[28F] With clumsiness, numbness, and abdominal pain

What might be happening

Based on the symptoms you've described, there are a few potential diagnoses that could explain your condition. It's important to remember that these are just possibilities, and you should consult a healthcare professional for a formal diagnosis and treatment plan.

Clumsiness and Numbness

1. Peripheral Neuropathy: This condition involves damage to the peripheral nerves and can cause numbness, tingling, and weakness, particularly in the legs and arms. It can also lead to balance issues and clumsiness. Common causes include diabetes, vitamin deficiencies, and certain medications.

   • Testing and Treatment: Blood tests to check for underlying conditions, nerve conduction studies, and possibly imaging studies like an MRI. Treatment may involve managing the underlying cause, physical therapy, and medications to manage symptoms.

2. Multiple Sclerosis (MS): MS is a condition where the immune system attacks the protective covering of nerves, leading to communication problems between the brain and the rest of the body. Symptoms can include numbness, tingling, balance issues, and clumsiness.

   • Testing and Treatment: MRI scans, lumbar puncture, and blood tests. Treatment may include disease-modifying therapies, physical therapy, and medications to manage symptoms.

Abdominal Pain and IBS

1. Irritable Bowel Syndrome (IBS): Given your history of IBS, it's possible that your abdominal pain and changes in bowel movements are related to this condition. IBS can cause cramping, pain, bloating, and changes in stool consistency.
   • Testing and Treatment: Diagnosis is often based on symptoms and ruling out other conditions. Treatment may include dietary changes, medications to manage symptoms, and stress management techniques.

Anxiety

1. Generalized Anxiety Disorder (GAD): High levels of anxiety can exacerbate physical symptoms and contribute to issues like clumsiness and gastrointestinal problems.
   • Testing and Treatment: Diagnosis is based on a psychological evaluation. Treatment may include cognitive-behavioral therapy (CBT), medications like SSRIs, and lifestyle changes.

What you can do

Clumsiness and Numbness

• See a Doctor: It's important to consult a healthcare professional to evaluate your symptoms and determine the underlying cause. They may recommend blood tests, nerve conduction studies, or imaging studies.
• Physical Therapy: A physical therapist can help you with exercises to improve balance and coordination.
• Lifestyle Changes: Ensure you are getting enough vitamins and nutrients, particularly B vitamins, which are important for nerve health. Avoid alcohol and manage your blood sugar levels if you have diabetes.

Abdominal Pain and IBS

• Dietary Changes: Consider following a low-FODMAP diet, which can help manage IBS symptoms. Avoid foods that trigger your symptoms, such as fatty foods, caffeine, and alcohol.
• Medications: Continue taking your IBS medication as prescribed. Over-the-counter antispasmodics or anti-diarrheal medications may also help.
• Stress Management: Practice stress-reducing techniques such as mindfulness, yoga, or deep breathing exercises.

Anxiety

• Therapy: Consider seeing a mental health professional for cognitive-behavioral therapy (CBT) or other forms of therapy to manage anxiety.
• Medications: Continue taking your prescribed medications, such as sertraline and propranolol, as directed by your healthcare provider.
• Lifestyle Changes: Engage in regular physical activity, maintain a healthy diet, and ensure you are getting enough sleep.

What you should look out for

Given the complexity and severity of your symptoms, it's important to seek medical care as soon as possible. Reasons to seek care even more urgently include:

• Severe or sudden worsening of symptoms: If you experience a sudden increase in numbness, weakness, or clumsiness, seek immediate medical attention.
• New or worsening neurological symptoms: Such as vision changes, severe headaches, or difficulty speaking.
• Severe abdominal pain: If your abdominal pain becomes severe or is accompanied by fever, vomiting, or blood in your stool, seek immediate medical attention.

Remember, while I can provide information and suggestions, I am not a doctor. It's important to consult with a healthcare professional to receive a formal diagnosis and appropriate treatment. You can also use MDandMe to journal your symptoms, track progress, get insights, and share longitudinal medical notes with your provider.