OpenHealth Q&A

Which Specialist Should I Consult?

I apologize for the lengthy message, but I have quite a bit to share. In October 2024, while working in the kitchen, I suddenly felt extremely faint, turned pale, and experienced heart palpitations. After visiting the hospital, I was diagnosed with myofascial dysfunction syndrome. This condition forced me to leave my job due to a noticeable weakness on my left side that made eating and walking very difficult. Chewing food would cause me to see flashes of light and everything would go dark, leading me to rely on liquids for nourishment instead. I specifically experienced weakness in my left gluteus medius and my neck on the left side, and around the same time, I observed that my orthotics had lost support on that side, which I require. I attempted treatments like acupuncture for a month, engaged in exercise, and even got new orthotics. However, when I saw no improvement, I abandoned those efforts and reverted to lying in bed, resulting in significant weight loss. Despite my reduced weight, I maintained enough muscle mass to remain stable. Eventually, I returned home and focused on home workouts. Unfortunately, I continued to lose strength and began to notice various changes: 1. Frequent bruises appeared on my shins and arms. 2. My bowel movements became less regular. 3. I struggled to expel phlegm. 4. Difficulty urinating and my urine appeared very dark. 5. My nails turned white and developed vertical lines. 6. Digestive issues started (stool started appearing yellow). 7. I would become short of breath while speaking. 8. My body temperature dropped, and I appeared very pale. 9. My shins and feet became itchy. 10. Eating became a challenge due to difficulties chewing. 11. My jaw seemed to narrow. 12. My nostrils seemed to shrink, limiting my airflow. 13. My eyes appeared smaller. 14. I lost most sensation in my legs and buttocks. I finally had an MRI in May 2025, revealing the following findings: 1. At the C4-C5 level: Mild disc bulging was detected. 2. At C5-C6: Mild disc bulging noted with slight indentation of the left traversing nerve root. 3. At C6-C7: Mild right paracentral disc bulge with mild indentation of the right traversing nerve root. 4. At L5-S1: A diffuse disc bulge with posterocentral protrusion and an annular tear was identified, contributing to thecal sac indentation and bilateral recess compromise. I’ve consulted three neurosurgeons, yet none recommend surgery. My condition has been so severe that I was admitted to the hospital due to shortness of breath, and even though they assured me I was fine, they diagnosed me with neurological gait dysfunction. As my strength has diminished, my left leg tends to cave in, raising questions about possible hip issues. At this juncture, I feel confused and frustrated. My muscle mass has diminished to the point where each time I eat, drink, or speak, my spine compresses further. Many attribute my situation to stress or mental health issues, but I genuinely feel like I could collapse at any moment due to the ongoing compression and twisting of my back. Advocating for myself has become challenging, as verbal communication is difficult. I would appreciate guidance on which specialist might finally help resolve these issues.

Answers (1)

7/1/2025, 2:40:52 PM

OpenHealth AI

It sounds like you’re going through a very challenging and complex set of symptoms and experiences, which can understandably make you feel frustrated and overwhelmed. Moving forward, it’s essential to approach your situation with a multi-faceted plan to help address your concerns.

Key Points:

1. Your symptoms and MRI findings suggest possible neurological, orthopedic, and systemic components that require focused attention from specialists.
2. Given your overlapping issues, a team-based approach may be beneficial, including physical therapy, possibly a spinal specialist, and others to address your symptoms comprehensively.

Explanation:

Your symptoms, including weakness, neurological signs, potential disc issues, and significant changes in your bodily functions, suggest there may be more going on than what has been diagnosed so far. It’s important to address both the physical aspects (like muscle weakness and mobility) and any potential psychological factors (like stress, which can impact health) together.

Next Steps:

1. Consult a Rehabilitation Specialist or Physiatrist: This specialist focuses on restoring function and can help with a personalized rehabilitation program targeting your muscle strength and mobility.

2. Engage with a Physical Therapist: A therapist can develop a tailored exercise program that considers your limited strength and provides education on safe movements to prevent falls and improve function.

3. Orthopedic Consultation: Given your issues with your hips and potential connection to your spinal disc bulges, an orthopedic doctor can evaluate your hip joints and recommend interventions that might relieve pain and improve stability when walking.

4. Consider a Rheumatologist: Your frequent bruising, white nails, digestive changes, and persistent symptoms might suggest an underlying systemic condition (like an autoimmune disorder). A rheumatologist can help evaluate these aspects.

5. Consider a Neurologist Specialized in Movement Disorders: Since you’ve experienced neurological gait dysfunction, a neurologist with expertise in movement disorders might provide insights into other neurological conditions or treatments.

6. Routine Monitoring: Keep a symptom diary documenting your daily changes, symptoms, and responses to therapy. This structured approach not only helps identify patterns but can also assist your healthcare providers in making informed decisions.

Encouraging Reassurance:

It’s commendable that you’re advocating for your health even amidst these challenges. Finding the right specialists and a comprehensive care approach can lead to more clarity about your condition and strategies to manage your symptoms. You're not alone in this, and addressing these concerns systematically is critical to supporting your journey towards recovery.