[47F] Experiencing severe stomach pain and multiple systemic symptoms

Patient Description

A 47-year-old female presents with a one-week history of constant, sharp, and crampy upper stomach pain that worsens after eating and has not been relieved by any measures. The pain is localized to the upper stomach and spreads to the left upper quadrant. She reports having loose, watery, and sometimes black or deep maroon diarrhea multiple times a day. Additionally, she has been experiencing severe full-body itching and moderate dry skin for five days, which disrupts her sleep. For the past two days, she has felt dizzy with a spinning sensation and lightheadedness, particularly when standing or bending over. The patient also notes swelling and tightness in the stomach area, along with swollen legs and ankles, and has been experiencing chills. Her medical history is significant for Type 2 diabetes, high blood pressure, nerve damage, fatty liver, high cholesterol levels, dilated cardiomyopathy, grand mal seizures, low potassium, anemia, and a previous heart attack. She is on a comprehensive medication regimen including Gabapentin, Jardiance, Ozempic, Tresiba, Suboxone, Lisinopril, Metoprolol, Phenergan, Novolog, Keppra, Fenofibrate, Albuterol, Trilogy, Carafate, Protonix, Diazepam, Buspar, OTC gas medicine, Benadryl, Atorvastatin, as well as various supplements and vitamins. She has allergies to Toradol, Reglan, Compazine, and aspirin, which cause itching, hives, and high blood pressure.

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Arora's Assessment

What might be happening

Based on the information you've provided, possible diagnoses include:

  • Gastroparesis: This is a condition that affects the stomach muscles and prevents proper stomach emptying. This condition causes bloating, nausea, and can lead to poor blood sugar control and malnutrition. It is commonly found in people with diabetes.

    • Treatment typically involves dietary changes, medication, and, in severe cases, feeding tubes and surgical intervention.
  • Diabetic Neuropathy: This is a type of nerve damage that can occur if you have diabetes. High blood sugar can injure nerves throughout your body. Diabetic neuropathy most often damages nerves in your legs and feet. It can cause numbness, tingling, and pain.

    • Treatment usually focuses on slowing progression of the disease, relieving pain, managing complications and restoring function.
  • Diabetic Dermopathy: Diabetes can affect the small blood vessels of the body that supply the skin with blood. Changes to the blood vessels because of diabetes can cause a skin condition called diabetic dermopathy.

    • Treatment involves controlling your blood sugar levels.
  • Diabetic Ketoacidosis (DKA): This is a serious complication of diabetes that occurs when your body produces high levels of blood acids called ketones. It's more common in people with type 1 diabetes.

    • Treatment involves fluids, electrolytes, and insulin.
  • Peptic Ulcer Disease: This is a condition where an individual has painful sores or ulcers in the lining of their stomach or first part of their small intestine, called the duodenum.

    • Treatment typically involves medication to decrease stomach acid. If a bacteria called H. pylori is causing your peptic ulcers, you'll need antibiotics.

Please note that these are possibilities based on the information you've provided and not a definitive diagnosis.

What you can do

  1. Monitor your blood sugar levels closely and manage your diabetes. This is crucial in preventing further complications.
  2. Stay hydrated and eat a balanced diet. This can help manage your symptoms and prevent further complications.
  3. Avoid triggers that worsen your symptoms. For instance, if certain foods exacerbate your stomach pain or diarrhea, try to avoid them.
  4. Keep your skin clean and moisturized. This can help manage your itching and dry skin.
  5. Rest and avoid sudden movements to help manage your dizziness.

What you should look out for

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

  • Severe abdominal pain
  • Blood in your stool or vomit
  • Uncontrolled blood sugar levels
  • Severe dizziness or fainting
  • Difficulty breathing

Remember, it's important to consult with a healthcare provider for an accurate diagnosis and treatment. This advice is intended to support, not replace, a consultation with a healthcare provider.

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11 mo ago

People Also Ask


What could cause sharp and crampy upper stomach pain that worsens after eating?

Sharp and crampy upper stomach pain that worsens after eating could be caused by conditions such as gastroparesis, peptic ulcer disease, or other gastrointestinal issues. These conditions can affect how the stomach empties or how the stomach lining is affected, leading to pain after meals.


Why might someone with diabetes experience severe full-body itching and dry skin?

Severe full-body itching and dry skin in someone with diabetes could be related to diabetic dermopathy, which is a skin condition caused by changes in blood vessels due to diabetes. It can also be a side effect of certain medications or an allergic reaction.


What are the potential causes of dizziness and lightheadedness, especially when standing or bending over?

Dizziness and lightheadedness, especially when standing or bending over, can be caused by low blood pressure, dehydration, or side effects of medications. In people with diabetes, it can also be related to blood sugar fluctuations or diabetic neuropathy.


How can swelling in the stomach area, legs, and ankles be related to existing medical conditions?

Swelling in the stomach area, legs, and ankles can be related to conditions such as heart failure, liver disease, or kidney problems, which are more common in individuals with a history of diabetes, high blood pressure, and heart issues. It can also be a side effect of certain medications.


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