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Doctors of Reddit - People are dying from a disease we can't identify. Do you recognise it? | Hi Doctors, I write you this from Myanmar (Also known as Burma)
We are trying to identify a disease outbreak and we need help from infectious disease specialists. At the top of northern Myanmar, in Naga Land, an unidentified disease has killed 40 people since the 14th of June.
Naga Land is one of the poorest areas in the world. People have little or no health care support. The roads are bad, the education levels are low, and right now is the middle of one of the heaviest Monsoons seasons in the world.
(You may find these images upsetting) Here are pictures of the condition- http://imgur.com/a/ftHrQ Here is a video showing children suffering from the condition - https://www.facebook.com/htikehtike.htike/posts/1372815029400163
WHAT WE NEED: Health care professionals and Infectious disease specialists, can you identify what this may be?
Some of the symptoms include:
1. Vomiting blood
2. Coughing blood
3. Scabs developing across body
4. After some days of suffering the patient dies.
So far the conditions have been diagnosed as the Measles. However, symptoms of the measles don't include coughing blood - but the victims here are.
Here is an article in the National newspaper released on Friday. More have died since it was published. http://www.mmtimes.com/index.php/national-news/21791-disease-outbreak-kills-children-in-naga.html
All your help is massively appreciated. Thank you so much Reddit!!
EDIT: Thanks Reddit for all your help. It seems to be confirmed as Measles now.
Now we are trying to fundraise. We have a STEEMIT profile here https://steemit.com/donate/@collectreflect/can-steem-help-save-these-children-in-nagaland-myanmar And tomorrow we will set up a "Just Giving" Page. If anyone is interested in helping the relief effort then we will be accepting donations tomorrow! | 390 | More information would be useful. What is the first symptom (fever, rash, upper respiratory symptoms etc)?, what is the incubation period (how long after exposure to an infected person does someone else get the disease)?, what is the order in which symptoms appear?, what is the location of the rash when it first appears, and where does it spread to?, what do people die of?
Looking at the images, it does appear to be a rash over face and trunk, associated with conjunctival redness, nasal discharge. It could be measles. Were these people vaccinated against measles? If not, measles could be highly likely. Vomiting or coughing blood happens if people with measles develop pneumonia (that is the usual cause of death in measles) or gastrointestinal involvement. It could also be other viral exanthems (adenoviral etc). | 48 | AskDocs |
Lipo-Lasers? Quack medicine or viable solution? | Hope this is the right place for this post. Really looking for advice from other health professionals and feel like this would be the best way to get a real answer. I own a small health & fitness clinic in California.. Our clients are generally dealing with severe weight / body image issues. We’ve had quite a few of them inquire about ‘lipo-laser treatments’ but the limited information I’ve been able to find on the devices has been unimpressive to say the least. The [high price tags](http://www.usalipolasers.com) on the units are a bit daunting as well, but figure if they keep asking, it's possible that the demand may make it a worthwhile investment. Really just curious if any of you have any experience with the tech and what your thoughts are. Thanks! | 265 | I' coming from /r/all...I'm an engineer working in research on laser material processing with ultra short pulsed lasers.
The info on that website, false information and misuse of technical terms may literally have given me cancer.
In any case, I highly doubt there's an approved process to remove fat with lasers. This would require heating the cells above their damage threshold or flat out ablating (vaporizing) tissue, which doesn't seem like such a good idea. I suppose the body is able to remove dead tissue, however. Furthermore, I'm not sure about the absorption coefficient of human tissue (depends on wavelength and composition), however using a combination that absorbs in a long range would essentially mean not only cooking subcutaneous fat but also whatever tissue that lies further inside the body. In conclusion all of this seems way too risky and I would assume all of these devices are bullshit (perhaps real lasers, but way below the damage threshold of human tissue; basically an expensive cash grab and fancy lights to keep patients entertained*)
*which still may be economically viable, if people are willing to pay for it
> The temperature increases if the wavelength is between 900 and 1400 nanometers. Afterwards, the wavelength decreases between 635 and 670 nanometers to drain fat.
All my wat. Pretty sure there's no non linear crystal for second harmonic generation under a human's skin. | 40 | AskDocs |
Is it ok to delay taking baby for jabs? We are NOT anti-vax. I am just scared to take baby outside, esp to hospital/ clinic, but I'm worried I have messed things up by delaying her jabs. | Our baby is 6 months old, female, healthy, no medications, no allergies known, exclusively breastfed/ starting to eat solids, pretty chubby I think maybe 11kg?, seems avg 66cm?.
Is it ok to delay jabs until COVID-19 situation gets a bit more under control? Or better to just go?
Thank you in advance. | 663 | No you should not delay immunizations. Almost all peds offices have specific protocols that limit any exposures so kids can stay on schedule.
Either way the risk to kids of COVID is very very low. Speak with the peds office on how to make this happen. Delaying shots is almost always a bad idea.
Edit: And it's not just me saying this. [The AAP recommends](https://services.aap.org/en/pages/2019-novel-coronavirus-covid-19-infections/guidance-on-providing-pediatric-ambulatory-services-via-telehealth-during-covid-19/) continuing immunizations and (especially infant) well child care during COVID. | 702 | AskDocs |
Seems like my partners brain is slowly dying (25m) | 25y/o male, 5ft9, 70kg
Since a couple of weeks my partner has been completely intolerant to stimuli (24/7). He can’t tolerate the slightest bit of light (not even his phone or laptop), he can’t tolerate any physical activity such as standing up or walking around, when eating his situation deteriorates as well. And what I mean with situation is the fact that he has a constant headache (stabbing, like knives in the back of the head), is nauseous, vomits, has distorted balance, confusion and this all is at it’s worsed when standing up (it could very rarely be tolerable while lying down but the second he stands up it is intolerable). He also had anisocoria at two seperate moments. He can’t function anymore because of all the combined symptoms. We visited multiple doctors with no diagnosis. He does not take any medication anymore (besides his nitroglycerine dermal patches 5mg/day), he forcebly stopped the rest of his medication because it also profoundly worsened his condition.
Sincerest gratitude to any help
EDIT;
Hey, he visited multiple internal medicine doctors (gastro-enterology and hepatology), 3 neurologists (who all did not suspect meningitis, thats why we didn’t go to the ER, also I have a little medical background and if I would have suspected it to be meningitis I also wouldn’t have doubted and rushes him to the ER), a lot of general practitioners. They performerd US of the liver, CT of the liver, MRCP of the liver, multiple blood analyses (in blood analyses a couple weeks ago he had ALT and AST were 5x the reference value but since then came back to normal, low ceruloplasmine, low carnitine but supplements were given), EEG (no abnormalities), MRI brains (no abnormalities). On de CT they saw narrow bileducts, but not significant. Still waiting on results of MRCP liver. One neurologist prescribes blood and urinalysis for wilsons disease and porphyria but due to his condition we haven’t been able to go to the lab yet to get them done. | 711 | When he saw these doctors what tests were performed and what were the results? | 402 | AskDocs |
Is my mom having a stroke? I’m scared. | I did call 911 for an ambulance and she is going to the ER. I can’t be with her because of the virus and I’m worried.
Anyway, I woke up at 8 AM and my mom was stumbling back to bed. At 8:30 while feeding the cats my mom gets back up. I’m annoying her with question and she’s struggling to get her house coat on and mumbling.
I asked her if she overworked herself yesterday and then I asked if she was having a stroke and she cried. I should also note that she was gagging. She didn’t eat her oatmeal this morning.
I called the ambulance and family members and while waiting I ask if she wants water or coffee or a diet soda. She can only respond in numbers. She sits in her chair covering her eyes because the light hurts her.
She’s 64 years old, adult type 1 diabetic, a smoker, overweight (not obese, she lost 80 lbs). I will say that she does smoke a lot.
Is this a stroke? A heart attack? A massive migraine?
UPDATE 1:
A nurse called me around 11 AM and informed that her blood sugar is fine, her vitals are fine, and her kidneys are fine. They also called me to ask about her medical history to prepare her for a MRI scan. It’s almost 3 PM and I haven’t heard anything.
They said that she was responding to them in numbers and then she was cussing (we use cussing as a way to cope) and that she was restless.
UPDATE 2:
Thank you all so much for your care and concern!
My sister called the hospital and my mom was admitted overnight and possibly a while. She did have high blood sugar (I don’t know why they didn’t tell me that this morning). But they don’t believe that’s the cause of her mumbling and talking in numbers among other things. They did not do a MRI, maybe they’ll do it tomorrow. She is still talking oddly but she is stable and resting.
UPDATE 3: 05/03/2020
I called at 9 AM
They informed me that her blood sugar was high this morning at 600. They removed her insulin pump and doing what they need to do about that.
Her right side is not responding to stimuli. She is not verbal, but aware. She squeezed a nurses hand with her left hand. Still waiting for a MRI.
They’re going to do a lumbar tap because they think it’s meningitis.
Her heart rate good and her oxygen is good.
UPDATE 4: 05/03/2020 12 PM
She had a MRI and she did not have a stroke. They have not ruled out meningitis yet. She’s being moved to CCU.
She’s not responding and they believe she’s having partial seizures. Her oxygen and blood pressure are still fine. Her blood sugar is going down from 670 this morning. Her right side is still not moving but her left side is functional.
UPDATE 5: 05/04/2020 4:30 PM
She’s being sent for a lumbar tap now. But I have some good news! She sat up in her bed, moved her right hand a little, and can speak, but she is very confused. She’s not 100% there.
She is not out of the woods yet. I really shouldn’t get hopeful that I could possibly speak to her tomorrow.
UPDATE 6: 05/06/2020
I didn’t update yesterday because she was the same. But today I talked to her!!!!
She is very confused and upset, but I can’t blame her. She told me she has hepatitis. I didn’t believe her. So I called the nurse to ask for the real diagnoses and she does NOT have hepatitis.
But my mom has not been diagnosed yet.
UODATE 7: 05/07/2020
She is aware but not that aware. Like somewhat in a dream-like state. I asked if she was in pain and she said her arms hurt from being strapped down. My sister said that our mom told her she’s in a crib like thing. So I’m not 100% sure what’s going on.
I called her and she asked me what I wanted to eat. I told I ate broccoli and she struggled with the word broccoli. She also talked about a red and black cat sleeping in her bed last night. But she knows she’s at the hospital.
I’m trying not make things complicated in her mind. I don’t want her even more confused. I just want to ask simple questions.
UPDATE 8: 05/09/2020
She’s hallucinating less. She still thinks she drove herself to the hospital, then snuck out of the hospital, and got a new cat named Red.
They diagnosed her with encephalopathy and she had diabetic keto acidosis (which I already knew). But I don’t know what caused both. She’s very good at checking her blood sugar and giving herself insulin. But maybe the encephalopathy caused it?
UPDATE 9: 05/14/2020
They finally confirmed it was bacterial meningitis. That took awhile. Don’t ask me how she got it because I have no idea. Sorry.
She’s in rehab to make her more stable on her feet. We got her a walker and shower chair. I don’t know how much longer before she comes home. But she’s very strong and stubborn and wants to be home already. | 713 | Hope you get answers soon, thinking of you. You did the right thing, and she’ll be in good hands. (I’m not a doctor) | 239 | AskDocs |
Girlfriend [19F] having some troubles after a big surgery | 5'4, 100lbs, no drinking/smoking, no medication.
Hi all. Posting this on her behalf with her permission.
About 5 weeks ago, my girlfriend had a surgery to remove a cancerous mass on her leg, pretty large. The good news is that she is now cancer free.
However, all of a sudden she is experiencing very severe back pain and has started to throw up. I'm worried that something may be wrong, but I don't know what since I wouldn't think a surgery on a leg would cause back pain. Very hard getting to the doctor with all of this going on. Any help would be greatly appreciated.
Thanks in advance. | 454 | Call the surgeon now, please. Could be unrelated but must be concerned for infection and DVT/PE. Both could cause symptoms and problems could escalate quickly. | 674 | AskDocs |
My grandfather [100M] has developed painful red and scab like growth on his ear and face since late Feb. Stuck at home due to lockdown. Extremely painful with yellowish discharge under the white scabs. What could it be and how to help reduce with the pain? | Some photos:
https://imgur.com/a/RKkLYj5
Just to clarify these growths were there for maybe several years, but it recently started to get worse and started to be extremely painful and to discharge pus like substance from under the scabs that were forming.
Grandpa is a 100yo male with hypertension and prostate issues. He has suffered some micro strokes causing some mobility issues, but is active and very lucid.
He has tried to self medicate with antifungal topical cream which appeared to help initially but stopped working after couple of weeks.
He cannot leave home due to covid lockdown and his age. I am a very long way away just trying to see if I can help at all, even if just to manage the symptoms.
Update 1: Very much appreciate all the responses. Thank you. It is really hard to see him nearing losing the will to live because how painful it is. I too worry that cancer is likely due to his age. We are exploring telemedicine options but he is not in US/Europe so it is trickier. Definitely not expecting him to beat cancer or something dramatic, really just want to see if there are ways to manage the symptoms and pain. | 272 | Possibly skin cancer. The top of the ear is pretty common for it since it gets a lot of sun and not a lot of sun screen. Keep it moisturized with Vaseline or an antibiotic ointment to prevent the drying scab so it doesn’t hurt so much. He should see a dermatologist if possible for a biopsy | 309 | AskDocs |
Question about Vaginal Opening | Hi, (20F) so I have something that seems to be almost blocking my vaginal opening a bit. I’ve tried googling it and it just have stuff about hymens but I don’t think it could be that. The best I can describe it is it looks like a piece of tongue like flesh sticking out? I’m very curious to know or at least have a idea of what it is. I have an image of it below in the link but proceed w/ caution. Thanks.
Edit: Also I am not sexually active and have not given birth and that thing doesn’t hurt I feel nothing when I touch it. | 291 | OBGYN here
This is not a prolapse, and even if you had a connective tissue disease, it would be incredibly unlikely to get one prior to a vaginal birth at your age, (though I don't know your history on that). None the less, its much to small to be one.
This may very well he a hymenal remnant, but the tissue type is distinct from the rest of the hymenal ring (see the colour differentiation) and there is a chance it is not this. It is difficult to say without actually examining you.
It may be a vaginal skin tag, which usually occur on the skin of the vulva, and entrance to the vagina, but less so the actual vagina. You can get vaginal bands, which are the same tissue type, and may bulge, so this is a potential diagnosis.
There is also the possibility this is a urethral diverticulum, which is different from a prolapse, and is essentially a pouch that forms from the tube urine travels down from your bladder. As this anatomically rides just above the vaginal opening, it is quite possible that it could be this.
If you have no symptoms of recurrent urinary tract infections, or leakage of urine then it wouldn't need any intervention. But if you are then that is an option.
The other possibility is, this is just you, and it's completely normal.
Go see your GP/Gynaecologist just to be certain. | 514 | AskDocs |
[MALE,50YR OLD] had a 2nd heart attack post surgery and now unconscious and have him on a pacemaker and ventilator and said they will give him 4 hours and then stop all to see if his heart can work on its own,if not then will let him go. told odds are 10%,is life support not a option for this stuff? | ​
In shot my father has had a heart attack then sent to hospital and they did surgery on a hardened artery and said he will be fine and will be able to go home in 3 days. today i get a call from the other side of the world telling me he has had another heart attack in the hospital and now have a pacemaker on him and oxygen,and saying they can only wait 4 hours untill they announce him dead as any time after this if he does not gain conspicuousness he will be brain dead. they are not answering my calls now as said i am calling too much and many patients they will get back to me as soon as they have a result. why is getting him on life support not a option like many people in coma? they said he has a 10% chance of getting through this which really breaks me up, i feel as a 25yr i still wanted more time with him and to show him future grand kids :( . long shot but any info would be lovely
EDIT" Thanks for the support , i have just got the call from my mother who was with him at the hospital and they said they took him off the equipment to give him that 10% chance and see but no luck and has unfortunately passed away. feels weird at my age of 25 but i am sure at any age it hurts the same . just having a little cry and self blame but i know will heal with time and those are pointless things to do.
