[19F] Experiencing a range of symptoms including jaundice and back pain

Patient Description

A 19-year-old female presents with a complex constellation of symptoms. She reports a year-long history of progressively worsening dry, flaky skin on her palms and feet, exacerbated by cold weather, with recent onset of tightness and flaking. Her face has become oily, particularly on the forehead, over the past month. The patient also experiences fatigue, hair loss, back pain, arm numbness, bloating, leg weakness, and insomnia. Notably, she has observed cheek indentation, slight jaundice, and dark urine for the past week. Her medical history includes Hashimoto's hypothyroidism diagnosed five years ago, papillary thyroid cancer diagnosed six months ago followed by a thyroidectomy 1.5 months ago, and ADHD diagnosed eight years ago. She is currently on levothyroxine, dexmethylphenidate, birth control, vitamin D, calcium supplements, and occasionally uses pain relievers and headache medicine. She denies any known drug allergies.

Show More

Arora's Assessment

What might be happening

Based on the information you've provided, several possible diagnoses could explain your symptoms:

  • Hypothyroidism: Given your history of Hashimoto's hypothyroidism and thyroidectomy, it's possible that your symptoms of fatigue, hair loss, dry skin, and cold intolerance are due to low thyroid hormone levels. Hypothyroidism can also cause constipation, which could contribute to your bloating.

    • Treatment typically involves taking a synthetic thyroid hormone, such as levothyroxine, which you're already taking.
  • Vitamin D Deficiency: This can cause muscle weakness and bone pain, which could explain your back pain and leg weakness. It's also associated with fatigue and hair loss.

    • Treatment involves taking vitamin D supplements, which you're already taking.
  • Liver Disease: Your symptoms of jaundice and dark urine could be due to a problem with your liver, such as hepatitis or cirrhosis. Liver disease can also cause fatigue and bloating.

    • Treatment depends on the specific type of liver disease, but may involve medication, lifestyle changes, or in severe cases, a liver transplant.
  • Carpal Tunnel Syndrome: This condition, which is caused by pressure on the median nerve in your wrist, could explain your arm numbness. It's often associated with repetitive hand movements, such as typing or sewing.

    • Treatment typically involves wearing a wrist splint, doing hand and wrist exercises, and avoiding activities that worsen your symptoms.

Please note that these are just possibilities, and it's important to see a healthcare provider for an accurate diagnosis and treatment.

What you can do

Here are some things you can do to manage your symptoms:

  1. Continue taking your prescribed medications and supplements, as they are important for managing your conditions and maintaining your overall health.
  2. Try to identify any triggers for your symptoms and avoid them if possible. For example, if cold weather worsens your dry skin, try to stay warm and moisturize your skin regularly.
  3. Stay hydrated and eat a balanced diet to support your overall health.
  4. Try to get regular exercise, as it can help with fatigue, muscle weakness, and bloating.
  5. Practice good sleep hygiene to help with your insomnia. This includes keeping a consistent sleep schedule, making your sleeping environment comfortable and free of distractions, and avoiding caffeine and large meals before bedtime.

What you should look out for

Please seek immediate medical attention if you experience any of the following:

  • Severe abdominal pain
  • Vomiting blood or passing blood in your stool
  • Severe or worsening jaundice
  • Confusion, dizziness, or loss of consciousness
  • Difficulty breathing or chest pain

Remember, while I strive to provide accurate information, I'm not a doctor and this advice should not replace a consultation with a healthcare provider.

Show More

1
 Hugs
0
 Comments

Save

11 mo ago

People Also Ask


What are the common symptoms of hypothyroidism after a thyroidectomy?

Common symptoms of hypothyroidism after a thyroidectomy include fatigue, weight gain, dry skin, hair loss, cold intolerance, and constipation. These occur due to low levels of thyroid hormones, which are usually managed with synthetic hormone replacement like levothyroxine.


How can vitamin D deficiency affect overall health?

Vitamin D deficiency can lead to muscle weakness, bone pain, fatigue, and hair loss. It is important for bone health and immune function, and deficiency can increase the risk of osteoporosis and infections.


What are the signs and symptoms of liver disease?

Signs and symptoms of liver disease can include jaundice (yellowing of the skin and eyes), dark urine, fatigue, abdominal pain, bloating, and nausea. In severe cases, it can lead to confusion, swelling in the legs, and bleeding problems.


How is carpal tunnel syndrome typically treated?

Carpal tunnel syndrome is typically treated with wrist splints, especially at night, hand and wrist exercises, and avoiding activities that exacerbate symptoms. In some cases, corticosteroid injections or surgery may be necessary if symptoms are severe or persistent.


Preview

Post

No comments yet

Be the first one to comment

Share your feedback