Undiagnosed Autoimmune with back pain, spasms, and stiffness

I have PMR, but I was stuck in the loop you are in for a long, long time. Your post has elicited some wonderful advice. I can only tell you what worked for me. After consulting four rheumatologists, three orthopedists, and my PCP, I referred myself to Mayo Clinic. I found that the doctor at Mayo had far more knowledge--in part because she had treated a far greater number of patients with PMR. My diagnosis had been complicated by the fact that my symptoms were atypical for PMR. The doctors I had seen prior to going to Mayo, in my opinion, knew only what they had covered in their autoimmune class--if there is such a thing. Any deviation from the typical symptoms had no meaning for them.

Whatever your disease, I suspect that your symptoms are atypical which makes a hard to diagnose disease even more difficult to diagnose.

As a member of this group, I have observed a common thread among the membership. It appears to me that the vast majority advocate becoming a strong self-advocate and engaging in extensive research. I had a good idea of what my problem was before I went to Mayo because of the research I had done. That boosted my confidence in my ability to read my body.

Never had I ever thought that I would seek treatment at an out-of-state clinic for anything. The realization my life would have no quality if I remained in the loop motivated me to begin looking at reputable medical centers that could possibly help diagnose my problem. I had to travel by air to the clinic and had to stay in a local hotel for about three or four days. It was worth every penny I invested.

My wife seems to be in a similar boat. Her issues started with monthly sinus infections that would last 10 days. She was diagnosed with Chronic Variable immunodeficiency and started on IVIG years ago for low antibodies. No more sinus infections. 12 years ago started with profound fatigue, low grade fevers, chills and spent years in bed, not able to do much. Pain episodes started 1.5 years ago. She describes the pain as someone operating on her back without anesthesia lasting anywhere from hours to months. The pain usually starts in the back but has started over her eye, the leg ect and then spreads to the rest of her body. She is writhing in bed when the pain is bad and can take extremely high doses of opiods without much help. Last Sept. she spent 12 days on IV dilaudid in the hospital then discharged on IV dilaudid which she took until the episode resolved (2 months). She has been thru withdrawl numerous times as she will not take anything if she can hold off. Other symptoms include intermittent dysphonia (spasms of the vocal cords), intermittent diarrhea and constipation. Worst symptom is the pain but the fatugue, fever and chills are no fun either. Linda spent 4 days at Mayo, that is before the pains started and was a patient at the National Institute of Health for the Undiagnosed Disease Program. She has has an extensive workup from her wonderful immunologist, multiple neurologists, pain specialists, ENT...She has gone 3 months feeling great, then sx return. We have no idea what sets it off or what makes it better. Other Med problems include Hashimotos, Hypertension, premature ovarian failure (menapause at 36), CVID. She has been had extensive genetic testing and tested for Lyme. Still looking for answers.

I should also add that when the first rheumatologist that I saw ran labs my C3 compliments were slightly low however when the second rheumatologist ran them 2 mos later they had returned to the normal range.

Hi!
I’m sorry that your going through so much. I can feel for you because it took awhile for them to diagnose what I had. Some of the symptoms you have I had. Finally I found a doctor that was able to diagnose the issue. I have an autoimmune disorder call stiff person syndrome. Tell your neurologist to check your ANTI GAD-65. I hope I was a help.

Hi Amber, I'm sorry that this is a late response to your original post. I have hashimoto's thyroiditis it's an autoimmune disease. I want to encourage you to see your regular doctors along with a natural path or integrated medicine doctor. Integrated medicine doctors test your vitamins and minerals things normal doctors don't. Tingling sensations can often be low b vitamins. I have a lot of joint pain and do not have arthritis. Fish oil, hyaluronic acid, supplements helped tremendously. I take a multitude of supplements. Magnesium helps with pain. I also do vitamin IVs and that helps tremendously. Do research on your vitamins and minerals include that in your care. It's a journey and they all work together I also see a chiropractor monthly and that helps as well.

Very good advice.
I was speaking with a woman at a hospital appointment ,whose 4 yr old daughter showed all the signs of lyme. (& she knew her daughter had been bit two months before the symptoms showed. )
Little girl tested negative for iLyme. The Mom didn't give up. After a year of her daughter getting worse with no help to discover what was wrong ( with her constant pushing the professionals) ,she heard of a Dr who specialized in Lyme D in Ottawa Canada. He treated her daughter aggressively & she is doing well. She Will always have some problems that can not be reversed but this Dr has stopped the progression of the disease.
Don’t give up. Go online & look for a specialist with good results.

My wife seems to be in a similar boat. Her issues started with monthly sinus infections that would last 10 days. She was diagnosed with Chronic Variable immunodeficiency and started on IVIG years ago for low antibodies. No more sinus infections. 12 years ago started with profound fatigue, low grade fevers, chills and spent years in bed, not able to do much. Pain episodes started 1.5 years ago. She describes the pain as someone operating on her back without anesthesia lasting anywhere from hours to months. The pain usually starts in the back but has started over her eye, the leg ect and then spreads to the rest of her body. She is writhing in bed when the pain is bad and can take extremely high doses of opiods without much help. Last Sept. she spent 12 days on IV dilaudid in the hospital then discharged on IV dilaudid which she took until the episode resolved (2 months). She has been thru withdrawl numerous times as she will not take anything if she can hold off. Other symptoms include intermittent dysphonia (spasms of the vocal cords), intermittent diarrhea and constipation. Worst symptom is the pain but the fatugue, fever and chills are no fun either. Linda spent 4 days at Mayo, that is before the pains started and was a patient at the National Institute of Health for the Undiagnosed Disease Program. She has has an extensive workup from her wonderful immunologist, multiple neurologists, pain specialists, ENT...She has gone 3 months feeling great, then sx return. We have no idea what sets it off or what makes it better. Other Med problems include Hashimotos, Hypertension, premature ovarian failure (menapause at 36), CVID. She has been had extensive genetic testing and tested for Lyme. Still looking for answers.