Could a cold virus be the cause?

bobalger
bobalger Member Posts: 7
I am new to this site which is excellent and would really appreciate any advice you can give me on my condition. I have given the details and background below but the question I really want answered is whether its possible that a really bad (and I mean bad) cold virus and associated cough that made me feel thoroughly ill throughout the whole of August and September could be the link. I have mentioned this to my doctor twice but she obviously doesn't think its the cause and so I am having to go through the NHS system at a snails pace trying to get a diagnosis whilst my life is a misery.

Background: I am 62 (today), always kept myself fit and until 6 weeks ago could have run 10 miles without any problem but now have difficulty walking 10 yards and am in severe pain; especially at night. I need high strength Ibuprofen and a hot bath just to get moving in the morning but the pain is there 24/7. The centres of pain are both hips, legs from the knees up and right shoulder. My doctors initial diagnosis was that it was muscular and she told me to try swimming to loosen the muscles but that didn't work so has now referred me to a rheumatologist but an appointment could take weeks unless I pay privately. In the past I have had nothing more than the odd ache and pain and a bit of knee problem but nothing that would have led me to believe this was coming.

Thanks

Bob

Comments

  • helpline_team
    helpline_team Posts: 3,464
    edited 30. Nov -1, 00:00
    bobalger wrote:
    I am new to this site which is excellent and would really appreciate any advice you can give me on my condition. I have given the details and background below but the question I really want answered is whether its possible that a really bad (and I mean bad) cold virus and associated cough that made me feel thoroughly ill throughout the whole of August and September could be the link. I have mentioned this to my doctor twice but she obviously doesn't think its the cause and so I am having to go through the NHS system at a snails pace trying to get a diagnosis whilst my life is a misery.

    Background: I am 62 (today), always kept myself fit and until 6 weeks ago could have run 10 miles without any problem but now have difficulty walking 10 yards and am in severe pain; especially at night. I need high strength Ibuprofen and a hot bath just to get moving in the morning but the pain is there 24/7. The centres of pain are both hips, legs from the knees up and right shoulder. My doctors initial diagnosis was that it was muscular and she told me to try swimming to loosen the muscles but that didn't work so has now referred me to a rheumatologist but an appointment could take weeks unless I pay privately. In the past I have had nothing more than the odd ache and pain and a bit of knee problem but nothing that would have led me to believe this was coming.

    Thanks

    Bob

    Dear Bob

    Welcome to the forum and thank you for your posting. Waiting for a diagnosis can be a very difficult and frustrating time but referral to a rheumatologist is the route to you receiving a clear diagnosis and consequently the correct treatment for your condition. We are not medically trained so you should speak to the rheumatologist about your concerns. Our booklet ‘Understanding arthritis’ can give you some information on the different types of arthritis and about diagnosis and treatment. According to NHS standards of care the longest you should have to wait from being referred by your GP to starting your treatment should be 18 weeks (in England and Wales). If you follow the link http://www.18weeks.nhs.uk this will lead you to information on waiting times in the NHS.. I would also like to encourage you to call our helpline if you would like more support to speak to one of our helpline workers.

    I hope this has been helpful.

    Best Wishes
    Dawn
  • bobalger
    bobalger Member Posts: 7
    edited 30. Nov -1, 00:00
    bobalger wrote:
    I am new to this site which is excellent and would really appreciate any advice you can give me on my condition. I have given the details and background below but the question I really want answered is whether its possible that a really bad (and I mean bad) cold virus and associated cough that made me feel thoroughly ill throughout the whole of August and September could be the link. I have mentioned this to my doctor twice but she obviously doesn't think its the cause and so I am having to go through the NHS system at a snails pace trying to get a diagnosis whilst my life is a misery.

    Background: I am 62 (today), always kept myself fit and until 6 weeks ago could have run 10 miles without any problem but now have difficulty walking 10 yards and am in severe pain; especially at night. I need high strength Ibuprofen and a hot bath just to get moving in the morning but the pain is there 24/7. The centres of pain are both hips, legs from the knees up and right shoulder. My doctors initial diagnosis was that it was muscular and she told me to try swimming to loosen the muscles but that didn't work so has now referred me to a rheumatologist but an appointment could take weeks unless I pay privately. In the past I have had nothing more than the odd ache and pain and a bit of knee problem but nothing that would have led me to believe this was coming.

    Thanks

    Bob

    Dear Bob

    Welcome to the forum and thank you for your posting. Waiting for a diagnosis can be a very difficult and frustrating time but referral to a rheumatologist is the route to you receiving a clear diagnosis and consequently the correct treatment for your condition. We are not medically trained so you should speak to the rheumatologist about your concerns. Our booklet ‘Understanding arthritis’ can give you some information on the different types of arthritis and about diagnosis and treatment. According to NHS standards of care the longest you should have to wait from being referred by your GP to starting your treatment should be 18 weeks (in England and Wales). If you follow the link http://www.18weeks.nhs.uk this will lead you to information on waiting times in the NHS.. I would also like to encourage you to call our helpline if you would like more support to speak to one of our helpline workers.

    I hope this has been helpful.

    Best Wishes
    Dawn

    Many thanks Dawn

    I was quoted 9+ weeks wait today so have decided to pay privately for a consultation. Anyone who has to live like this for 18 weeks before seing a specialist has my deepest sympathy.

    Thanks

    Bob
  • elnafinn
    elnafinn Member Posts: 7,412
    edited 30. Nov -1, 00:00
    Just wanted to wish you well, Bob, with your appointment that you are arranging privately. I don't blame you. Who wants to wait when in pain.

    I have sent you a Private Message.

    Look after yourself,

    Elna x
    The happiest people don't have the best of everything. They just make the best of everything.

    If you can lay down at night knowing in your heart that you made someone's day just a little bit better, you know you had a good day.
  • joyful164
    joyful164 Member Posts: 2,401
    edited 30. Nov -1, 00:00
    Hello Bob

    I will be very interested to hear of your diagnosis, if you get one.

    2 years ago, I caught a very bad virus. My OH and myself had been on an extensive motoring holiday in Ireland followed by another one in Scotland. Our car was a kit car and sometimes open to the elements.
    Because of my RA, the motoring had lowered my immune system and I got this virus.
    some 6 months after the virus I got exactly the same problems as yourself and I knew it was more than just the RA, so I went to my GP and was diagnosed with Polymyalgeria Rheumatica..
    So it would be interesting to me to know of your own diagnosis.
    thanks
    joy