Tuesday, July 18, 2006

Medical Mystery Solved

In case anyone remembers, a few weeks ago I was complaining of some strange symptoms – painful joints in my hands, swollen ankles, chills and fever. The blood tests I had turned up nothing and I was given an anti-inflammatory and sent on my way with a sincere, “We hope you feel better soon,” from the doctor.

Well, it turns out I had Fifth Disease. I would never have known except that my son developed that mysterious case of what we thought was hives, and the very next day my daughter broke out in a very distinctive, lacy red rash. Turns out a kid in her class had Fifth Disease and after a little research I found out that, though it usually occurs in children between the ages of 5 and 15, adults can get it also and the symptoms in adults are pretty much exactly what I had.

On top of that, my mother also developed flu-like symptoms, a rash and a generally ill feeling. She went to her doctor and mentioned Fifth and he confirmed it.

So, mystery solved, once again, by a lay person. At least I know what it is. Can’t wait to go back to my doctor and tell them what it was. Maybe next time they’ll be able to diagnose it – not that it can be cured. Like most viruses it just has to go away on its own and you feel crappy until you feel better.

At least I've stopped feeling crappy. Now if only the NJ heat wave would break and we could all stand to go outside. Yesterday my daughter was complaining because the water in the pool was too warm! The kid has a rough life. What can I say. Sheesh.

Off to try to get some work done.

1 comment:

Angela's Designs said...

Awful heat here as well. Over 100 today. I'm skipping a trip to the river to get some surfing on the Internet done. I never heard of this either. Glad you're feeling better.