I've been sick for more than a week. It started out with a headache lasting 5 days, which I thought was because I was getting a sinus infection. So, my doctor put me on amoxocillin. Which caused me to break out into hives on Sunday. So then they put me on a 5-day "Z pack" of antibiotics.
Yesterday, my hands swelled up and this morning I woke up with serious joint pain in my hands, wrists, knees and ankles.
The diagnosis: Fifth Disease.
It's a common ailment in kids ages 5 to 15. [Yeah, I'm 35 - hardly a "kid"]. When kids get it, they have cold symptoms and a rash on their face, arms, etc. [It's also called "Slapface"]. When older kids and adults get it, they can suffer from joint pain. [From the Web: In some cases, especially in adults and older teens, an attack of fifth disease may be followed by joint swelling or pain, often in the hands, wrists, knees, or ankles.]
So, basically the hives last weekend could have been a rash associated with this thing. And the joint pain? Horrible. I feel like an 85 year old woman with arthritis. I can't even wear my wedding ring because my hands and finger joints are too swollen. My doc gave me Darvoset...so I can pass out and be totally useless, I guess. There is nothing to take to "cure" this ... it's a virus that must run its course. Doc said "get rest, take Advil."
The only good thing? Once you get it, you can't get it again. Ever.
I have never heard of this but I hope you feel better soon!!!
ReplyDeletethanks!
ReplyDeletei had never heard of it either. and then i was talking with one of my coworkers and she said her kid had it a few years ago.
however, when most people have asked me what is ailing me and i tell them "Fifth Disease", they look at me as if i'm INSANE.