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:
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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.
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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?
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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.
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Follow Up on Antibiotic Usage: Ensure you take the prescribed antibiotics correctly and monitor for symptom improvements or new side effects.
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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.
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