Understanding Unexplained Symptoms: Back Pain, Numbness, and Recurring Fevers
I am a 28-year-old female facing several perplexing health issues that have been recurring over the past year. For the last twelve months, I have experienced low-grade fevers that return approximately every six weeks. I am uncertain whether these fevers are linked to my new health concerns. Two months ago, I began experiencing discomfort in my foot, which has affected my gait. The pain has fluctuated daily, and an X-ray showed no apparent issues. Subsequently, I started to notice some numbness in the affected leg. Recently, the numbness has intensified and is now creeping up my leg, accompanied by severe pain in my lower back. Additionally, I am experiencing tingling sensations in my other limbs as well. Today, my low-grade fever has returned. I maintain an active lifestyle and engage in strength training, leading me to question if this could be a contributing factor to my back pain. However, the recurring fever is concerning, particularly since it has persisted for some time. Given these developments, I am wondering if I should seek immediate medical attention. What could these symptoms indicate if they are not related to a disc issue?
Answers (1)
3/22/2025, 7:20:38 PM
OpenHealth AI
Your symptoms of recurring low-grade fevers, leg numbness, back pain, and tingling sensations are understandably concerning, especially given their persistence and progression. While it's good that you lead an active lifestyle, the combination of these symptoms warrants careful consideration.
Explanation:
The recurring low-grade fevers could indicate an underlying infection or inflammatory process in your body. The back pain, numbness in your leg, and tingling sensations suggest there may be an issue with nerve function or possible inflammation affecting those areas. Conditions like multiple sclerosis or lupus can cause similar symptoms but are less common and may require further testing for diagnosis.
Next Steps:
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Monitor Symptoms: Keep a detailed symptom diary, noting when your fevers occur, their duration, any activities leading up to them, and how your pain and numbness change over time. This will be useful for healthcare professionals to understand your situation better.
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Evaluate Activity and Recovery: Assess your strength training routine. Ensure you’re allowing adequate recovery time and not overloading your body. If you've recently increased the intensity or frequency of your workouts, consider scaling back slightly.
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Hydration and Nutrition: Maintain proper hydration and consider a balanced diet rich in anti-inflammatory foods (like leafy greens, fatty fish, nuts, and whole grains) to support your overall health.
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Consult a Healthcare Professional: Given the progression of your numbness and back pain, and especially since your fever has returned, it is advisable to speak with a healthcare provider soon. They may recommend imaging tests like an MRI or further blood tests to rule out serious conditions.
If you notice any worsening symptoms, such as significant weakness, changes in bowel or bladder function, or severe pain, seek immediate medical attention. Remember, it’s always better to get evaluated sooner rather than later when it comes to persistent symptoms.
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Cons: Surgical scar, longer recovery time (7-14 days in hospital) - Duration: 2-4 hours ### Option 3: **Liver Transplantation** - We have been advised this is not necessary as the portal vein is functional and liver health is improving. --- ## SPECIFIC QUESTIONS TO CONSIDER: 1. **With a functional portal vein (6.1 mm) and improving liver function (ALT normalized), is it advisable to pursue endovascular closure as the preferred treatment?** 2. **Despite ALT levels improving, the bilirubin remains consistently high (242). Should this be a cause for concern? Is there a prospect for it to normalize post shunt closure?** 3. **Are the hemangiomas/nodules (11.6×20.7 mm) linked to the shunt? Will they likely resolve following shunt repair?** 4. **How urgent is the proposed intervention? Is immediate action required, or is there flexibility to wait a few months?** 5. **What complications should we be vigilant for during the waiting period?** 6. **Regarding endovascular closure - what is the average success rate for infants aged 7 months? Are there concerns regarding the shunt size (9.9 mm)?** 7. **The measurement of the portal vein has shown improvement from 6.1 mm to 3.9 mm; should this be perceived as a positive sign or a reason for concern?** 8. **Are there special directives (diet modifications, medications) we should consider while awaiting the procedure?** 9. **Post-procedure, how long should we expect it might take for:** - Normalization of bilirubin levels? - Return of stool color to normal? - Resolution of jaundice? - Regression of hemangiomas? 10. **Can you recommend any specialized centers for pediatric Abernethy malformation treatments? We are located in Uzbekistan but are prepared to travel (to Turkey, Russia, South Korea, etc.)** --- ## ADDITIONAL INFORMATION - No family history of hepatic diseases - Pregnancy and delivery were normal - No additional congenital defects identified - Immunizations up to date - No history of bleeding disorders - No signs indicative of encephalopathy - Child is alert and engaged --- **I can supply actual MSCT images and comprehensive lab reports if they would be of assistance.** We sincerely appreciate any insights you can provide. We are striving to make the most informed decision regarding our daughter’s care and highly value expert medical opinions. **TL;DR:** 7-month-old diagnosed with Abernethy Type 2 malformation (9.9 mm portocaval shunt, patent portal vein). Liver functionality is improving (normalized ALT) while bilirubin remains elevated (242). Evaluating options between endovascular coil embolization and open surgery. Seeking expert advice on optimal treatment strategy and timing.