[39F] Experiencing chronic body pain and various systemic symptoms

Patient Description

A 39-year-old female presents with a multi-year history of body pain, rated as severe (8/10), affecting the entire right side, including the lower back, hip, shoulder, and arm. The pain is described as tender to touch, aching, burning, with muscle weakness, and is accompanied by numbness, tingling of hands, and occasional shock-like sensations. The pain radiates and is persistent, with some relief from cortisone shots. Additionally, the patient reports chronic depression for 13 years, with feelings of sadness, hopelessness, and lack of motivation, which are somewhat alleviated by social interactions. Other symptoms include dry mouth, fatigue, eye redness with pain and vision changes in one eye, weight gain, acne localized to the chin/jaw area, hair growth on the face, and hair loss on the head, as well as mouth and nose sores. The patient has been experiencing these symptoms for varying durations, with the eye redness being a recurrent issue for years.

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Arora's Assessment

What might be happening

Based on the information you have provided, here are some possibilities:

  • Fibromyalgia: This is a disorder characterized by widespread musculoskeletal pain accompanied by fatigue, sleep, memory and mood issues. It's often associated with tender points on the body that hurt when pressure is applied.

    • Treatment typically involves a combination of medications, exercise, stress management and healthy lifestyle habits.
  • Polycystic Ovary Syndrome (PCOS): This is a hormonal disorder common among women of reproductive age. Symptoms can include irregular periods, excess hair growth, acne, and obesity.

    • Treatment often focuses on managing individual concerns, such as infertility, hirsutism, acne or obesity.
  • Sjogren's Syndrome: This is a disorder of your immune system identified by its two most common symptoms — dry eyes and a dry mouth. It often accompanies other immune system disorders, such as rheumatoid arthritis and lupus.

    • Treatment typically involves managing symptoms, which often subside with time.
  • Depression: This is a mood disorder that causes a persistent feeling of sadness and loss of interest. It affects how you feel, think and behave and can lead to a variety of emotional and physical problems.

    • Treatment often involves a combination of medication and psychotherapy.

Please note that these are possibilities based on the symptoms you've described and not a definitive diagnosis. It's important to consult with a healthcare provider for an accurate diagnosis.

What you can do

  1. Schedule an appointment with your primary care doctor to discuss your symptoms. They may refer you to a specialist, such as a rheumatologist, endocrinologist, or psychiatrist, depending on their initial assessment.
  2. Try to maintain a healthy lifestyle. Regular exercise, a healthy diet, and adequate sleep can help manage symptoms of many conditions.
  3. Consider seeking support from a mental health professional to help manage your feelings of depression.

What you should look out for

Please seek immediate medical attention if you experience:

  • Severe pain that is not relieved with over-the-counter pain relievers
  • Thoughts of harming yourself or others
  • Any new or worsening symptoms

Remember, I'm an AI and this advice is based on the information you've provided. It's always important to consult with a healthcare provider for an accurate diagnosis.

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10 mo ago

People Also Ask


What are the common symptoms of fibromyalgia?

Common symptoms of fibromyalgia include widespread musculoskeletal pain, fatigue, sleep disturbances, cognitive difficulties, and tender points on the body that hurt when pressure is applied.


How is Polycystic Ovary Syndrome (PCOS) diagnosed and treated?

PCOS is typically diagnosed through a combination of medical history, physical examination, blood tests to check hormone levels, and ultrasound to look at the ovaries. Treatment focuses on managing symptoms and may include lifestyle changes, medications to regulate menstrual cycles, and treatments for acne and excess hair growth.


What are the typical symptoms of Sjogren's Syndrome?

Typical symptoms of Sjogren's Syndrome include dry eyes, dry mouth, fatigue, joint pain, and sometimes swelling of the salivary glands. It can also be associated with other autoimmune disorders.


How can chronic depression be effectively managed?

Chronic depression can be managed through a combination of medication, such as antidepressants, and psychotherapy, such as cognitive-behavioral therapy. Lifestyle changes, including regular exercise, a healthy diet, and adequate sleep, can also help improve symptoms.


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