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What Causes Fatigue, Body Pain, Bruising On The Leg And Weight Loss?
Question: i have fatigue, body aches, excessive bruising ( like 30 on each leg) swollen pencil eraser sized knots all over body under skin which are painful when pressed, weight loss, decreased appetite, dizziness, extreme thirst at times, headaches, very strong hot flashes and clammy skin, foggy brain, insomnia
what could this indicate? I am worried it could either be cancer or possible immune disorder such as lupus? i already have been diagnosed with : osteoarthritis, degenerative disk disease, hypothyroid ( not taking medication for that currently ) diverticulitis, IBS, intercystialsistis, right kidney was not functioning at all and had it removed in feb. 2015.
what could this indicate? I am worried it could either be cancer or possible immune disorder such as lupus? i already have been diagnosed with : osteoarthritis, degenerative disk disease, hypothyroid ( not taking medication for that currently ) diverticulitis, IBS, intercystialsistis, right kidney was not functioning at all and had it removed in feb. 2015.
Brief Answer:
Thoughts about what might be going on:
Detailed Answer:
Hello XXXXXXX
Without knowing your most recent lab results and being able to do an exam, I can only suggest some things based on your picture and what you've written here, so here are my thoughts:
Whenever there is increased thirst combined with weight loss, blood sugar should be checked for diabetes/hyperglycemia. When there is too much sugar in the blood, thirst increases. If the insulin can't get into the cells (because there isn't enough produced or there is resistance to it), then a state of starvation occurs, even if a person is not thin to begin with, and weight loss happens. So I recommend two tests: A1C and fasting blood sugar. If not a fasting blood sugar, then an A1C and random blood sugar test.
You stated you have hypothyroidism, and if it is not treated, there are a number of symptoms that can occur, including brain fog and insomnia. A current TSH should be checked and depending on the results, thyroid medicine may help.
Your platelets and bleeding factors should be checked because of the bruising. The platelets can be checked as part of a complete blood count (CBC) which can show if there is any underlying infection or other abnormalities of cell counts.
I can't say from what you described, especially without listing fever, that your symptoms are consistent with an autoimmune disorder such as lupus, but it would be something that can be looked into with the other blood tests by getting an ANA (antinuclear antibody which is often elevated in autoimmune disorders) and ESR (sedimentation rate which show if there is inflammation going on - but it is nonspecific and can increase from a muscle injury, etc)
A chemistry panel to look at your electrolytes (sodium, potassium) can also help give an indication of the possibility of diabetes insipidus, which cause excessive thirst too.
I am not sure what to make of the knots you described. These should be examined in person.
Hot flashes are not uncommon in someone who is 50, and any illness going on can make them even stronger.
Are you on any new medications that you started prior to the onset of some of these symptoms? Can you please list the medications you are taking?
Thoughts about what might be going on:
Detailed Answer:
Hello XXXXXXX
Without knowing your most recent lab results and being able to do an exam, I can only suggest some things based on your picture and what you've written here, so here are my thoughts:
Whenever there is increased thirst combined with weight loss, blood sugar should be checked for diabetes/hyperglycemia. When there is too much sugar in the blood, thirst increases. If the insulin can't get into the cells (because there isn't enough produced or there is resistance to it), then a state of starvation occurs, even if a person is not thin to begin with, and weight loss happens. So I recommend two tests: A1C and fasting blood sugar. If not a fasting blood sugar, then an A1C and random blood sugar test.
You stated you have hypothyroidism, and if it is not treated, there are a number of symptoms that can occur, including brain fog and insomnia. A current TSH should be checked and depending on the results, thyroid medicine may help.
Your platelets and bleeding factors should be checked because of the bruising. The platelets can be checked as part of a complete blood count (CBC) which can show if there is any underlying infection or other abnormalities of cell counts.
I can't say from what you described, especially without listing fever, that your symptoms are consistent with an autoimmune disorder such as lupus, but it would be something that can be looked into with the other blood tests by getting an ANA (antinuclear antibody which is often elevated in autoimmune disorders) and ESR (sedimentation rate which show if there is inflammation going on - but it is nonspecific and can increase from a muscle injury, etc)
A chemistry panel to look at your electrolytes (sodium, potassium) can also help give an indication of the possibility of diabetes insipidus, which cause excessive thirst too.
I am not sure what to make of the knots you described. These should be examined in person.
Hot flashes are not uncommon in someone who is 50, and any illness going on can make them even stronger.
Are you on any new medications that you started prior to the onset of some of these symptoms? Can you please list the medications you are taking?
Above answer was peer-reviewed by :
Dr. Chakravarthy Mazumdar
I appreciate the information, I was just concerned and wanted to ask another opinion. I am scheduled with an endocrinologist on December 6th. That should help clear up my questions about what may be going on. I also have my yearly blood work and family doctor appointment.
Thank you, XXXXXXX XXXX
Have a blessed and safe Holiday for you and your family!
Thank you, XXXXXXX XXXX
Have a blessed and safe Holiday for you and your family!
Brief Answer:
Good plan.
Detailed Answer:
I hope this helped and that you get good information and some answers when you see your doctors.
Best regards,
Bonnie Berger-Durnbaugh, MD
Good plan.
Detailed Answer:
I hope this helped and that you get good information and some answers when you see your doctors.
Best regards,
Bonnie Berger-Durnbaugh, MD
Note: For further inquiries on surgery procedure and its risks or complications book an appointment now
Above answer was peer-reviewed by :
Dr. Chakravarthy Mazumdar
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