unexplained symptoms
October 1, 2014 | 20,00 EUR | answered by Dr. med. Ralf Berg
Hello,
so I had breast implants put in 2.5 years ago. Then in October of last year, an iron-deficiency anemia was diagnosed. In April of this year, enlarged lymph nodes were felt under the armpits. From there, everything started. Infection/tumor anemia diagnosed. 2 days with an oncologist and the anemia was gone. Constant tingling and itching in the chest. A week of constant tingling in the legs, to the point where I could hardly stand (likely nerve or circulation issues). Constant nausea (mostly in the morning). Around 300 new liver spots felt all over the body (new ones every day), suddenly scaly skin that disappears shortly after. Sometimes strange sensations and a taste of blood in the mouth. Weight loss. It feels like everything is mixed up. In July, smaller implants were put in as the doctor thought it could be an immune reaction to the large implants. They were very swollen. A severe capsular fibrosis was also discovered during the surgery, as well as chronically inflamed lymph nodes. Symptoms have not improved. Occasionally had burning legs. Two things have improved: no more gum bleeding and weight gain. Tingling and itching and chest issues have returned. Abnormal blood values: Epstein virus: IgG and EBNA massively elevated 444 and 465, and even more elevated after that to 495 and 485. D-dimers slightly elevated before the surgery. IgE value slightly elevated. T-lymphocytes initially decreased, now back to normal. The worst are these strange sensations after long periods of sitting or walking, and sometimes fingers feel like they are being pierced. It feels like everything is mixed up and the skin is extremely sensitive, and lymphoma is suspected based on blood values. I have two young children and have not been able to work since April. If it weren't for my parents, I would be lost. I can't do much anymore. I urgently need advice on what could be causing this. I'm scared. Thank you.
Dear patient,
not only in your body, but also in your description, things seem to be confused.
1. It looks like you are reacting immunologically to the implants.
Why you then had implants inserted again remains a mystery to me. My advice: If the tingling and skin reactions continue, consider whether you want to completely avoid the implants.
2. Do not worry about the Ebstein Virus test results. Many people have dealt with the virus and the immunological vaccine titers remain permanently high. This is not something that causes illness.
3. Both the iron deficiency, anemia, weight loss, and T lymphocytes have normalized.
4. High lymphocyte levels do not automatically mean lymphoma. This is a malignant blood cancer. Elevated lymphocytes are often found in chronic infections, chronic allergies, and skin diseases.
My advice is to see a dermatologist. Bring all previously tested blood values with you. They need to determine if there is an immune reaction happening on the skin.
It would also be wise to choose a primary care physician to coordinate your treatment. This cannot be done over the internet.
Your symptoms are ambiguous and must be systematically investigated. It seems that the investigation itself is also confused and you have no one to explain the results to you afterward.
I am also unclear about what you had examined by the oncologist. You must speak with them again to ensure that they have definitively ruled out blood cancer (lymphoma) in your case.
So, these are now 4 points that require enough work and time.
Summary:
1. Find a primary care physician and gather test results, discuss next steps.
2. Visit the oncologist and inquire about ruling out blood cancer/lymphoma.
3. Consult a dermatologist through your primary care physician and get examined.
4. Consider completely avoiding implants if the skin reactions persist.
Best regards,
Dr. R. Berg
Further investigations need to be done on-site. This consultation platform is not intended for that purpose. I hope I was able to help you somewhat.
