[61F] With severe pain in hips, lower back, abdomen, and groin

What might be happening

Based on the information you've provided, it seems like your symptoms could be related to multiple underlying conditions. Here are some possible explanations:

Chronic Pain in Hips, Lower Back, Abdomen, and Groin

1. Degenerative Disk Disease and Spondylosis:

   • Your history of degenerative disk disease and spondylosis of the entire spine could be contributing to the chronic pain in your hips, lower back, abdomen, and groin. These conditions can cause nerve compression, leading to pain, numbness, and tingling.
   • Typical treatments include physical therapy, pain management with medications like gabapentin, and sometimes surgical interventions.

2. Hypermobile Ehlers-Danlos Syndrome (HEDS):

   • HEDS can cause joint instability and chronic pain in various parts of the body, including the hips and lower back. The hypermobility can lead to frequent subluxations or dislocations, contributing to your pain.
   • Management often includes physical therapy, pain management, and sometimes bracing or other supportive measures.

Numbness and Tingling in Abdomen and Groin

1. Lumbosacral Myelopathy:
   • The numbness and tingling in your abdomen and groin, along with fecal incontinence, suggest that your lumbosacral myelopathy might be worsening. This condition involves compression or damage to the spinal cord in the lower back.
   • Treatment may involve medications, physical therapy, and possibly surgical interventions to relieve the compression.

Balance and Equilibrium Problems

1. Neurological Issues:
   • Your balance and equilibrium problems could be related to your lumbosacral myelopathy or other neurological issues. These symptoms are concerning and warrant further evaluation.
   • A neurologist might recommend imaging studies or other tests to determine the cause and appropriate treatment.

What you can do

Pain Management

• Consult a Pain Specialist: Given the severity and chronic nature of your pain, seeing a pain specialist might provide you with more targeted treatment options, including nerve blocks which you haven't tried yet.
• Physical Therapy: Engage in physical therapy tailored to your conditions. A physical therapist can help you with exercises to strengthen your muscles and improve your stability.
• Medication Management: Continue taking your prescribed medications and discuss with your doctor if any adjustments are needed. Avoid NSAIDs due to your allergy and Von Willebrand’s disease.

Lifestyle Modifications

• Smoking Cessation: Smoking can exacerbate pain and slow down healing. Consider seeking help to quit smoking, which could improve your overall health and pain levels.
• Weight Management: If possible, maintain a healthy weight to reduce the strain on your joints and spine. Your current use of Ozempic suggests you are already working on this.

Monitoring and Documentation

• Symptom Journal: Use MDandMe to journal your symptoms, track your progress, and get insights. This can help you and your healthcare provider understand your condition better and adjust treatments as needed.

What you should look out for

Given the complexity and severity of your symptoms, it's important to seek medical care promptly. Here are some red flags that warrant immediate attention:

• Worsening Numbness or Weakness: If you notice increased numbness, tingling, or weakness in your legs, seek medical attention immediately.
• Loss of Bowel or Bladder Control: Any new or worsening issues with bowel or bladder control should be evaluated urgently.
• Severe Pain: If your pain becomes unbearable or significantly worsens, seek medical care.

Remember, while I can provide information and suggestions, it's crucial to consult with your healthcare providers for a formal diagnosis and treatment plan. If you have more questions or need further assistance, feel free to continue the conversation.