[54M] Experiencing acute abdominal pain and leg numbness

What might be happening

Based on the information you've provided, possible explanations for your symptoms include:

• Kidney Stones: These are hard deposits made of minerals and salts that form inside your kidneys. They can cause severe pain in your abdomen and back, and may also cause blood in your urine.

  • Treatment typically involves pain relievers and drinking lots of water to help pass the stone. In some cases, surgery may be required.

• Diverticulitis: This is an inflammation or infection of small pouches called diverticula that develop along the walls of the intestines. The formation of these pouches is known as diverticulosis.

  • Treatment usually involves antibiotics, pain relievers, and a temporary change to a liquid diet. More severe cases may require hospitalization or surgery.

• Sciatica: This is pain that radiates along the path of the sciatic nerve, which branches from your lower back through your hips and buttocks and down each leg. It usually affects only one side of your body and could explain the tingling and numbness in your legs.

  • Treatment typically involves physical therapy and exercises to correct your posture, strengthen the muscles supporting your back and improve flexibility.

• Peripheral Neuropathy: This results from damage to your peripheral nerves, and often causes weakness, numbness and pain, usually in your hands and feet. It can also affect other areas of your body.

  • Treatment typically involves managing the condition causing your neuropathy. In some cases, medications or physical therapy may help.

• Gastrointestinal Bleeding: This refers to any bleeding that occurs in the gastrointestinal tract, from the mouth to the rectum. It could explain the blood you've tasted in your mouth and the blood you've noticed in your stool.

  • Treatment depends on the location and the cause of the bleeding.

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

What you can do

Given the severity of your pain and the duration of your symptoms, it's important to seek immediate medical attention. Here are some steps you can take:

1. Go to the emergency department. The combination of severe abdominal pain, blood in your stool, and numbness in your legs warrants immediate medical attention.
2. Be ready to provide a full account of your symptoms, including when they started, what makes them better or worse, and any associated symptoms.
3. Make sure to tell your doctor about all the medications you're currently taking, including over-the-counter drugs and supplements.

What you should look out for

Seek immediate medical attention if you:

• Notice an increase in the amount of blood in your stool or if your stool becomes black and tarry
• Experience a sudden increase in abdominal pain
• Develop a fever
• Start vomiting blood or a substance that looks like coffee grounds
• Experience a sudden worsening of your leg numbness or weakness, or if you develop loss of bladder or bowel control

Remember, while I strive to provide accurate information, I'm an AI and not a doctor. It's crucial to consult with a healthcare professional who can provide advice tailored to your specific circumstances.