What Can Cause Severe Fatigue, Swollen Lymph Nodes, Hot Flashes, Chills, Joint Pain And Persistent Cough?

Posted on Tue, 27 Feb 2018

Medically reviewed by Ask A Doctor - 24x7 Medical Review Team

Tue, 27 Feb 2018 Answered on

Wed, 16 Jan 2019 Last reviewed on

Question : i HAVE HAD VARIOUS SYMPTOMS FOR ABOUT A MONTH, AND BEING A RN I TRY TO DISMISS THEM AS COINCIDENTAL...I HAVE A HISTORY OF CERVICAL CANCER (TVH W/ RSO), SPINAL STENOSIS, SCOLIOSIS, CHOLECYSTITIS (LAP CHOLE), HEP C (S/P NEEDLESTICK IN 1988). NOW, THE SYMPTOMS I AM CURRENTLY EXPERIENCING ARE SEVERE FATIGUE, SWOLLEN LYMPH NODES (NOT PAINFUL)...THE AREA DISTAL TO THEM IS TENDER, HOT FLASHES / CHILLS (NO REAL FEVER NOTED), GENERALIZED JOINT PAIN (MOD/SEV), DECREASED ROM, AND A PERSISTENT COUGH (DRY, HACKING) FOR A MONTH. HELP...

Answered by Dr. Bhagyesh V. Patel (29 minutes later)

Brief Answer:
significant pathology of pulmonary or extrapulmonary origin.

Detailed Answer:

Hello,

I have evaluated your query thoroughly.

* These symptoms narrate underlying pathology of significance as a pulmonary or extrapulmonary origin.

Kindly provide further details so that I can answer your query completely.

1. Lymph nodes - location, number, consistency.
2. Appetite normal or altered.
3. Any breathlessness, weight alteration.
4. Duration since cervical cancer.
5. History of smoking if any.

Awaiting your response.

Regards.

Above answer was peer-reviewed by : Dr. Prasad

Follow up: Dr. Bhagyesh V. Patel (13 minutes later)

1. SWOLLEN LYMPH NODES ARE LOCATED IN THE NECK, 4 THAT I CAN PERSONALLY FEEL, RUBBERY CONSISTENCY
2. APPETITE VARIES...MOST OF THE TIME IT IS DECREASED; HOWEVER, THERE ARE TIMES WHEN I FEEL RAVENOUS...BUT NAUSEOUS.
3. SOB ON EXERTION, NO WEIGH LOSS
4. 12 YEARS SINCE CERVICAL CANCER...NO MAMOGRAM (EVEN THOUGH EVERY FEMALE IN MY FAMILY HAS BEEN DIAGNOSED WITH SOME FORM OF CARCINOMA)
5. NEVER SMOKED

Answered by Dr. Bhagyesh V. Patel (9 minutes later)

Brief Answer:
lymphoma or other possibilities need proper evaluation with an expert.

Detailed Answer:

Thanks for the details.

* Possibility of lymphoma more likely. Eosinophilic granuloma, sarcoidosis also can present in a similar way.
* Guidelines at present

- Immediately book an appointment with an expert consultant to evaluate the cause which may require a combination of lab tests, x-ray chest; CT thorax, neck with lymph node biopsy.
- Maintain hydration till that time period with adequate liquids.

Wishing you fine recovery.

Welcome for further guidance.

Regards.

Above answer was peer-reviewed by : Dr. Prasad

Follow up: Dr. Bhagyesh V. Patel (39 minutes later)

THANK YOU SO MUCH FOR YOUR ASSISTANCE. I HAVE MADE AN APPOINTMENT.

Answered by Dr. Bhagyesh V. Patel (3 minutes later)

Brief Answer:
follow up.

Detailed Answer:

Always welcome.

Hope everything turns out to be recovering fast in your case.

I would like to know the follow up of the case. I wish you will let me know the details after your doctor visit.

Regards,
Dr. Bhagyesh V. Patel, General Surgeon

Above answer was peer-reviewed by : Dr. Prasad