Hi everybody. I need some help. My friend, I have been leaning on since my husband died, is very ill, and four doctors don't know what is wrong. I hope somebody here might have a psychic idea of his illness. They said he has less than a year. He is 55. He has had massive weight loss, a low grade fever, and no cholesterol count. They said his liver was OK, but the liver makes cholesterol. He has shin bone pain, and his skin feels like it is turning inside out. He has a high white blood count, which may be because of his fever. He says he has temors, and his chest feels numb. I thought it might be aplastic anemia,or even an over-active thyroid. Can any of you help? Thank you so much if you can.
I'm feeling like it's more than one diagnosis (just because you have one horrible thing going on doesn't mean you can't have another).
I think something that's both autoimmune and endocrine system. Extreme thyroid disease maybe, combined with an inflammatory myopathy. Another possibility is a fast moving cancer like a multiple myeloma, which is why the docs would "give him a year".
Your friend needs to get more medical opinions from experts. Depending on where you live, I'd suggest finding the nearest annex of MD Anderson or Sloan Kettering. If that's not near you, get recommendations for a good oncologist AND an immunologist AND a hematologist.
With complex cases, sometimes the only way to diagnose is to rule out things one at a time. Good luck. Sending good vibes for fast answers.
@elaineg, I’m very sorry for your friend. I also understand how difficult this must be for you. I know this appears quite serious, and that multiple systems seem to be involved. When and how did his symptoms begin? I understand how exasperating it is to seek out other opinions, especially when you are feeling so ill, but I do agree with Laura. Things need to ruled out. If at all possible, I would consult with other medical experts, preferably with a large research hospital.
I am sending prayers for his comfort, strength and healing, and that he receive divine guidance. And I surround both of you with peaceful light.
It started this year with a possible heat stroke, then he got pneumonia. It has all been very sudden. Could adrenal insufficiency have something to do with his problems?
@elaineg, Gosh, I don't know. I've known a few people who have dealt with adrenal insufficiency/burnout, but other than extreme fatigue and weight loss, none of them had symptoms as severe as his. The fact it was sudden is also perplexing. It makes me wonder whether some sort of infection has taken hold and is creating a host of cascading problems. But the only way to find out is to keep searching for an answer. Is your friend close to a metropolitan area where he can obtain another expert medical opinion? Although the doctors he has seen have come up empty, it doesn't mean that an answer isn't out there.
Have you considered lyme disease ? This looks like an infection, if it is not paraneoplastic syndrome.
I agree with deetoo. Please seek a big hospital with bright medical minds, focused on research . The average doctor doesn't seem to be capable to solve this one. Go for the best, most inquisitive doctors. Seek the Dr House like mind.
Sorry I could not help more. But know that you should never give up until you find a doctor that won't give up on him. I trust your heart and trust your soul. And in the darkness of this moment you shall be the light.
Love
the beast
Lymes disease sounds promising. He did get a tick bite, but he thought he got over it. He has no insurance. All he has is VA. I know they aren't very good, but if we can give them a disease maybe they can do something. My brother-in-law was in the army for 20 years, and he wouldn't set foot in a VA hospital, but he had Tricare and didn't have to.
He thought he got over it without taking antibiotics?
If he had had any symptoms after the bite then usually people don’t just get over it without three weeks of doxycycline.
Surely the VA can prescribe a course of doxy. Most of the treatment at this point is going to be antibiotics and a lot of alternative care like following an immune boosting diet — no sugar or alcohol for example and taking time each day for mild exercise and quiet time. If it’s Lyme there is much to be done and most of it is not expensive but takes a focused lifestyle change.