[45F] Experiencing a range of symptoms including temperature dysregulation and joint pain

Patient Description

A 45-year-old female presents with a complex set of symptoms that have been persisting for several years. The patient reports moderate to severe wrist pain characterized as sharp and sometimes associated with hand locking, followed by soreness upon relaxation, ongoing for 18 years. Additionally, she experiences a constant, hot, sharp pain in the neck that radiates to the elbow, rated 9 out of 10 in severity, which has been present for 11 years. The neck pain is exacerbated by turning the head towards the side of the pain. The patient also describes difficulty with temperature regulation, extreme sensitivity to sunlight, polydipsia, and hyperhidrosis during sleep. She has been experiencing these symptoms for approximately 10 years. The patient denies any significant weight changes despite an intense and persistent hunger. She has not responded well to insulin for high blood sugar levels. There is no reported relief for the joint pain or any history of injury to the affected areas.

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Arora's Assessment

What might be happening

Based on the symptoms you've described, several conditions could be causing your symptoms:

  • Diabetes: This is a condition that affects your body's ability to use sugar for energy, and it can cause symptoms like increased thirst, frequent urination, and unexplained weight loss. However, you mentioned that your blood sugar is not responding well to insulin, which suggests that you may already have been diagnosed with this condition. If your diabetes is not well-controlled, it could contribute to your other symptoms, such as joint pain and difficulty regulating body temperature.

    • Treatment for diabetes typically involves lifestyle changes, medication, and regular monitoring of blood sugar levels.
  • Hyperthyroidism: This is a condition where your thyroid gland produces too much thyroid hormone. It can cause symptoms like increased appetite, sweating, and difficulty regulating body temperature. However, it would not typically cause joint pain.

    • Treatment for hyperthyroidism typically involves medication to reduce the production of thyroid hormone, and in some cases, surgery may be necessary.
  • Rheumatoid Arthritis: This is a chronic inflammatory disorder that can cause joint pain and stiffness, as well as other symptoms. However, it would not typically cause increased thirst or difficulty regulating body temperature.

    • Treatment for rheumatoid arthritis typically involves medication to reduce inflammation and slow the progression of the disease, as well as physical therapy and in some cases, surgery.

What you can do

Given the range of symptoms you're experiencing, it's important to seek medical attention. Here are some steps you can take:

  1. Schedule an appointment with your primary care doctor. They can conduct a physical examination and order tests to help determine what's causing your symptoms.
  2. Keep a symptom diary. This can help you track when your symptoms occur, how severe they are, and whether there are any patterns or triggers.
  3. Stay hydrated and maintain a balanced diet. This can help manage symptoms like increased thirst and hunger.

What you should look out for

If you experience any of the following symptoms, seek medical attention immediately:

  • Severe pain or swelling in your joints
  • Rapid weight loss without trying
  • Difficulty breathing or chest pain
  • Confusion or difficulty speaking
  • Severe headache or vision changes

Remember, while I strive to provide accurate and helpful information, I'm not a doctor. It's important to consult with a healthcare professional for a formal diagnosis and treatment.

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11 mo ago

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People Also Ask


What could be causing my wrist pain and hand locking?

Wrist pain and hand locking could be caused by conditions such as carpal tunnel syndrome, arthritis, or tendonitis. These conditions can lead to inflammation or compression of nerves in the wrist, resulting in pain and locking.


Why might my neck pain be radiating to my elbow?

Neck pain that radiates to the elbow could be due to cervical radiculopathy, where a nerve in the neck is compressed or irritated. This can cause pain to radiate along the nerve pathway down the arm.


What are the possible reasons for my difficulty in regulating body temperature and sensitivity to sunlight?

Difficulty regulating body temperature and sensitivity to sunlight could be related to endocrine disorders such as hyperthyroidism or autoimmune conditions like lupus. These conditions can affect the body's ability to manage temperature and respond to environmental changes.


Why is my blood sugar not responding well to insulin despite having symptoms of diabetes?

If your blood sugar is not responding well to insulin, it could be due to insulin resistance, where the body's cells do not respond effectively to insulin. This is common in type 2 diabetes and may require adjustments in medication or lifestyle changes to improve insulin sensitivity.


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