Unusual Sensation in Bones Without Accompanying Pain
I'm a 26-year-old female residing in Northern England. I've been diagnosed with both OCD and ADHD. For my OCD, I take 40mg of citalopram, a medication I've been on for over five years. Additionally, I manage my ADHD symptoms with 54mg of XL Concerta, which I've been using for around four years now. While I do have some excess weight, I've been making strides towards improvement, having lost just over 10 pounds in three months. My history includes Binge Eating Disorder (BED), so I'm approaching my weight loss journey cautiously and deliberately. I maintain hydration by consuming 2 to 3 liters of water daily, utilizing a 1-liter Stanley cup which I carry around with me. I indulge in vaping intermittently, but I limit my alcohol intake to about one drink per week, and I don't use illegal drugs or smoke cigarettes. For the past eight to twelve months, I've been experiencing a peculiar sensation in certain bones that I can only describe as feeling 'itchy' or having an 'undulating' quality, without any pain associated with it. Despite the absence of discomfort, this sensation leaves me feeling extremely fatigued and physically drained, even though my mind remains alert and engaged. I specifically feel this strange sensation in areas such as my shoulder blades, the middle to lower regions of my spine, my tailbone, and my thigh bones—never elsewhere, just those targeted spots. At times, the weariness becomes so overwhelming that I find it necessary to lie down to recover. Even sitting upright can become exhausting, if that makes sense. I’m uncertain about the potential cause of this sensation and how to present it to my general practitioner without being dismissed as merely experiencing anxiety or menstrual cramps. Interestingly, I’ve observed that the sensation seems to intensify during warmer weather, and this summer has certainly been unusually hot.
Answers (1)
8/25/2025, 7:51:48 PM
OpenHealth AI
It sounds like you're experiencing some distressing and unusual sensations in your bones, coupled with fatigue, which can understandably be quite concerning. The sensations you've described—itchy, undulating feelings in specific areas without pain—are not typical, but they do warrant attention. Let's break this down.
Main Points:
- Unusual Sensations & Fatigue: The feelings you're experiencing may have various causes, and they are significant due to the associated fatigue.
- Presentation to Healthcare Provider: It's essential to communicate your symptoms effectively to your general practitioner, ensuring you feel heard.
Explanation:
The sensations in your bones, particularly if they have been persistent and are accompanied by fatigue, may be influenced by several factors. Conditions such as fibromyalgia, vitamin deficiencies (like Vitamin D or B12), anxiety-related somatic sensations, or even issues related to your medications can contribute to what you’re experiencing. The fact that these sensations intensify during warmer weather is also notable; temperature sensitivity can sometimes exacerbate certain conditions.
Next Steps:
-
Keep a Symptom Diary: Document your symptoms, including when they occur, their intensity, any patterns you notice related to weather, activity levels, or diet. Note any changes in sleep or stress levels as well.
-
Review Your Medications: Consider discussing with your healthcare provider the possibility that your current medications might be contributing to these sensations. This can sometimes happen with psychiatric medications, leading to side effects that may resemble peripheral nerve sensations.
-
Focus on Nutrition: Ensure you are getting balanced nutrition, paying particular attention to vitamins and minerals. A well-rounded diet supports bone and nerve health.
-
Hydration & Rest: Continue hydrating and take adequate rest when you experience fatigue. Ensure to take breaks during the day and consider relaxation techniques that might help alleviate overall stress and tension.
-
Plan Communication with Your GP: When you see your GP, express that you are experiencing unusual bone sensations along with significant fatigue that impacts your daily life. Share your symptom diary to provide clear documentation of what you've been feeling.
-
Consider a Healthcare Review: If your fatigue continues to be overwhelming, even after addressing your diet and hydration, it could be beneficial to request a general check-up. This would ideally include tests for vitamin deficiencies, thyroid function, or other relevant assessments, tailored to your case.
Final Note:
It’s understandable to feel apprehensive about how your symptoms may be perceived. Remember, your experience is valid, and ensuring you communicate your concerns thoroughly can facilitate a more productive discussion with your healthcare provider. If you continue to feel dismissed, don't hesitate to seek a second opinion; your health and comfort are paramount.
