Becky Bessell, a former swimmer and lifeguard known for her fitness, was caught off guard by a series of mysterious health issues that began in her mid-40s. Despite her previously healthy lifestyle, she started to experience symptoms such as persistent itchy skin on her back and ongoing fatigue. Initially, these concerns were dismissed by her general practitioner (GP), who attributed the symptoms to perimenopause.
The GP prescribed hormone replacement therapy (HRT) to manage her energy levels and suggested using an emollient for the skin irritation. While the HRT provided some relief, Becky’s skin itching continued unabated. Over the next few years, her condition worsened, with her fatigue intensifying to the point that she often found herself falling asleep on the sofa by 8:30 p.m. This was highly unusual for Becky, who had always been known for her abundant energy.
Additionally, Becky began noticing that her fingers were becoming puffy, preventing her from wearing her rings, although she had not gained weight. She did not bring this up to her GP at the time, as the condition did not cause her pain.
In April of the previous year, Becky’s condition took a turn for the worse. Her hand and wrist suddenly became extremely painful, making it difficult to type at work or handle equipment in the gym. This prompted her to revisit her GP, who referred her for further testing.
The journey to a diagnosis was long and arduous, as Becky was sent to see an orthopedic surgeon followed by a series of rheumatologists. It was only after multiple consultations and tests that the true cause of her symptoms was revealed—Becky was on the brink of organ failure.
Her story highlights the importance of listening to patients’ concerns and the need for thorough investigation when symptoms persist or worsen, even when initial diagnoses seem to explain them away.
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