Severe Muscle Discomfort
Hello everyone, I’m a 29-year-old female with a diagnosis of congenital adrenal hyperplasia. At present, my medication regimen includes prednisolone at 5 mg in the morning, and 2.5 mg in the evening, alongside 150 micrograms of fludrocortisone in the morning. Previously, I was prescribed a different dosage: 5 mg of prednisolone in the morning, 10 mg in the evening, and 400 micrograms of fludrocortisone in the morning. Over the past three weeks, I’ve been suffering from intense muscle pain throughout my entire body. Additionally, I’ve experienced dizziness, headaches, periods of forgetfulness, hot flashes, and discomfort in my lower back. Could anyone provide insight on whether these symptoms might be connected to my adrenal insufficiency, or if they could be stemming from a different cause? I’m a bit confused since I’ve been on my current dosages since the start of this year; I would have thought any related issues would have surfaced sooner. Thank you in advance for any assistance!
Answers (1)
9/4/2025, 11:20:47 AM
OpenHealth AI
It sounds like you're experiencing significant muscle discomfort alongside other troubling symptoms, and it's understandable that you're seeking clarity on their possible causes. Managing congenital adrenal hyperplasia (CAH) can be complex, and changes in symptoms or medication dosages can lead to various side effects or complications.
Summary of Main Points:
- Your symptoms of muscle pain, dizziness, headaches, forgetfulness, hot flashes, and lower back discomfort may be linked to your medication or adrenal insufficiency.
- Monitoring these symptoms closely is crucial, and there are immediate steps you can take to alleviate discomfort.
Explanation:
The symptoms you're experiencing can potentially relate to your congenital adrenal hyperplasia and the medications you are taking. Prednisolone and fludrocortisone affect your hormone levels, and any change in dosages or your body's response to these drugs can lead to side effects.
-
Muscle Pain: This could be a result of steroid use, as long-term corticosteroid therapy can lead to muscle weakness and discomfort. Additionally, adrenal insufficiency may contribute to fatigue and muscle pain.
-
Dizziness and Headaches: These can stem from electrolyte imbalances, which are affected by fludrocortisone, as well as possible fluctuations in blood pressure due to medication changes.
-
Forgetfulness and Hot Flashes: Hormonal changes from adrenal insufficiency can cause cognitive symptoms and hot flashes.
Next Steps:
-
Symptom Diary: Begin tracking your symptoms in detail. Note the intensity and timing of your muscle pain, dizziness, headaches, and any other symptoms. This information can be very helpful when deciding on further action.
-
Hydration and Nutrition: Ensure you are well-hydrated, and consider increasing your intake of foods high in electrolytes like potassium (bananas, spinach) and sodium if you feel you might be experiencing low levels due to medication.
-
Rest and Gentle Exercise: While your muscle discomfort exists, prioritize rest, but also consider gentle stretching or yoga to help ease muscle tension and improve circulation.
-
Medication Evaluation: Be mindful of your current medication dosages and their effects. Although changes in these might not show immediate symptoms, they can impact your health over time.
If your symptoms worsen, or if you develop new severe symptoms (like extreme dizziness or weakness), it's important to seek medical evaluation promptly. If you haven’t already, bringing these symptoms up during your next medical appointment is crucial so your healthcare provider can reevaluate your treatment plan. Your well-being is paramount, and you deserve support in managing these challenges.
Related Questions
Exploring the Pain of Bulging Discs: My Experience
Greetings, everyone, It might seem unusual, but I, a 29-year-old female, have been enduring intense chronic pain in my neck and back for over thirteen years. Throughout this time, I’ve been diagnosed with several chronic pain conditions and prescribed long-lasting medication. Recently, I underwent an MRI for unrelated issues, and to my surprise, the results revealed that I had three bulging discs (C3-5) located in my neck, precisely where I’ve been experiencing pain all along. This discovery genuinely excited me because it hinted at the possibility of a treatment for my discomfort. During a follow-up consultation, however, the neurologist reacted quite dismissively when I brought this up. He asserted that bulging discs couldn’t possibly be the source of my pain because they are not painful by nature. His response baffled me, especially since the injury corresponds to a previous incident before my pain escalated, and imaging clearly shows the issue. Is this a common belief? He also conveyed that bulging discs have no available treatments. Though I might be reading too much into this, the thought of relieving some of this persistent pain feels too hopeful to ignore. While I recognize this injury is a decade old and may not be amenable to treatment, I remain unconvinced that it is completely painless. What are your thoughts on this?
