I've suffered from musculoskeletal pain since 19 (I'm 42). Diagnosed with Graves Disease in 1992 at age 24. Went into remission and never had any permanent treatment. About 2 months ago, the following symptoms occurred in this order: 1.Significant hairloss (in male pattern). I have an identical twin and he does not have this problem. I took Minoxidil/Proscar/Avodart and it came back, so I'm fine here now, but it was a symptom. 2.Edema in the right foot, traveled to calf, then both legs, then abdomen, then upper arms. Skin feels sunburn. On the left arm, there is a diffuse light rash. Right arem is fine. 3.My skin is in pain whereever it touches or presses. The pain is sharp and sunburn feeling. 4.My arms, legs, hands, and feet fall asleep, completely numb in the middle of the night. 5.I'm a male, but, my skin in the arms, legs, butt and abdomen look like I've had 3 kids - I have cellulite appearance, stretch marks, wrinkles and bumps (that are hard and tender) underneath the skin (mainly in my inner thighs). And before you call it fat, keep in mind, I am 5'9/142lbs, exercise and mostly vegetarian. This has been going on for two months. I have done the Master Cleanse (I have thrush/Candida tongue) and about to start juicing. I've been to the doctors and this is what comes up consistently: *Elevated RF, Cortisol (went to normal on repeat), Aldosterone, FSH, Low Testosterone % (Total was fine). Nerve conduction study showed a muscle issue. I've seen Neurologist, Cardiologist, Vascular, Hemotologist, Nephrologist, Primary, Dermatologist. Rheum wants me to do Prednisone. All the other specialists think it's inflammation of unknown origin. All the standard tests for autoimmune have shown nothing. Standard inflammation tests are normal - CRP, etc; Dermatologist wants to do biopsy. My new age friend wants me to eat raw for several years blaming it all on diet (but she's a mess herself, so....). My twin brother did steriods, eats whatever he wants and currently has no health issues. I had pericarditis in 2006. My cardiologist believes it's all systemic. I am a very moody, anxious, ass and I used to think I was causing this by my personality, but, when I was on high dose prednisone for the pericarditis (almost died), my physical pain went away, but my mentality and personality changed to such a degree that I realized and I believe that I have chronic inflammation which causes my personality faults. I literally felt the way I did when I was 5 years old in my mind. I felt like I escaped my body and mind. That's how profound it was. I don't want to take prednisone because of the side effects, but I think what's important is to find out why or what is causing this. My Rheumatologist says, "regardless of what is causing it, you need to treat it". I'm on the fence, wanting to taking it to stop this flare because I DON'T want this edema and skin breakdown to be permanent (I'm still single trying to be a stud, you know). None of this is normal health. Any good advice, insight, feedback would be a blessing. Please only serious feedback. Thank you.

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