[35F] With vision disturbances, numbness, and hearing distortion

What might be happening

Based on the symptoms you've described, here are some possible explanations:

Vision Changes (Flashes and Rainbow Floaters)

• Retinal Detachment: This is a serious condition where the retina pulls away from the back of the eye. Symptoms include sudden flashes of light, floaters, and vision loss. Immediate medical attention is required.
• Ocular Migraine: This can cause visual disturbances like flashes of light or zigzag patterns. These symptoms usually resolve on their own but should be evaluated by a healthcare provider.

Numbness and Swelling in Hands and Feet

• Peripheral Neuropathy: This condition involves damage to the peripheral nerves and can cause numbness, tingling, and swelling in the hands and feet. It can be due to various causes, including diabetes, infections, or autoimmune diseases.
• Carpal Tunnel Syndrome: This condition can cause numbness and swelling in the hands due to compression of the median nerve. It often affects people who perform repetitive hand movements.

Hearing Distortion and Tunnel-like Sensation

• Sudden Sensorineural Hearing Loss (SSNHL): This is a rapid loss of hearing that can occur suddenly or over a few days. It often affects one ear and can be accompanied by tinnitus (ringing in the ear) and a feeling of fullness or pressure.
• Ear Infections or Eustachian Tube Dysfunction: These can cause hearing changes, including a sensation of hearing through a tunnel or muffled sounds.

Unifying Diagnoses

• Autoimmune Disorders: Conditions like lupus or multiple sclerosis can cause a range of symptoms, including vision changes, numbness, and hearing issues.
• Infections: Given your recent UTI and herpes diagnosis, systemic infections or complications could be contributing to your symptoms.

What you can do

Vision Changes

• Seek Immediate Medical Attention: If you suspect retinal detachment, go to the emergency room or see an eye specialist immediately.
• Monitor Symptoms: Keep track of any changes in your vision and report them to your healthcare provider.

Numbness and Swelling

• Consult a Healthcare Provider: Schedule an appointment to discuss your symptoms and possible causes like peripheral neuropathy or carpal tunnel syndrome.
• Elevate and Rest: Elevate your swollen limbs and rest to reduce swelling.
• Compression: Consider using compression gloves or socks to help manage swelling.

Hearing Distortion

• See an ENT Specialist: An ear, nose, and throat (ENT) specialist can evaluate your hearing and determine the cause of your symptoms.
• Avoid Loud Noises: Protect your ears from loud noises to prevent further damage.

General Tips

• Stay Hydrated: Drink plenty of water to help reduce swelling and support overall health.
• Healthy Diet: Eat a balanced diet rich in fruits, vegetables, and lean proteins to support your immune system.
• Symptom Journal: Use MDandMe to journal your symptoms, track progress, get insights, and share longitudinal medical notes with your provider.

What you should look out for

Given the severity of your symptoms, you should seek medical care as soon as possible. Reasons to seek care even more urgently include:

• Sudden Vision Loss: This could indicate a retinal detachment or other serious eye condition.
• Severe Pain: If you experience severe pain in your eyes, hands, or ears, seek immediate medical attention.
• Worsening Symptoms: If your symptoms worsen or new symptoms develop, contact your healthcare provider.

Remember, while I can provide information and suggestions, it's crucial to consult with a healthcare professional for a formal diagnosis and appropriate treatment. If you have more questions or need further assistance, feel free to continue the conversation.