Related Questions
Concerns Regarding Neurological Health
Hello! I received an epilepsy diagnosis back in 2008, and throughout this time, various MRI and CT imaging studies have indicated issues related to cerebral function and encephalopathy. Despite consulting multiple neurologists over the years, I’ve found that none of them appear worried about the encephalopathy aspect. Shouldn’t this be something to take more seriously? My cognitive abilities, including memory and vision, have noticeably deteriorated as time has passed. I’m feeling lost since my previous neurologists have not acknowledged my concerns adequately. If anyone could offer guidance or suggest resources, I would greatly appreciate it. In addition to epilepsy, my other medical conditions include Narcolepsy, Lynch Syndrome, Migraines, a mutation associated with HLA-B27, and Hashimoto's disease, along with others that escape me for the moment. Currently, I’m on a medication regimen that includes Lamictal, Xcopri, Hydroxyzine, Solifenacin, Zoloft, Wellbutrin, Sunosi, Aimovig, and Famotidine.
Navigating the Complexity of Symptoms: Is It PCOS or Something Else?
While I’m not an expert in self-diagnosis, I find myself puzzled by an array of symptoms that overlap, making it challenging to pinpoint what might be affecting my health. Let's break down my situation: - Age: 25 years, Gender: Female, Height: 5’1”, Weight: 125 lbs. - The last menstruation occurred in June 2024. Prior to this, my menstrual cycle was remarkably consistent since I was around 12 years old, typically without severe premenstrual symptoms, heavy flow, or irregularities. - Various blood tests over time reveal that most hormone levels fall within normal ranges, with the exception of estradiol (persistently between 10-20) and progesterone (remaining below 0.2). - A couple of results raised some concerns for me personally, even if my doctors weren’t alarmed: my morning cortisol was measured at 13.4 and in the afternoon at 9.49. One test indicated a TSH level of 2.35, which increased to 3.93 months later. My fasting glucose consistently hovers around 80, whereas random glucose levels were recorded at 68, and postprandial glucose was 65. - An MRI indicated a "deviation of the pituitary stalk, potentially linked to a small pituitary adenoma." - An ultrasound revealed "multiple oval, well-defined, anechoic images with posterior acoustic enhancement, measuring a few millimeters, located around the edges of the stroma." - The symptoms I am experiencing include disrupted sleep (frequent awakenings, particularly around 3 AM, making it hard to resume sleep), lack of energy, difficulty in weight management, persistent hunger, heightened anxiety, and hair thinning. - Birth control (drospirenone and ethinyl estradiol) exacerbated nearly all of my symptoms, leading me to discontinue use after two weeks despite experiencing a withdrawal bleed. - My lifestyle is generally healthy; I consume a lot of whole foods, engage in weightlifting, and run regularly. Given that I’ve received a diagnosis of PCOS, I’m wondering if this assessment seems accurate. What options do I have moving forward, especially since the contraceptive method didn’t provide relief and I appear to exhibit signs of additional complications such as thyroid issues or cortisol dysregulation?