EDIT EDIT . Thank you all so much for the support and kind words, it really does help seeing people who have had similar issues and thanks to the professionals for confirming the doctors and nurses did the best and all they could and explaining why alternative options were not a good option either way. | 769 | I am so sorry for your loss.
My father died in February and it was very traumatic for me. I am 29 and never in a million years did I think I would lose my dad so young - he won’t be there to see me graduate with my masters, get married, have children... I sought solace from support groups. Surprisingly, there are plenty on Reddit.
Try:
r/griefsupport
r/grieving
r/death
r/ijustlostmy
r/lostalovedone
r/childrenofdeadparents
r/bereavement
r/askfuneraldirectors
Best wishes, OP. Be there for your family but don’t forget to be there for yourself. 🤍 | 343 | AskDocs |
(20M) Getting "Allergic Reactions" and hive-like rashes randomly | Its been a month since i started having these random attacks of rashes and allergic reactions. Its often not serious but at times i have wheezing / cough. I have attached the images of the rashes below. Would appreciate it if you guys could take a look.
[https://imgur.com/O9ao1hH](https://imgur.com/O9ao1hH) | 250 | I had something similar for a while called chronic Uticaria | 120 | AskDocs |
Can antidepressants permanently destroy creativity? | So I'm a 17 year old male and was medicated on fluoxetine for low mood and paralysing anxiety. That was 1 year ago, and 6 weeks ago I knew I had to stop taking them. Partly because I had gotten my life in shape and partly due to my inability to receive emotional information. That's a huge change, I've spent my whole picking up how people are feeling intuitavely. I'm also a very creative person, but apparently not any more. I'm off the drugs, but I think they have permanently altered my brain chemistry. Is that possible? Are they still wearing off? Will I be creative again? | 347 | Reduced empathy and lack of creativity sound more like symptoms of untreated/undertreated depression than medication side effect.
You should absolutely not just "stop in case". I suppose you're ultimately free to do whatever you want, but if you're interested in having a positive health outcome, any changes to your medications should be made only in conjunction with your prescribing provider. | 384 | AskDocs |
Brain zaps? | 19F, 87lbs, 5'6, Caucasian, ADHD (Vyvanse)
**Yet another EDIT: I fainted today on my way to the store and was brought into the hospital. They did a bunch of tests, and realized I was having from 6-10 "silent" seizures a day. I probably had them when I was younger too and they just went away, and came back due to my lack of sleep in the past couple of weeks and anxiety. I honestly didn't even know that was a thing until yesterday, so thank you all. They also did a GI and said that I might have gastroparesis, which would explain pretty much all my symptoms when it comes to weight-loss, and I have an appointment for a gastric emptying study in 2 weeks from now. Thank you all!**
**EDIT: I've called them brain zaps my whole life, but I didn't know that was an actual medical term for something completely different. Its not the withdrawal kinda zaps, it's like a loss of consciousness that I get, but still stay standing up.**
**EDIT 2: No, I don't have an eating disorder. Doctors have no idea why I lost my appetite and can't keep food down**
So I really don't know how to explain this without sounding absolutely insane.
I made a post about a week ago about my unexplainable weight loss, and you guys have been really helpful, so I'm trying my luck again.
Since about a week ago, I started getting what I call "brain zaps". I used to have them as a child and I was told it was due to my ADHD, but i think they went away when I was about 12-13 and just started coming back again.
I'll try to describe it as best as I can.
So for example, yesterday, I was walking in a park with my boyfriend, and suddenly, he was 50 feet away from me. In a split-second. Or two days ago for example, I was grabbing a bagel from the toaster and it was fine for a second but then started burning my hand as if I had been holding it for like 30 seconds (I hadn't). Or I miss parts of a conversation (my friend will be talking about something and then its as if she skipped, like a record or something). From what I know, they happen maybe 2-3 times a day and up to like 8-10 times when I'm really stressed out.
Could this be that my ADHD medication is starting to not be adjusted correctly? They do come around more often when I'm anxious, and I know that my ADHD medication does help with anxiety. I'm just scared with how easily I've been distracted in the past week.
Thank you all | 309 | Quick questions: do you drive and what’s your dose of Vyvanse?
“Brain zaps” is a buzzword for SSRI withdrawal (as everyone else seems to have pointed out), but **they’re entirely different from what you’re describing.**
If you’re “skipping” forward in time, seizures vs narcolepsy vs inattentive type ADHD are on the top of my differential. Because Vyvanse would make narcolepsy and ADHD better and not worse, I’m worried that this could represent a seizure semiology.
There are specific types of seizures that look a lot like what you’re describing, and they classically start in childhood and can improve with puberty.
I’d ask for a referral to a neurologist, especially one who specializes in epilepsy. | 300 | AskDocs |
No one knows what is wrong with me. I really need some help. | Basic information: 26F, 5'0, 132lbs, no medication, no drinking, no smoking, no drugs.
I've been thinking of posting here for weeks now. I'm just a little tired of telling my story over and over again and no one can tell me what is wrong. Hope you're sitting because this is going to be a long reading. My apologies.
From what I remember, it all started when I was 14. I suffered from Dengue hemorrhagic fever and nearly died from it. I recovered but my health never was the same. I started having pain in my hips and knees, which doctors examined with x-rays and told me they were growing pains and was normal. I experienced some swelling in my legs and stiffness in my hips all the time but I would take some panadol and go on with my life. Also, I remember that I was sick all the time. Colds, urinary infections, sore throat and tonsilitis were common.
Then I started to have severe problems with my digestive system at 16. I've had problems with my stomach before but this was something serious. Constant nausea and vomiting episodes that weren't related to stomach flu and in the ER treated them like gastritis. The food I consumed wasn't getting porperly digested and it would form a ball in my stomach. It was so painful and the only thing that I could do to alleviate the pain was to vomit. The gastroenterologist I was seeing told me that it wasn't normal and after a bunch of exams diagnosed me with hypochlorydria.
During that time, I was experiencing problems with my period and hormones as well as some urinary infections. My pcp referred me to a gynecologist. They did some blood work which revealed some hormonal imbalance, and sonograms that came back normal. They tested my thyroid and it came back normal. So the gyn prescribed the pill to help with the irregular and painful periods. I didn't take it because I was afraid of the possible repercusions that taking it could cause.
Now I'm 19 and the problems with my hips and knees persisted through all this time and were getting worse. I've managed them with panadol and advil and when they were unbearable I went to the ER. My pcp at the moment referred me to a physiatrist. The physiatrist examined my case and did new x-rays which showed some narrowing of the knee joint but ranged normal and did some blood work. I started experiencing other symptoms like numbness in arms and legs, stiffness, pain in elbows and shoulders, inflamation all over, headaches, fatigue. Because of the numbness he did an EMG that came back normal.
He thought it could be autoimmune, so he tested my ANA that came back high positive. He referred me to a rheumatologist. The rheumatologist did more blood work which came back normal except for my ANA that was positive again. There were some other test that came normal but they were high normal. She dismissed my symptoms and told me that it was nothing. She didn't do any follow up with me.
My physiatrist treated me with cortisone injections on my knees when they were so swollen that I couldn't walk. Those injections helped for a short period of time but the problems persisted. He referred me to ortho and the ortho totally dismissed my symptoms, didn't even look at me and told me it was probably chondromalacia patellae because of what I told him. I didn't do any sport or anything at that time or at any time, so it didn't make any sense to me. My physiatrist told me that he just hit a wall and didn't know what to do anymore. I stoped looking for answers because I was tired.
My first college years were horrible. The problems persisted. I went to ER with the vomiting episodes as well as the knee swelling. My pcp repeated the blood work periodically to monitor everything. I was fatigued all the time. There was a time when I went to the ER because I couldn't move my right leg. My leg just couldn't respond. In the ER they did x-rays and other testing that came back normal and they told me that because I was on my period it could be the inflamation what was causing that. It didn't make sense to me but I was used to that. The problems persisted but I managed them again. As I was having so much problems with my period and my acne was the worst I started the pill. My cicle and acne improved.
My first year of graduate school I began experiencing sore throat. I thought that it was just a cold because I was always sick. Then I looked at my throat and there was a little lesion in the area surrounding the right tonsil but it was more near my teeth. My pcp referred me to an ENT. Apparently it was a salivary gland stone or something like that. It resolved itself. Then, months later I woke up one day with a peritonsillar abscess. No previous infection, no warning. It just came out of nowhere. It was drained at the hospital and for like a month all was well. Then another one came out of nowhere. Then I went to the ENT and they gave a me a date to take out my tonsils because my case was severe. Then one month later came another one, so they couldn't do the surgery. And finally, the last one came a month later. So, in total I suffer (was tortured) from 4 peritosillar abscesses in a period of 6 months. Then they did the surgery and there where some complications. I went to the ER because I had a vomiting episode. I recovered from the surgery well.
My symptoms came and went and I managed them. Then in 2017-2018 I experienced accute stress caused by different situations (Hurricane María, the aftermath, personal situations and more). In august 2018 my body colapsed. It began with the pain and inflamation on my knees and then it got worse in a matter of days. Really worse. My pcp prescribed initially corticosteroids to treat the inflamation and that helped at the beggining of the symptoms but it was something else and I knew that this was going to be the worst episode I would experience. I began experiencig problems with coordination, extreme fatigue, muscle weakness, vertigo, dizziness, problems with balance, gait abnormality, headaches (migraines), numbness in feet and hands, general joint pain, joint stiffness, general inflamation, brain fog, pins and needles on feet, toes and fingers turning blue with cold temperature, mi skin would turn red (like a fish net or something like that) with cold temperature, severe anxiety, and some other symptoms. I gain weight dramatically because I couldn't exercise or even move normally. I was depressed because I couldn't understand what was happening to me.
Initially, my pcp did some x-rays, blood work (ANA positive again), referrals to ortho and neurologist. Ortho ordered an EMG/NCV and confirmed muscle weakness. Because of the bureucratic process of referrals and long waiting for the appointments, the neurologist saw me like two or three months after my symptoms got worse, I was starting to recover very slowly. She wanted to rule out an MS diagnosis, so she ordered the MRI's before, so she could have the results at the appointment. It was all normal, so no MS. She ordered different lab tests for autoimmune diseases. This time all came back normal including ANA. Then she referred me to rheumatologist again because, in her opinion, my case resembles lupus. This is not the first time I hear that word because since the first time my physiatrist suggested it could be autoimmune my pcp thought of lupus.
2019 - Rheumatologist saw me like two months later which is like 6 months since my symptoms started getting worse. I was better but still couldn't walk properly. She agreed that it could be lupus or the beginning. She was awesome the first visit, reassuring me that she would help me. She ordered blood work for autoimmune diseases, bone scan and some x-rays. All came back normal but the bone scan which showed inflamation on my knee as if I had injured myself. That was not the case. The second visit I came with the results and she asked me again where it hurts on my knee and when I explained she told me it wasn't supposed to hurt there. The reality is that I was 25 years old and it is not expected to be experiencing pain anywhere at that age but there I was. She told me it was nothing, dismissed my symptoms and told me that I need to exercise. I couldn't even walk properly and the joint pain was horrible, how I was supposed to exercise? I felt so discourage and frustrated with everyone. I felt like I was crazy and that all was on my head. I doubted myself and my symptoms.
After being more depressed than ever for several weeks, I decided that I needed to get better even though I didn't know what was happening to me. So I researched about changes I could make (apart from exercise) to alleviate my symptoms, particularly inflamation. I began changing my food and began acupuncture treatment. My symptoms began to improve and slowly but surely I recovered. I'm not totally fine, but compared to how I was back then I'm much better. The last thing my pcp suggested was to search for a geneticist. I don't know if that's what I need or if I will receive some answers from genetic testing. Also, I'm afraid of the costs.
Now with all the things going on with COVID-19 and lock down my symptoms are starting to come back. I've been sick constantly with colds and fatigued. I've been managing it like always but I need peace and need answers. I need to know what is wrong so I can make informed decisions, so I can receive treatment, so I can go on with my life, so I can have a better quality of life.
I'm sorry for the long story but I tried to explain everything chronologically so you can understand better. If you have any suggestions or something to bring any light to my case I would appreciate it. I'm going to start searching for new specialists when things get better. | 548 | I think you should find a good rheumatoid doctor. It seems like post-viral(dengue) chronic polyarthritis (maybe even RA, but I don't see you mention checking your blood for rheumatoid factors, even tho you said "bloodwork". Also maybe some juvenile idiopathic arthritis triggered by Dengue. In any way, all your symptoms are more likely caused by some autoantiinflammatory diseases (even Lupus).
ELI5: (unproven 100%) Joints and not only, are affected because your immune system thinks that the synovia (liquid+cells that produce liquid) inside your joints have some similarities with your virus, so it attacks them => inflammation => pain. Also because the immune system wastes resources, it is prone to get infection easier (mouth, throat sores, pain, feeling tired, dizziness, etc).
​
PS: Everything above is my opinion. I'm just a brain surgeon, not a rheumatologist. I do not exclude that I may be wrong on some points. | 500 | AskDocs |
How can I get doctors to ignore my medical condition? (I know how bizarre that sounds!) | 36F, 5'5", 145#, complaining of difficulty communicating with docs, been going on for a while, sometimes alcohol, no drugs.
I have a genetic mutation called GCK-MODY which is kind of like lifelong prediabetes. The nice thing about it is that it doesn't require treatment, it doesn't lead to the usual complications associated with Type 1 and Type 2 diabetes, and my risk for developing other types of diabetes are the same as the general population.
But damn, I wish I'd never been diagnosed with this. The problem is that every caregiver I encounter sees "diabetes" and thinks they know what that means. This mutation is rare enough that unfortunately, I am often a bit more informed than my doctors and nurses about the condition. I try to let them know I don't need counseling about nutrition and exercise, but I always seem to be put on the diabetes "conveyor belt" of treatment. This is extra unpleasant because I'm recovering from body image issues and disordered eating, so I can have irrational reactions to things said in these discussions.
I understand this might sound like I'm ignoring some good advice, so I'll just put this out there that my A1c has been steady at 6.0 for the last six years, I have a healthy diet, and exercise 30-90 minutes six days a week.
So it's infuriating for EVERY appointment, even with dentists and dermatologists and eye doctors, to start with a check in about how I'm managing my diabetes. I get my health care through a big organization with a central chart database, so every provider no matter what specialty sees "diabetes" before they even see my face. I had one obgyn say she would only manage my prenatal care if I agreed to an elective c-section, which is LUDICROUS even though pregnancy is the only time GCK-MODY might impact healthcare protocols.
When I try to explain about the condition, they might seem to listen to me, but then they'll conclude the conversation with a tip about limiting carbs and getting enough exercise, or a mention of what complications I can expect from poorly managed diabetes. It's depressing and irrelevant.
So docs of Reddit, could you give me some magic words that will nudge medical professionals off the "diabetes track" and into care that's appropriate for me?
And by the way thank you so much for the hard work you do to keep people healthy. I really look up to medical professionals regardless of this complaint. | 630 | If diabetes is on the chart, most (primary care) docs need to mention it to you for standard of care during wellness visits . Just like smoking.
