without diagnosis
Three years ago in the spring, I (female, 42 years old) woke up one morning with a swollen left knee and a swollen left calf. Additionally, I had severe joint pain in my hands and finger joints, along with slightly swollen fingers. I also experienced a mild chill. All of these symptoms disappeared after two days. In the summer, I noticed a mild rash on my left calf (resembling psoriasis). In the fall, I woke up one afternoon (after a short nap) and found that my right eyelid was drooping and I couldn't open it at first. This happened more frequently in the following days, accompanied by sharp stabbing pain causing the eyelid to spasm. This lasted for about 5-10 minutes and then subsided. The frequency of these episodes increased, and I also started experiencing sharp pains under the right side of my scalp. I visited my primary care physician, who referred me to an ophthalmologist. The result was suspected Horner's syndrome, with an unknown cause. I was then referred to a neurologist, where I underwent a CT scan of the head (no findings), various blood tests (no findings), and an MRI of the head and neck (no findings). Meanwhile, the symptoms spread to my right chest area (with stabbing and pounding pain, sometimes accompanied by shortness of breath). Multiple blood tests yielded no results. In the summer of 2009, the symptoms became so severe that I was admitted to the hospital. There, more blood tests were conducted (with no findings), as well as heart examinations (with no findings), chest X-rays (with no findings), and lung function tests (OK). I was discharged without a diagnosis, despite ongoing symptoms. By winter 2009/2010, the symptoms worsened and spread throughout my body (including headaches, stomach pains, vision disturbances, etc.). In late summer 2010, I had an appointment at the University Hospital Münster, Department of Neurology Day Clinic. There, I underwent numerous blood tests, urine collection, MRI of the head, MRI of the neck down to the thoracic spine, sweat test with baking soda, neurological examinations (with electrical stimulation), cerebrospinal fluid analysis, and more - all with no findings, leaving me feeling lost. By winter 2010/2011, I also experienced severe joint pains, muscle pains, rashes on my upper arms, and intense pain in the right abdominal area. I visited my primary care physician again, who diagnosed a swollen and enlarged liver with poor liver function. I was then referred to an internist for further blood tests, which now showed poor kidney function instead of liver issues. At this point, it feels like a severe inflammation is spreading throughout my entire body, gradually affecting or targeting different organs. Until three years ago, I was a joyful, active person, married with two wonderful daughters, and straightforward. However, this undiagnosed illness
