What causes my episodes of disorientation and headaches?

Question

Hello doctor,

I have been having some stomach issues for a while, but I do not have health insurance, so I have not been looked at. I am scared to eat anything because every time I do eat, my stomach hurts. I am extremely bloated very often, to the point that it looks like I am pregnant, but I am not, and I have never been sexually active. I have a hard time with bowel movements. I am constipated all the time, and even when I feel like I need to go, nothing comes out. I have had blood in my stool, and my stool does not look normal compared to what I am used to seeing.

I also have episodes of disorientation when I stand up or stretch my body. The room suddenly spins or “stops,” and the first thing I lose is my hearing; it sounds like I am in a tunnel. My legs become very heavy, almost like my feet are glued to the floor. I get a hot sensation that starts in my lower back and moves up to my neck, like someone is holding a hair dryer against my back all the way up to my neck. The heat feels the same all the way up. When these episodes end, I get extremely painful, pounding headaches.

I am a kidney donor. I donated my left kidney to my uncle.

Kindly help.

Thank you.

Answer 1

Hello,

Welcome to icliniq.com.

I read your query and can understand your concern.

Thank you for sharing all of this so honestly. What you are experiencing is not just simple stomach trouble; your severe bloating, constant constipation, pain after eating, and especially the blood in your stool are all red-flag symptoms that need to be checked.

The episodes of disorientation you described, where your hearing drops, your legs feel heavy, and a hot wave moves from your lower back to your neck, followed by pounding headaches, are also concerning and could be related to low blood pressure, anemia, electrolyte imbalance, or a neurological issue.

As a kidney donor with only one kidney, we must be extra cautious with hydration, electrolyte balance, and any medications you take.

The next best step is to get evaluated with a few essential tests:

Basic blood work (CBC (complete blood count), kidney function, electrolytes).
Stool tests.
An abdominal X-ray is needed to make sure there is no obstruction, inflammation, or anemia causing these symptoms.

Please do not wait because these symptoms are treatable, but only if we identify the cause early. In the meantime, drink water regularly, stand up slowly, and you can safely use Polyethylene glycol for constipation. However, it is still recommended that you be seen in person soon, so that nothing serious is missed.

I hope I have answered your question.

Let me know if I can assist you further.

Thank you.