My brother had this when he was very young, that was over 50 years ago. I remember he was in bed a lot, and everything hurt. Don't remember much else, except he was ill a long time and he eventually did get better. You know medicine today is so much more advanced. He had mild heart problems for a short time, but was still able to serve over 30 years in the US Army with 3 overseas tours. Prayers for a speedy recovery-

Dear Sooz- I'm sorry to hear of the issues you are facing. Perhaps I am off base but let me pose something to you. Some years ago I had an accute sinus infection. For months after treatment I couldn't make it from one room to the next without crawling and lying down. Eventually I had enough energy to get to the store for a refill on Synthroid for hypothyroidism. I asked the pharmastist if there had been a recall on synthroid because of the extreme fatigue. He looked in the system and asked how many of the steroids I'd taken to decrease the swelling of the sinuses. I told him the 10 days worth just like the doctor said- he said- Dear God woman it's amazing you're standing. Steroids take down the whole system and I should have only had 2 pills at the most So all that said- if they are giving her a steroid check with them. Also talk to your pharmastist. We have found over the years we get more help from them then the doctor- they know the meds much better.
If it hadn't been for a pharmastist we called to ask about a med given to my father-in law after a fall from a tree stand resulting in broken ribs- he would have died from a reaction between his liver meds and the pain killer had the pharmasist who was totally unrelated to his case hadn't caught the mistake by the doctor and the pharmacy that issued the med. Can also ask the pharmasist about meds that may be used so you can be armed when you see the doctor.

I had it when I was 12 years old (that is 57 years ago so things were different back then) I had to stay in bed for a month, could only get up to go to the bathroom. It was summer time and all my friends and siblings were out having fun. No tv to watch so I read, read, read and listened to the radio. The DR came to my house every day( I told you things were different back then) and gave me a shot of penicillin(sp), the new wonder drug. I never did, thanks goodness, have heart trouble. The pain was all in my legs and all I had to take was asprin It didn't help much. Leg massages from my mom helped a lot & so did Grandma's chicken soup(I think it was the attention). Please let her know it is going to get better. My love and prayers go out to her.

Read about Rheumatic fever on the Mayo clinic web site. They are always a good source.

I think the doctor may not have signed the school paper because he wanted her on full REST. He probably thought he didn't want her Stressing about her school work.

I had it when i was 12 yrs old....dr thought i was having growing pains til they ran some test after i passed out @ school. Sorry to hear your daughter has it and yes time will heal eventually. I have mitral valve prolaspe as a result and can't quite remember exactly how long the pain lasted but my legs really was so painful that it hurt to lay/sit still for a few minutes. Please get an 2nd opinion, couldn't hurt.

Actually TWO different drs. said "school is almost out so it isn't worth bothering about." when I asked them to sign the papers for home hospital. There was 2 months of school left at that point. :x

We will do the internet High School. Utah has a great system and it is free and she can work at her own pace. I've signed her up now we just need to pick the classes. (I am working with the school counselor on this.)

It is a cardiologist that we are seeing. I've researched and he is doing exactly what is recommended in everything I've read online and off. I was just hoping to get a feel for how long this will take and if the pain will ever stop.

Second opinion sounds like a good idea, diet could be worth considering as well, continue to seek help when you don't feel things are right, sometimes speaking out as you have here is where you will find the ultimate answer, I pray your help comes soon.

Sending prayers for rapid healing, and a peaceful heart for you and your daughter. It never hurts to get second opinions. I hope your doctor is a good, compassionate one, but remember that all doctors do not graduate in the top 50% of their class. God bless....