Your Health Concerns: When to See a Family Medicine Specialist

My whole body is falling apart?

Hello, Dr.
Hsieh: I have many questions to ask you because sometimes I don't know which specialty to consult.

1.
My memory has always been poor, and I get tired easily.
I often have headaches.

2.
I have symptoms of arrhythmia, and my mother has heart problems.
Will I develop heart disease in the future? I also experience mild muscle twitches frequently, sometimes quite intensely.

3.
My joints in my hands and feet often hurt, and if I stay in front of a fan for too long, it tends to worsen.

4.
Recently, the most troubling issue is that I often feel the urge to have a bowel movement accompanied by stomach pain, but when I try to go, I can't.
Even when I do manage to go, it's only a little or nothing at all.

5.
Sometimes, even when I don't feel the urge or have just gone to the bathroom, my body has a fecal odor, and it feels like my anus is always ready to have a bowel movement.
During bowel movements, it feels very weak, and even without straining, stool can come out, but there is no leakage.

6.
When urinating, I often struggle to control it and sometimes have to apply pressure from my testicles to help hold it in.
Is this urinary incontinence?
I apologize for asking so many questions, but I would appreciate your guidance on which specialist I should see.
Thank you.

Mr. Wu, 20~29 year old female. Ask Date: 2004/11/08

Dr. Huang Mingde reply Family Medicine

1.
Neurology
2.
Cardiology
3.
Orthopedics
4.
Gastroenterology
5.
Colorectal Surgery
6.
Urology

Reply Date: 2004/11/08

More Info

Hello! Thank you for reaching out with your health concerns. It sounds like you’re experiencing a variety of symptoms that can be quite distressing. I’ll do my best to address your questions and guide you on which specialists might be appropriate for your situation.

1. Memory Issues and Fatigue: Poor memory and chronic fatigue can stem from various causes, including stress, anxiety, depression, sleep disorders, or even nutritional deficiencies. It’s important to consult a primary care physician or a family medicine specialist first. They can perform a comprehensive evaluation, including blood tests to check for deficiencies (like vitamin B12 or thyroid function) and assess your overall health.

2. Heart Palpitations and Family History: Given your symptoms of irregular heartbeat and your family history of heart disease, it’s crucial to see a cardiologist. They can conduct tests such as an electrocardiogram (ECG) or echocardiogram to evaluate your heart's health and determine if there’s an underlying condition that needs to be addressed. Early intervention is key in managing heart health, especially with a family history.

3. Muscle Spasms and Joint Pain: Muscle spasms and joint pain can be related to a variety of issues, including dehydration, electrolyte imbalances, or conditions like fibromyalgia or arthritis. If these symptoms are persistent, a rheumatologist or an orthopedic specialist could provide a more focused evaluation and treatment plan.

4. Gastrointestinal Issues: Your gastrointestinal symptoms, including abdominal pain and difficulty with bowel movements, warrant a visit to a gastroenterologist. They can perform tests such as an endoscopy or colonoscopy if necessary, to rule out conditions like irritable bowel syndrome (IBS), inflammatory bowel disease (IBD), or other gastrointestinal disorders.

5. Bowel Sensations and Incontinence: The sensations you describe regarding bowel movements and the feeling of urgency could be related to gastrointestinal motility issues or even anxiety. A gastroenterologist would also be the right specialist to address these concerns. They can help determine if there’s an underlying condition affecting your bowel function.

6. Urinary Issues: Frequent urges to urinate or difficulty controlling urination can be symptoms of a urinary tract infection (UTI), overactive bladder, or other urological conditions. A urologist would be the appropriate specialist to evaluate these symptoms. They can perform tests to assess bladder function and rule out any infections or anatomical issues.

In summary, I recommend starting with a family medicine specialist who can coordinate your care and refer you to the appropriate specialists based on their findings. They can help manage your overall health and ensure that all your concerns are addressed comprehensively.
It’s important to communicate openly with your healthcare providers about all your symptoms, as they can often be interconnected. Keeping a symptom diary might also help your doctors understand your situation better. Don’t hesitate to seek help; your health is paramount, and addressing these issues early can lead to better outcomes.
Take care, and I wish you the best on your journey to better health!

Similar Q&A

Understanding Health Checkup Reports: When to Consult a Family Physician

Hello, doctor. I will be having my first health check-up next week. If I don't understand the health check report, should I make an appointment with a family medicine physician to help me interpret the report, or are there other options available? Thank you for your response...

Dr. Lin Zhebin reply Family Medicine
Hello: For any unclear aspects of the health check report, it is generally recommended to visit a family medicine clinic or to seek care from the relevant specialty department as indicated in the report.

Understanding Anal Issues: When to See a Family Medicine Specialist

Recently, I noticed a round lump near my anus and I'm not sure which medical specialty I should consult.

Dr. Liao Yaopan reply Family Medicine
Hello, please note that an online consultation with a colorectal specialist is not equivalent to an in-person visit, and it cannot provide a diagnosis or treatment recommendations. Changhua Hospital cares about you.

Which Specialist Should I See for Weight Loss Guidance?

Excuse me, I would like to ask which specialty I should see for my body type, as I have been overweight since childhood and now want to lose weight. Should I see a family medicine doctor? If so, how should I communicate with the doctor during the consultation? Should I say, "...

Dr. Huang Jianling reply Family Medicine
It is advisable to consult a family medicine or endocrinology specialist to evaluate the causes of obesity, followed by a physical examination to assess for any chronic diseases before starting a weight loss program for safety.

Which Medical Specialty to Choose for a General Health Checkup?

For a general health check-up, you should schedule an appointment with a primary care physician or a family medicine specialist. The cost can vary widely depending on the location and specific tests included, but it typically ranges from $100 to $300. Thank you!

Dr. Cai Mengru reply Family Medicine
Dear Ms. AE, Regarding your inquiry, general health check-ups are typically handled by the Family Medicine department in most hospitals. However, I am not sure what specific tests you are interested in or if you are experiencing any health issues. It would be best to first consu...