My husband has been having alot of various symptoms since April of2009. First he started with chronic diarrhea which went on for about 6 weeks. Then he got a non-itchy rash all over his body and after that he developed terrible joint aches, to the point that he missed several days of work. He had a cat scan of abdomin, complete blood work-up, endoscopy, colonoscopy. The G.I. doctor thinks it is all caused by reactive arthritis. Now 4-5 months later he again has an all over rash, and headache, shortness of breath, and fast heartbeat on and off. He went to our family doctor yesterday who thinks it might be reactive arthritis or an allergy. She sent him to a dermatoligist and he thought it is viral. We are completely lost of what to do. Does anyone out there have reactive arthritis that has caused these types of symptoms? Can anyone help point us in the right direction?. He keeps missing work due to feeling unwell or doctor appointments but we feel we are getting nowhere.In your position, I would begin with an internet search and familiarize myself with every aspect of reactive arthritis and the current recommended treatment. At least on occasion the treatment begins with several days to weeks of IV antibiotic and/or anti-fungal treatment (depending on the suspected infectious agent).
Has your husband seen a rheumatologist? If not, that might be your next step.
Best wishes, Shug
If your husband had a fever, I'm sure you would have mentioned it. I would certainly ask for a referral to a rheumatologist. In the meantime, if it occurs again before the rheumy appt., get pictures to take to the appointment. So many times with these diseases, they go into hiding when you take them to the proper doctor.
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