Hello! In 2007, I spent 6 months traveling between New Zealand and Australia. Toward the end of my trip, I started to notice a shadow that moves up and down or across my left eye. Soon after, I had sudden excruciating joint pain that would travel throughout my body, ravaging one area of joints/ligaments for about 36 hours. Sometimes my relief is short lived, as it will appear in a completely different location to wreak havoc once again. Since then, I experience these debilitating pains approximately 8-10 times a year. During that time, I am completely useless. I can't move whatever joint is being attacked, and just the simple act of elevating or lowering the area causes intense, unbearable pains. The area typically will swell and radiate heat. Most times the area turns bright red. I find that when I am having an episode in my shoulder, that one or two of my fingers on the side will also become stiff, hot, swollen and useless. IB Profen, Tylenol, Percocet, Lortab... you name it... don't even phase the pain. I can't sleep and there is no comfortable way to lay so that rest is even possible. It feels as though it attacks the ligaments, or tendons, causing sometimes a popping sound with no relief. I am a 27 year old female who is finding it increasingly difficult to be active, or enjoy life.
In the subject line, I mentioned fluoroquinolones poisoning. This was only brought to my attention recently, and although doesn't seem likely, I still have to throw it in the hat. I had a severe bladder infection prior to my trip to NZ and Australia that took several Cipro treatments. Is this possible??
Here is what I have been tested for:
Retna diseases = negative
Lupus = 3 positive markers
Rheumatoid Arthritis = negative
That's about as far as the tests have gone. I've pretty much been told that I have "Traveling Arthritis" or "Viral Arthritis" and as of right now, there is nothing that can be done. I am at a loss and feel overwhelmingly frustrated. I know that there is something wrong with me and I don't know how to explain it to anyone to get help. If there is no treatment, life is going to be a long, painful, confusing journey.
I truly am so appreciative of you taking the time to read my letter. I look forward to hearing from you.
Best,
Jourdan Sheldon