Other than that idk, I haven’t heard of that mutation. Sounds neat but ya you need to have your PCP do some chart doctoring to remove diabetes as a a problem on the problem list. It won’t go away otherwise. | 436 | AskDocs |
[19F] I’m worried that I’m slowly dying. Please help |
19F, 5’7’’ 110 lbs south asian, don’t smoke, drink occasionally but haven’t since new year’s
medications: prescribed adderall IR 10mg; have not been taking recently
Please read through this if you can; I’ve been trying to ignore these symptoms but my intuition keeps telling me that something is very very wrong
In December of 2019, I felt a little ball shaped nodule in my forearm. Then felt a few more. I didn’t really think much of it except thought it was weird they stung/made my arm go numb+ ice cold when I touched them. I also didn’t care much bc I’d already been having random health issues pop up since June 2019: chronic urticaria (blood tests showed elevated anti-iGE), frequent diarrhea, and strange neurological symptoms like drooping face/eyes, numbness, weakness and tingling, oscillating vision. After MRIs and various testing with no answers, I eventually figured out that gluten was causing my “stroke-like” face droop. I cut it out and most of the neurological symptoms resolved. The diarrhea and some swelling in my left palm remained a mystery.
In January of 2020, I started adderall as prescribed by my psychiatrist for ADHD and I believe on the second day my heart rate (according to my Apple Watch) was around 170-190 and I was struggling to breathe. My psychiatrist sent me to the ER where they kept me until it went down to 100. Only abnormal labs were from the Urinalysis- RBC 3/HPF, Protein 30 mg/dL, Ketones 20 mg/dL. These weren’t mentioned to me in person, I only know from my online reports so I imagine they’re maybe not important.
My adderall dose was cut in half, then slowly brought up which improved the HR situation but every time I took it I’d immediately get very very dark circles under in my eyes and my eyes would become puffy.
I had an appointment with my primary care doctor in January , who felt those nodules in my forearms, as well as now down the side of my leg and ordered an ultrasound. The ultrasound was clear. In February, I stopped taking adderall.
In mid March, I started struggling to breathe and had to keep my head propped up at night so I was sent to a drive through respiratory clinic. Everything was fine but my HR was 140 when taken at two separate times. They sent me to urgent care where it remained between 130-140, ecg was sinus tachycardia, and they sent me home with an inhaler.
In April, my forearms (with the lumps/nodules?) began swelling. My fingernails became white across the middle. Slightly above my ankles also began to swell too. The nodules are hard to feel under the swelling but I can feel them very well going up the center of my shin: they feel like little squishy clumps and can be pushed from side to side. Now, when I put my feet on the floor it feels like when your foot falls asleep and my nails turn blue. My eyes are bulging (feels like I’m looking through some sort of weird lens) and I have very dark circles underneath. Anytime I eat, I have to go to the bathroom immediately after. I either have diarrhea or I vomit. My stool for the most part on the Bristol Stool Scale is type 6, sometimes 7. As of yesterday, I can’t sit or sleep comfortably because my butt also becomes painfully numb like my feet do, as well as my groin area. My dog incessantly paws at the swelling, particularly in my palms and sniffs/licks it constantly. I’ve also become extremely fatigued and any time I stand up I lose my vision for 10-15 seconds. My resting heart rate used to be ~50 but my Apple Watch shows now around ~80 and any slight movement will bring it up to 130-140. I don’t know if my weight is even accurate anymore because my clothes have become loose on me very quickly.
If anyone has even a vague idea what any of this means please, please share. I feel like I’m very slowly dying and these symptoms are so random I don’t even know how to get help or how to get people to listen to me
edit: I appreciate all the comments and just wanted to add: I see a psychiatrist/therapist regularly who has not diagnosed me with an anxiety disorder and doesn’t believe that’s the issue. She’s actually (attempted) to help me advocate for myself but it hasn’t worked too often. But I’ll see if I can see another psych/therapist for their opinion. And adderall didn’t make me feel anxious! It was actually life-changing and made my brain, for the first time in my life, feel quiet. I stopped bc it made the bulging eyes/dark circles significantly worse and figured it just doesn’t suit my body | 361 | You have many symptoms that are vague, transient, and non-specific. You have seen many doctors and had many tests that haven’t shown any specific disease. Furthermore it is next to impossible to put all your symptoms together into a single diagnosis.
Your persistent tachycardia probably needs a visit to a cardiologist, but I’m doubtful that will show much beyond anxiety since ECGs have been normal.
You have the hallmarks of health anxiety. I would start with much more aggressive anxiety management, ideally with regular CBT.
And we are all dying slowly. But nothing you’ve said makes it sound like you are dying any faster than the rest of us. | 288 | AskDocs |
[22F] please tell me that there's nothing wrong with my breasts | Age: Early 20s female
Weight: 110lbs/50kg white
I don't drink, smoke, or do recreational drugs.
# Well I never thought I would turn to the internet to examine pictures of my nipples but here we are...
Imgur album with timeline: [https://imgur.com/a/0NdAg5z](https://imgur.com/a/0NdAg5z)
As far as I know, my nipples have always been inverted and I first approached a doctor about nipple discharge (white to yellow substance) when I was 17. OB/GYN said it wasn't concerning because it was both breasts. I've always had cyclical breast pain that was moderately severe and interfered with normal activity but like most "women's problems" was just told that it was normal and to stop complaining.
# Fast forward to January 2020.
The intensity and duration of my cyclical breast pain (dull ache, sensitive, painful to the touch, full sensation) was getting worse. Sometimes it can be stress related which definitely contributed at that time. I had a couple of bad months where I had breast pain during the entire luteal phase of my cycle (which is coincidentally 50% of the time). It would hurt to sleep without some type of bra on because of the movement of my breasts in my sleep. Since February/March, I have had some degree of breast pain that is non-cyclical. I would find myself experiencing breast pain after I started my period and for an entire week into my next cycle. It would never even let up to the point where I could put on a sports bra and go for a run. I would often take off my bra at the end of the day and my breasts would be hot to the touch, same thing when I would wake up in the morning.
I started taking an iodine supplement at the beginning of April because I suspected it could maybe be something nutritional and that month was better; I had a couple of weeks in the middle of the month where my breasts felt normal. At the end of the month I started hormonal birth control (I took yaz when I was 14 and it caused really bad breast pain) so I opted for levonorgestrel/ethynyl estradiol combo because \*supposedly\* that's the least likely to cause breast pain. Within the first 3 days of starting the combined hormonal birth control pill I had a **shooting/stabbing pain** just in my left breast near my sternum. It was so sharp it caused me to cry out at times. It would happen randomly, every half hour or so. **It felt like getting shocked.** It stopped happening after day 5 or so but it was still very concerning to experience. I only made it 2 weeks on that pill because of other side effects and it was causing breast tenderness starting day 11 or so.
Logically there's probably some other explanation other than the c word but my underarms and the area underneath my collarbones are also sore.
**We haven't even gotten to the nipple discharge part yet but it has increased since I originally saw a doctor about it 5 years ago.** It's a white color but sometimes a bit yellow and crusty. If I try to remove it, the tissue underneath is really sensitive the skin will break. There's also scaliness on my areola. I've tried putting a lactic acid/urea moisturizer on it but it doesn't really do much. The discharge/crust builds up in the left nipple primarily whereas the right just gets a bit dry and tough with maybe a bit of dead skin.
**Album incase you missed it:** [**https://imgur.com/a/0NdAg5z**](https://imgur.com/a/0NdAg5z)
I made an appointment with my GP last week where she did a manual exam of my breasts and ordered a test for **prolactin levels**. She said she'd call me with the results and I left. **I got the results online the same day and my prolactin levels are solidly in the normal range**. I never received a follow up call and that was over a week ago.
I almost never touch my nipples, even when I felt for lumps I touched the part near my sternum and underneath towards my underarms, not the nipples so I don't think that explains the discharge. My bras fit very well and my nipples are inverted so I really don't think it's friction from my bra either. I think we've ruled out prolactin issues from what I can tell.
**/////////////////////////////////////////**
**My boobs hurt almost all of the time, especially the left, there's a dull ache that comes from the same area where I had stabbing pain a couple of weeks ago.** I can't really tell by feeling if the tissue feels symmetrical because it's pretty hard/fibrous to the touch and it hurts to try to feel around with my hands.
I think I just need a second opinion since my GP can't be bothered to get back to me about next steps and has left me hanging.
**If someone who is experienced in the area of breast examination could please just tell me that my pain is completely unrelated to my breast health and nipples and that I'm normal I would be so relieved. I wouldn't go through the trouble of posting here unless I felt really compelled to get a second opinion aside from getting prolactin levels checked and having no follow up.** | 388 | NAD but I am a lady who’s breastfed two babies and the pain and symptoms you’re describing sound a lot like when I had a fungal infection called thrush. Nipple was flaky red and irritated and I had the stabbing aching feeling. My Ob/gyn recommend using an anti-fungal over the counter medication like one for athletes foot. Do you have an OB/Gyn ? I would go see yours if you have one. They’re not only for vaginal health, mine gives me my breast examination every time I’m due for a pap. | 295 | AskDocs |
Incorrect Chemo Dosage | Hi everyone.
I am here because my husband has bladder cancer. He has been undergoing chemo since March. This next week was suppose to be the 12th week, and final infusion.
This week, we received a strange call from his oncologist's office. They said the Dr. needed to speak to us. Due to coronavirus, most office visits have been over the phone, so this one was scheduled the same way. They told him that I should be present on speaker for this one and that everything was ok, not to worry, but the Dr. needed to speak to us about his dosage.
I knew right then what was wrong. Not that I am an expert, and not that my husband hasn't suffered, but it just seemed "too easy". We both thought he would have been much sicker with the chemo. We even told them in the beginning, before they stopped in office visits, that we had expected everything to be much worse than it is.
We scheduled the tele-visit appointment for a few days later. During the call, the Dr. explained that the dose my husband was given was incorrect. It wasn't enough. Apparently, the Dr. wrote it down correctly, the NP, using some template, made an error, and the pharmacist didn't catch it either. He has had seven infusions. No one caught the error. No one.
He said this has never happened to him before. We could tell, and he may have said it, that they had no idea what exactly to do. He said my husband would have to have more treatments now. His surgery, of course, will be postponed. He brought up the option of radiation, which he was very against during our consultation visits with him. He said by the end of the extended treatments, he will have received more than what he should have to begin with.
We have an appointment with the Dr. next week, and the post chemo CT scan has been rescheduled for sooner. He said to come prepare with questions. I have no idea what to ask. Of course, how did this happen? How does this affect him? Is having extra sessions going to impact him negatively? What else? We are just so lost now.
60 - White Male, 5'8", 180lbs
High Grade, T2 Bladder Tumors
Chemo: Gemcitabine/Cisplatin
4 cycles - 2 weeks on, 1 week off
Completed all except 2nd week of 4th and final cycle.
Other:
Lipitor 10mg daily | 254 | >He said to come prepare with questions. I have no idea what to ask. Of course, how did this happen? How does this affect him? Is having extra sessions going to impact him negatively? What else? We are just so lost now.
Those are all excellent questions to ask. I would also ask whether this error has implications for his overall prognosis. If it was multiple treatments that were given at the inappropriate dose, that is a bigger problem, and I personally would wonder whether they expected me/my insurance to pay for it. I do not usually suggest this sort of thing, but I think consulting an attorney would be appropriate to ensure you have everything appropriately documented in case there is need for future legal action. | 305 | AskDocs |
Cut 2 of my fingertips off with a mandoline slicer | 27F, 5'11", 170lbs, white. I cut 2 of my finger tips off, diagonally, using an incredibly sharp mandoline slicer on Tuesday. I do not have health insurance(I live in the US) and cannot afford to see a doctor, so I did not see one. No bone was exposed so I called my dad who is a nurse with decades of ER experience. He gave me instructions on how to clean them, dress them, and generally take care of them. So far I show no signs of infection however, it is obnoxiously painful. I'm worried that maybe I screwed up by not getting immediate medical attention and am curious as to how some of you think my fingers might heal. [Here is a picture](https://imgur.com/a/SWyW27X) of my wounds. I do drink regularly, especially right now to ease the pain which I know is not ideal. I use marijuana recreationally and am not a cigarette smoker. I am not on any medications. Any advice on how to care for my injury and just a general idea of how serious this actually is would be appreciated. Thank you. | 482 | Looks like a simple avulsion. No bone sticking out right? Your tetanus is up to date? Keep it clean and dress it regularly, will heal fine. Motrin or tylenol for pain . | 463 | AskDocs |
[34F] Does feeling everything have a name? | I know I probably sound crazy but I can feel everything that goes on in my body! Well... probably not everything but many things. E.g. I know when I'm ovulating, I feel food and can point where it is in the digestive tract, I can feel certain areas of my brain depending on what I'm doing, I can feel subtle changes in my heart rate or blood pressure. It drives me nuts and I wanted to know if there's a specific name for this or anything I can do about it? Or if anyone has experienced this? Help! And thank you. I don't smoke, drink, or do drugs. Never had any psychiatric issues diagnosed either. | 425 | NAD but feeling ovulation is called mittelschmerz and can just be a little dull ache. I have it and I know which ovary is in use each month!
No idea about the rest though, sorry | 268 | AskDocs |
Weird, random symptoms. Doctors usually just blink a few times and assure me that it’s nothing. What should I do about it? | 25 F Diabetes, Celiac, Hypothyroid, Seasonal Allergies. Taking Insulin & Synthroid. No drugs, no alcohol, no smoking. Not over or under weight. Exercise 3-5x/weekly. Eat healthy.
Hair loss
Skin rashes
Mouth sores
Tightness in chest
Pain & muscle cramps
Dry throat & mouth
Constant fatigue
Poor sleep
Irritability
Duration: Last 6-8 months.
Thank you!!! | 261 | These symptoms shouldn’t be brushed aside, I’m sorry if you feel like you haven’t been taken seriously. Having said that, they are individually common and nonspecific - so they might be evidence for a unifying diagnosis or they might be coincidental. In the context of your strong autoimmune history you’d have to be mad not to investigate further. They do require a work-up. I would probably test your Hba1c and thyroid levels to make sure control is optimal, an electrolyte panel, renal function, simple causes for fatigue like vitamin D and a rheumatological panel would be necessary (incl anti-Ro and anti-La). If this suggested rheumatological disease then a referral would be necessary. They will likely run further tests.
I’m not a rheumatologist, but as others have mentioned your symptoms could fit with Sjögren’s syndrome, which is also associated with coeliac and thyroid disease. I have a few extra questions if you don’t mind. You could save these for the doctor if you want but might be useful to think about beforehand.
Do you have any join pain/swelling?
Are your mouth ulcers painless?
What are your rashes like? Could you provide a picture?
What is making your sleep poor?
Is you chest tightness associated with breathlessness or a cough?
Do you have any eye dryness?
Have you (and totally understandable if you don’t want to answer this) had any exposure to blood born viruses? E.g. unprotected sexual activity, IV drug use, blood exposure, needle stick injury.
Hope you get the answers you’re looking for and some relief. | 136 | AskDocs |
My Mother Was Anti-Doctor, How Do I Find A Doctor That Will Help Me With Missed Vaccines, Undiagnosed issues, missed exams, etc. | 21f
TLDR at the end
So, my mother was extremely against taking meds and seeing doctors unless absolutely necessary. Unless I was over 104 for a day, profusely bleeding, or literally writhing and screaming in pain, she saw it as no big deal. I never got eye exams, check-ups, physicals, vaccines, or any other regular doctor visits. I also saw the dentist maybe twice. Even if I brought up issues.
I began experiencing episodes of shortness of breath, chest pain/tightness, wheezing etc. when doing exercises. She dismissed me saying I was out of shape and over exaggerating. (Note: I've always been fit and active, and she and my whole family smoke in the house) I complained of other issues like joint pain, she'd call me a hypochondriac. I even fell on my elbow once and couldn't move it, sever pain, swelling. She even said 'probably a hair line fracture'. But refused to take me to the doctor saying they'd only tell her what she already knew. And again claimed my pain was exaggerated. I spent the next few months keeping my arm in the centre pocket of sweaters as a diy sling and popping advil. (I was about 15) She cared even less about mental health, even when I told her of my thoughts of suicide.
I have tried since then to get a new family doctor (didn't have one) but the one I got was less than ideal. She was very keen on treating symptoms and never looking into the cause. Having anxiety (now diagnosed), I haven't yet gotten the courage to give her the ax. Clinic doctors are busy, and I understand that, so they just don't have the time or enough context to really help me fully.
