[59F] Experiencing weakness, dizziness, and memory issues post-spinal tumor removal

What might be happening

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

• Multiple Sclerosis (MS): This is a disease of the central nervous system that disrupts the flow of information within the brain, and between the brain and body. Symptoms can include fatigue, difficulty walking, numbness or tingling, muscle weakness, pain, and problems with coordination and balance. MS could also explain the cognitive difficulties you've been experiencing. However, this is a serious diagnosis and would need to be confirmed by a neurologist through specific tests.

• Fibromyalgia: This is a disorder characterized by widespread musculoskeletal pain accompanied by fatigue, sleep, memory, and mood issues. It's often triggered by a physical trauma, like a car accident. The constant fatigue and cognitive difficulties you've described are sometimes referred to as "fibro fog."

• Chronic Fatigue Syndrome (CFS): This is a complicated disorder characterized by extreme fatigue that can't be explained by any underlying medical condition. The fatigue worsens with physical or mental activity, but doesn't improve with rest. Other symptoms can include loss of memory or concentration, unexplained muscle or joint pain, and extreme exhaustion lasting more than 24 hours after physical or mental exercise.

• Vitamin B12 Deficiency: This can cause a variety of neurological symptoms, including numbness and tingling in the hands and feet, balance problems, and cognitive difficulties. Given that you're taking B12 supplements, this is less likely but still possible, depending on your dosage and how well your body is absorbing the vitamin.

• Side Effects of Medication: Both Hydrocodone and Amitriptyline can cause various side effects, including dizziness, fatigue, and cognitive difficulties. It's possible that these medications could be contributing to your symptoms.

Please remember that this is not a definitive diagnosis. It's important to discuss these possibilities and your symptoms with a healthcare provider, who can provide a formal diagnosis and appropriate treatment options.

What you can do

1. Schedule an appointment with your healthcare provider: Given the number of symptoms you're experiencing and their impact on your daily life, it's important to seek medical attention. If you haven't already, consider seeing a neurologist, who specializes in the types of symptoms you're experiencing.

2. Keep a symptom diary: This can help you track when your symptoms occur, their severity, and any potential triggers. This information can be helpful for your healthcare provider in diagnosing your condition.

3. Stay hydrated and maintain a balanced diet: This can help manage your symptoms and overall health.

4. Regular exercise: If possible, try to incorporate regular physical activity into your routine. This can help manage symptoms such as fatigue and cognitive difficulties. However, it's important to not push yourself too hard and to rest when needed.

5. Rest: Make sure you're getting enough sleep each night. If you're having trouble sleeping, speak with your healthcare provider about potential solutions.

What you should look out for

Seek immediate medical attention if you experience:

• Sudden worsening of any of your symptoms
• New symptoms, such as severe headaches, changes in vision, difficulty speaking, or difficulty swallowing
• Symptoms that interfere with your ability to eat or drink
• Symptoms that interfere with your ability to perform basic tasks, such as dressing yourself or walking

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 accurate information.