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What Does Numbness In The Rectum And Vagina Indicate?

Posted on Mon, 18 Sep 2017

Question: I have numbness in my rectum and vagina and also have been having a
Burning sensation like a bad sunburn on my buttocks but with no rash or redness - have had it for weeks

Answered by Dr. Dr. Muhammad Sareer Khalil (1 hour later)

Brief Answer:
Need more information

Detailed Answer:
Hello and welcome

I appreciate your concern

Kindly answer the following to comment further and advise accordingly

For how long has the numbness been there
Why were you prescribed valaciclovir
Are you diabetic
Is there any discomfort upon defecation
have you had any episode of urinary or fecal incontinence

Thanks

Above answer was peer-reviewed by : Dr. Raju A.T

Follow up: Dr. Dr. Muhammad Sareer Khalil (16 hours later)

Hello – I will fill you in on my history. I was diagnosed 7/2014 with Follicular Thyroid Cancer that Metastasis to by Right Sacrum and left humorous (upper arm). I immediately had my Thyroid removed Surgically. I have had 2 rounds of radiation to the lesions and three rounds of Radioactive Iodine treatments. According to my Doctors everything is stable. On July 26th – I felt this burning sensation on my left upper thigh ( no rash or redness) – just felt like a bad sunburn. So on July 31st – I went to my primary Physician and she prescribed Valacyclovir – thinking I might be coming down with Shingles. The pain got worse and then moved to the other side (which my understanding is that Shingles stay along one nerve and wouldn’t move like that.) So then I went back to my Dr and she prescribed Gabapentin and that doesn’t seem to be helping and now I still have the burning sensation and now have numbness in my vagina and rectum and my buttocks. I have had blood work monthly since the diagnosis and just had some Pelvic Xrays done. I have attached all my test results that I had in August. Not sure if the blood work would show if I am diabetic. Please advise – Thanks

Answered by Dr. Dr. Muhammad Sareer Khalil (4 hours later)

Brief Answer:
Explained

Detailed Answer:
Hello again.

Shingles/ herpes zoster is unlikely based on your description as the typical dermatomal pattern of involvement isn't there. You can discuss stopping the valaciclovir with your doctor. The metastatic lesion in the sacrum and the subsequent radiotherapy done for it is the most likely cause for the paresthesia involving the rectum , vagina and the buttocks. Pregabalin along with vitamin D and B 12 supplementation can be advised in this regard. There will be some residual effect and the recovery with radiation for metastases is based upon individual response to the treatment and not always 100 percent predictable.

According to the labs, the TSH is suppressed. As the thyroid was removed, hopefully thyroxine replacement is being done.

The blood glucose is slightly high. Diabetes cant be diagnosed based on one reading alone. Fasting blood sugar levels should be obtained separated by two weeks time plus HBA1C levels to rule out diabetes.

Wishing you best of health

Thanks

Let me know if you have any query

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Dr. M.S. Khalil

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Above answer was peer-reviewed by : Dr. Chakravarthy Mazumdar