though my PsA has been really acting up in places that I have never had any trouble, my neck and lower back, plus my regular pain is getting out of control and I don't even know if I can take anything for it because I am on so much meds as it is. The worst feeling I have is that of being excessively tired and worn out. Its one thing for my body to feel that way but its a new thing for my head to feel the same way. Is there anyone else out there going through anything similar to me?