Constantly feeling like I’m getting the flu

[hospital21]

History: chronic hip and knee pain, no diagnosis, was told it was maybe bursitis and fobbed off.

I’m coeliac (been gluten free since mid July) and my ferritin is the low end of normal (not sure exactly what number it is but I’m not technically deficient even though I know it can still have an effect).
I have made an effort to include more iron rich foods in my diet and also take a supplement (careful not to overdo it).

It’s not covid because it’s been going on for as long as I can remember. It could just be the ferritin but my whole upper body hurts to touch (the skin is so sensitive), my joints ache, I’m absolutely exhausted, feel sick and weak. I am certain I haven’t had any gluten and I certainly can’t be having it every day. I’m only 27 and am so sick of having that horrible telltale sign that a flare is starting… i don’t understand how people my age go to clubs etc. I used to do it and just can’t.

Does anyone else get this? I’m gutted because I really thought I’d feel better by now and I’m starting to worry there’s something else going on.

Could be lots of things but no it isn’t normal. Could be something like chronic fatigue disease or you could have illness that your body is constantly fighting low immune or inflammation and you feel drained.

Is worth keep going back to GP and laying it out how much this is affecting your life and want to get to the bottom of it. Can you track and see if you can find any particular triggers? Does your cycle have any effect?

In retrospect, constantly feeling like I was getting the flu was probably the first sign that I had rheumatoid arthritis.

Plus sore knees and shoulders.

If you have cealiac you have more chance of developing SIBO, which is an overgrowth of bacteria in the small intestine. This can cause the symptoms you describe - it would be worth raising with your consultant. Oil of oregano softgels can also kill off an overgrowth, but it’s really important you take probiotics or even better kefir at the same time to repopulate with the good stuff.