Any ideas what this illness could be?

[moffat]

A friend of mine recently went on holiday to Bangaladesh. Ever since her return she has been feeling unwell - can't eat, can't sleep, shooting pains in arms and legs, feeling of sickness, feeling weak. She has had blood tests etc and seen GP who thinks it is stress related but friend is adamant that she is not feeling stressed. Am starting to feel worried for her.

Her GP needs to call the hospital for tropical diseases and have a chat with them about his. There's loads of things that she could have picked up on her travels, from the shooting pains it sounds like something neurological though, blood tests are useful if they are looking for something specific and can miss alot off. They are values for the 'average' patient, her Hb for example may normally be higher then the 'average' patient, a lower result may be in the normal range for the 'average' patient but may indicate anaemia for her IYSWIM.

www.thehtd.org/ Have a look here.

Thank you so much BellDeCocolateFluffyBun...will pass on that advice.

I really do hope she finds out what it is and is on the mend really soon. I'd tell her to pop to A&E if she gets any worse though, they can call the tropical disease centre as it's only healthcare professionals who can call for advice. She must say she's been in India though.

Thanks Belle - she has been to A&E a few times but I don't know if she mentioned the trip - I will tell her.

It is really important. Let me know how things go. I hope she recovers soon.

HI Belle... just in case you check this thread friend was checked out at tropical diseases hospital and was given the all clear. It does look like it is stress or anxiety related so she is trying to eat better and take more exercise. She has also complained of palpitations so has been referred to a cardiologist, anyway, once again thank you for your help. From what I can tell though it is likely to be anxiety.

has she got diarrhoea

no alypaly - I don't think so.

ask doc if they can do a stool sample for cryptosporidium.

actually, just had a thought....has she been on larium /mefloquine for her anti malarials