jay
I'm a 39 yr.old male who has experienced many of the symptoms associated with rheumatic fever.I have had three episodes within a five month period and have finally visited a doctor who beiieves I have this disease.My symptoms each time were severe sore throat,fever,circular rash primarily on back,stomach,arms,and legs.I experienced severe joint pain that moved around my body with the most severe being in my hands,wrist,shoulders and knees.This pain seemed to be preceded by the rash.Each time the aches and fever subsided I seemed to catch an odd chest cold.I also felt like I had fluid in my lungs and had a very hard time lying down.I gained 8-15lbs each time I had these symptoms occur.I have had an echo done and there is evidence of thickening of the mitral valve.This is not,according to my rheumatologist, enough evidence to firmly diagnose me even though he believes I have it.I am very active and will continue to do the things I have always done.I am on penicilin 2 times a day for an indefinite period of time.Hope this info is helpful and if anyone can let me know of a similar experience please let me know.