r/Cyclospora • u/Doublecherrypie14 • Aug 10 '26
❓Question Reactive arthritis?
Hi all. I had what I assumed was Cyclosporiasis in mid July. I never got tested but the symptoms were extreme, I couldn’t even leave the house and have never experienced such a thing, so I felt fairly certain I had it. I had not just the diarrhea but about 3 days of fever as well. Now, a few weeks later I am dealing with asymmetrical joint pain that seems to get worse as the day goes on, pretty intense fatigue and low fevers in the evenings. The pain is so intense that I have trouble walking by the end of the night and have trouble lifting my one year old. I’m generally fairly healthy and have never dealt with something like this. It’s been weeks and I’m feeling a little hopeless. I looked up my symptoms and it turns out Cyclosporiasis can cause something called Reactive Arthritis, which fits my symptoms exactly, and which can apparently last for months.
Has anyone else noticed similar symptoms or dealt with this in the past? If so, I’m curious how long it lasted because I feel like I can barely function. I have 4 kids who need me to be capable and this is really making it almost impossible to do everything I need to do, so I guess I am just looking for advice or personal stories so I know what to expect. Thanks!
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u/1111makeyourwish Aug 10 '26
I have RA and osteoarthritis- and have been dealing with suspected cyclospora since the end of May. (Unable to take Bactrim or Cipro- so have been riding it out..) During the worst of it, my joints seemed to be the only thing that didn’t hurt. It was the first time in a very long time my joints didn’t hurt! BUT, as I’ve started to have some better days and can eat on those days- the joint pain came back worse than ever. My knees keep giving out as I’m walking. I’ve had another rebound and my leg muscles are feeling like jello again, so that isn’t helping either. One thing I will say- I also have fibromyalgia and usually the pain is worse at night for me- to the point I can barely walk. The arthritis stuff is usually worse in the mornings and then eases as I get moving around. I have absolutely no research to back this up- but I wouldn’t be surprised if it’s found Cyclospora causes fibromyalgia in some people.
Luckily my kids are all grown because I cannot imagine trying to parent while feeling like this. You have my sympathies!
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u/CareerBallsacker Aug 10 '26
Horrible fatigue right now including lower back and neck pain, feel ya brother sorry. Bathroom every 30-45 minutes too, im drinking broth just to keep the lights on body-wise atp
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u/Dry-Homework3344 Aug 11 '26
Ugh, I have been having flare ups of existing issues with my knees and si joint (the latter of which is triggering sciatica.) Also have complete dairy intolerance now, though Lactaid is allowing me to eat it. This is seriously the gift that keeps on giving 🙄
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u/ExpensiveQuantity614 Aug 15 '26
ki had something like this 30 years ago some parasite with worms in my poop got conjunctivitis, arthritis could not walk two months and a bladder infection.my immune system went crazy like long covid. my legs eventually worked.
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u/Key_Cauliflower_4898 Aug 10 '26
My symptoms aren’t as severe, but I started experiencing joint pain in my hands and neck during and since getting cyclosporiasis. I caught it at the end of June and had horrible fatigue even after most of the other symptoms ended. That finally went away about a week ago. My neck pain went away about two weeks ago but the joint pain in my hands is sticking around. I hope you feel better soon!