Hi Dr. Gian,

I am a 38 year old married woman, I have been with my husband faithfully for the past 21 years. I have a host of problems since I moved into my new home 2 1/2 years ago. About 1 month after we moved in I had become really ill. It started with the onset of pain and aches in my legs, thighs and also consisted of headaches and general tiredness. Then it progressed into pain in my left thumb traveling up into my arm. I had these symptoms for about 2 weeks and then blisters popped out on my thumb. Severe pain radiating up my arm landed me in the ER. they diagnosed me with shingles without taking any tests. The dr prescribed valtrex and bextra at this time. About a few days later I had been in such severe pain again and I noticed a red streak going up my arm from my thumb area. Again I ended up in the ER and they determined that I had a secondary bacterial infection which they then prescribed keflex. This infection and treatments caused a host of further issues gynecologically. I ended up seeing numerous doctors for recurring vaginal yeast and bacterial infections. I also was diagnosed a few times with folliculitis on buttocks and thighs. At times I was presented with what I think are prodome symptoms of recurrence. I immediately started taking the Valtrex again and the symptoms subsided within a few days. Just this month I found out that my house has been contaminated with black toxic mold, a pretty bad case of it I might add. We had the entire house cleaned of the mold and was given the thumbs up by the remediation company that things would be fine now. Now almost all of my symptoms are starting again and I am scared to death I will fall back into this pattern of problems. I again started taking the Valtrex and I really am about to lose it completely. I am at the end of my rope. After the first episode I had been tested for every STD known to man. But since I have the history of cold sores the Drs claim that they could not test for hsv because it would automatically come back positive. Please guide me in the right direction.

My questions are: with shingles is there this type of recurrence? or was this more a herpetic whitlow infection?

With hepetic whitlow or shingles do you normally feel symptoms in the thighs and buttocks as I do?

What tests can I have done to finally determine what the heck is really the problem at hand here?

I know that I am not just going insane but this unsurity isdefinately driving me to that state of mind.

I really need your help please answer asap thanks. lost & confused.

Hi,

your email gives us the opportunity to review several issues.

1. Herpetic whitlow which is infection due to herpes virus inoculation through exposure to infected body fluids via a break in the skin, most commonly a torn cuticle. Herpes simplex virus 1 (HSV-1) is the cause in approximately 60% of cases of herpetic whitlow, and herpes simplex virus 2 (HSV-2) is the cause in the remaining 40%. Usually this responds well to antiviral medications. I would favor this possibility from your description.

2. Shingles . The first sign is often a tingling feeling on the skin, itchiness or a stabbing pain. After several days, a rash appears beginning as a band or patch of raised dots on the side of the trunk or face. It then develops into small, fluid-filled blisters which begin to dry out and crust over within a few days. When the rash is at its peak, symptoms can range from mild itching to extreme and intense pain. The rash and pain usually disappear within three to five weeks.

3. Toxic Mold Contamination of residential properties by toxic mold and mildew is becoming more and more prevalent and affect both old and new buildings.. Although we have been aware for thousands of years that mold thrives in damp conditions, only recently have we begun to understand how dramatically its presence can impact us. Toxic mold and mildew are very similar. Here are some names of common molds: stachybotrys atra, penecillium, cladosporium and several strains of aspergillius, and here are some symptoms such as asthma, pneumonitis, upper respiratory problems, sinusitis, dry cough, skin rashes, stomach upset, headaches, disorientation and bloody noses. Severe exposures can lead to internal bleeding, kidney and liver failure and pulmonary emphysema. and even cancer.

4. Recurrent vaginal yeast infections. Yeast infections are due to an imbalance of yeast in the vagina caused primarily by an overgrowth of the yeast fungus, Candida albicans. Candida live in small numbers and is always present in women's bodies (men's too). It's also the same fungus that causes diaper rash. Sometimes the normal balance of the vagina is disturbed. When that happens, Candida albicans can multiply, resulting in a vaginal yeast infection

5. Folliculitis on buttocks and thighs. Folliculitis are multiple small pimples or pustules around hair follicles on many parts of the body such as the chest and back, face, scalp, legs and buttocks. This acne-like skin rash can also be very itchy, and like hives, can cause one to scratch enough to cause bleeding and secondary infections.

6. Moving into a new home. Moving is the third most stressful life event, following death and divorce according to the Employee Relocation Council.. Moving disrupts your normal routine and generates feelings of uncertainty as you enter uncharted waters. It is interesting that you and your doctors have not focused on this issue at all. I would have done so and if indeed stress was there I would have wanted to find out why and possibly prevent getting physically involved....and since you say" please help I am really losing it now!!" I urge you to regain control and also consider some talking therapies.

In good health.

Dr. Gian
 

Thanks Dr Gian,

I really appreciate you getting back to me. I am seeking the professional help you describe and other options as well. I'm really grateful for all you do with your helpful informational site. Thanks for being out on the battlegrounds with all of us instead of, like many other doctors, hiding behind their books and degrees all safe and cozy in their fancy offices. It is really refreshing to know that true medical help is only a mouse click away.

Sincerely,

"Losing It"