Whole body inflammation

[Bri'sgirl]

I am currently 11 weeks postpartum and have had a cold for the last week plus a day. On Friday I had a rash appear over my entire body, except my neck/face, hands and feet. I had some sushi for lunch, but it was nothing new. I noticed the rash around 3 pm and then a couple hours later my legs started to ache. They ached so bad all night long, I could hardly sleep. I went to the dr the next day and she recommended Zyrtec, in case it was an allergic reaction. The Zyrtec seemed to have worked a little (not completely), but the aching has gotten way worse. My wrists hurt so bad, I can hardly pick up a pencil, my hips, my legs, my neck, etc. After doing a little research, I thought it might be hormonal, but the more I think about it, I'm pretty sure it's an inflammation thing.

So, I need to figure out what it is and figure out some way to get healed. I hurt so bad, I can hardly pick up the baby. Does anyone have any suggestions on what I can do? I've taken one advil this morning and another this evening, but it doesn't help much. I also feel like the rash could come back at any time, like a prickly sensation.

[Mosaic]

Sounds like Fifth's disease: http://children.webmd.com/tc/fifth-disease-symptoms

I had it last year, and my symptoms match more what you're describing and less what's on the website. I don't remember any facial symptoms, but I definitely remember the whole body rash and the "mild" pain that was nearly crippling for a few days, especially in my wrists and legs. They can do a blood test to confirm the diagnosis... that's how I found out.

I hope you feel better soon!!

[Bri'sgirl]

Thanks for responding, Mosaic.  I ended up in the ER this morning, because my wrists hurt so bad, I couldn't move them.  The doctor said it is probably viral and could be an auto-immune response.  I asked him to test for Fifth's.  They ended up taking 9 viles of blood, so hopefully that is enough for them to figure it out.  I'm hoping it clears up quickly or they find what's causing it soon.  I've never felt like this before.

[tracymom1]

Hope you are feeling better! I had a similar issue years ago and it was a viral infection with an auto-immune response. I was on high dose steroids and anti-inflammatory meds for a while. The worst part was that I had it in my eyes, too, so I had extremely limited vision for a couple of weeks. It took about a month to completely clear up, and I have never had a problem since.

Good wishes for healing!

[Bri'sgirl]

tracymom, thanks for the healing wishes!

I had my follow up appt with my dr.  Luckily, I am a very healthy person other than having a strain of parvovirus...fifths disease.  I wouldn't wish this on anyone,  Dr said symptoms should last 1-2 weeks and tomorrow is the end of week one,  I hope my kids don't get it.