[44F] Experiencing mouth sore, fatigue, and neurological symptoms

Patient Description

A 44-year-old female is reporting a range of symptoms including a sore on the roof of the mouth that is painful, appeared suddenly, and has been present for 7 days. She experiences fatigue and a tingling sensation described as numbness in her hands upon waking, which has been occurring sporadically over the past year. She also reports dry mouth that occurs in the middle of the night and has been ongoing for 3 weeks. The patient is dealing with depression, characterized by a lack of motivation, reluctance to leave the house, difficulty getting up in the mornings, and fatigue, which she has been feeling for a few years and finds Effexor helpful. She also experiences a loss of appetite and weight loss over the past 3 weeks, as well as long-standing anxiety upon waking for the past 10 years, which includes constant worry and difficulty focusing. Additionally, she has joint pains in her hands and shoulders. Her medical history includes low thyroid function since 2007, and she is currently taking Effexor, Synthroid, and Wellbutrin. She has allergies to sulfur and penicillin.

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Arora's Assessment

What might be happening

Based on the symptoms you've provided, the following conditions could be considered:

  • Depression and Anxiety Disorders: Your symptoms of constant worry, lack of motivation, difficulty getting up in the morning, and racing thoughts are common signs of depression and anxiety disorders. These conditions often coexist and can cause physical symptoms like fatigue and loss of appetite.

    • Treatment typically involves a combination of medication and psychotherapy. You mentioned that you're currently taking Effexor, which is often used to treat both conditions.
  • Hypothyroidism: You mentioned that you have a history of low thyroid. Hypothyroidism can cause fatigue, depression, and weight changes. If your symptoms have worsened, it may be that your thyroid levels are not well controlled.

    • Treatment involves taking thyroid hormone replacement (like Synthroid, which you're currently taking) to normalize your thyroid hormone levels.
  • Oral Health Issues: The sore in your mouth could be due to a variety of causes, including oral infections, trauma, or certain autoimmune conditions. If it doesn't improve soon, it would be worth having a healthcare provider examine it.

    • Treatment depends on the underlying cause and may involve oral rinses, ointments, or other medications.
  • Carpal Tunnel Syndrome: The numbness and tingling in your hands, especially upon waking, could be due to carpal tunnel syndrome. This condition occurs when a nerve in your wrist becomes compressed, often due to repetitive hand movements or certain health conditions.

    • Treatment can include wrist splinting, avoiding activities that worsen symptoms, and in some cases, surgery.

What you can do

  1. Continue taking your prescribed medications and follow up with your healthcare provider to discuss your symptoms. They may need to adjust your medication dosages or try different treatments.
  2. Try to maintain a regular sleep schedule and engage in physical activity, which can help manage symptoms of depression and anxiety.
  3. Practice good oral hygiene, including brushing and flossing daily, to help promote healing of the sore in your mouth.
  4. If the numbness and tingling in your hands is bothering you, try to avoid activities that involve repetitive hand movements. Wearing a wrist splint at night might also help.

What you should look out for

Please seek immediate medical attention if you experience:

  • Thoughts of harming yourself or others
  • Severe pain or swelling in your mouth
  • Difficulty swallowing or opening your mouth
  • Worsening or new physical symptoms

Remember, this advice is intended to be general in nature, and specific causes may not apply to your situation. Always consult with a healthcare provider for appropriate examination, testing, and care.

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People Also Ask


What could be causing the sore on the roof of my mouth?

The sore on the roof of your mouth could be caused by oral infections, trauma, or autoimmune conditions. If it doesn't improve, it's important to have it examined by a healthcare provider to determine the underlying cause and appropriate treatment.


How can I manage the numbness and tingling in my hands?

The numbness and tingling in your hands could be due to carpal tunnel syndrome, which occurs when a nerve in your wrist becomes compressed. Managing it can involve wrist splinting, avoiding repetitive hand movements, and possibly surgery if symptoms persist.


What are the potential side effects of taking Effexor and Wellbutrin together?

Effexor and Wellbutrin are both used to treat depression and anxiety, but taking them together can increase the risk of side effects such as increased blood pressure, insomnia, and anxiety. It's important to monitor for these effects and discuss any concerns with your healthcare provider.


How can hypothyroidism affect my mental health?

Hypothyroidism can lead to symptoms like fatigue, depression, and cognitive difficulties, which can affect mental health. Proper management with thyroid hormone replacement therapy, like Synthroid, can help alleviate these symptoms and improve overall well-being.


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