So, how do I go about finding a doctor that will take my practically non-existent medical records into account and help me to basically catch up on many things never looked into as a child. A doctor who will listen and be patient, and work with me to find whats causing my multiple chronic issues?
TLDR; My mom only went to docs in absolute emergencies. Now I have chronic issues that have never properly been looked into. How do I find a patient and understand doctor who has the time to help me catch up on what I missed and find any underlying issues?
Update: Thank you so much everyone! I've gotten more helpful comments than I can even respond to. I really appreciate all of your advice. If its not too much, I'd like to know if any of you know of how to go about getting a new PCP. Like I mentioned, mine isn't ideal. Never even did all the stuff you guys are saying a doc should do with a medically neglected patient. I live in Canada and there is a service that will help you connect with a family doctor, but since I technically already have one I can't use it. How do I terminate the relationship with my current doc? I think theres maybe paper work I have to do.... The doc is registered with my health card and stuff, so I don't think I can just get a new doc without officially cancelling my relations with my current one and I'm not sure how to do that | 947 | Find a PCP (primary care physician). Once established with him or her, they can refer you to other specialists, if needed. Most importantly, you need to be vaccinated. It's not too late.
To add, even the most healthy individuals still need their 6 month or yearly physical with their PCP. Preventive care is very important. | 385 | AskDocs |
22M. I have ADHD. I have felt tremendously numb and unmotivated for the past month. I tried nicotine for the first time and it really helped me. I’m not sure what to do with that information | Update: Nicotine was only helpful to me while I was still on Vyvanse and in withdrawal after stopping Vyvanse and stopping trazadone (an anticholinergic). Most of my symptoms have decreased significantly (although not completely, I’m not numb anymore but still sleepy and not completely functional a lot) and so nicotine is now barely beneficial for me. So I know most of you did not actually care whether or not my symptoms improved or if my suffering decreased and solely cared about me not doing nicotine, so you will be happy to know that I no longer have a reason to do nicotine and won’t.
For people who are also on Vyvanse, I found out from Dr. Russell Barkley that it can suppress the limbic system and therefore your emotions over time.
READ BEFORE COMMENTING: Can smokers please stop commenting about how I shouldn’t do nicotine because they regret smoking? Smoking tobacco and having a nicotine lozenge are different things. And I am really disappointed that I’ve gotten so many comments and the vast majority of them are so unhelpful and just telling me “don’t do it” and not offering me some alternative when I just told you I was suffering emotionally and suffering in my school work for 1.5 months and was completely numb. I’m literally failing almost every single class just because of the lack of work I was able to get through in the last 2 weeks, which will cost me like $20k. So please do not project onto me your smoker’s guilt, I posted on here to find out if there was an alternative I should look into. It doesn’t even seem like most of you have bothered to read my description.
So this is a very odd situation.
I’ve been doing pretty poorly in school during quarantine. I’ve been feeling very numb and unmotivated. I was on 20 mg in Vyvanse and then 40 mg of Vyvanse. On 20 mg I realized I wasn’t getting the focus benefits of Vyvanse. On 40 mg I was getting the focus benefits to some extent, but the come down was really hard and even thought it helped me focus, there was something about it that made me feel mentally slower. No matter what dosage of Vyvanse I was on, I felt really numb and unmotivated inside and it prevented me from being productive. It didn’t matter how much coffee or how much Vyvanse I had, it was like my body just stopped reacting to adrenaline. This has happened to me in past semesters as well, so it’s not just a quarantine thing. This even happened to me last semester while I was on 15 mg of lexapro.
I heard nicotine worked on acetylcholine receptors and my friend talked a lot about how much she loved nicotine. I decided I had nothing left to lose with how numb I felt inside and how poorly I was doing in school, so I bought 2 mg of nicotine lozenges. I sucked on half of it and took it out while I was trying to work at my friends place. I was also on 20 mg of Vyvanse at the time, but it was about 8 pm so it was close to the end of the duration.
And all of a sudden, I felt joy again. After a month of numbness and feeling like I was being dragged through the rest of the semester and barely eating because I was so bored of the idea of making another decision about what to eat. And it was such a relief, because I didn’t know when I was ever going to stop feeling numb again and I felt like I was barely a human and suddenly it was like I could breathe. My thoughts were finally moving at a normal speed. I felt motivation and I wanted to do my work and I did.
And I don’t know what to do with that information. I don’t know if that means I should be trying out a certain type of antidepressant. I tried bupropion XL 150 mg for 1-2 months before and it made me had sporadic moments of hearing my pulse in my ear (but I had also just stopped using Vyvanse and I know Vyvanse had raised my blood pressure since I started using it). It had also made me a little irritated and I didn’t really see benefits from it. But maybe I didn’t give it enough time or didn’t use it a high enough dosage?
Or I don’t know if I should start using nicotine gum medicinally 1-2 times a week. I know it has a high addiction rate and I don’t want it to downregulate any of my neurotransmitters. But it doesn’t have the same harms as smoking. But as far as I can tell, there really aren’t prescription drugs that work out there quite like nicotine.
I just feel like now that I know that it’s possible for me to function like a normal and functioning person again, I need to try to figure out how to do it with a safer drug.
I haven’t tried atomoxetine before, I don’t know if that’s something I should try
EDIT: I also take 12.5 mg of trazodone at night to help me sleep | 410 | this isn't going to be helpful at all, but don't start using nicotine to make your medication work better. Try a different medication instead.
I take adderall and I am a smoker. I have come to realize that as long as I continue to take my adderall, I will likely be unable to quit smoking- something about it just makes me want to smoke. I tried other medications, but still always had the desire to smoke. On off days, I basically don't smoke at all. | 200 | AskDocs |
Chiropractor Torqued my neck hard - Neck & Spine Experts Needed (Neurologists/Radiologists/Surgeons, MRI & X-rays included) | 9 months ago, as part of treatment for a 60mph rear end I was in over 2 years ago now, I visited a chiropractor with 20 years in the business. I visited him twice for mid thoracic & shoulder pain, no neck pain to speak of -- first visit went fine, but on the second visit when he adjusted my neck, it went wildly wrong. He didn't take any time at all to prepare me for the adjustment, and my body involuntarily flinched and resisted with full force to the right. The chiropractor was ignorant and forced my head against my resistance a full 90 degrees to the left. No popping happened, but he sure was trying for it. I felt a lot of torque and muscle tension -- it was very disconcerting, but no immediate pain. I didn't think much of it at first given no pain, but it was enough to scare me out of going again. In the following days & weeks, I started getting electric shock symptoms at the left base of my neck when reaching far with my left arm (out, up, down), or moving my neck in a certain way. Got an EMG 3 weeks later that stated moderate chronic radiculopathy of C8 on the left. I proceeded to go through 12+ weeks of PT, Traction, Airrosti, tried dry needling etc. No improvement. I even faced my fear and tried other chiropractic 6 months after incident thinking it would realign & heal things (Gonstead 3 sessions & CBP 2 sessions) which didn't help, as well as more massage and a lot of home PT. Just recently started seeing a NUCCA (upper cervical) guy that does a technique called QSM3... pretty sure it's bogus and isn't doing a thing.
I have no numbness/weakness/tingling, and nothing that travels down my arms. I occasionally get a burning sensation across my left trap. I can feel within my left trap that theres an extremely tight band of muscle that feels almost like a bone when flexed, and it is when I use my trap that I get the electric shock sensation along that same path - the more I use it, the larger the shock. If I reach behind my head, trap flexed, and palpate the taught band of muscle near my neck/paraspinal region, I get the electric sensation. If my arm is relaxed down to my side and I palpate this same region even with a lot of pressure, no zings. I'm starting to get occasional little zaps on the right side of my neck too (mid paraspinal) -- top right of my neck is also very crunchy and tight. I seem to want to support my head a lot, so I am suspecting some ligament laxity/weakness is at play. The clicking/cracking in my neck seems to be increasing.
X-Rays: [Lateral view](https://i.imgur.com/P5dPIQl.jpg) | [Flexion & Extension](https://i.imgur.com/6XpfhOW.jpg) | [Front view](https://i.imgur.com/GbBDt3o.jpg)
I had a [cervical MRI](https://i.imgur.com/MhMTYBH.jpg) 6 months after the incident that revealed multi-level mild uncovertebral hypertrophy, a 1.6mm, 5.2mm wide bulge at C7-T1 ([Lateral](https://i.imgur.com/soxYef3.jpg), [Slice](https://i.imgur.com/AC3CoIc.jpg)) that may hit the ventral nerve root on the left, as well as a C3-C4 2mm bulge ([Lateral 1](https://i.imgur.com/H4o82Wh.jpg), [Lateral 2](https://i.imgur.com/iqJHusn.jpg), [Slice](https://i.imgur.com/gKZkSuA.jpg)).
I had a [Thoracic MRI 2 weeks later](https://i.imgur.com/GKr8JYN.png), and the record said that it seemed the bulge at C7-T1 may have undergone interval desiccation or resorption, but I find that unlikely. My T1-T2 has lost some height and I have bilateral facet arthrosis ([Lateral thoracic](https://i.imgur.com/JjS1YkO.jpg) | [1st Slice](https://i.imgur.com/E12Fu9e.jpg) | [2nd Slice](https://i.imgur.com/T4H43jl.jpg) | [3rd Slice](https://i.imgur.com/uRROHed.jpg)). I'm curious how bad the facet arthritis is, if anyone has expertise -- the top portion of the lateral view looks odd/concerning to me. It's starting to pop & click and ache more and more, even without movement in bed. Happy to provide more views, not sure if I grabbed all the right ones.
[Here is the 3mm Bulge at T5-T6](https://i.imgur.com/diZK0Ww.jpg) which was from the accident, and been a pretty consistent dull/sharp aching point and also clicks all the time.
Doctor has recommended an epidural steroid injection at C7-T1 which I've resisted. I've read about the possible complications, how it is contraindicated by the FDA for cervical use, and how it really only helps if you have symptoms going down the arms (but really they're only approved for sciatica type leg pain). I recently tried a steroid dosepak as a less invasive method, but that gave no symptom relief at all. Read that steroids are only a band-aid and will do nothing to fix the structural issue.
Just looking for more opinions -- do my symptoms sound more facet related than disc related? It's the intermittent nature that has me stumped. I've been looking into PRP & Stem Cell injections into my facets, possibly an epidural with Platelet Lysate from my own blood. Really would prefer something regenerative vs catabolic.
Would a CT Scan of my cervical region provide any further answers on what to treat given the mechanism of injury? Would a standing/sitting MRI be helpful? Ultrasound? Digital Motion X-Ray?
I'm growing hopeless that this will be my new normal and trying to find answers to hopefully correct what's going on and slow down the degeneration (yes perhaps obsessively... but hey, it's my health and I'm only 33).
Thank you for your time. | 332 | This is why I will never go to a chiropractor, ever. | 495 | AskDocs |
Is my mother being conned by a homeopathic wizgod | My mother 50(F) WORSHIPS this local homeopathic doctor. Around 2009, she had kidney stones and due to complications, her uterus was removed. I was probably 5-6 then, don't remember much except for the blob of weird stuff in a tall glass bottle.
She was fine after the surgery but down the years developed "post surgery" complications. She was allegedly allergic to the general anaesthesia which somehow transitioned into vertigo and she tends to lose grip on her right side.
Oh, and this doctor has told her that she has snot/cold filled in her sinus and head and her nerves are being pinched and so are the sacs(?) between her cervical discs.
She refuses to take allopathic medicine claiming it's too strong for her
She has been under the medication of this wizgod for more than years. Everyday she has 40 drops of this liquid, 12 tablets and 6 of those sugar looking pills (total dosage divided 3 times a day).
She freaks out when she doesn't have his medicine claiming her vertigo is going to return.
FYI his prescriptions (they're not prescription, his attendant assembles the medicine outside his cabin) last 15 days. Every 15 days she gets a new prescription excluding when we travel, the man will bless her with 1 month to 2 month supplies.
Is this guy a dupe?
Is my mother under one heck of a placebo effect?
Can "cold" even accumulate the way the claim?
TLDR: mom under medication of homeopathic doctor for 7 years due to post surgery complications, i feel he's a business man extorting money from my mom as she has been having these concerns for more than 4 years. | 251 | Sure sounds like this guy’s a quack. In my experience, trying to convince someone that their homeopathic treatment is a scam is like trying to convince someone that their religion is silly. You’re probably going to be met with hostility and drive them even farther down the homeopathic rabbit hole.
One option is to tell your mom to google this guy’s name and maybe she can see some objective reviews on the guy. Doubt that would actually do anything though.
You have to be very careful talking with patients like this. I tell people that modern medicine isn’t perfect. We don’t know how everything works. I’m okay with people trying alternative medicines as long as it’s not harmful and as long as it’s not draining your wallet. Any way to find out what’s in her pills and how much she’s spending? What’s sad is that her vertigo may be treatable or curable.
Edit: I'm hijacking my own comment since it's the top comment right now. I just looked this doctor up and there's an article about this doctor writing a letter to the prime minister of India about changing the paradigm of thinking about cancer. He says cancer is caused by a disturbed mind and emotional turmoil rather than things like tobacco. This guy's faculty at the London College of Homeopathy. This isn't just a con man getting a few thousand bucks from someone. This guy's got influence and using it. This is really harmful. | 228 | AskDocs |
I'm 33 and I have just learned that I have 45 chromosomes. What now? | I'm 33 years old, had trouble conceiving with my GF so we went to a fertility clinic. I passed some tests and was diagnosed as having low sperm count. Post wash, the total quantity of motile sperms was about 4-5 Millions.
We started IVI (in vitro insemination) treatments (we get 9 tries paid for by the government) and in the meantime, my doctor had me take some ADN and hormonal blood tests. Hormone levels were considered normal, although in my opinion the testosterone count was on the low side (and estrogen is under the lowest normal value, but somehow my doctor told me only testosterone is of interest..).
Generic test results took a few months longer to come back I was just informed that I have 45 chromosomes. The doctor from my fertility clinic told me he cannot give me more information and tells me I will have to pass some specialized genetic tests. I'm kinda freaking out right now, does anyone know where I could get some more information? Should I be followed by a doctor for the remainder of my life? Is there any chance we can do In Vitro? | 918 | To be honest you really do need the actual details of the genetic test (which chromosome is missing?) and to see a genetic counselor.
Given that you're a guy, it's actually really interesting (sorry, I know you don't want to be interesting). I'm wondering if you're a super super rare Male Turner syndrome or perhaps a mosaic/chimera - which means basically your body is made up of two sets of genetic material. (Edit: or as others have mentioned a Robertsonian translocation where effectively the genetic material is all there but the number of chromosomes is less due to swapping of chromosome “arms”)
Please give me/us an update! If they are willing to give you any information right now, I'd at least ask 'can you tell me which chromosome is missing?' That would give us the most to go on right now.
If it’s anything other than 45 x then I would assume it’s almost certainly a robertsonian translocation
Edit: also OP if you read this again, what sample did you give for karyotype (blood, semen, etc)? | 863 | AskDocs |
Husband (39M, very healthy) suffered a stroke 2.5 days ago. Several question, one very personal | My husband (39M) is an ultramarathoner who routinely runs 50+ miles a week. He has perfect blood pressure and is a healthy weight. On Thursday morning he woke up with an intense headache, tried to get out of bed, fell and could not move his left arm or leg and was very slow to respond/seemed confused. Arrived at hospital by ambulance 30-40 minutes later at which point his symptoms were improving. According to an MRI, he suffered two small strokes (ischemic but not TIAs) He was released from the hospital this afternoon and seems to have suffered no permanent damage.
We are of course seeing various doctors over the course of the next few months and are still searching for the cause. We found that he does have a PFO, but the cardiologist thinks that's unlikely to be the cause.
