Unexplained Symptoms and Unusual Urine Color: Seeking Guidance
Hello! I am a 30-year-old female, standing 5'3" and weighing 200 pounds. My current medication includes 300 mg of gabapentin and 20 mg of Vyvanse. Recently, I experienced an unsettling incident where I suddenly felt nauseated, battling both vomiting and diarrhea. Within a span of roughly ten minutes, I went from feeling normal to experiencing intense vibrations and a tingling sensation throughout my body. This strange vibrating feeling caused me to feel like I struggled to breathe, and it almost seemed as if my muscles were tightening. I found myself unable to move my hands, arms, or legs, and my hands appeared to clench involuntarily. While there wasn’t excessive shaking, I was unable to control my body at that moment. Thankfully, I remained mentally aware. I instructed my husband to call 911 before I completely lost my physical control, which lasted for about five to ten minutes. When the paramedics arrived, they suggested it could be an anxiety attack. However, since my right side was still feeling weak, my parents took me to the emergency room. Upon arrival at the ER, I underwent some lab tests. To my surprise, I discovered that my urine had turned a brownish, coffee-like color, despite having consumed plenty of water recently; earlier that same day, my urine had appeared normal. The examination at the ER was rather straightforward. Most of my complete blood count (CBC) results were acceptable, although my white blood cell (WBC) count increased from 7.2 to 11.4 compared to a month ago, showing mild neutrocytosis. Levels for CK, magnesium, phosphorus, and lipase were within normal ranges. My comprehensive metabolic panel (CMP) also came back largely normal for my usual results. However, my urinalysis (UA) showed abnormalities, with nearly everything flagged—but it seems this might be attributable to the urine color interference. The tests indicated rare occurrences (0-2) of red blood cells and white blood cells when viewed microscopically, alongside calcium oxalate presence. Consequently, the doctor prescribed an antibiotic. Though possibly unrelated, I’ve been experiencing tingling in my right big toe and the top of my foot for about two weeks now, affecting the same side that felt weak. For context, I previously had severe facial pain that could be attributed to trigeminal neuralgia, which is why I take gabapentin. Two years ago, I also received a clean MRI scan and have a history of aura migraines. This unsettling episode took place last night around 9 PM. I plan to reach out to my primary care provider for an appointment in the morning but am left wondering what specific questions I should pose. Would it be advisable to consult a neurologist? I’m curious if this could merely be a reaction to the bladder infection. Thank you for your assistance.
Answers (1)
7/7/2025, 2:01:52 AM
OpenHealth AI
Main Points: Your recent episode of severe nausea, tingling, and unusual urine color might indicate several underlying issues, including a possible infection or reaction to medication. It's important to clarify the reasons for your symptoms, track their development, and follow up with your primary care provider.
Explanation: You experienced a sudden and intense episode of physical distress, including nausea, muscle tightening, and tingling sensations. The brownish color of your urine, accompanied by mild abnormalities in your urinalysis, suggests that there could be an infection or another concern affecting your kidneys or bladder. The tingling in your right foot and weakness could suggest nerve-related issues, possibly related to your previous conditions or a new development that needs investigation.
Your nervous system interpretation of symptoms like those experienced could be influenced by your existing medications (gabapentin and Vyvanse), which may have side effects that include muscle spasms or anxiety-like symptoms. While the emergency room suggested anxiety, your physical symptoms warrant further exploration to rule out neurological causes or complications related to your previous health history.
Next Steps:
-
Keep a Symptom Diary: Track any new symptoms, changes in sensation, and the timing of your episodes until your doctor appointment. Note anything that seems to trigger or worsen the symptoms.
-
Consult Your Primary Care Provider (PCP): Prepare for your appointment by asking:
- What could have caused the sudden nausea and muscle control issues?
- Could this be related to my medications?
- What are the implications of my urine color change and lab results?
- Should I see a neurologist or any other specialists for persistent symptoms like tingling and weakness?
-
Monitor Urine Color and Other Symptoms: Keep an eye on your urine color and overall hydration. Note any changes and report them to your PCP.
-
Follow Up on Antibiotic Usage: Ensure you take the prescribed antibiotics correctly and monitor for symptom improvements or new side effects.
-
Consider Stress Management Techniques: Given the suggestion of anxiety as a potential factor, practices like deep breathing or mindfulness may help manage stress until you get further clarity from your PCP.
It’s understandable to be concerned about your symptoms; seeking timely answers and support is essential. Let me know if you need more specific information or support with any of these steps.