Understanding My Experience with Overdose-Related Symptoms and Behavior
25 years old, 165 cm tall, and weighing 70 kg. Summary: After sharing a complaint about my interactions with paramedics, I've taken a moment to reflect on their feedback and review the situation through the footage. I recognize that my conduct during those moments was inappropriate, and I am filled with remorse. Subsequently, I have retracted my complaint and am now seeking mental health support. I desire to clarify certain aspects since my medical records do not completely align with what I went through. Below, I detail my symptoms. Yesterday, I made a post on the AskDoctors forum, hoping for insights regarding my condition. The advice I received prompted a self-realization that had evaded me until now. Initially, I was outlining a grievance against paramedics who doubted the legitimacy of my seizures and accused me of feigning the experience. My response was not only disproportionate but also hostile—I yelled, wept, and labeled them as heartless. Such reactions were completely unwarranted and unjustifiable. Ultimately, I was physically stable, with vital signs indicating no critical issues; there were only temporary fluctuations in my blood work, which shouldn’t have raised alarms. I feel profound regret over my conduct during that encounter. Watching the footage incites feelings of self-disgust. I’ve decided to withdraw my complaints and am committed to mental health resources. I opted to delete my previous post since it contained sensitive information about my professional and educational background; I was worried it might provoke disciplinary action from my university, which I cherish as my career gives my life meaning. I admit to feeling cowardly in this respect. The initial reason for my inquiry was a desperate need for clarity about the symptoms I experienced, as my discharge documentation omits much of what transpired in the hospital and the subsequent three days. I greatly value the input I’ve received and hope to gather more perspectives. I fully acknowledge my wrongdoings and find my previous behavior abhorrent. I understand how challenging it is for emergency personnel to fulfill their duties when faced with such a situation. I’ve discussed with family and friends the importance of exercising discretion when contacting emergency services and ensuring it’s truly necessary. I regret taking up valuable resources that could have been reserved for individuals in genuine need of urgent care. My actions were shameful, not just for me but also for my colleagues who work in emergency services; I genuinely believe the clinicians should have distanced themselves from my case entirely. I've canceled my appointment with the neurologist, but I would genuinely appreciate insights from others on this subject. Could excessive doses of sertraline, propranolol, promethazine, and alcohol induce psychological seizures? Is it possible for these seizures to recur? Were my hallucinations indicative of some kind of psychosis? During the episodes, I saw hair-like formations everywhere and everything seemed to emit a blue glow. In the hospital, I consistently perceived doctors passing by. At home, the LED lights appeared to move, and I often caught glimpses of faces in my peripheral vision. There were also auditory experiences, such as hearing things that weren’t present, as confirmed by my friend. Initially at home, I was unaware I was having seizures, although I did hear police officers numbering them and acknowledging them as such. I had three episodes where I was placed in the recovery position. In my medical notes, I mentioned experiencing ten seizures throughout the night, though I can’t verify this. I was seemingly in a continuous cycle of them. I recall at least once drooling uncontrollably and my hands looked peculiar; on one occasion, I screamed when I regained consciousness due to an awkward hand position. I also experienced significant neck pain and discomfort in my feet. I know I fell twice while hospitalized; fortunately, my mother was there to catch me each time, so I avoided serious injury. I was never alone in the facility. Everything seemed to settle down after approximately three days, right around my third visit. I recall a persistent ache at the nape of my neck that left me feeling drowsy, often drifting in and out of consciousness and repeatedly asking for the time. It was a never-ending ordeal, and although I had little appetite, I did not vomit at all. Reflecting on this whole episode leaves me feeling as if it were entirely fabricated. I struggle to articulate it. Conversations about care options unfolded around me, yet I grasped little of what was being discussed. I often replied with “yes” or sought validation from my mother. I remember thinking it was remarkable that my mum had glasses with water in them; I even imagined one of my cats perched on my aunt’s shoulder. Overall, it felt akin to a terrifying drug experience. I do have videos capturing my behavior at home, though I cannot recall anything from the hospital. I often awakened with either my mother, aunt, or medical staff restraining me. Could it all stem from psychological causes? Is it possible that the medications led to a psychotic episode where I convinced myself I was experiencing seizures and on the brink of death? After they subsided, I felt like an automaton for weeks, plagued by involuntary muscle jerks—primarily in my legs and neck. I sincerely hope these symptoms do not return. I intend to avoid emergency care unless it’s absolutely necessary. I seek nothing more than to comprehend what transpired. Thank you for your thoughts.
Bleeding Concerns with IUD and Yeast Infection Treatment
I’m a 20-year-old female, standing at 5’4” and weighing 155 pounds. Hello everyone! Approximately three weeks ago, I had the Kyleena IUD placed, and everything felt fine afterward—I can still feel the strings. I noticed some mild spotting that was brown for about a week, followed by my menstrual period, then continued with light spotting. Recently, I suspect that I might have developed a yeast infection, which I am currently addressing using Monistat 7. I applied the first dose yesterday. To clarify, I am certain that I am not dealing with a sexually transmitted infection. However, I’ve observed an increase in bleeding, significantly more than what I’ve experienced before. The blood appears to be light red, and I would compare the amount to the lightest day of my period. I could comfortably go an entire day without needing to change my pad, though I still do it for hygiene reasons. Is this a common occurrence? Most of the bleeding took place this morning after I woke up, coinciding with the Monistat cream leaving my body. Under what circumstances should I seek medical advice regarding this issue instead of waiting to see how the treatment progresses?