Because of COVID, I was unable to be with him in the hospital and had to talk to doctors over speakerphone which is not an optimal communication method for important info. My husband tends to be very quiet, so I'm usually the one asking questions, but I was not able to do this very effectively over speaker, so I am now here and hoping I can get some insight from professionals.
So first, my husband uses minoxidil on his hair but forgot to mention it to his doctors. I think he should stop using it. I hope you all can back me up on this. Also, could this have contributed to stroke?
Second, as a guy who sometimes runs more that 50 miles at a time, his idea of what constitutes "exerting himself" is different from how I and most others would define it. He would like to go out and mow the yard tomorrow, go for a 5 mile hike next week, take a slow run on the track, etc. (He does not think of these things as real exercise.) I am trying to convince him to hold off on everything that more normal people think of as exercise at least until we identify a cause. Am I right to suggest this?
Third, he seems to have absolutely no permanent damage and has suggested resuming sex very soon. I have no idea when that stops being risky, but I'm assuming 3 days out is definitely not enough time. When can sexual activity start again?
Thank you so much! I may come back with other questions later, this has been so fast and such a nightmare. | 672 | # TLDR
I include this section mostly for curious bystanders. OP, you probably want to read this whole post including the final section.
1. Minoxidil: I could go either way. Discuss with him & with doctors at follow up. The discussion is important.
2. For activity, OK to start resuming his prior activities including exercise, chores, etc., but start less intense than before and build up. See how it goes, which means back off if anything seems weird.
3. Sex is basically the same as point #2 but also make sure everybody is emotionally ready.
# Answers to specific questions
1. Topical minoxidil: **I could go either way. Not super scary to me to keep using it.** On the one hand, it's "only" topical. I did not see mention stroke or related conditions in the package insert for US and [Canada](https://www.jnjcanada.com/sites/www_jnjcanada_com/files/pdf/en/Rogaine.pdf) regulatory agencies. When it's taken orally, it's used to control blood pressure, which *usually* will *reduce* the rate of stroke *in the long term*. (Emphasis in that sentence is important.) I also don't see any mention of stroke + minoxidil in Pubmed. Probably your best evidence is going to be a [trial](https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/17761356/) which included an open-label safety extension of a hundred-ish people for a year (no mention of stroke). I don't see any big-scale observational pharmacoepi type studies.
1. On the other hand, "only topical" is not a strong argument *in the general case*. If you (or he) are worried, why not quit this med? This is a case of weighing a known benefit in one area (cosmetic benefits are still benefits, & people are allowed to value them) versus a very small & partly unknown risk in another area. A lot of times the process of decision making is as important as the decision itself. I don't hear anything urgent here.
2. Activity level: **My opinion is find a middle ground.**
1. Doing a 50 mile run 3 days after a diagnosed stroke *feels* extreme to me (opinion; no studies/citations).
2. Mowing the lawn seems probably fine, but that can mean about a million different levels of exertion. (Is it a self propelled mower? Manual push motorized mower? Old school blade push mower? Ride-on? How much land? What temperature?) You don't have to answer those questions; my point is just to keep it reasonable. Try it but take it easier than usual. **Test the waters** (metaphorically)**.** Listen to what his body is telling him. Maybe take more frequent breaks; make sure to drink water.
3. A five mile hike next week also *seems* okay to me especially if he feels he is at 100% normal physical level. Again, "5 mile hike" means tons of different things to different people. I wouldn't plan on 2.5 miles into the middle of dense forest with hills and rock ledges, no cell phone service, EMS would need a helicopter with infrared to find you, etc., etc., and then 2.5 miles back to the trailhead. Strokes recur on their own too. Even if the hike doesn't cause it, what is the plan if it recurs? I think you get the idea.
4. Slow run on the track (in a few days) also *seems* okay to me. Same policies as above (start out at a lower level than usual, pay closer attention than usual, quit early if problems). There is zero reason to go directly to a 100% training intensity. Nobody should have anything to prove on either side here. Even if OP's husband is Meb Keflezighi and running is his livelihood, the training is going to be set back somewhat. It's unfortunate, but you should expect less training ability for a little while.
5. OP, **what do you mean by "identify a cause"?** Are there further tests pending?
3. Sex: Once again, it seems **basically okay to resume, with a bit of caution**. I'll make this point once more: "having sex" can mean about a million things in terms of what the circulation to the brain sees. Blunt & graphic stuff follows, so skip this paragraph if you don't care to read about sex. It's possible to (a) go nice and slow over a period of time followed by a sort of gentle orgasm, and barely get your heart rate up; (b) be over and done with in 3-5 minutes, maybe just masturbation in the presence of a partner, which is a pretty small stress on the circulation; or (c) go at it for 4+ hours, one person on bottom, then on top, then on bottom, then standing, with constant grunting, yelling, panting, you get the idea, which is probably not advisable in the week or so after a diagnosed stroke! Lastly, it is very important that both parties are emotionally ready. If OP or husband is going to have an unenjoyable experience, then by definition it is not the right time for two-person sex.
# Additional comments
39 is young to have a stroke. OP, I'm sorry this happened to your husband & to you. Most of all I'm sorry you couldn't be there in person in the hospital with him & to hear from the doctors in person. The COVID era sucks; it's not your fault that you couldn't be there. He's lucky to have you asking questions for him.
It is very good news that he started to improve so rapidly on his own. All strokes improve; the question is how much and how fast. Great news that there is "no lasting damage" by which I guess you mean the strength in the arm/leg is back to 100%. It is also good news that he's been released from the hospital straight to home. Great news that he's in phenomenal shape to start with.
This *sounds* like the type of stroke that is due to arterial disease of the blood vessels inside the skull. This would be a very common cause of stroke. Obviously I didn't do the neuro exam or see the MRI/echo/carotids/etc. If the doctors don't think the PFO contributed, they are in the best position to make that call. Blaming the PFO depends somewhat on the location(s) of the stroke(s). It's totally appropriate to get a 2nd opinion if you're wondering about PFO closure, but totally *inappropriate* for me or anyone to speak with certainty based only on 400 words you wrote on Reddit. If I did get a 2nd opinion & was offered PFO closure, I would ask what is the evidence that it's a cardioembolic stroke, and how the rate of stroke is expected to change after closure/anticoagulation. (This is to prevent someone basically "upselling" me on an expensive and invasive procedure that I might not need. I've seen procedures go both ways: undertreatment and overtreatment.)
Sometimes there is no "identify a cause" beyond what I mentioned in the previous paragraph. I'm assuming the stroke wasn't caused by cocaine or some other drug, although I'd be remiss if I didn't mention it. The treatment for this type of stroke is aspirin, usually statin, and blood pressure control (if needed, and on the timeline prescribed by doctors). Aspirin is great at reducing the chance of a 2nd ischemic stroke, and it is heartbreaking how often I see people not taking it, for no good reason. I suspect this is because it's not a "flashy" drug and also that it is literally over the counter, which makes it easy for docs to assume people are taking it per instructions. Point is: if he's not on aspirin, he needs to ***ask someone why he is not on aspirin.*** Aspirin increases the chance of GI bleeding; usually not serious; known risk that is usually deemed to be "worth it."
It's somewhat sad that the activity recommendations were not spelled out in more detail for him when he was discharged. This is all too commonly overlooked by specialists and inpatient doctors. I'm confident that my PT and PM&R colleagues will agree 1000%.
I'm an internist, not a neurologist, and I am not your husband's internist. I do see plenty of acute strokes. I just don't know every single nuance of stroke diagnosis/treatment, especially rare stuff.
Ask questions at the follow-up visits!
I know this is damn long. I tried to be complete. However, there is still a chance I forgot something and will need to reply or edit this post. I expect this illustrates that it is often not possible to make a short yet correct statement about medicine. | 401 | AskDocs |
Have I completely ruined my nail bed? | So, I (34F) have a long history of ingrown toenails. It started with years of pointe ballet and needing to keep my nails super short, to an almost fixation on my nails. About two years ago I cut my nail WAY too short. I tried to fix it as I'd done a million time before but made things much worse. After about a year of pretty much finally leaving it alone and not trying to "fix" it anymore I'm left with a missing part of my nail and what looks almost like a new toe growing over it. I can't even explain...I'm embarrassed.
The part that look like a new toe is movable... I can lift it up and there's a big dip in my nail under it. Any suggestions? Is this fixable? Have I completely ruined my toe? =[
I have no major medical conditions or medications. I am 5'5", 150lbs. I occasionally smoke and drink, no drug use.
[toe](https://imgur.com/a/vlRVUG0) | 267 | I'm NAD but I'd think a podiatrist could fix this with a minor surgery | 171 | AskDocs |
Please help a new mum! I think my baby has one eye smaller than the other... | ** Final Edit - The ophthalmologist says she does have microphthalmia, but there's no signs of an underlying syndrome. The eye may be big enough to promote normal socket growth, but she will need to be monitored and may need spacers to shape the socket and cosmetic contact lenses for symmetry. The small eye appears structurally sound and probably has vision but will require significant correction. Overall pretty good news **
** Edit - We have an appointment with a paediatric ophthalmologist for tomorrow - will let you know what he says. Thank you to everyone who has replied! **
Female, 2 weeks old, 53cm, 4.2kg.
(Just noticed - in the picture automatically retrieved for the post she just looks squinty/swollen - please click on the link at the bottom for better pics.)
My beautiful little girl was born two weeks ago by emergency c-section. I noticed while she was still in the special care nursery (for hypoglycemia and hypothermia - out after two days) that one eye did not open properly, but they said it was nothing to worry about. Probably just swelling from the slightly traumatic birth. She came home after a few days and is nursing well and gaining weight.
She was readmitted to special care for phototherapy due to ABO incompatibility jaundice but has been home for more than a week and is much better. However I'm still very concerned that her right eye is still not opening properly and also seems to be actually smaller than the left.
The maternal child health nurse said to give it a few weeks until the eyes open up more, but I'm concerned this is something that needs to be addressed more urgently. Obviously we will need to see a doctor (ophthalmologist?) And yet I'm hesitant to take my unvaccinated baby out much before I have to. Am I just paranoid? And if I'm right how urgent is this? Pictures attached.
Edit: Should have mentioned - the hospital did a red reflex test which was normal. The pupil in the small eye responds to changes in light and dark. The little eye tracks and focuses normally with the big eye, as far as I can tell.
https://imgur.com/a/fVGiLJy | 349 | This requires evaluation with a pediatric ophthalmologist. Ask your pediatrician for a referral if you need one.
It's impossible to tell for sure from the pictures whether the right eye is enophthalmic or microphthalmic or if the left eye is exophthalmic or buphthalmic. Needless to say, the list of potential causes is quite long. However this age is a formative time for the development of visual pathways in the brain and delaying care risks permanent loss of vision. | 519 | AskDocs |
First pregnancy negative herpes. Second pregnancy positive herpes. | First pregnancy my test for gential herpes was negative. My second pregnancy it came back positive - I personally didn't have any interaction with anyone apart from my spouse during this time and he may very well be lying saying he didn't either. Besides the point-My question is moreso could it be possible the hormones in pregnancy offset something the second time around that wasn't captured in the first pregancy? That the herpes virus was dormant and not picked up the first pregnancy around?
Age 28. Female. 5'0. 125 lbs. White/Caucasian. No other medical conditions. No medications apart from prenatals, biotin, vitamin D.
Edit: thank you everyone for your indepth responses! I wish I could reply to all individually. | 377 | Would wait for a doc to respond as I am not sure how they test for HSV 2 during pregnancy.
Typically though you can test positive while it’s dormant and not have any symptoms.
Initial Herpes infection typically comes with fever and flu-like symptoms (go figure, so does everything else it seems) but there is normally a lesion along with that. So, think about it.
Between the first and second pregnancies, did you ever have a time where it felt like you had a sore or extremely itchy spot anywhere in that area? Something that felt like a pimple or ingrown hair but felt different?
Did something like this happen before the first pregnancy?
Do either of you get cold sores (HSV-1)? This could have been passed via oral sex and I think would probably show a positive herpes test unless they were specifically looking for HSV-2/genital herpes.
I would drag the hubby to the clinic with you and get you both tested again and ask the clinician about this. A second test for you would help determine a false positive or not. | 294 | AskDocs |
Mystery STD Doctors haven't been able to identify | August 3rd had sex with an ex without protection. August 10th, noticed some tingling and itching in vaginal area. August 17-18th, increased itching and tingling, noticed some yellow discharge. August 23rd, my entire vagina swelled to twice it's original size and I shot a watery greyish discharge out of my cervix, and whatever infection it was entered my womb and gave me PID. I had been in contact with ex since Aug. 18th, trying to ask him to get tested and he did. When my vagina swelled and discharge shot out, I called him to see if he had gotten his results. He said he only tested positive for Chlamydia. I had not been able to test yet because of menses.
I ran to ER and got Ceftriaxone shot and Azithromycin. The discharge and swelling went away for a day. The next day, my discharge was back, and my vagina was still irritated.
I spent the next few months regularly testing for STDs, the whole time the discharge continued, and I kept getting antibiotics. Rocephin gave me immediate relief but didn't last. Metronidazole would control discharge until script ran out. I finally got on insurance and went to a proper Gyno. She noted I certainly had a bacterial infection of some sort, and gave me a pap.
My pap came back HSIL, led to Colposcopy that resulted in 4 biopsies. They all came back CIN 3. I'm told my symptoms are unrelated. My irritation went away about 4 months after initial onset of symptoms. The discharge continued for 7 months total, until I had a LEEP procedure and a round of Augmentin. After that, the discharge finally went away.
Through all of this, I found out I was never tested for Herpes, so I took that test yesterday. I'm almost certain that could not of been what caused my symptoms, as I had no pain with urination, no blisters or ulcers in or on vagina. I had regularly been investigating myself with my own fingers because I knew something was wrong. There was never any pain, other than the PID. I could feel scales/mosaics developing on my cervix from August 23rd up until February with my LEEP. Started with a few spots, by the time I had LEEP, most of my cervix was covered. My LEEP came back no cancer, but a lot of CIN 3 with glandular involvement. I have not had any symptoms since.
I have been talking another man for a few months and he knows I've had symptoms and knows about HPV and my precancer. My concern is that I do not know what caused my symptoms and I am concerned about passing it to him. Can someone please provide alternative diagnoses? I'm fairly convinced I had a very bad inflammatory reaction from catching HPV, which led to secondary mucopurulent cervicitis. So I am also concerned that if that's the case, and my CIN 3 developed within 6 months of contraction, I may very well be at risk of fast onset of cervical cancer for the rest of my life. Or could this really be an atypical presentation of herpes? | 492 | Sorry in a hurry to write. Not likely Herpes; this isn't typically/routinely tested as a blood draw but it depends on the provider. If there are active lesions, it likely would have been swabbed for herpes confirmation. Symptoms improved with the antibiotic treatment so that's promising that it's likely bacterial. Ceftriaxone and Azithro are the gold standard for G/C. Yellow discharge can also be indicative for trich, in which case should have been treated with metronidazole. Men are commonly asymptomatic and not usually tested. I'm sorry this must be frustrating; you should f/u with OB/GYN or get another professional opinion. | 290 | AskDocs |
My wife's health is in trouble and doctor's keep assuming it's poor diet. | My wife is a 27 year old 5'8" 300lb heavyweight strong woman. she's a state title holder and national level competitor. Works out 6 days a week and eats a strict vegan homemade healthful diet.
In the past couple months she started having issues with fatigue and weakness in her workouts. Then 3 weeks ago it was like her body hit a wall.
She began having strange burning stabbing abdominal pain. She broke out in hives that lasted a week.
She went to the doctor and they said she seemed to have an allergy to something. They ran a CBC and cmp which looked normal. Blood glucose and a1c were normal.
