An Odd Localised 'Fever'. Looking For Some Advice.

[pattayadingo]

I keep burning up but this burning sensation is localised to my head and neck area. My ears keep burning, as does my face and neck. The air from my mouth and nostrils is hot. I feel light headed too and concentration levels are well down. I do feel tired and listless. No headaches. No rash or obvious outward symptoms.

My legs, arms crotch and torso are cool to the touch yet I perspire a lot more than I ever have before.

This has been going on intermittently for almost a month and more pronounced for about 14 days now. I've taken paracetamol, aspirin and even a course of antibiotics yet nothing seems to be working. I am drinking plenty of fluids.

I do not appear to have an ear infection as the ear is dry.

Any ideas, suggestions to what might be wrong, please?

[Sheryl]

First of all, the fact that you have a burning sensation does not mean you have a fever. If your temperature (as measured by thermometer) is normal there is no indication for paracetemol . if your temperature is elevated, then you need to see a doctor to determine the cause. in neither case is self-medication with antibiotics indicated.

Now as to what might be causing the burning sensation you describe, a few questions:

1. What medications (including vitamins) do you take?

2. How long have you been in Thailand? (wondering about heat acclimation).

[pattayadingo]

First of all, the fact that you have a burning sensation does not mean you have a fever. If your temperature (as measured by thermometer) is normal there is no indication for paracetemol . if your temperature is elevated, then you need to see a doctor to determine the cause. in neither case is self-medication with antibiotics indicated.

Now as to what might be causing the burning sensation you describe, a few questions:

1. What medications (including vitamins) do you take?

2. How long have you been in Thailand? (wondering about heat acclimation).

My 8th year in Thailand now.

Simvastatin 80 mgs

Inhalers

low dose aspirin

multi vitamins (started this week)

As an aside i have not really felt good since I had my appendix out 3 months ago. I thought at first I was feeling rough because my 'system' was a bit down after the operation and the pain waiting for the healing to finish but that healed up and stopped aching after 7-8 weeks.

[Sheryl]

A burning sensation in the face and ears often occurs with niacin, check how much is in the vit supplement you are taking as it may be part of the problem.

Beyond that, unless you have started any of the other meds recently, it sounds much like an anxiety attack. Are you under stress?

[lopburi3]

I would also question that amount of simvastatin if not under close doctor observation (but don't change on your own).

http://www.fda.gov/Drugs/DrugSafety/ucm256581.htm

[pattayadingo]

A burning sensation in the face and ears often occurs with niacin, check how much is in the vit supplement you are taking as it may be part of the problem.

Beyond that, unless you have started any of the other meds recently, it sounds much like an anxiety attack. Are you under stress?

The vitamins I have been taking for less than a week. This has been there a lot longer than that.

Stress? Life was painful after the op. No other heavy duty stress that I can think of. Life has its ups and downs but I am relaxed a lot of the time. I live alone so no problems there. 5 hrs sleep a night.

Do you think I should go see a Doctor? Get a check up?

And, thanks for looking at this, Sheryl

[Sheryl]

OK then not due to niacin. Other than stress, the only things that comne to mind are low testosterone and MSG. The latter is of course abundant in Thai food. Have you changed your food intake in any way recently? Even if not, might be worth testing to see if you have developed a sensitivity to MSG, as we age we often become less tolerant of things that our bodies previously handled. Eliminate it completely from your diet for a week and see if the burning sensation goes away.

And yes, do get a general check-up especially given your fatigue/listlessness. Be sure to include testosterone levels in the blood work.

[Sheryl]

P.S. And get a thyroid panel (TSH, T3, T4)

[pattayadingo]

I would also question that amount of simvastatin if not under close doctor observation (but don't change on your own).

http://www.fda.gov/D...y/ucm256581.htm

Yes it is a lot.

Last checked for cholesterol levels in March 2012.

I produce masses of cholesterol and it is an inherited problem. It was the cause of a heart attack. Had my blood and function tests done in March 2012 also.

80 mg is the needed amount to keep my cholesterol levels down.

But, thanks for your concern, Lopburi3

[pattayadingo]

OK then not due to niacin. Other than stress, the only things that comne to mind are low testosterone and MSG. The latter is of course abundant in Thai food. Have you changed your food intake in any way recently? Even if not, might be worth testing to see if you have developed a sensitivity to MSG, as we age we often become less tolerant of things that our bodies previously handled. Eliminate it completely from your diet for a week and see if the burning sensation goes away.

And yes, do get a general check-up especially given your fatigue/listlessness. Be sure to include testosterone levels in the blood work.

P.S. And get a thyroid panel (TSH, T3, T4)

Thanks Sheryl. Your advice and input is appreciated.

I will get to see the doctor and get the tests done. I'll also be doing my own cooking again to keep any MSG down.

[lopburi3]

I would also question that amount of simvastatin if not under close doctor observation (but don't change on your own).

http://www.fda.gov/D...y/ucm256581.htm

Yes it is a lot.

Last checked for cholesterol levels in March 2012.

I produce masses of cholesterol and it is an inherited problem. It was the cause of a heart attack. Had my blood and function tests done in March 2012 also.

80 mg is the needed amount to keep my cholesterol levels down.

But, thanks for your concern, Lopburi3

Just was concerned if under doctor supervision or not - there are alternative medications when needing to lower lipids and I am being treated by such in attempt to keep LDL below 70. In my case it is Ezetrol during day and 40mg Lipitor at night.

[pattayadingo]

I would also question that amount of simvastatin if not under close doctor observation (but don't change on your own).

http://www.fda.gov/D...y/ucm256581.htm

Yes it is a lot.

Last checked for cholesterol levels in March 2012.

I produce masses of cholesterol and it is an inherited problem. It was the cause of a heart attack. Had my blood and function tests done in March 2012 also.

80 mg is the needed amount to keep my cholesterol levels down.

But, thanks for your concern, Lopburi3

Just was concerned if under doctor supervision or not - there are alternative medications when needing to lower lipids and I am being treated by such in attempt to keep LDL below 70. In my case it is Ezetrol during day and 40mg Lipitor at night.

I appreciate the concern.

There are alternatives out there but there is the fear factor of using an alternative. That fear is in not wanting another heart attack so, even though I'd be willing to try them, I bow to what my doctors and the heart specialist tell me.

Oddly enough my current age is older than the time my father died of the same thing when I was a child. No previous problems and then his body too developed massive amounts of cholesterol and he died. In those days there were no cures, sadly. that too adds to the concerns about alternatives for me and I want to be sure I am around to party for many years to come