[28F] Experiencing weakness, shortness of breath, and neurological symptoms

Question

I also was referred to an orthopedic surgeon for carpal tunnel surgery in April 2023 and never for it

Patient Description

A 28-year-old female reports experiencing weakness and shortness of breath for almost a year. The weakness is severe enough to require leaning against something when standing and affects daily activities. She also experiences constant fatigue, throbbing headaches primarily on the right side, and head pressure. Memory loss and impaired cognition are noted, along with dizziness upon waking, occurring three times since December. The patient has noticed bruising and small blood spots on her body, spider veins on her legs, and a blue dot on her thigh. She describes white rings around her eyes and a bone rising on the left side of her chest, where a fibroadenoma was previously removed at age 16. She reports changes in weight and appetite, eating more but not gaining weight, and changes in sleep patterns, sleeping about 8 hours but with difficulty falling asleep. She experiences occasional shaking in her hands and head, severe enough to affect holding objects. Her medical history includes asthma, ADHD, iron deficiency, and a past breast tumor. She has not had recent blood tests or medical evaluations for these symptoms and is not currently taking any medications. No known drug allergies.

Arora's Assessment

What might be happening

Your symptoms could be related to several underlying issues. Here are some possibilities:

Chronic Fatigue and Weakness: This could be due to your iron deficiency, which can cause fatigue, weakness, and shortness of breath. It's important to address this with your healthcare provider.
Headaches and Head Pressure: These could be related to sinus issues, especially with the pressure around your eyes, nose, and cheeks. Migraines or tension headaches are also possibilities.
Skin Changes (Bruising, Blood Spots, Spider Veins): These could be related to a blood or vascular issue. Given your family history of leukemia, it's important to discuss these symptoms with a doctor.
Cognitive Changes and Forgetfulness: These could be related to stress, fatigue, or nutritional deficiencies. It's important to monitor these symptoms.
Bone Changes and Skin Marks: The bone rising on your chest and skin changes should be evaluated by a healthcare provider to rule out any serious conditions.

What you can do

For Fatigue and Weakness:

Consider seeing a healthcare provider to discuss your iron levels and whether supplementation is needed.
Ensure a balanced diet rich in iron, such as leafy greens, beans, and lean meats.

For Headaches and Head Pressure:

Try over-the-counter pain relief like ibuprofen or acetaminophen, but consult a doctor if headaches persist.
Stay hydrated and consider using a humidifier if sinus issues are suspected.

For Skin Changes:

Document any new bruises or spots and discuss them with a healthcare provider.
Avoid activities that might cause bruising until you have more information.

For Cognitive Changes:

Keep a journal of your symptoms using MDandMe to track patterns and share with your provider.
Ensure adequate rest and manage stress through relaxation techniques.

What you should look out for

Seek medical attention if you experience severe shortness of breath, chest pain, or if the bruising and blood spots increase.
Monitor for any new or worsening symptoms, such as increased fatigue, dizziness, or changes in skin appearance.
Given your family history, consider discussing the possibility of blood tests with your healthcare provider to rule out any serious conditions.

Remember, it's important to consult with a healthcare professional for a formal diagnosis and treatment plan.

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2 mo ago

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[28F] Experiencing weakness, shortness of breath, and neurological symptoms

What might be happening

What you can do

What you should look out for

Experiencing symptoms?