Help please with swelling/build up of fluid and severe pain

[MillyMollyMandy136]

This is on behalf of a family member - has anybody had symptoms like this please? It has been *suggested* possible Lyme Disease.

⚠️8 weeks ago in middle of night woke up in terrible pain and when looked my hand was swollen and throbbing.

Next day pain in my neck going up into my head. Couldn't move my head in any direction. Later the same day my knee started to swell and couldn't walk. All happened in one night and a day.

In the following 8 weeks same symptoms but getting worse. The pain and swelling also went to my wrist and then a rash. The pain in my neck sometimes goes up inside back of my head and throbs.

6 days ago a strange swelling in lower arm. 4 different anti inflammatory tablets and now steroids plus Tramadol⚠️

Awaiting appointment but in such severe pain wanted to ask on here in meantime. Any input/help would be much appreciated.

Thank You in advance.

[AdoptMeow]

I work for an immunologist who specializes in Lyme disease, which can wreak havoc with many sudden strange symptoms. Your description of the swelling and pain also could indicate polymyalgia rheumatica, which also can strike suddenly. About ten percent of PMR patients have swelling from RS3PE (remitting seronegative synovitis with pitting edema). Since my PMR started in May 2018, I developed a severe reaction to blood thinners. Could there be a new drug reaction involved?

PMR is treated with long-term prednisone. Was there any improvement with steroids? What is the continuing dosage? On the other hand, my doctor treats Lyme with two specific antibiotics together.

[MillyMollyMandy136 in reply to AdoptMeow]

Many thanks for your detailed reply, sorry to hear of your health situation.

I've asked the question and reply is:

No I don't take any medication except eye drops for glaucoma. Prednisone dosage is 15 milligrammes per day. Virtually no improvement after one week.

Photo showing arm that is out of shape due to fluid.

Kind regards 🙂

[AdoptMeow in reply to MillyMollyMandy136]

The usual starting dose of prednisone for PMR is 15 or 20 mg, often getting results quickly. I'm sorry it hasn't helped you. Pursuing the Lyme question will hopefully bring you relief.

[MillyMollyMandy136 in reply to AdoptMeow]

Sadly nothing is giving any relief so a case of having to wait for hospital appointment.Thank you.