Little behind on Lactnet but... The first thing I thought of was the hx of post-partum depression coupled with her dieting (any eating disorder?), small children and overdoing it (e.g., putting up 70 salmon!). What is this woman's hx of trauma? We know that depression can lead to severe physical sx. I'm not downplaying her obvious physical problems, it's just that it might stem from some psychological trauma. She also seems to have possible sx of anxiety (but maybe just from being sick). The next thing I thought of was that this woman needs to see an infectious disease specialist. The hx of red rings migrating upwards is suspicious. Obviously she does not have great insurance, but I'm sure, with enough persistence (which she has) she will be able to see someone in ID. I just keep thinking/feeling there is some underlying stressor/trauma that is not being dealt with. Best of luck. Johanna Berger, LSW Breastfeeding Counselor Bala Cynwyd, PA ________________________________________________________________ GET INTERNET ACCESS FROM JUNO! Juno offers FREE or PREMIUM Internet access for less! Join Juno today! For your FREE software, visit: http://dl.www.juno.com/get/web/. *********************************************** The LACTNET mailing list is powered by L-Soft's renowned LISTSERV(R) list management software together with L-Soft's LSMTP(TM) mailer for lightning fast mail delivery. For more information, go to: http://www.lsoft.com/LISTSERV-powered.html