[62F] Experiencing lower right back pain, blurry vision, and frequent migraines

Patient Description

A 62-year-old female presents with a constellation of symptoms including pain in the lower right back, described as tender to touch and worsened by bending and sitting, with no known relief measures effective. This pain onset was sudden, starting in the morning. Additionally, the patient reports experiencing blurry vision, described as looking through a foggy window, occurring mostly in the morning and at night for a few months. Migraines, which have been part of the patient's medical history, have increased in frequency and intensity, occurring once a week or every two weeks and now presenting daily for a month. The patient's medical history is notable for depression, anxiety, asthma, allergies, and breast cancer diagnosed in 2019. Current medications include Topamax, Effexor XR, Anastrozole, Atorvastatin, Imitrex, Sudafed PE, Zyrtec, a multivitamin, probiotics, vitamin D, and wild Alaskan salmon oil. The patient denies any recent changes in urine, sudden weight loss, or appetite loss. The patient also notes a history of irritable bowel syndrome, which has been more active despite no dietary changes, and experiences symptoms similar to an 'MS Hug.'

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Arora's Assessment

What might be happening

Based on the information provided, the following conditions could be causing your symptoms:

  • Kidney Stones: Your localized lower back pain could be due to a kidney stone. These are hard deposits made of minerals and salts that form inside your kidneys and can cause severe pain when passing through the urinary tract.

    • Treatment often involves pain relievers and drinking lots of water to help pass the stone. Medical procedures may be needed if the stone is too large.

  • Migraine: Your frequent headaches and visual disturbances could be due to migraines. Migraines are a type of headache characterized by intense, throbbing pain, often accompanied by nausea and sensitivity to light and sound. Visual disturbances, known as aura, can occur before or during migraines.

    • Treatment often involves medications to relieve symptoms and prevent future attacks.

  • Menopause: Some of your symptoms, such as hot flashes and changes in vision, could be related to menopause. Menopause is the natural biological process marking the end of menstrual cycles and fertility. It's diagnosed after you've gone 12 months without a menstrual period.

    • Treatment often involves managing symptoms and maintaining a healthy lifestyle.

Please note that these are potential explanations based on the information provided, and not definitive diagnoses. It's important to consult with a healthcare professional for an accurate diagnosis and treatment.

What you can do

  1. For your back pain, try over-the-counter pain relievers and rest. Applying a warm compress to the painful area might also help.
  2. For your migraines, continue taking your prescribed medication and try to identify any potential triggers to avoid.
  3. For your vision changes, ensure you have regular eye exams and consider using reading glasses if needed.
  4. Maintain a healthy lifestyle, including regular exercise, a balanced diet, and adequate sleep.

What you should look out for

Please seek immediate medical attention if you experience:

  • Severe back pain or abdominal pain
  • Blood in your urine
  • Sudden, severe headache or changes in the pattern of your headaches
  • Sudden changes in vision or loss of vision
  • Any other new or worsening symptoms

Remember, I am an AI and this advice is based on the information you provided. It's important to consult with a healthcare professional for an accurate diagnosis and treatment.

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7 mo ago

People Also Ask

What are the common symptoms of kidney stones?

Common symptoms of kidney stones include severe pain in the back or side, pain during urination, pink, red, or brown urine, nausea, vomiting, and frequent urination. If you suspect you have kidney stones, it's important to consult a healthcare provider.

How can migraines affect vision?

Migraines can affect vision through a phenomenon known as aura, which may include visual disturbances such as seeing flashes of light, zigzag patterns, or experiencing temporary vision loss. These symptoms usually occur before or during a migraine attack.

What are the typical symptoms of menopause?

Typical symptoms of menopause include hot flashes, night sweats, mood changes, sleep problems, and changes in menstrual cycle. Some women may also experience changes in vision, weight gain, and thinning hair.

How can irritable bowel syndrome (IBS) be managed effectively?

Irritable bowel syndrome (IBS) can be managed through dietary changes, stress management, regular exercise, and sometimes medication. Identifying and avoiding trigger foods, eating smaller meals, and maintaining a balanced diet can help alleviate symptoms.

1 Comments

Brian#93

7 mo ago

I think this might be 3 separate issues:

  1. The pain in your back sounds like it could be related to a kidney problem or musculoskeletal issue. You could go to an urgent care appointment and try to get a physical exam to better pinpoint the issue
  2. Your visual issues might be caused by a cataract or other physical problem in the eye, and can be diagnosed by an optometrist
  3. Your increasing migraines might warrant a brain MRI to rule out structural causes. something to talk to your doctor about

Hope that helps!

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