Understanding Recurrent Symptoms: Are They Histamine-Related?
Hello, health professionals, I am seeking your expertise regarding a variety of symptoms I have been experiencing intermittently over the years. While they appear linked, I'm having difficulty pinpointing their root cause. **Personal Summary:** - 27 years old, Female - Non-smoker (formerly vaped for about eight years, cessation initiated two years ago) - No diagnosed autoimmune conditions - Background of anxiety (which might exacerbate some symptoms, though it doesn't account for all) - Currently taking Flonase and a multivitamin **Skin Reactions:** - I've dealt with recurring itchy rashes and hive-like bumps since childhood. They manifest suddenly and usually resolve without intervention. - These rashes are often itchy, can be raised, and tend to appear sporadically without identifiable triggers. - Antihistamines provide consistent relief, leading me to suspect a role of histamines in these eruptions. - These episodes do not align with typical contact allergies or classic food allergies. - They can happen multiple times daily, and I've often dismissed them as merely anxiety-related rashes. - Sometimes the itching precedes the visible rash, while other instances present with a red, inflamed area that stirs inquiries about my well-being from others. **Foot Discomfort:** - Over the last few years, I’ve encountered severe itching on the soles of my feet. - These episodes typically include small pale or white spots with redness surrounding them, occasionally featuring a red center. - Itching intensity can be overwhelming, yet these lesions usually arise suddenly, - They frequently improve upon avoiding scratching and may resolve within a range of 30 minutes to two days. - The first episode was triggered after swimming in a freshwater lake, though I’ve also experienced it while wearing specific footwear like Crocs or boots, but not consistently. - Certain events coincide with my typical skin rash, hinting at a potential systemic condition rather than merely a localized issue. - The symptoms do not mirror those of warts, ringworm, or fungal infections. **Ear and Sinus Issues:** - Itchy ears have been a recurring issue for the past few years; I initially attributed it to overly aggressive cleaning with cotton swabs, which I realize is harmful. - I have a history of chronic sinus problems, including post-nasal drip and regular ear infections. - The inflammation appears to flare up sporadically rather than constantly. - Recently, I experienced a painful ear issue that began with what I thought was a pimple. The next day, my ear was swollen. After visiting a clinic, I was diagnosed with a double ear and sinus infection, treated with antibiotics. My pain persisted, leading to a follow-up with my primary care physician, who prescribed Flonase and noted ongoing nasal inflammation. Missing doses led to increased ear discomfort, prompting me to take Flonase more regularly. Unfortunately, a recent flare of swelling and discomfort in my ear led me to consider consulting an ENT specialist. **Gastrointestinal Symptoms:** - I was diagnosed with gastritis through an upper endoscopy procedure. - Testing for H. pylori returned negative. - I've since developed food sensitivities and gastrointestinal discomfort not previously experienced. - I saw significant improvement after removing gluten and dairy from my diet, with tests for celiac disease yielding negative results. - Symptoms tend to flare up in response to stress or specific food intake rather than being a constant presence. **Additional Context:** - A history of childhood asthma (now occurs infrequently) - Sensitivity to heat - Past instances of feeling lightheaded, resembling vasovagal symptoms, alongside vertigo - Symptoms across various systems often flare together, but not in every instance - While my anxiety can intensify symptoms, both antihistamines and diet modifications have had notable positive effects **My Inquiry:** While I don’t wish to self-diagnose, I'm curious if my range of symptoms might suggest: - Histamine intolerance - Mast-cell overactivity (not necessarily MCAS, but an increased reaction) - Physical or contact urticaria I'm primarily seeking: - Recommendations for a suitable specialist - Insight on whether this symptom pattern fits a recognized mechanism - A clearer understanding of what warning signs to be concerned about **Summary:** I contend with a long-standing pattern of episodic itchy rashes and hives, significant but transient foot itching along with bumps, persistent ear irritation coupled with sinus problems, and gastritis accompanied by food sensitivities that improved on an elimination diet. Antihistamines aid multiple symptoms. Could this suggest underlying histamine-related issues manifesting across multiple systems rather than in isolation?