She began taking allergy medications, but her rash started spreading from one spot to her whole body within 24 hours, and her abdominal pain intensified. She went the hospital, they did a full torso ct. The only thing they found that was out of the normal, other than ground glass opacity in her lungs, was that her intestines were full of fecal matter, even though she had normal bowel movements 4 times that day before going to the hospital.
We followed up after the hospital with her primary. All the doc said was that it sounded allergic or viral. I asked if she should get tested for vitamin and mineral deficiencies. We're vegan, as I told them. I wanted to see if she was anemic, b12 deficiency, maybe some other imbalance. They reluctantly humored me. She showed marginally low iron, and low vitamin c.
I got her suppliments, but neither was hugely out of range and she still feels abnormal and weak. She feels nauseous, shaky, fatigued. She said it feels like her stomach quivers when she tries to eat.
I don't feel like the docs are taking her concern very seriously, because shes a heavy person. They continue to mention poor diet. She does NOT have a poor diet. She has a crafted, tracked, and measured food program that she has been training with for 4 years.
I'm at a loss for how to help her, but if we can't figure it out, it's going to ruin her training and competitions.
Any advice would be extremely helpful and appreciated. | 626 | NAD, but did she get tested for celiac disease? The stomach pain and rash can be a symptom of gluten intolerance. | 344 | AskDocs |
[Texas] [22F] My sister's doctor passed away. He was the only doctor for hundreds of miles who was able to prescribe her low-THC cannabis under Texas's Compassionate Use Act. She'll likely start having severe seizures again if she goes off this medication. Does anyone know what we can do? | The title pretty much sums it up. My sister has a seizure disorder in addition to some other health disorders. She's been on several medications most of her life. Dosages and combinations used to constantly change, as her seizures always returned even when it seemed her medications were working.
She began taking the low-THC cannabis oil a couple of years ago and her major seizures stopped. Now she only occasionally has minor seizures and goes long periods of time without having any at all. She's happier and healthier than she's been in a long time as well.
With her doctor passing away, we don't know how to continue getting this medication for her. There isn't a doctor for hundreds of miles and it's nearly impossible for my sister to travel that far without it taking a toll on her health, especially now given the pandemic.
Does anyone know what we can do or who we can contact to continue getting this medication for her? She only has about 2 weeks worth left. Any advice is much appreciated. | 926 | Check with TX NORML or your local NORML chapter. They likely have a list of doctors that will work with your sister and some doctors may be doing telemedicine so she doesn’t have to travel. | 314 | AskDocs |
Toddler son possibly got diluted bleach in eyes? | My husband left a spray bottle on our son's play table that was 1/3 bleach and 2/3 water. My son and I had just got back home, I was coming out of the laundry room when I see to my horror he had his hands around the top of the spray bottle, I screamed NO but he already sprayed it, I don't know if it went into his eyes but I immediately scooped him up, rinsed his eyes over the sink and gave him a bath while also rinsing his eyes (as much as you can rinse the eyes of a 2 year old who will just squeeze his eyes shut and say "no"). I got him ready for bed, he seemed to be acting normal, no rubbing his eyes or being irritable. His eyes were a little red, but I'm not sure if that was just from the eye rinsing.
He is asleep now, but I am in this panic, I don't know if he got any bleach in his eye, if it is causing any damage, or if i should take his lack of crying or rubbing his eyes as him being fine. I am also balancing the concern of him getting Covid if I take him to the ER.
He is a pretty tough kid, he doesn't cry when he scrapes his knees, etc, but I figure he would have cried if he got a chemical in his eyes.
Update: I called poison control center last night and they told me he is very likely fine. He woke up this morning with no eye redness or irritation. Thank you all for your help and input! This subreddit is amazing, I didn't know it existed until my search for an opinion last night. | 315 | You’re fine. If he really got bleach in his eyes, he’d be screaming his head off.
Edit: unless the injury was so severe that it killed off all of his corneal nerves. The eyes would be very obviously affected at that point. | 399 | AskDocs |
My (24F) Partner (26M) says that I abuse him in my sleep. | Me and my boyfriend of four years just moved in together for the first time almost six months ago and since then he has described sleeping next to me as a *nightmare*. From what he says while I sleep: I continuously kick him in my sleep, I’ve throatpunched him, pushed him to the edge of the bed and if I’m feeling festive I’ve kicked him off the bed, I usually mumble or speak very coherently. and on this weeks episode apparently I have been “thumping my foot like a rabbit, really fast like” or I’ve been “tapping/slapping him like I’m speedboxing in my sleep”. even though I have no recollection of these things. he says that he’s lucky if there’s at least one night a *month* in which I’m “tame” while I sleep and don’t assault him
I know that I do have very vivid dreams (usually nightmares), that I’ve struggled with for most of my life. I also struggle with waking up a lot in the middle of the night also (typically every hour and a half to two hours) I don’t have any history of sleepwalking. and ever since middle school it’s been a common occurrence for me to wake up with deep scratches on my arms or legs, though I still haven’t figured out if it’s me doing the scratching or my down feathered duvet on my bed.
I haven’t ever had a sleep study done because they are relatively expensive and I keep getting denied for a sleep study because I don’t have any breathing problems while I sleep and my insurance won’t cover it if my sleeping isn’t affecting my physical health.
Can someone please explain to me why I’m so active while I sleep and if there is a way to stop it?
note: I rarely drink high caffeinated beverages before bed and I am a smoker.
EDIT: wow thank you so much for all of your responses! I meant to add that I was being a little facetious about me “abusing” or “assaulting” him. Besides the time I throat punched him; He would like to say that he’s never actually felt like he’s actually in danger. He just likes to joke that I *abuse* or *assault* him in my sleep. I weigh 90lbs soaking wet so my little kicks, slaps and jabs don’t actually hurt him as much as it’s just irritating as all hell and disrupts *his* sleep.
I would also like to add that he’s the first person that I’ve shared on a bed with on a regular basis, as he’s the first significant other that I’ve moved in with and that I’ve spent most of my life sleeping in a large bed alone and previous partners before have never commented on my sleep patterns because I’ve never fully spent the night; I typically just go home and sleep in my own bed. | 371 | For the moment it seems important to sleep in different beds. This isn’t a problem. There are married couples with wonderful marriages who sleep in separate beds/rooms due to snoring or different schedules or other reasons.
Perhaps you can film yourself off night while you sleep and then see your doctor with the video clips and ask about getting approved for a sleep study.
Honestly, at this point it sounds like even if it’s expensive it’s a good and necessary thing to do if possible.
I’m not a doctor so hopefully a doctor will respond with better advice. I hope you get better soon. | 381 | AskDocs |
HELP! Abnormal Menstrual Bleeding | Please help! Any advice is appreciated. Long post here so please bear with me. I’m a 32 year old, married female, overall healthy.
I started on BC pills when I was about 15 years old. My period had always been very regular with minimal cramping and bleeding. Had never had an issue with my menstrual cycle up until I turned 30.
Once I hit 30 everything changed. My periods suddenly became VERY heavy and irregular. I’d have periods where I bled for weeks on end, I had to start doubling up on a pad and tampon to be able to leave the house for more than an hour at a time. I started seeing very alarming sized clots, golf ball up to palm sized.
After dealing with this for about 6 months my annual exam with my Ob/Gyn of roughly 10 years came up. During this exam she mentioned switching BC pills since I’d been on the same ones for years. I agreed, and thought maybe that was why my cycle suddenly and so drastically changed.
I tried to acclimate to new BC pills for close to a year, continuing to bleed profusely for weeks at a time. I again met with my Ob/Gyn, this time she suspected an issue. I stressed to her my wedding was coming up in 6 months (December 28 2019) and I’d really prefer to NOT be dealing with this during our wedding and honeymoon. She prescribed me Lysteda to start taking when I started bleeding.
At this point she performed a Sonohysterogram and found a fibroid, around 4 cm, which she attributed to the heavy bleeding, she also biopsied the fibroid, everything being benign.
Because of the upcoming wedding she decided to schedule me for surgery to to do a hysterscopy and a D&C, and also insert an IUD (mirena) as we felt the pill was no longer the best option. I had this procedure done on 10/01/2019.
I noticed an immediate improvement with the heavy bleeding, however I was in excruciating pain multiple times a day. When I went for my post surgery follow up roughly a month later, my regular Ob/Gyn that performed the surgery was out of office so I saw a different doctor. He said the IUD placement looked great and that cramping was normal in the first 3 to 6 months.
We made it through our wedding and honeymoon, arriving home around mid January 2020. The pain from the IUD wasn’t getting better but I continued to have very minimal bleeding.
Finally in March I decided the pain was too much so I wanted my IUD removed. I visited my doctor on 3/23/20 for removal, at which point she did mention the IUD had moved from where she had originally placed it. I had light spotting the day it was removed.
On 3/27/20 I started bleeding profusely once again. I was sitting outside with my husband when suddenly I felt a gush, and a HUGE clot the size of a lemon came out of me, I ran to our restroom to clean up, gushing blood all over our hallway and bathroom. The bleeding being so severe I was soaking through an adult diaper every hour. My bleeding continued on like this for the next 15 days until about 4/10.
While the COVID situation was happening I sought a second option from a family friend who was willing to see me at their practice. She did an ultrasound and found that my fibroid has grown back and is roughly 4 cm again. She also prescribed me a 3 month BC pill, Seasonale, to try and control the bleeding so I’d only deal with bleeding once every three months. I started the Seasonale on 4/14/20. This doctor didn’t seem overly concerned the fibroid grew back so quickly.
I began heavy spotting again on 5/15 and I have started bleeding profusely for the last 12 days (mind you I am one month into the 3 month pack and i am bleeding just as severely as before my surgery).
I have a doctors appointment scheduled for this Monday- 6/1/20 with my original Ob/Gyn. Any ideas of what could be going on or suggestions of things I should ask my doctor. I will include a pic of a clot I had this morning, this is about an average size clot for me.
I can barely function and have a normal life with this level of bleeding for this duration. I need to figure this out and get a more permanent fix. [typical clot](https://imgur.com/a/TohkEMk)
Edit 2- THANK YOU ALL SO MUCH!!!!!!!!!!! I am doing okay today, still bleeding though. I was able to speak with the emergency line for my doctors office several times yesterday, shockingly I am not really dizzy or lightheaded. I have been drinking lots of fluids to stay hydrated and taking the Lysteda (Tranexamic Acid) and ibuprofen as my doctor ordered. I have an appointment with my obgyn of over 10 years this afternoon- don't worry, my husband will be driving me. I should have included in my OP that my husband and I would like to preserve my fertility and try for a family in about a year, assuming we can figure this issue out so an ablation or hysterectomy is out of the question unless there was something seriously wrong and that was our only option. | 709 | Hello, and I’m so sorry you going through this.
Off the bat: bleeding more than two pads an hour for two hours or being dizzy/lightheaded means you should at least talk to the on call doc, if not be seen tonight.
Regarding your abnormal bleeding. I’ll run you through basically all the reasonable possibilities:
Fibroids - you have one. This is reasonable given its size. You can have it removed or try hormonal control. At this point it might be reasonable to try a mirena again. Could alternatively try depo provera but I hate that long term. The nexplanon is associated with irregular bleeding but might be a more tolerable amount.
Adenomyosis - endometrium that is present in your uterine muscle. Only options are hormones or hysterectomy. This is possible but less likely. Given that the Mirena did help at one point I wouldn’t worry too much about feeling like someone is going to tell you that your uterus needs to come out.
Polyps - not your problem
Cancer/precancer - unlikely
Coagulopthy - unlikely
Ovulatory dysfunction - definitely possible. Most common should be checked for PCOS and thyroid dysfunction.
Medications or the hormones themselves - it’s always possible the drugs you are on are responsible for your bleeding but given your history this is less likely.
What to do: consider repeat Mirena. Nexplanon or depo provera may be ok choices temporarily but not long term (at least not depo. Plus nexplanon isn’t really targeted for heavy bleeding patients but can help). You should get checked for pcos and thyroid issues. Having that fibroid totally removed is an option but they can grow back or you can get new ones. You could also try the nuvaring or the patch but to be honest they are similar to oral birth control. Lastly if you want to become pregnant soon then being on progesterone for about 10 days out of the month might be enough to keep your bleeding tolerable and have a shot at pregnancy. Continuing Lysteda is an option as well however is hard for prolonged or unpredictable bleeding.
Lastly going on something like Lupron or Orlissa (puts you in temporary medical menopause) is only a temporary solution. It can shrink your fibroid but it will regrow.
Happy to clarify more.
Edit: someone else mentioned an ablation. The reason I didn’t bring it up is because OP is young. Also if there is an underlying issue (like thyroid dysfunction) that should be treated first. Alternatively if OP was 100% positive she never wanted kids then an ablation (Or a hysterectomy) could be reasonable. Those would be the most drastic, expensive, invasive, and permanent options however.
Edit2: also just want to make sure people reading this aren’t horrified of IUDs. Like anything in life, some risk is associated with every option. This being said, most women love their IUDs. | 462 | AskDocs |
My mother [58] is losing her ability to speak, all tests inconclusive except for one test for microtoxins, moving on to doc #5 and I don’t know what to do going forward | My mother is losing her ability to speak and I don’t know what to do
This has been going on for two years and started off by me and my sibling noticing her voice starting to change. Fast forward two years and my moms ability to speak is almost entirely gone, and gotten worse in the past two months particularly.
It’s sounds like she is a baby or younger person and causes heavy sluring, essentially she’s lost all articulation and speed. Her mental ability is still 100% there, we’ve done multiple tests for memory, etc and she comes up in the higher percentiles for her age.
She writes me detailed letters that demonstrate her cognitive ability, no mental illness in the family.
She is 58, exercises daily (since college) and only eats healthy food. No smoking or drinking.
She is on the fifth doctor (CA) and they are starting from square 0 again with tests for ALS, dementia, etc.. but I have a feeling after another 6 months of testing we will find inconclusive results once again. As we have with all doctors (nobody can find what’s wrong).
EDIT: a (belived urine, will confirm when know) test for rare micro toxins that were detected, my mother testing in the range of 608 ng/g for Mycophenolic Acid, where the acceptable rate is roughly \~38. Please see this comment for more discussion on this: [https://www.reddit.com/r/AskDocs/comments/guzowl/my\_mother\_58\_is\_losing\_her\_ability\_to\_speak\_all/fsnmo6u/?utm\_source=share&utm\_medium=web2x](https://www.reddit.com/r/AskDocs/comments/guzowl/my_mother_58_is_losing_her_ability_to_speak_all/fsnmo6u/?utm_source=share&utm_medium=web2x)
There’s is nothing that has changed mentally for my mother outside the newly added stress (she is on disability for work because her job requires talking) but I’m loosing my mind watching my mother lose her ability to talk, and I don’t know what to do or where to look. All the tests she passes and I just don’t know I just want hear her voice again.
What can I do to get to the bottom of this? We’ve spent so much on these studies that show up inconclusive, nobody is giving me solid advice, every doctor wants to test the same things again (which I understand as its due process), but I need to figure this out.
​
​
# *********** Updates *************
My mom first noticed her ability to speak leaving in 2017, this "illness" has been a gradual climb since then and is now rapidly accelerating into her not being able to speak anymore. She can barely communicate for 2-3hrs of the day at the moment and this number is dwindling.
She has/is attempting western medicine solutions, we are on a long chain of specialists and referrals that started around late 2017.
She also believes in trying homeopathic/eastern medicine options, hence the long list of supplements.
One of the biggest concerns is the high level of Mycophenolic Acid that appeared in my mothers urine samples. She was not tested for Mycophenolic acid until after she had been on her supplements for roughly six-eight months, she started the supplements early 2019.
She moved homes in 2018, the home she moved into was torn down to the foundation (by her) and rebuilt (this process **finished** in 2018), before moving in the home was checked for mold and no results came back. I have a theory that her furniture could have accumulated mold (all her main furniture sat in storage during the remodel).
