I saw Dr. yesterday-he doesn't know what's wrong. I have moderate to severe Lupus/RA. The last 2 weeks when I sit more than a couple minutes-it happened 3 times when playing my guitar and 2 times when studying at a desk- my hearing and vision are impaired and I get intense pain in the head looping around the edge of my hairline and then I feel like I am going to pass out. Standing and/or laying down ends the episode. I have a slight come and go fever. He told me to go the hospital if it gets too bad. I'm wondering today, if I could have fluid stuck in my ears that when I lean forward sitting has pressure? I worried about a TIA too-but he said that was unlikely. I have a slight come and go fever. This all started about a month ago and is increasing in frequency and severity. My blood pressure was 120/80. Would trying an OTC decongenstant hurt?
Hi, I'm Doctor Robert, a Medical Internist (MD) who deals with diseases of all organ systems. All my education has been completed in the US.
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If you have lupus/RA and are taking immune modulators, this can decrease your immune response to infections.
Hearing impairment from ear infection is common, and if you feel fluid, yes, that is probably an ear infection.
That is diagnosed by head, ear, eye, nose & throat exam by the primary care physician (PCP).
Sitting for prolonged periods causes blood to pool in the legs, and flow back to the body is blocked by the bent pelvis.
So, standing eliminates this, the blood starts to return from muscle contractions in the leg muscles, and this results in the episode ending. that's what you're describing.
The fever come and go is associated with ear, or sinus, congestion/infection. This can be an indolent infection, and causes this symptom.
Your blood pressure is fine.
I don't think this needs the hospital, unless
1. high fever
2. stiff/painful neck
3. light bothers your eyes
Decongestants like clarinex-D will help with the sinus/ear congestion, but will not help with an infection if that is what you have. And again, if you're on medications for RA, then you may be at risk of infections.
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