Don't know what to do

[username9652]

I feel awful. I'm aching all over, my joints hurt, I can barely get off the sofa.

I don't have a cold or flu as I rarely go out. I don't have a temperature and don't know what to do.

I don't think I could get to the Dr for a few reasons but mainly because I can barely get from one room to the next.

I do have an autoimmune (Sjogrens) but it's never affected me like this before. I don't know whether to contact the rheumatologist, my GP or just wait it out and see if I feel better.

What do you think I should do?

Oh no! Do you have rheumatology nurse specialist you could call?
I've just been diagnosed with RA and also wondering at what point I'd flag an issue. But you sound bad. Rheumatology or call GP and ask for phone appointment or advice as first point of call?

Unless you're never in contact with another human being it's not impossible for you to have a cold/flu/covid I'm afraid.

Do you have a plan for when you're ill due to your underlying condition? Are you alone or do you have someone with you?

I had similar symptoms to you a couple of weeks ago, for me it was safe not to get medical advice because I could have a good guess at what had caused it and I had someone nearby who could keep an eye on me. When I was still rough after 3 days I got in touch with the team that helps with my long term condition and they gave me advice. I've got the kit to do basic obs at home so I didn't have to go anywhere.

If you're worried 111 might be helpful.

Hope you're feeling better soon

Could someone get you a covid test?

I can contact rheumatology but I don't know what they'd do, they'd probably advise blood tests. I think my GP is the best bet.

Thank you.

The last time I saw someone was mid September, do you think it's lain dormant?

When I have flare ups, I normally just rest until it passes but this is horrendous. I'm alone and don't know anyone nearby.

NHS Direct is certainly an idea, thanks

I haven't seen anyone for a month but it does feel a bit like COVID.

How are you doing today op?

Thank you so much for checking in. I'm by myself so have no one looking after me.

I realised that I must have the flu or COVID and I got it from the food delivery driver! I could not work out where I could have picked something up and then it occurred to me that it must be him.

Strangely he just dropped off the bags and left but that must have been enough time to pass something on. It's such a relief that it's something that will pass as I thought my autoimmune had gone into hyperdrive.

Paracetamol don't seem to be helping but I'm taking them and trying to drink fluids but can barely move so it's difficult. I don't think I'm drinking enough.

It's not healthy not seeing anyone for long periods of time, is there a reason for this?

You will be exposed to germs from anything that comes into your house - letters from the postman, Amazon deliveries, food packages from the supermarkets etc. so it's still possible it is flu or covid.

What are your usual Sjogren's symptoms?

I have a disability.

Mild flu like symptoms, dry eyes, brain fog, body pain.

If body pain is a symptom it could be a flare if Sjogrens? Do you take any treatment for it?

I'm interested in Sjogrens as my GP thinks I might have it (very dry eyes and dry nose - zero nasal mucus) but I don't have dry mouth and thought that was the main symptom? He said he could only treat symptoms anyway.

No it's not a flare as it's way too severe, I can barely move.

I don't have a dry mouth. I have dry eyes and vaginal dryness.

My autoimmune presented itself as severe brain fog. I could not take anything in at all. I was studying at the time and couldn't remember lecturers.

I had pain throbbing through my body and felt like I was constantly coming down with a cold. My blood tests showed inflammation.

I also had chronic fatigue which presented as having absolutely no energy. I couldn't get up off a chair. As well as insomnia.

The chronic fatigue has gone or I haven't had it in years. The flu like symptoms are still there but the pain only comes in a flare up. I still have the dryness.

I was prescribed medication which didn't make any difference. I see a rheumatologist once a year for blood tests.

Your rheumatologist is right, all they can do is manage symptoms.

If you have chronic fatigue, could it be bad PEM?

Do you have people who could visit you? Sorry I don't mean to interfere, I just know the impact social isolation can have.
I hope you feel better soon.

I don't think so. It's beginning to clear a little now. I'm still barely able to move but my head feels clearer. I know how a flare of symptoms feels which was why I was so freaked out as I felt so bad.

Thank you though. I looked it up and it does seem relevant.

Not really. No need to apologise it's very kind of you to be concerned. I speak on the phone to my family but am very isolated at the moment. My sister is coming to see me soon.