[kalexander]

I'm a 50 yr. old female. 5'7" weight 161. 6 months ago I started having pain in my right hip. I just thought I had hurt it somehow. Then in the past 3 months, I have started having pain in my knees, my shoulder, and my other hip. I get very easily fatigued. I can't even hold my cell phone for very long at a time, let alone get my housework done. As I type this, even my fingers are getting tired. I have also noticed changes in my vision and just got new rx for eyeglasses in February. 2 nights ago, I noticed that my ankles were swollen. When I touched them, the skin dimpled in and took a long time to come back up. I went to bed and woke the next morning to slightly yellow eyes and a yellow tinge to my skin. I went to the emergency room. The Dr. diagnosed me with "fatigue" and did blood tests. I have no idea what tests he had done but said that I'm not anemic, my electrolytes are fine and that my bilirubin is slightly elevated (1.2). He said he didn't see any reason to be concerned but if I wanted to, I could go to a primary care physician. I have also had a rash in the inside of my elbow for 5 weeks. I have tried treating it with otc hydrocortisone cream. As of the past 2 weeks, I have noticed a tingling, burniing sensation in toes and fingertips at times. And I have a metallic taste in my mouth that's been here since the rash came up. I don't take excess amounts of acetaminophen or ibuprofen. Actually I avoid them as much as possible as I dislike taking anything like that. I do not drink alcohol but I DO smoke about a pack a day. I really feel like there is something going on with my body but the Dr. in the e.r. didn't agree with me. And I don't want to embarrass myself or waste another Dr.'s time with an appointment if this is all my imagination. I just want my life back.

[JudyKayTee]

No one here can diagnose you over the Internet, unfortunately.

I don't think seeking another opinion embarrasses you OR wastes a Physician's time.

I'd seek another opinion.

[Wondergirl]

You won't get anywhere with this -- and will probably have more problems -- if you don't deal with what is going on. List your symptoms and find another doctor, a primary care guy who can refer you to a specialist.

Have you had any bug or spider bites recently? Has something changed in your house -- new carpet, new paint, food changes, different laundry detergent, etc.