What I'm trying to do:
\- Make her condition and known results publicly and easily accessible by you guys
\- Forwarding all questions to her and recording all responses
\- Sending love to my mother
We plan on having the house re-checked for mold and will be moving her out temporarily in hopes that her condition improves (hoping that this is the cause of all this).
**Please see edit 3 for the newest test results**
# EDIT 2:
This is round one of information that I received, more will be incoming throughout the day when she finishes her swallow study today.
All symptoms are on the left side of throat/jaw/mouth
**Tests:**
* brain MRI in May 2019 was normal.
* DAT scan for Parkinsons and PSP was normal in May 2019
* EMG nerve test for ALS in April, 2019 was normal
* Nuero psych exam in May 2020 normal
* MRI of abdomen shows subcapsular cysts on spleen and thoracic roots
* MRI of neck shows osteocytes on C 5,6
* Abnormal blood tests are:
* elevated ANA antibody
* chronic past EBV infection-high titers
* chronic low Vitamin D levels
* Mycotoxin of Ochratoxin A and Mycophelonic acid
* Heavy metals: Mercury, lead and arsenic. We have not tested for Aluminum or Cadium yet.
**Medication:**
\- Levothyroxine for thyroid
\- Losartan for blood pressure
\- estrogen and progesterone hormones
**Vitamins:**
* C, D, E
* Zinc
* CoQ10
* L-Lysine
* Choline and Inositol
* Quercetin
* Turmeric
* Omega 3
* Oleic Acid
* Linoleic Acid
* Alpha Lipoic Acid
* Selenium
* Chromium Picolinate
* Pyconogenol
* Revervatrol
* Biotin
**Herbs:**
* Usnea
* Cat’s Claw
* Holy Basil
* Astragulus
* Astaxanthin
* Ashwaganda
* Black Walnut
* Baikal Skullcap
* Reishi mushroom
* Milk thistle
* Cryptoleptis
* Ginger
* Grapefruit seed extract
* Juniper berries
* Andrographis
* Lemon Balm
Notes from mom:
I only started taking a majority of these beginning 11/2019. My symptoms of choking on liquids and slurred speech began back in September 2017.
# EDIT 3:
Pathogen-associated immune reactivity screen results : [https://imgur.com/a/b4esY5g](https://imgur.com/a/b4esY5g)
Urine test results : [https://imgur.com/a/jLpaXtJ](https://imgur.com/a/jLpaXtJ)
​
**Swallow results:**
\- Not aspirating or accumulating fluid in the lungs
\- Base of the tongue was determined "weak" which contributes to problems speaking, eating, swallowing, etc.
​
**my mom on the auto-immune disorder:**
"To better answer your question on autoimmune. The ANA is a high positive for general autoimmune distinction, but then they did further tests for lupus, celiac, and other particular autoimmune disorders. The only one that came back positive is for "anticardioliphin" antibody, which means I am prone to blood clots. Never had one though!"
​
​ | 547 | Why have you seen five different doctors? Are your doctors referring to other specialists or are you or your mother the ones moving around? In general, you will spend less time repeating tests if you stick with as few doctors as possible.
What tests have been performed? What were their results? We need to know the specifics in order to be helpful and suggest things your doctors haven't already thought of. | 146 | AskDocs |
[31F] Abnormal Pap smear showing HPV after 7 years of being monogamous. Before I potential rip my husband by mistake is it likely I contracted it from years ago? | I’ve gotten regular Pap smears since my early 20s and I’ve never had an abnormal pap. I was just notified by my doctor’s office that I have an abnormal pap, I’m HPV positive and I need to go in more more tests. She declined discussing more with me on the phone but because of the pandemic I won’t be able to go in to the office for a while.
I had the HPV vaccine when I was maybe 24, at which time I was already sexually active. I was once diagnosed with clymydia also around the same time but I have since gotten it treated. I have never tested positive for HPV or other STIs before. It was a little late for me to get the vaccine, I know, but I couldn’t get it earlier for various reason (non-health related). I’ve been with my husband since I got the HPV vaccine (I’m now 31). Presumably he didn’t cheat on me, I don’t think, and I’ve never had sex with anyone else.
I read that HPV can stay dormant for years, is this likely? Or is it more likely that someone who has HPV gave it to me recently?
In the meantime, should I refrain from having sex with my husband? Should he get tested? I understand there’s no good test for males? Then how are we supposed to prevent cross transmission? | 708 | Firstly, thanks for a really good question.
In theory the abnormal smear could be from HPV you contracted before marriage or from your husband even if he's never cheated.
HPV causes cervical cancer by hijacking the DNA of the cells lining the cervix and making the cells abnormal and prolific. If you caught it before marriage the virus could have started multiplying faster recently because of a weakened immune system. If you caught it from your husband it could be due to high recent viral loads in him because of a weakened immune system.
This is speculation. I don't know the specific behaviour of HPV. Help virologists? | 775 | AskDocs |
Post-menstrual pain is making my life hell, but all of the imaging comes back normal and I don’t know the right questions to ask | 25, female, white, 135 lbs, 5’10”
History of double hip impingement and suspected torn right hip labrum.
I take Allegra most days for environmental allergies.
Paraguard IUD for the last 6 years.
Every month during the last 3ish days of my period and 4ish days after my period, I have horrible, stabbing pain in my lower abdomen. When a wave of pain hits, it stops me in my tracks and makes me double over. It’s almost always on my lower right side and goes through to my back in a straight line, an area so specific and consistent that my boyfriend and I call it The Spot (The Spot also often hurts when we have sex). Sometimes it’s my whole lower abdomen. I try to push through the pain, but lately I just can’t anymore. I often call in sick to work so that I can spend the day with my heating pad.
This post-menstrual pain started getting really bad about 3 years ago. I’ve gotten tests for STDs and UTIs a million times but they’re always negative. Doctors have considered appendicitis, endometriosis, and painful ovarian cysts, but imaging doesn’t support those diagnoses. I have had a CT scan of my digestive tract, 2 regular ultrasounds, and 2 transvaginal ultrasounds. One time I had an ovarian cyst and free fluid, but other times with similar pain there was nothing. They just send me home without any solutions. My last doctor was content with calling it IBS, but I have gone through gone through several stints of diligently tracking everything I eat, and I have never been able to identify a trigger other than my period.
The thing that has helped most is when I did physical therapy for my hip. The PT would do traction on my hip, and I would feel everything in my guts move a little bit and have instant pain relief. Unfortunately/fortunately, I did a lot of work and was discharged from PT. My boyfriend just can’t do that traction as well as the PT could.
I don’t want to live with this pain anymore. It’s ruining my work life, my sex life, and my mental health. I just seem to freeze up at the doctor’s office because they never find anything physically wrong and I don’t want to be dramatic or crazy. How do I advocate for myself? What questions should I ask? What should I be doing to help myself?
Edit: Thank you so much for all of the advice and personal stories, everyone! I am going to schedule an appointment to get my IUD removed and get some new birth control. If that doesn’t do the trick, it sounds like seeing a pelvic floor PT would be a good option. I would definitely prefer not to have surgery, but I will not be shy about asking for an exploratory lap it if it comes to that. I’ll post an update in a few months if I have insights! | 423 | From what I understand endometriosis can not be diagnosed through imaging. You would need an exploratory surgery by laproscopy. I had surgery to remove the two ovarian cysts that were found by imaging and while they were in there they found that I had endo all over the place, covering my bladder even. If your gyno hasn't suggested this route, perhaps you should see another doc. | 189 | AskDocs |
Need guidance/suggestions - mom nearly died, spent 3 weeks in the hospital, 4 days into being home and we've now sent her back to a new hospital. Legal? Normal? Advice? | tl;dr mom had 3 major life threatening medical emergencies, resulted in removal of 6 inches of intestine, amputated leg, and all the trauma killed her kidneys. Shes now unable to move anything more than barely lifting her arms up and I can't understand why she was released in this state, scared shes going to die.
65 y/o, no regular checkups of primary care doctor, has always ignored health issues until when they become catastrophic. No insurance but hospital began the process to get it turned on but next step is on the 12th and there might be more after.
prior to this she was relatively healthy, working as a house clearner, on her feet plenty and fully self reliant as a normal functioning person, albeit with various problems that she ignored which lead to this
when in the hospital we were told she hasn't been eating much but they showed no concern about it. We were also told she was "very weak" and would need rehab but because she had no insurance we have to wait for ss/medicare/medicaid to turn on, they gave us a few basic instructions on how to help her move around and whatnot but was never told she would be in the state she was is when she got released. We voiced these concerns prior to release and they just kept telling us "without insurance a rehab facility wont take her" and "we can't keep her beyond this because that's not how hospitals work, once a patient is stable we have to release them"
The experience from start to finish was a nightmare. each person we talked to only had knowledge of whatever specific task they performed was, and even the case manager dr told us "I just got put on this floor today because we rotate, I'm new to her case and can't really talk about anything that's happened prior to today"
\-upon release we discovered her level of strength was at zero. She was bed ridden, cant lift her leg, cant lift her stump, can't lift her head up, can barely lift her arms or hold anything. we discovered she also was refusing/unable to eat because she was constantly sick or about to throw up etc. we weren't aware "not eating much" meant nearly nothing until she was home and told us herself. At most she had 2 tablespoons of solid food and a couple ounces of fluids a day at the hospital, and that continued until the last 2 days where she put in enough effort to eat 200-300 calories each day
\-she began having explosive diarrhea the day she ate her first burger. No control over bowel movement nor bladder. With her being a ragdoll this was a massive issue to deal with.
\-it happened again today, we called her dialysis to ask if they can handle this if it occures while shes having her treatment done, they said they knew she was very weak and dehidrated during her first treatment so they never took any fluid from her, then suggested we bring her to the emergency room because her condition doesn't sound right for what's been going on
\-called nurse hotline from hospital, they too said this doesn't sound right and to bring her back to the ER
\-decided to bring her to a different hospital because of this experience
\-beginning nurse in ER whos had a glimpse at her said they can't know for sure until shes properly looked at, but in his opinion they'll likely admit her because her current state doesn't seem right
​
How did they release her to us in this condition? I get the no insurance thing but how did they ignore that she didn't eat for 3 weeks, knew shes completely bed ridden and couldn't even perform basic muscle use like sit up or lift her head while telling us she has to be taken to a dialysis center every 2 days. We were only allowed to see her twice in the hospital and she kept saying "My mouth is so dry" and sucking on ice each time and this has continued even now, I assume this is because she was dehydrated and don't understand how it wasn't concerning, worked on, or even mentioned to us. I have also been given power of attorney so I should have been getting any and all updates and information I'd assume.
I'm scared this is life threatening and/or it being so long its now irreversible , I don't know what to do if they send her back like this and I have no idea how to manage it. Please help? | 297 | This is an unfortunate situation
And without knowing all the details I cannot guarantee anything, but generally speaking - both legal and reasonable.
She has no insurance
In a country where there is no health care if you do not have insurance.
A hospital is not going to keep any person that does not require active medical intervention: reconditioning, dietary intake etc are not their problem | 244 | AskDocs |
Why haven't I been able to sleep more than 3-4 hours a night for the last 4 years? | Age 64
Sex Female
Height 5'
Weight
Race Caucasian
Duration of complaint 4 years
Location Los Angeles
Any existing relevant medical issues - Asthma, allergies, mild depression/anxiety, ADD. These are all being treated.
Current medications - Vyvanse, Synthroid, Aciphex, Symbicort, Montelukast. These medications all predate this severe insomnia by years.
I have not been able to sleep more than a few hours a night for the last 4 years. It’s absolutely ruining my health. I had a sleep study done two years ago with no sign of apnea. When I didn’t require a CPAP machine the doctor literally didn’t want to discuss what else could be happening.
I have a lifelong history of insomnia but I've always had easy solutions that could kick me back into sleeping after a few days. But, since 2016 I’ve done absolutely everything and they've all failed.
* Weighted blanket — didn’t work
* CBD — didn’t work.
* THC - made me feel great but didn’t help me sleep. Stopped due to cognitive problems associated with it.
* CBN - did nothing.
* Making bedroom strictly for sleep — helped pre-2016 but not now.
* Exercise — I swim - helped pre 2016 but not now.
* Meditation — I tried but I never was really successful
* Sleeping pills — hangover effect so ruled it out for longer term.
* Strict sleep schedule — worked pre 2016 but has never worked since.
* Acupuncture — worked short term.
* Herbal remedies, Valerian, Melatonin, Chamomile -- None have worked.
I don’t understand how I could be sleeping 3-4 hours a night every night for 4 years and never become exhausted enough to sleep. In the period before 2016, I had a bunch of workarounds that would eventually get me back to sleeping but they’ve all failed since then. On rare occasions I DO sleep but it’s only if I’ve stayed up straight for 2 days. Then I only sleep 1 night and revert back to sleeping 3-4 hrs.
Important info: 1) This began after my mother died. I’ve been in therapy and am doing much, much better mentally. I'm financially solid, have a good marriage, great circle of friends. But I still can't sleep.
Any help you can give me that would help me ask the right questions or find the right specialist would be greatly appreciated.
**EDIT: I think /u/etirpsakdov might have hit upon an answer. Upper Airway Resistance Syndrome. (Wikipedia: The primary symptoms include chronic insomnia, anxiety, fatigue or sleepiness, unrefreshing sleep, and difficulty concentrating.) I had surgery shortly after my mother's death that I completely forgot about. They damaged my windpipe and my vocal chords. I thought it all healed (not the vocal chords) but I have no idea what damage was done in my windpipe. It all fits. I'll try to not get my hopes up. I will update when I get results. Thank you.** | 522 | Could be upper airway resistance syndrome. I had a sleep study that showed no apnea too. I wake up a few times almost every night after a few hours of sleep. ive had lifelong insomnia too
/r/UARS | 129 | AskDocs |
(24 M) Unusual lung testing results. Need help interpreting data | I am a male, 24, non-smoker and am 5'10". I came down with a sensation of shortness of breath since January 2020 that was persistent even at rest. It became gradually worse and unbearable so I decided to make an appointment. I have a family history of Pulmonary Fibrosis (grandfather died of it).
​
The doctor ordered something called a "pulmonary function test". It was this large machine with multiple gas tanks in the back. After testing, the respiratory therapist technician saw the results and said one metric looked odd. A couple of minutes later, the doctor reviewed my results and said that it "looks fine". I asked why the technician commented on my numbers and I was shocked to see that I measured at **53%** of the "predicted" value for my inspiratory capacity (IC). The doctor was still firm on his position that I am fine and claimed "you did not take a big enough breath in" & "Your FEV1 results look good". Why is he ignoring all the values in the second table? If any doctors PLEASE can help me, I feel he is biased just because of my age.
​
**I am very worried this could be something called Pulmonary Fibrosis.** A medical student on this subreddit said that if your FEV1 is increased, and TLC is decreased it is Pulmonary Fibrosis. [Here](https://www.reddit.com/r/AskDocs/comments/gjgnqx/covid19_positive_with_lung_predisposition_please/fqlq7lj?utm_source=share&utm_medium=web2x) is his comment. I feel like this applies to me.
[Photos](https://imgur.com/a/EYetEXv) of the results sheet. This is what my doctor was reading.
