What is wrong with me? Headaches, jaw claudication, loss of apetite?

[MisSandraF]

Hello everybody,

I am new here but I would really need your help. In last couple weeks I have serious headaches, and I lost my appetite and I am constantly tired. Before I loved when my mom was scratching my head but now I can't tolerate it anymore and feel like everything hurts. Also, I am in a huge pain when I am chewing, and that's why I am trying to eat more liquid food. I have been to my doctor, but she is puzzled as I am. Can anyone help me? Thanks in advance!

[Rose54]

Hi

Are you able to tell us your age as that may make a difference

[DorsetLady PMRGCAuk volunteer]

Hi MisSandraF,

Does sound as if it could be GCA.

But as Rose says bit more info would help - for example has your doctor done any blood tests to rule in or rule out anything? Age? Previous illnesses or stress?

[PMRpro Ambassador]

Does the pain when chewing go away when you stop chewing?

As the others say, without knowing more it is difficult to say much.

And where are you?

[MisSandraF]

I'm 17. Living in US. Didn't have a lot of health problems yet.

That's also why I'm scared now.

I also didn't know that pain when chewing can be a symptom of really serious diseases

symptoma.com/en/ddx/jaw-cla...

Will pass some other tests and analysis at my doctor's this week. Hope they'll find something.

Kepp ya updated.

[PMRpro Ambassador in reply to MisSandraF]

Whatever it is you have it is exceedingly unlikely to be either PMR or GCA - they are illnesses predominantly found in over 50s.

I suspect that the next stage should be a referral to a rheumatologist - it does sound as if you may possibly have an autoimmune vasculitis, inflamed blood vessels, but it could be anything autoimmune.

Good luck!