June 4, 2011 9:26 p.m.

I definitely have fifth disease.  There is now no question in my mind.  Yes, I have quite a bit of fatigue, and there is some rash and itching, but another disturbing symptom is that I have aching, swollen joints, especially my hands and knees.  I did some reading online and discovered that this usually resolves in a week or two, but in some cases can last for months or more!  I must be among the 50% of adults who has not developed immunity to this virus.

Another thing is that Chips is noticing a rash on himself and feeling swelling in his feet.  Three of us in the family, and each of us have a different manifestation.   (Sweet Girl seems to have bounced back completely, thank goodness).  I feel the worst of the bunch.  Please pray that this virus resolves quickly for me.  The thought of functioning for a long time with this amount of fatigue and aching is a very unpleasant one.