Five Days of Severe Diarrhea
I'm a 29-year-old female currently struggling with idiopathic intracranial hypertension (IIH), bipolar disorder type 2, and post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD). My medication regimen includes Diamox, Seroquel, Lamictal, and Effexor. In an attempt to manage my symptoms, I’ve taken Imodium as needed, in addition to having Zofran and ibuprofen for pain relief. After experiencing diarrhea accompanied by moderate abdominal discomfort, I visited the emergency room on Tuesday following an initial consultation at urgent care, where I was advised to seek further treatment. At the ER, they administered fluids and potassium, along with Zofran to alleviate my nausea. Blood tests indicated mild dehydration, though everything else appeared stable. A CT scan conducted revealed no alarming findings, leading to my discharge from the hospital. A urine test also showed no significant issues. The following day, Wednesday, my condition seemed to improve. I managed to consume some soup, a smoothie, and a small portion of pasta. I also drank apple juice and a few sips of Vernors. However, around 11 PM, I found myself back in the restroom dealing with severe, watery diarrhea and intense abdominal pain that persisted for about two hours after my attempts to relieve the symptoms and even a vomiting episode at the hospital. While I've been nauseated since that incident, I haven’t vomited again. This ongoing situation has left me feeling utterly drained. I find myself sleeping roughly 16 hours a day and struggling with frequent headaches, likely due to my IIH worsening. Even engaging in simple activities like video gaming feels impossible due to my exhaustion. Currently, I’m focusing on consuming only water and following the BRAT diet in hopes of feeling well enough to return to work by Saturday. I would appreciate any advice on how to proceed from here as I feel at my wit’s end, overwhelmed by pain and the frequent need to use the bathroom.
Seeking Guidance on Heart Concerns
Hello to all the compassionate individuals and medical professionals here. I’m reaching out in hopes of finding some assistance. I’m a 19-year-old female college student currently facing financial struggles, but my health, particularly my heart, is a source of great concern. On August 29, 2025, I underwent an ECG, which was deemed "normal." However, the results appear to depict a near flatline, which worries me. I frequently suffer from chest discomfort. At times, the pain is sharp and stabbing; on other occasions, it becomes so severe that I find it difficult to even lift my arms due to the intensity of the pain. Additionally, when these episodes occur, my pulse can sometimes feel alarmingly weak or slow. Would you recommend seeking a second opinion with a Holter monitor or an echocardiogram? Has anyone here gone through similar experiences? I greatly appreciate any advice you might have. Thank you!
Voice Changes Throughout the Day: An Allergy Connection?
Hello r/askdocs! To start, I’ll give you a rundown of my situation before diving into the main issues. Apologies if I’m not the clearest communicator. Please feel free to ask for more details or clarification if needed! I’m a 34-year-old male, weighing around 195 pounds. I am actively working on losing weight, having gained about 50 pounds over the past two years, and I’ve already shed nearly half of that. I stand 6 feet 2 inches tall (in shoes). In terms of my health, I deal with several conditions: mild lordosis—though it’s not severe enough to require surgery—suffer from a ruptured disc since February, experience significant seasonal allergies, and have a specific allergy to cat dander and saliva. Additionally, I have lactose intolerance, which has led to a slight calcium deficiency, migraines, and two fractured teeth. As for medication, I take a daily multivitamin and use Benadryl for my allergies, typically one or two pills a day during the transition seasons and throughout most of the spring. I also rely on over-the-counter pain medication for migraines and flare-ups of back pain, averaging about 2-3 times a month. My lifestyle habits include sometimes going half a day without eating, and I vape both marijuana and nicotine daily. I’ve been smoking (both weed and tobacco) for over half of my life, as it’s quite common in my southern upbringing. Over the last nine months or so, I’ve observed a peculiar issue with my voice. I wake up with a normal voice in the morning, but as the day unfolds, it gradually turns hoarse and raspy. Just last night while gaming with friends around 11 PM, it reached a point where I felt like I had laryngitis or something similar. I initially suspected that this could be linked to my allergies; however, the specific timing of the hoarseness developing about 4-6 hours after waking up is making me question this connection. While Benadryl seems to provide some relief, it doesn’t entirely resolve the issue. What concerns me the most is the predictability of my hoarseness—starting around the same window of time after waking. I generally don’t take Benadryl first thing in the morning, so I doubt it’s a matter of that wearing off. Moreover, I have a family history of cancer on both sides, and considering my history of smoking (though I’ve switched to vaping), it adds to my worry. Thank you for any insights; I’m open to addressing any questions asked in a respectful manner. Edit: To clarify, this isn’t just waking up with a deep voice that evolves over half an hour. Instead, it’s a complete transformation. I can talk normally for 4-6 hours post-waking before the raspy hoarseness takes over. I don’t have a job that requires much conversation, so other than personal calls or singing to music, I’m not engaging in conversation enough during the day to cause vocal fatigue.
Understanding Chest Pain: Is It Anxiety?
At 18 years old and female, I'm facing some troubling chest discomfort, and I’m uncertain about the cause. My mother insists that it’s merely anxiety, which leaves me questioning whether a visit to the doctor is warranted. I’m not currently on any medication, yet for the past three days, I've experienced persistent pain on the left side of my chest. The discomfort is so intense that it hampers my ability to take a deep breath, move, or even change positions comfortably. I find myself remaining in a single position because when I attempt to rise, I can’t stand up straight; I have to hunch over to alleviate some of the ache. The pain is sharp, and if I try to ignore it by breathing deeply or shifting my posture, it transforms into a burning sensation that radiates up my neck until I stop moving. I did take Tylenol, which provided relief for two days, but the pain returned more severely last night. While it feels slightly better at the moment, I’m still encountering sharp sensations. I’m unsure whether anxiety can lead to such intense heart pain. I have no additional symptoms or prior medical issues, and I maintain a healthy lifestyle—I don’t smoke, drink, or have a poor diet. There is no family history of heart problems, and I’m really exhausted by this pain, as it limits my daily activities.