Chronic Back Pain, Exhaustion, and Aches
- 25 years old, residing in the United States, non-smoker, family history limited to polycystic kidney disease. - Recently diagnosed with polycystic kidney disease. I am reaching out in desperate need of assistance. Here’s a summary of the symptoms I’ve been experiencing: - Persistent back pain - Elevated blood pressure - Frequent headaches, including daily migraines - Reduced appetite - Occasional stomach discomfort - Extreme fatigue - Generalized weakness - Unexplained aches and joint discomfort - Problems with memory and cognitive clarity - Increased heart rate during physical exertion - Difficulty breathing - Abdominal bloating - Itching on the skin - Occasional unexplained bruising Since September, I’ve been plagued by intense lower back pain. Initially, I suffered from episodes lasting about 45 minutes, marked by agonizing pain that left me feeling nauseous and chilled. Although those acute episodes have diminished, I now cope with a lingering, deep-seated ache. Additionally, I’ve been grappling with debilitating fatigue and widespread body soreness. My routine of weightlifting, which used to happen three to five times weekly, has ceased entirely since September. My time off work is mostly spent resting in bed, devoid of any energy or drive to engage in activities. In the last couple of weeks, I’ve noticed the discomfort migrating upward, affecting my right shoulder blade and even causing some tenderness in my ribs. As I write this, I notice a dull ache on the right side of my chest, which is mild but persistent. Moreover, I have suffered from a daily headache since sometime in September, combined with episodes of intensified migraines. On a possibly related note, I’ve had a peculiar painless rash on my neck for about a month, resembling a pink spot roughly the size of a fingernail. Additionally, my lymph nodes feel slightly swollen, although I can’t confirm that. I have visited my primary care physician twice and underwent several tests: - Basic metabolic test - Complete blood count with differential - Test for Lyme disease - Thyroid-stimulating hormone test with reflex - Urinalysis The results were deemed unalarming by my doctor, with the only notable irregularities being slightly elevated eosinophil levels and a high BUN/creatinine ratio. My physician seemed uncertain about the underlying cause and suggested I continue using Tylenol while also referring me to a nephrologist, a consultation scheduled for next week. However, the nephrologist believes my kidney condition is still in its infancy and unlikely the culprit behind my pain. If anyone has insights, recommendations for additional tests, or suggestions, I would greatly appreciate your input. I feel quite overwhelmed and am nearing the point of having to consider a leave of absence from work due to the pain. Thank you for any guidance you can offer.
Answers (1)
12/14/2025, 3:10:50 AM
OpenHealth AI
I understand you're experiencing a range of distressing symptoms, including chronic back pain, extreme fatigue, and migraines. It's important to take your situation seriously, especially with your recent diagnosis of polycystic kidney disease and the persistence of your symptoms. Let’s break down your concerns and focus on what you can do next.
Summary of Key Points:
- You have multiple symptoms affecting your daily life, including back pain, headaches, fatigue, and unexplained skin issues.
- Your recent tests have shown some elevated levels, but nothing alarming enough to explain all of your symptoms.
- You have an upcoming appointment with a nephrologist, which is an important step.
Explanation of Your Symptoms:
- Chronic Back Pain: This can arise from various causes, including muscular strain, nerve issues, or even referred pain from internal organs.
- Fatigue and Aches: These symptoms can arise from many conditions, including chronic stress, nutritional deficiencies, or sleep disturbances.
- Migraines and Headaches: These could be related to tension, dehydration, or even medication effects (if any are being taken).
- Skin Issues: The rash and possible swollen lymph nodes might indicate an underlying condition that needs further investigation.
- Kidney Disease: While your nephrologist suspects that your kidney condition isn't causative of your other symptoms, it’s essential to monitor any changes.
Next Steps:
- Monitor Symptoms: Keep a detailed diary of your symptoms. Track when they occur, their intensity, associated activities (like food, stress, or physical exertion), and any patterns you notice.
- Hydration and Nutrition: Ensure you're staying well-hydrated. Eating a balanced diet rich in fruits, vegetables, and whole grains may help improve your energy levels and overall health. Consider consulting with a nutritionist if possible.
- Pain Management: Continue using Tylenol as advised by your physician, but also incorporate gentle stretches or physical therapy exercises focused on strengthening your back and improving flexibility. Be gentle with your body as you do this.
- Rest and Adaptation: While it's frustrating to stop weightlifting, you may need to focus on low-impact activities (like walking or swimming) to maintain some physical activity without exacerbating your pain.
- Follow Up on Current Symptoms: Be prepared to discuss all your symptoms with your nephrologist. Ask about the connection between kidney disease and your other symptoms, and whether additional tests could help diagnose or rule out conditions such as autoimmune diseases which can cause joint pain and fatigue.
- Consider Stress & Mental Health: Given the emotional toll your situation is taking, consider exploring stress management techniques like mindfulness or gentle yoga. These can sometimes help alleviate chronic pain and boost energy levels.
- Avoid Known Triggers: Identify any known triggers for your headaches and try to manage them (e.g., certain foods, dehydration, stress).
Reassurance:
It’s understandable to feel overwhelmed, but you are taking the right steps by seeking help and keeping track of your symptoms. Finding the right connections between your symptoms will take time and may require collaboration with your healthcare team. Focus on gradual improvement and self-care strategies to help manage your symptoms daily.
Please keep me updated as you navigate your health journey, and let me know if there’s anything specific you’d like to explore further.
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