Related Questions
Understanding the Reality of End-Stage Pancreatic Cancer
Navigating the complexities of end-stage pancreatic cancer can be overwhelming, and I'm seeking clarity on what lies ahead. My mother, who is 59 years old and weighs about 115 pounds, received her diagnosis of terminal pancreatic cancer in October 2025. Unfortunately, she has largely rejected the option of chemotherapy and is consuming her pain relief medications—specifically oxycodone and morphine—at an alarming rate. While I’m not worried about the dosage, the severity of her pain has reached a level that is becoming unbearable. Despite this, she is adamant about avoiding any hospital treatment, even though that's where she would receive the most effective pain management. I’ve attempted multiple times to get her medical attention, calling both hospitals and emergency services. However, due to her refusal for assistance, they have also turned us down. It was explained to me that taking her against her will could be considered kidnapping. After consulting with various healthcare professionals, I have been informed that her time may be measured in days or weeks. There’s also a chance that she could slip into unconsciousness, leaving me deeply unsettled. I am already in a state of mourning, yet I am desperate to understand what to expect in the coming days. It is crucial for me to prepare myself—emotionally and mentally—so that I can help ensure her comfort in these final moments. Plans are underway to engage hospice care, but the uncertainty fills me with apprehension. This is my mother, and I want to alleviate my fear so I can provide her with the support she needs as she nears the end of her journey. I yearn to be present for her without being entirely consumed by grief before she passes away. Any guidance or insight you could provide would be invaluable. I'm at a loss for what steps to take next and truly desire to navigate this situation with as much grace and readiness as possible.
Prolonged Miscarriage: Over Four Weeks In
A 35-year-old woman managing Type 1 diabetes with an insulin pump has been experiencing a challenging period marked by a recent miscarriage. This occurred just shy of ten weeks into the pregnancy, following an extremely positive pregnancy test, although medical confirmation had not yet been obtained. The physical symptoms were quite severe, with substantial bleeding that included large tissue clumps and blood clots observed during a shower. The size of these clots was rather alarming, comparable to a fist, causing blockage in the drain. Initially, for the first three to four days, there was heavy bleeding, requiring three pads daily. After that, the situation gradually improved, and around a week ago, she reached a point where only a pantyliner might suffice. Despite the reduction, bleeding persisted intermittently, mainly noticeable upon wiping, with instances of no blood at all, leading to inconsistencies in her experience. Recently, she has been feeling bloated and has noticed a resurgence in bleeding, necessitating the use of pads twice daily. Additionally, she has been experiencing light cramps and has developed acne. A subsequent pregnancy test revealed continued positive results. Now, with over four weeks of bleeding, she reached out to her physician’s office. However, the response was not one of concern, suggesting that she could schedule a visit at her convenience if she felt the need. The cost of visiting a doctor or urgent care deters her from seeking immediate professional help unless absolutely warranted. Overall, she reports feeling generally well, but is seeking advice from others. Is there cause for alarm, or is it feasible to let things unfold naturally? Could this miscarriage have evolved into her menstrual cycle instead? Additionally, it's worth noting that she occasionally finds small blood clots on the toilet paper after wiping. Since the onset of this situation, she has abstained from sexual intercourse.
Concerns After Gallbladder Surgery (Three Weeks Post-Op) - Is It an Infection?
Profile: - Age: 35 - Gender: Female - Height: 5 feet 4 inches - Weight: 160 pounds - Ethnicity: Asian Duration of Symptoms: Last Three Weeks Location: United States Recent Medical History: Nearly three weeks have passed since my gallbladder removal surgery. Over the last few days, I've noticed a small amount of unclear fluid coming from the incision. I just observed what seems to be pus oozing from the surgical site. Although there is slight tenderness when I move or touch the area, it isn't painful. Thankfully, I haven’t experienced any fever or chills, and there’s no unpleasant odor emanating from the wound. Should I continue to clean it with soap and water, or is it necessary for me to visit the emergency room for further evaluation?
