Aa
Aa
A
A
A
Close
Avatar universal

Unknown back pain - going on for over a month

I have been experiencing strong/severe dull low back pain at the lumbar/sacral region for over a month and a half on and off, a month straight at this point. Occassionally it will cause a sharp pain in my pelvic area. I went to the OB/GYN thinking it was Gynecological and had an ultrasound; that came back negative, my reproductive system is perfect according to the OB/GYN. Urinalysis/culture came back normal. She gave me a trial of Doxycycline just in case it was Endometritis (inflammation of the endometrium). The Doxycycline made me throw up every day so I discontinued it after 4 days. (I know it is not good to do that). I also went to the Urologist thinking that it may be kidney stones. I had an ultrasound done there also; no kidney stones.

The OB/GYN thought that maybe I had fractured my vertebrae or had a pinched nerve. I was going to make an appointment with the Orthopedist the next day, but was in so much pain that night that I was nauseous and could not sleep. I also had a heating pad on my back and could not feel the heating pad on my back, even when it was burning my hand. That sent me to the ER because I was worried.  I had an X-Ray there and I did not have a broken vertebrae. They sent me off with Vicodin and Flexeril and told me to see an orthopedist. The Vicodin and Flexeril do not even touch the pain in my back. I had an appointment for the Gastroenterologist the day that I went to the ER, but I cancelled it because I was in the ER. However I am not having any gas/bloating/diarrhea/constipation so I don't really think that it is GI related.

I went to the orthopedist 2 days later and he sent me for an MRI. The MRI  came back normal. I do not have anything structurally wrong with my back. It was very frustrating to hear this because at this point it is about 5 weeks into the pain and I don't have an answer, I only have a bunch of "not this"es. The orthopedist recommends seeing a Neurologist because of the numbness I felt in my back. One symptom I failed to mention is that my hands have been going "numb" since Mother's Day weekend. They don't go weak, and I can still tell when I am touching something, or something is touching me. It just feels like a loss of sensation. I have also had this feeling in my feet maybe 3-4 times in the evening. He wants me to check and make sure there is nothing wrong with my CNS.

He also recommended seeing a Rheumatologist. He says that it may be Lymes and that Lymes is often the last thing tested when it should be the first. I know that I live in a Lymes endemic area, however I cannot recall being bitten by a tick. He also mentioned Lupus, but I do not have many Lupus symptoms. I've been looking up other autoimmune disorders and Sjorgren's syndrome seems to fit some of the other complaints that I have had over the years, but I am in my late 20s and the average age of diagnosis is in their 40s.

Some other things to consider:
-I've had pink eye 3 times in 6 weeks - my primary said that if I get it a 4th time she was going to send me for autoimmune testing as some can cause inflammatory red eyes
-I always need a drink
-I've been complaining of dry eyes for almost 2 years
-In winter my hands were so cracked they would bleed when they have never done that before
-I always have a complaint for something physically wrong with me.
-I have bad seasonal allergies and am allergic to pollens and mold. I'm currently undergoing allergy shots.
-I am being treated for anxiety and depression. My depression seemed to get worse out of nowhere around the time this all started. I was fine/under control/well maintained for a good 6 months prior to this.
-I frequently get cavities.

Some people have mentioned MS to me. I really do not think that it is MS as I only have the symptoms of pain and tingling/numbness. I do not have vision problems other than chronic pink eye last month right before the pain started. I am seeing the Neurologist on Saturday and the Rheumatologist on Wednesday. At what point do I check out an Infectious Disease doctor to make sure that I did not catch some random weird bug? The only traveling I have done was a work trip to Las Vegas 3 days before this all started.

I am posting here to see if anyone has any answers before I go to the doctor and have to wait even more. I am scared for the first time throughout all of this. The thought of maybe being diagnosed with something that can effect me for the rest of my life at age 27 is terrifying. Especially when you are unmarried and have no kids yet and would like that in the end. Normally I can answer my own medical questions based on my own background and schooling, however this is one case that is out of my hands.

I know this is long. Thank you for reading it and for your help.
2 Responses
Sort by: Helpful Oldest Newest
Avatar universal
Hi. I'm sorry that you're having all of these symptoms without knowing what's happening. I also know how you feel. I'm about the same age as you and I'm going through something similar. I hope you will find the help you need in order to get better and live life the way you want to.

I think it would be good if you'd see your primary doctor and explain what's been going on and request to have blood work done. Even if it doesn't give you any definitive answers, you would be able to have that done in advance before seeing a neurologist and it may help them to rule some things out.
Helpful - 0
Avatar universal
I forgot to mention, throughout all this I have not seen my primary, but have been keeping her posted through phone calls and through the patient portal.

I also have not had ANY bloodwork done yet.
Helpful - 0
Have an Answer?

You are reading content posted in the Undiagnosed Symptoms Community

Top General Health Answerers
363281 tn?1643235611
Nelson, New Zealand
1756321 tn?1547095325
Queensland, Australia
19694731 tn?1482849837
AL
Learn About Top Answerers
Didn't find the answer you were looking for?
Ask a question
Popular Resources
Discharge often isn't normal, and could mean an infection or an STD.
In this unique and fascinating report from Missouri Medicine, world-renowned expert Dr. Raymond Moody examines what really happens when we almost die.
Think a loved one may be experiencing hearing loss? Here are five warning signs to watch for.
When it comes to your health, timing is everything
We’ve got a crash course on metabolism basics.
Learn what you can do to avoid ski injury and other common winter sports injury.