Concerns Over Unusual Symptoms in a Middle-Aged Male
A fit male in his 40s is facing a series of health challenges. Earlier this year, he sought evaluation for Myasthenia Gravis (MG), prompted by certain symptoms and supported by genetic testing. Following a positive result on the acetylcholine receptor (ACHR) test, his neurologist recommended further diagnostic assessments. Additional tests indicated positive results for Lambert-Eaton Myasthenic Syndrome (LEMS) as well, although he has not experienced any muscle weakness. Imaging scans of the chest and abdomen came back normal, and a colonoscopy conducted last year revealed no abnormalities. Recent LEMS tests have returned to normal ranges. Despite the positive MG test, his symptoms do not align strongly with the condition; he does not exhibit muscle weakness. Instead, his primary issues include muscle twitching and spasms, leading to the exclusion of multiple sclerosis and Parkinson’s disease as potential diagnoses. In February, he underwent a prostate-specific antigen (PSA) test, revealing very low levels. However, about eight weeks ago, he began to experience ongoing diarrhea, which prompted a visit to the doctor four weeks ago. Tests for C. difficile and other infections were administered but yielded negative results. Recently, he has noticed a concerning amount of blood in his semen, intensifying his worries about an undetected form of cancer.
Answers (1)
6/28/2025, 12:10:37 PM
OpenHealth AI
It seems you’re navigating a concerning mix of symptoms, including muscle twitching and spasms alongside gastrointestinal issues and blood in your semen, while dealing with a complex medical history involving possible Myasthenia Gravis and Lambert-Eaton Myasthenic Syndrome. It's understandable to feel anxious about these developments, especially given your negative tests for infections and early PSA results.
Explanation
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Muscle Symptoms: The muscle twitching and spasms can stem from various causes, and it's noteworthy that you're not experiencing the typical muscle weakness associated with Myasthenia Gravis. Given your clear imaging results and exclusion of multiple sclerosis and Parkinson's, it may be beneficial to explore benign causes such as stress, fatigue, or electrolyte imbalances.
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Gastrointestinal Issues: The diarrhea lasting for about eight weeks, even with negative tests for infections, underscores the need for evaluation of other potential causes like dietary intolerances, inflammatory bowel disease, or functional gastrointestinal disorders.
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Blood in Semen: The presence of blood in your semen (hematospermia) can understandably be alarming, and while it can sometimes arise from benign conditions (like prostatitis), it may also warrant further evaluation to rule out more serious issues, including structural problems or malignancy.
Next Steps
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Track Your Symptoms: Start a symptom diary noting the frequency and characteristics of your muscle symptoms, gastrointestinal changes, and any other new signs. This can be beneficial for your next medical consultations.
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Stay Hydrated and Balanced: Focus on maintaining hydration, especially due to your diarrhea. Ensure you are replenishing electrolytes, which can help alleviate muscle twitching. Consider consuming a balanced diet rich in whole foods while being mindful of any foods that may trigger gastrointestinal symptoms.
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Request Further Evaluation: Given the ongoing issues, especially blood in your semen, consider discussing with your doctor the possibility of:
- A referral to a urologist for further evaluation of the hematospermia, which may include imaging or a prostate examination.
- Additional gastrointestinal evaluations or dietary assessments to understand potential triggers for your diarrhea.
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Manage Stress: Practice stress management techniques such as mindfulness, yoga, or regular exercise, as stress can sometimes exacerbate muscle symptoms and gastrointestinal issues.
If symptoms worsen or you experience additional alarming signs, such as significant weight loss or persistent severe abdominal pain, it is important to communicate this to your healthcare provider promptly. Your concerns are valid, and taking these steps can help you better manage your health moving forward.
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