[28F] Experiencing chronic fatigue, weakness, and abdominal symptoms

Patient Description

A 28-year-old female presents with a 5+ year history of chronic fatigue, which has been worsening, and is associated with brain fog. The patient also reports muscle weakness, dizziness, lightheadedness, and tachycardia for the past year, rating the weakness as 6 out of 10 in severity. Additionally, the patient experiences swelling in the feet and ankles, which is exacerbated by heat, and easy bruising that takes weeks to heal, affecting various parts of the body including the forearms. The patient has been having abdominal pain described as a stabbing sensation around the belly button for 6 months, with a severity of 7 out of 10. Constipation is reported, with bowel movements occurring approximately once a week, a change that has been present for 1-2 years. The stools are described as slightly soft and light-colored, with a recent change in frequency to once every 5 days. The patient's urine is cloudy and has a strong ammonia smell, which has been noticed for 3-6 months. There is no reported fever, chills, yellowing of the skin or eyes, dark urine, abdominal distension, confusion, loss of consciousness, or severe swelling. The patient has not mentioned any specific medical history, current medications, or known allergies.

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Arora's Assessment

What might be happening

Based on the symptoms you've provided, possible conditions include:

  • Chronic Kidney Disease: This condition occurs when your kidneys lose function over time. Symptoms can include fatigue, weakness, swelling in feet and ankles, and changes in urine color and smell.

    • Treatment often involves medications to manage symptoms and underlying conditions, such as high blood pressure, and lifestyle changes, such as diet and exercise modifications.
  • Liver Disease: Conditions such as cirrhosis or hepatitis can cause symptoms like fatigue, easy bruising, abdominal pain, and changes in stool and urine color.

    • Treatment depends on the specific type of liver disease and may involve medications, lifestyle changes, or in severe cases, a liver transplant.
  • Anemia: This condition, which is characterized by a lack of healthy red blood cells, can cause fatigue, weakness, and easy bruising.

    • Treatment often involves dietary changes or supplements to increase iron intake, and in more severe cases, blood transfusions or medications to stimulate the body to produce more red blood cells.

Please note that this is not an exhaustive list and other conditions could also explain your symptoms.

What you can do

Given the chronic nature and severity of your symptoms, it is important to seek medical attention as soon as possible. Your healthcare provider can perform tests to confirm a diagnosis and start appropriate treatment.

In the meantime, try to maintain a balanced diet, stay hydrated, and get plenty of rest. Avoid alcohol and any unnecessary medications, as these can put additional strain on your liver and kidneys.

What you should look out for

Seek immediate medical attention if you experience severe abdominal pain, blood in your stool or urine, severe swelling, confusion, or loss of consciousness. These could be signs of a serious condition that requires immediate treatment.

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

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9 mo ago


People Also Ask


What are the common symptoms of chronic kidney disease?

Common symptoms of chronic kidney disease include fatigue, weakness, swelling in the feet and ankles, changes in urine color and smell, and sometimes high blood pressure. As the disease progresses, symptoms may become more severe.


How can liver disease affect stool and urine color?

Liver disease can lead to changes in stool and urine color due to the liver's role in processing bilirubin. If the liver is not functioning properly, bilirubin can build up, causing stools to become pale and urine to become dark.


What dietary changes can help manage anemia?

To manage anemia, it is important to consume foods rich in iron, such as red meat, beans, lentils, and spinach. Vitamin C can help with iron absorption, so including foods like citrus fruits and tomatoes can be beneficial. In some cases, iron supplements may be recommended by a healthcare provider.


When should I seek immediate medical attention for abdominal pain?

You should seek immediate medical attention for abdominal pain if it is severe, persistent, or accompanied by other symptoms such as blood in your stool or urine, severe swelling, confusion, or loss of consciousness, as these could indicate a serious condition.

1 Comments


Daisy#11747

7 mo ago

Were you able to get any tests done? The swelling in the legs, blood clotting issues (causing bruising), abdominal pain, light-colored stools, and brain fog can all be associated with liver issues. My sister had liver issues pretty young so our family went through a lot learning about what symptoms signified a worsening of the condition. Of course that isn't the only thing that could be going on, a doctor would know better!

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