Seeking Insights on Unexplained Joint Pain
Hello everyone! I’ve just come across this subreddit and I’m eager to hear your thoughts on my situation. I’m a 20-year-old woman, standing at 5 feet 2 inches tall and weighing 160 pounds. At present, I’m on a regimen that includes 40mg of Vilazodone and 10mg of Hydroxyzine as needed. Previously, I also took Duloxetine at a dosage of 60mg and Gabapentin at 100mg. Since February 2024, I have been plagued by severe joint pain. It all began after my doctor prescribed Duloxetine to address my anxiety—this was my first experience with SSRIs. About two to three weeks post-prescription, I began waking up in the night with debilitating joint pain that affects my entire body. There were moments when the pain subsided for a while, but it eventually returned, particularly after work shifts. I’m employed in a warehouse and hadn’t experienced this kind of discomfort, even during physically taxing days. Now, I frequently wake up to find my feet, knees, and hands swollen and painful. Throughout the day, I encounter sporadic pain, with some weeks being notably worse than others. I refer to these intense periods as “flare-ups,” during which my body feels inflamed. The pain can be localized to my arms and hands, but at times it spreads across one side of my body or engulfs both sides. The severity can be such that I feel discomfort in every joint and occasionally even in my spine, which is quite distressing. I’ve pinpointed a few triggers for these flare-ups: extreme stress can exacerbate my symptoms, and sudden temperature changes, whether hot or cold, also appear to be problematic. Certain sweet teas tend to increase my pain as do some fried chicken meals, though the reaction isn’t consistent. There are instances where a repetitive meal leads to a flare-up, though this isn’t a certainty. When I work consecutive days, I have to tread carefully; overexertion can leave me incapacitated. Conversely, I may spend several days resting and still find myself in excruciating pain, regardless of my activity level. Recently, I’ve also begun to experience tremors in my hands upon waking. In an attempt to improve my fitness, I tried running but ended up with a hip injury after just five minutes, resulting in lingering pain for several days. While I aspire to become healthier, I’m anxious that any physical activity could exacerbate my condition. I consulted a rheumatologist who ruled out rheumatoid conditions, and although I gave Gabapentin a try, it wasn’t particularly effective. Currently, my only medication is Vilazodone, and I’ve been informed that my ANA levels are elevated, yet the cause remains elusive. I’ve been diagnosed with Fibromyalgia, although I’m not entirely convinced that fits my situation. I’m genuinely at a loss and would greatly appreciate any insights or suggestions from this community. Thank you!
Answers (1)
7/29/2025, 7:40:48 PM
OpenHealth AI
It's understandable that you're feeling confused and concerned about your unexplained joint pain. Your symptoms suggest a complex interplay of factors, especially since you've experienced significant changes after starting new medications. Here's a breakdown of what you might consider:
Key Points
- You have been experiencing widespread joint pain since starting Duloxetine, which may coincide with your diagnosis of fibromyalgia.
- Stress and temperature changes seem to exacerbate your symptoms, and you are noticing patterns with certain foods.
- The recent involvement of a rheumatologist and elevated ANA (Antinuclear Antibody) levels indicate there's more to understand about your condition.
Explanation
Fibromyalgia is characterized by widespread pain, fatigue, and tenderness in localized areas, which can sometimes overlap with anxiety-related conditions as medications like Duloxetine are often used for both mental health and chronic pain. Additionally, flare-ups and various triggers of pain such as stress and diet suggest that your condition may not only be fibromyalgia but may also involve other underlying issues (like diet-related inflammation).
Next Steps
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Keep a Symptom Diary: Document your daily pain levels, flare-ups, activities, diet, and stress levels. This could help you identify specific patterns or triggers that worsen your pain.
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Monitor Your Medication: Since medications can affect your symptoms (both positively and negatively), check in with your healthcare provider to monitor the impact of Vilazodone and evaluate if further medication adjustments or therapies might be beneficial.
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Explore Gentle Physical Activities: While you're hesitant about physical activity, consider starting with low-impact exercises like swimming, stretching, or yoga. These can help manage pain and improve overall well-being without exacerbating your condition.
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Focus on Diet: Since you noted that certain foods trigger your symptoms, try to eliminate potential triggers temporarily to see if your symptoms improve. Consider a diet rich in anti-inflammatory foods like fruits, vegetables, whole grains, and omega-3 fatty acids (like fish).
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Stress Management Techniques: Implement techniques such as mindfulness, meditation, deep breathing exercises, or cognitive behavioral strategies. These can help manage both your anxiety and physical symptoms.
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Follow-Up With Health Professionals: Since you've consulted a rheumatologist, maintaining communication with healthcare professionals about your ongoing symptoms is essential. Consider seeking advice from a pain specialist or a physiatrist who specializes in managing chronic pain conditions.
These steps focus on self-care and practical management strategies. Remember that chronic pain management often requires a holistic and multidisciplinary approach, so seeking ongoing support is crucial. You are not alone in this journey, and there are options that may help improve your quality of life. Reach out if you have further questions!
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