[38F] Experiencing nausea, back pain, and severe weakness

Patient Description

A 38-year-old female presents with nausea, fatigue, lightheadedness, severe weakness, back pain, dry mouth, and abdominal pain. The nausea started almost 2 days ago, occurs about 8 times a day for around 10 minutes or more, and came on suddenly. Promethazine has not relieved it. The patient has been feeling lightheaded for 2 days, with a sensation of imbalance rated 6 out of 10 in severity. The severe weakness is affecting her ability to work. She experiences chills in the late night and early morning but no fever. She reports pain when urinating, described as a bad burning sensation, but no blood in her urine. She frequently has urinary tract infections but has not taken any recent antibiotics. She has a history of kidney stones, with the last occurrence in 2022, untreated. The patient had a hysterectomy in 2018. Her past medical history includes asthma (diagnosed in childhood) and arthritis (diagnosed around 2016). Current medications include Suboxone (8mg twice daily), Trintellix (30mg once daily), Buspar (20mg once daily), Klonopin (0.5mg as needed), Vitamin D3, Biotin (both once daily), and weekly B-12 injections (dosage unknown). Additionally, she had a gastric bypass in 2007, with subsequent intestinal issues. She has had a very dry mouth for the past two days, which improves around noon but remains very dry in the morning. She experiences intermittent abdominal pain below the belly button and on her sides. The patient reports chronic constipation, likely due to her medication, and takes ibuprofen PM to help with sleep.

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Arora's Assessment

What might be happening

It is likely that your symptoms are related to multiple issues, including existing diagnoses. If you have more questions, we can continue chatting.

Causes of your nausea, dizziness, and severe weakness:

  • Gastrointestinal issues: Given your history of gastric bypass and intestinal problems, it's possible that your nausea and abdominal pain are related to these conditions. Intestinal obstruction or complications from your previous surgery could be contributing factors.
  • Urinary tract infection (UTI): Frequent UTIs and the burning sensation when urinating suggest that you might have another UTI, which can cause nausea, weakness, and fatigue.
  • Kidney stones: Your history of kidney stones could also be contributing to your back pain and abdominal discomfort. Kidney stones can cause severe pain, nausea, and vomiting.

Causes of your back pain and abdominal pain:

  • Kidney stones: As mentioned, kidney stones can cause significant pain in the lower back and abdomen.
  • Constipation: Chronic constipation, possibly due to your medications, can lead to abdominal pain and discomfort.

Causes of your dry mouth:

  • Medications: Some of the medications you are taking, such as Suboxone, Trintellix, and Buspar, can cause dry mouth as a side effect.
  • Dehydration: Nausea and vomiting can lead to dehydration, which can also cause dry mouth.

What you can do

Nausea, dizziness, and severe weakness:

  • See a doctor as soon as possible: Your symptoms could be related to a serious condition such as an intestinal obstruction or a severe UTI. Your doctor may perform imaging studies or lab tests to determine the cause.
  • Stay hydrated: Drink plenty of fluids to prevent dehydration, which can worsen your symptoms.
  • Rest: Ensure you get plenty of rest to help your body recover.

Back pain and abdominal pain:

  • Consult your doctor: Given your history of kidney stones and gastrointestinal issues, it's important to see your doctor for a thorough evaluation. They may recommend imaging studies or other tests to determine the cause of your pain.
  • Manage constipation: Increase your fiber intake, drink plenty of water, and consider using over-the-counter laxatives if recommended by your doctor.

Dry mouth:

  • Stay hydrated: Drink water frequently, especially in the morning when your dry mouth is at its worst.
  • Use saliva substitutes: Over-the-counter saliva substitutes can help alleviate dry mouth.
  • Avoid caffeine and alcohol: These can worsen dry mouth.

What you should look out for

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

  • Severe abdominal pain: This could indicate an intestinal obstruction or other serious gastrointestinal issue.
  • High fever or chills: These could be signs of a severe infection.
  • Blood in your urine: This could indicate a kidney stone or a urinary tract infection.
  • Severe dehydration: Signs include very dry mouth, dizziness, and reduced urine output.

Remember, while I can provide information and suggestions, it's important to consult with a healthcare professional for a formal diagnosis and treatment plan. You can use MDandMe to journal your symptoms, track your progress, get insights, and share longitudinal medical notes with your provider.

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4 mo ago

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People Also Ask


What could be causing my persistent nausea and abdominal pain?

Your persistent nausea and abdominal pain could be related to gastrointestinal issues from your history of gastric bypass, a possible urinary tract infection, or kidney stones. It's important to consult a doctor for a thorough evaluation.


Why am I experiencing severe weakness and lightheadedness?

Severe weakness and lightheadedness could be due to dehydration from nausea and vomiting, a urinary tract infection, or other underlying conditions. It's crucial to stay hydrated and seek medical advice.


What might be the reason for my dry mouth, especially in the morning?

Dry mouth can be a side effect of medications like Suboxone, Trintellix, and Buspar, or it could be due to dehydration. Drinking water frequently and using saliva substitutes can help alleviate the symptoms.


How can I manage my chronic constipation effectively?

To manage chronic constipation, increase your fiber intake, drink plenty of water, and consider using over-the-counter laxatives if recommended by your doctor. It's also important to discuss your medications with your healthcare provider, as they may contribute to constipation.


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