Fatigued, lower right side abdomen pain, lower back pain, diagnosed with anemia?
Hello, I am a 39 year old male. For the past 3 or 4 months I have been dealing with all of the above. I have taken numerous tests, but so far I have only been diagnosed with anemia and I started taking iron supplements. I have had hemorrhoids (external) & had them removed. My abdominal pain started about 2 months ago, it's off and on a lot and quite painful. My lower back pain has been with me for about 2-3 years, but I had a terrible episode in early April after starting my job (was laid off and jobless for 6 months), before that I worked at a desk for 6 years, now I am standing, stooping, climbing, etc. most of my 9-12 hour day 5 days a week. The April episode was severe pain (P.T. tells me it's my L7), i could barely walk or do anything for that fact. It hasn't been that bad since then and my 5 weeks of physical therapy. Last Sunday was the worst since then and it's getting a little better each day. Fatigue has been with me for at least 2 months. I'm tired, nearly falling to sleep on the way to work and on occasion falling to sleep on my lunch break. I used to hike and do indoor rock climbing before my back problem, now I don't have the energy or motivation to do any of it.
What the heck is wrong with me?
Public Comments
1. my mom gets bouts of anemia as well which she controls with iron pills. you're tired all the time because you lack the red blood cells to carry around that needed oxygen throughout your body. so a common symptom would be very tired and unmotivated.for the back pain, perhaps on verge of a slip disk. be very wary.
the abdominal pain, can't say for sure. perhaps a diagnostic EGD or colonoscopy might do the trick. might was well catch it while it;s still early. IF there's anything to catch.
2. My questions would be:
Had any trouble in the bathroom area? Like upset stomachs, or constipation, or frequent gas?
When was the last time you had a complete colonoscopy?
I can't say for certain, but your symptoms could be related to a digestive disorder. Anemia can make you exhausted, even with supplements. Has there been a direct cause identified for the anemia? I can't imagine your abdomen hurting due to a back injury. Hemorrhoids are actually a symptom themselves. They are usually a sign something else could be going on.
Has your appetite changed at all?
I do hope you feel better soon!
3. ...your presentation is suggestive of a medical, not a musculoskeletal area.
...and if your PT is telling you it's your "L-7", run very, very far away from this PT (there is no L-7)