Exploring Inositol and CoQ10 for Managing PCOS Symptoms
As a 28-year-old female, I have faced the challenges of polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS) since my teenage years. Starting from the age of 16, I have dealt with highly irregular menstrual cycles, occurring anywhere from three to eight months apart. My diagnosis has been substantiated through two ultrasounds and blood tests revealing elevated androgen levels. Despite maintaining a healthy diet and leading an active lifestyle—balancing my work as an environmental biologist with gym sessions alongside my husband—I continue to wrestle with weight management. Other symptoms impacting my daily life include significant hair loss, unwanted facial hair, and persistent fatigue. In my journey to manage PCOS, I previously sought counsel from a gynaecologist, who primarily suggested hormonal birth control as the main approach to alleviate my symptoms. Although I adhered to this recommendation for several years, the hormonal changes negatively impacted my mood, leading me to discontinue its use. Another alternative proposed by my gynaecologist involved androgen blockers, but these are not suitable for me since my husband and I plan to start a family in the next two to three years. Recently, my research led me to discover that supplements like Inositol and CoQ10 might effectively combat insulin resistance and lower androgen levels. They are purported to improve various symptoms associated with PCOS, including the regulation of ovulation, all while boasting minimal adverse effects. I am curious about the viability of these supplements as alternatives to hormonal birth control or androgen blockers in managing my PCOS symptoms.
Navigating Health Concerns: A Young Woman's Plight with Chronic Migraines and Stress
To summarize a very complex situation, last spring in 2025 was exceptionally challenging for me. I faced overwhelming stressors, including family deaths, eviction, and my parents splitting up. This turmoil led to chest pains so severe that I had to visit the emergency room because I couldn’t breathe deeply without experiencing intense pain. The doctors attributed the issue to psychological causes, but I continued to suffer from pain and instances of fainting due to the stress, which worsened as yet another family member was diagnosed with cancer. My psychiatrist suggested medication, and I started on Lexapro and Concerta, which improved my condition somewhat, even though I remained fatigued and felt like I was merely surviving. By the end of August, I contracted a severe case of bronchitis that caused me to experience fevers even while doing laundry. It seemed I was verging on pneumonia, prompting the prescription of prednisone and other steroid medications. Thankfully, I began to recover quickly, but soon after, I was plagued by persistent headaches and an overwhelming sense of paranoia that someone was out to get me. After another emergency room visit, the physicians informed me that, although my symptoms—such as fever, intense pain, night sweats, sensitivity to light, ear pressure, and a stiff neck—were alarming, they were likely just severe migraines that should eventually fade. Unfortunately, they didn’t. I returned to urgent care for further treatment, received antibiotics, and was advised to consult a neurologist. While the antibiotics provided some relief, my symptoms intensified. My primary care physician eventually prescribed sumatriptan, a medication intended to alleviate migraine pain, but instead, it exacerbated the headache. For the next two to four weeks, I endured an exceptionally difficult time, facing numerous strange symptoms that felt worthy of immediate attention, yet each visit concluded with a migraine diagnosis and a waiting period for my neurology appointment. My frustrations pushed me to contemplate risky alternatives for relief, but I resisted, feeling utterly hopeless and unable to cope. I sought an ear, nose, and throat specialist to rule out sinus issues, which turned out to be fine. A painful spot under my jaw led me to suspect nerve involvement, and I visited the emergency room again due to experiencing stroke-like symptoms (including mild left arm weakness, extreme headache, and minor speech issues). Sadly, I was again told it was merely a headache, and the IV medications were ineffective. During my annual check-up, my primary care provider was unfamiliar with my ongoing issues but discovered an enlarged lymph node in the lower left side of my neck and a cyst on my thymus after conducting a soft tissue scan. She reassured me that there was no need for concern and suggested waiting for my neurology visit or getting my eyesight checked. Despite my yellower complexion, increasing stiffness, and joint pain, I accepted her recommendation. While I mentally adapted to the chronic pain, which was always present, it affected my ability to concentrate and engage in daily life. I tried consuming plenty of lemon juice and engaging in lymphatic drainage massages, which provided transient relief and halted my yellowing skin. Now, in the present, I've noticed a peculiar, raised red bump on the side of my foot. It’s hard, tender, and smaller than a dime, without any accompanying rash. It has persisted for a couple of weeks without causing pain while walking. Additionally, more lymph nodes in my neck have become swollen, I have experienced difficulty swallowing, and I occasionally choke on air. My lungs feel heavier with a diminished sense of smell, though I don't have the thick mucus typical of a cold. The headaches, however, are reemerging, sharper than before, which is a concerning development. Throughout all of this, my blood pressure has remained within a low yet stable range, and my blood tests and CT scans have shown no significant issues. I haven’t consumed anything excessively that might raise concern, including food or drugs. Am I truly facing a serious health crisis? Should I prioritize getting another appointment, or do I need to rush to urgent care? I'm scheduled to see the neurologist in about a month, and I'm wondering if I should ask my primary care provider for some preliminary tests like blood work or an MRI beforehand. If so, what specific questions should I prepare for my neurology visit? I believe the pain has a genuine physical basis, although my anxiety definitely amplifies the experience.