​
|Spirometry|Predicted|Pre-Treatment|% Predicted|
|:-|:-|:-|:-|
|**FVC**|5.54 L |6.04 L|109|
|**FEV1**|4.64 L|5.22 L|113|
|**FEV1/FVC**|84 %|86 %|103|
|**FEF25-75%**|4.88 L/s|5.32 L/s|109|
|**PEF**|9.99 L/s|13.40 L/s|134|
|**FIVC**|5.50 L|5.76 L|105|
​
|Lung Volumes (He)|Predicted|Pre-Treatment|% Predicted|
|:-|:-|:-|:-|
|**VC\_max\_He**|5.54 L|4.39 L|79%|
|**IC**|3.85 L|2.05 L|53%|
|**ERV**|1.65 L|2.34 L |142%|
|**FRC-He**|3.30 L|4.42 L|134%|
|**RV**|1.65 L|2.08 L|126%|
|**TLC**|7.13 L|6.47 L|91%|
|**RV%TLC**|24|32|136%|
|**R Occ cmH2O\*s/L**|3.11|2.48|80%|
​
|Diffusion|Predicted|Pre-Treatment|% Predicted|
|:-|:-|:-|:-|
|**DLCO SB**|36.05 ml/min/mmHg|35.90|100|
|**DL/VA**|5.06 ml/min/mmHg/L|4.85|96|
|**VA SB**|6.98 L|7.41|106|
​
​
I am afraid now, because the shortness of breath could be explained by pulmonary fibrosis and the doctor seems to not care about this. Could this be pulmonary fibrosis? Please help | 365 | This is a normal pulmonary function test. | 192 | AskDocs |
My doctor has abruptly changed my prescription from Ativan to Valium with no instructions on how to transition and I have no clue what I’m doing. | 32 female, 5'3, 110 pounds, non-smoker, non-drinker, medication is for GAD and Panic Disorder.
Back in December, I started having more frequent panic attacks to the tune of 3-4 per week. My ARNP prescribed me 1.5mg of Ativan/Lorazepam daily and assured me that this was one of the weaker benzodiazepines and that I shouldn’t have an issue coming off them even after years of use. After being at 1.5mg for about a month, I found out that Ativan is actually pretty potent and is certainly not easy to just quit. I was livid and started tapering myself off immediately. After a few months, I got myself down to .25mg per day.
Unfortunately I’ve been stuck at .25mg for nearly two months now, if I try to drop any lower than that the muscles in my neck and back seize up and it’s extremely painful. To make matters worse, due to Ativan’s short half-life I’ve now been experiencing interdose withdrawal. I told my prescriber about my problem, and he emailed me saying he’d send over a script for 2.5mg Valium which is supposed to be much easier to taper from due to its long half-life. He didn’t instruct me on how to transition and frankly, I don’t know that I’d trust him to give me the correct info. He’s been pretty careless with my meds in the past as well.
I’ve read multiple things that indicate that you can’t just swap Ativan for Valium in the equivalent dose, that it has to be done gradually. But I’m not sure how to do that or if it’s even necessary considering how low my dose is.
What would also really help me is if someone would explain why this needs to be a gradual transition, the pharmacology behind it. Is it because the GABAergic activity mostly comes from the metabolites of the drug and you need those to build up in your system?
I’m really worried about throwing myself into withdrawal because I’m already going through a lot right now. I’m sorry this is so long but thank you to anyone that can help. I know I should just get a new doctor but unfortunately I lost my job and insurance at the beginning of the Covid outbreak and he’s at least nice enough not to charge me for my check ins with him. | 428 | This sounds like you and your care team have had a bit of a communication break down, which is a problem.
In terms of switching to a different benzodiazepine, It Is usually safe to switch to an equivalent dose without tapering between the different medications. However, since I don't know you at all, your best option is to contact your pharmacist and ask them. They are great at solving medication queries, and as health professionals, they can form the sort of relationship that enables them to get your records (either from you or from your doctor depending on where you live) and sort this out.
For the future though, you might want to make an appointment with your doctor specifically to discuss this issue, try and figure out how communication broke down, and patch things up. So long as it is done respectfully, the majority of people appreciate being told when they hurt someone inadvertently, and will try and fix the issue. | 309 | AskDocs |
19M My dad bit me on the arm and the skin around the wound is turning a light yellow tint | Should I be worried? It's been 3 days and the wound seems to be healing well (its not a large wound to begin with) but the surrounding is turning a slight yellow. I washed it out with water, disinfected it, and bandaged pretty soon after the wound was inflicted. I'm just worried because my I know that my Dad has hepatitis B and I know yellowness is associated with that disease (pardon me, I don't know much). Mom says I have the vaccine though. Im just wondering if I should worry about it or just let it be. By the way, I'm Vietnamese so it might be a little hard to see the yellow.
Pic: https://i.imgur.com/4POrXwv.jpg
this is a pic of the wound after i took my bandage off several hours after: https://i.imgur.com/h3m4E2e.jpg
Please let me know your thoughts! I realize the wound isnt bad but the fact that its a human bite makes me nervous. Thank you for your time! | 393 | Hey OP! This wound looks like it's healing well. This is not jaundice - jaundice is an **all-over** yellow tint to your skin that you could also see in your eyes. It wouldn't be in one specific area or just at the area of the wound.
Concern for infection would be: redness, swelling, pain, or drainage of pus from the wound.
I also want to reiterate what other commenters have said: it is not okay for your dad to bite you. I'm really sorry this happened to you. Do you have somewhere you can go that is safe? | 636 | AskDocs |
Contemplating suicide I can’t be a burden and live like this anymore. | Symptoms
Easy bruising
Horrible headache
Sleep but feel like I’m not getting any
Can’t regulate body temperature hot and cold and miserable
Extreme daily fatigue
Joint/muscle sharp stabbing pain
Emotional
Heavy arms and legs .
All blood work comes back normal except slightly raised white blood cells and inflammation markers, but only slightly and sometimes they come back normal, had mri a cardio gram every thing all normal.
21F 211 pounds 5”7 concerta 54mg Bcp Lo Fe and Citalopram 40mg and a multivitamin, a zinc supplement once and a while and fish oil supplements just got off a 30 twice daily dose of naproxen.
This may be my last shot I cannot live like this anymore I’m 21 and my life is being taken away from me. | 548 | I WAS YOU. I’m NAD but please hear me out because this was me exactly - fatigue gradually worsening until what was the fucking point? Unable to do anything beyond basic self care. Left my job due to fatigue. Couldn’t even shower half the time any more.
Eventually I was diagnosed with dysautonomia. That fits pretty much all of your symptoms - heat intolerance, circulation and bruising issues, fatigue, headaches, the works. Have you been checked? Considered for POTS?
Diagnosis wasn’t the solution but it was the beginning of my hope. 4 years on they’ve added diagnoses of ADHD and sleep apnea too, but I honestly feel like it’s that fable and we’re all just describing different parts of a much bigger elephantine whole.
Ritalin has changed my life. Awake and energetic all day, blood pooling significantly decreased. Headaches down to maybe one a week. Feeling the same temperatures as everyone else.
I’ve been a new woman since Christmas and I owe it all to the fact that I’m annoyingly tenacious and refused to ever stop trying, stop advocating for myself and stop looking for more.
You deserve better than this, and it exists for you: I’m sure of it. It’s not over until you’ve knocked on every door, so don’t you dare give up when there’s an answer waiting out there for you.
Rooting for you 100% | 499 | AskDocs |
I can hear my brain zaps | Thank you for all the kind and positive responses, it can be quite a daunting task posting online, getting trolled etc - You have all been wonderful and I applaud everyone of us!
​
Hello,
I am (with my doctors blessing) going cold turkey on venlafaxine, I'm on a 200mg daily dose which took about 6 months to build up to, haven't had a good time on this medication at all - hasn't suited me.
I am experiencing what I believe are known as brain zaps, though my doctor called it ssri withdrawal syndrome, she said it isn't harmful - just very uncomfortable - to which I agree it really is quite uncomfortable!
My question is.. can anyone hear them? I've noticed with me at least, that if I move my eyes too fast I will get a zap, having them closed or open makes no difference, but, I can hear the zaps and it's a little odd, it sounds like something being dragged? it last only as long as a zap lasts, and on very very rare occasions I hear a really really loud crack.
Just wondering if anyone else is having this same thing?
A bit of info for the post to not be auto deleted.
I am a nearly 40 year old male from the UK, I smoke tobacco - used to heavily smoke cannabis for years (from 15 to roughly 35ish), I am 6ft 4in in height and weight around 12.5 stone. I have a decent diet. I have been suffering depression for maybe 2 years now - at least it was diagnosed 2 years ago.
Cheers and stay safe!
Edit: To clarify I am asking can anybody else hear their own zaps, I am confident there is actually no sound being created and it's a weird of the medication!
Edit: I am not overly concerned about these sounds - I feel like I can cope with the zaps and the sounds - I just wondered if it's a known thing or am I particularly lucky in my withdrawal symptoms.
​
Thank you all for you wonderful comments, it truly feels great to know I am not alone in my madness!
Update :: I am about a week into giving up venlafaxine and the zaps are coming thick and fast every time I blink or move my eyes too fast, it's horrible but I can cope with it - not painful - highly uncomfortable.
Update #2 :: I am now experiencing incredible dizzyness when I get up from a lying position, first thing in the morning is the worst - can take me completely off my feet, was lying on the bed with the girlfriend last evening, just chatting nonsense as you do, got up - almost fainted. I am positive this is another side effect of the medication as I rarely get this normally, I occasionally get the head rush feeling when I stand too fast but this is on a whole new level.
Update #3 :: 7 months after writing the original post I am now almost totally side effect free, I occasionally get really loud cracking sounds when I am especially tired, but all other symptoms stopped a good few months ago, thought I'd update in case anyone else goes through this, there is an end to it all! | 365 | NotADoc but if I miss one dose (75 mg daily) I wake up because of the brain zaps. And I can internally hear them sometimes. I wish you well quickly sir!
ps. Good to know the zaps have a name and it's not all in my head.
Edit: my zaps last only a millisecond-ish but they occur every 30 seconds or so. And the sound is like someone rattling a sheet of heavy-duty aluminum foil. That's the closest description I have. I know, so weird! | 182 | AskDocs |
Is it too late to vaccinate? | I’m not looking to be yelled at. I am humbly coming to ask to if it is too late to vaccinate my children, hoping for enough medical advice to get to into the correct doctors office.
Please, no name calling.
I’m also on mobile, so I apologize for the formatting.
I have two children. A four year old and a two year old. My four year old had her vaccines up until 2 years, my two year old has had no vaccines.
My husband made a very compelling argument against them two years ago, and I both respected his wishes and reluctantly agreed he was probably right.
Now I am not so sure. I’m scared we may have jeopardized my children’s health. I once tried bringing up vaccinating with my doctor to ask her opinion, but I was judged and shut down.
I’m hoping someone here can help me. I just want to know if I can still vaccinate them.
Please be kind.
TL/DR: I was mostly convinced not to vaccinate, I’m scared my children may be health compromised, I want medical advice on what to do.
EDIT: Wow, thank you so much for the awards! I am so very thankful to all who responded. I feel so much better about my choice to rethink this decision, and I am ready to make appointments for them. I learned about the catch up schedule, and was blessed by so many who shared stories of late vaccines. Thank you all, so much! | 1,241 | I really want to congratulate you for considering to vaccinate your children!
It's never too late!
My husband was only partial vaccinated as a child. When I got pregnant with our daughter, we checked his vaccination pass and we did the last missing vaccines. He did the MMR when he was 24 for the first time.
I'm so happy that he chose to protect himself and our daughter and got over the preconceptions he grew up with ( vaccines are bad, big pharma, alternative medicine shit).
Vaccination is the most awesome and cheap way to protect yourself and the kids from really, really shitty diseases. | 830 | AskDocs |
A little under a year ago, I woke up to half my eyebrow having fallen off, and it continued to worse for a month. The eyebrow has not regrown at all. Are there explanations for this / should I be concerned? | Age: 22
Sex: male
Height: 5’11”
Weight: 165 lbs
Race: Caucasian
Primary Complaint: missing half eyebrow
Duration: slightly under one year
Medical conditions: none
Current medications: none
Drugs / alcohol: weekly drinker and marijuana smoker, occasional nicotine vape use
About a year ago, I woke up to a crescent piece of my eyebrow missing (I was alone, no chance of being shaved as a prank). Over the next month, my right eyebrow continued to lose hair until only 1/4 of it remained. About 4 months after this, my sideburn also stopped growing for a period, but resume growing as normal eventually.
I have not sought any help from a primary care doctor or otherwise as I wasn’t really worried about the cosmetic problem, though with it not growing back for this long I am concerned about potential causes. Is this something to be worried about and could I have greater problems going on? I had ringworm within a month of the eyebrow coming off.
Pictures of eyebrow - 1 week after noticing and now
https://imgur.com/gallery/kZMOMX7 | 351 | That could be alopecia areata. Which is hair loss from certain parts of the body. You don't lose all your hair but you lose some. You need to see a rheumatologist. Usually what's given is steroid cream for the affected area. If the cream doesn't work they might recommend steroid shots to the area. Stress usually causes alopecia areata to start and stress also makes it worse. Hope you get some answers. | 181 | AskDocs |
It sounds like a mouse is squeaking from inside of me in time with my heartbeat. (Video of sound included) | 20F, 5'10", 158lbs. I have hypermobility syndrome (EDS) and asthma, no known heart defects.
Capture of the squeaking noise -
https://youtu.be/ByfXQFlrGoo edit: was taken down by YouTube, appealed it and they've reinstated.
Every 2 weeks or so, I'll get this squeaking noise coming from inside of me randomly. Normally at rest but can be when I'm walking. It's been happening more regularly recently but nothing much has changed in my life.
I thought it was in my ears originally, but hearing it on video has shown it isn't. Sounds like it's coming out of my mouth but deep within me - I can't feel anything contracting.
I have an at home heart rate test kit and my at rest heart rate is about 98, although I've never been hugely fit and not sure if I'm taking it correctly.
I'd go to the doctor but they aren't open properly in my country due to covid except for emergencies or suspected cancer referrals. Should I push for a doc visit? What could this noise be?
I also get dizziness regularly, exhaustion, but always have had that and doctors suspect it's due to HMS(EDS) | 340 | I really don’t think this is a heart murmur but it’s tough to tell without placing a stethoscope on your chest. It could be a defect with your trachea or other pulmonary pipes (EDS or otherwise) and you’re hearing a unique wheeze, or also just your asthma contributing to this. That you mentioned getting it (more?) while walking makes me think breathing (lung or airway); it also just sort of sounds like a wheeze. Does your inhaler suppress it?
I would be incredibly surprised if this was a cardiac murmur, even from other flow sources. And you’re certain this isn’t environmental?
An EKG would not help distinguish a heart murmur by the way*. Nor a lung issue*.
If you have not had a baseline echocardiogram then you could ask your physician for a referral for this. It is non-urgent*. It’s part of usualish care for EDS.
So probably pulmonary related, but get routine care routinely. Thanks for the video, too! Keep us posted.
-* someone will fight me on some minute detail of this I’m sure... | 170 | AskDocs |
Advice for dealing with distressed neighbour with Alzheimer’s | Female, age 50+ (early onset Alzheimer’s)
My neighbour has Alzheimer’s, newly diagnosed. She lives with her husband of thirty years. I don’t know her very well, but with increasing frequency she is turning up at my house at night, highly distressed. She is carrying belongings, asking to move in, trying to get in the door, claiming she is frightened and is trying to escape... With this pandemic I’m not able to invite her in to calm her down, and I don’t want her to wander off in that state and get lost/in trouble/exposed to covid because she’s not aware of the risks (one time she was waiting for a bus). The first time this happened I took her claims of a stranger in her house at face value, and called the police. Now I am aware of what’s going on, I’d like to be better equipped to help.
I recognise this issue is not mine to solve - her husband needs to be able to make the home secure, and look to ongoing support - but I am looking for help in how to talk to someone in that state to not make them more distressed or confused, and how to encourage them home. Do you go along with the narrative (previously an aggressive lodger, a student that won’t leave, a boyfriend that isn’t working out) or do you correct it? Do you do neither and deflect the conversation? I had to look after a neighbour with vascular dementia before, and he’d get confused and upset, but nothing like the roiling fear this lady gets.
Many thanks for any advice you could give. | 397 | Once agitated it is difficult to talk someone down who's demented. There's no real harm in accepting their reality. You can expand on it. "Your husband just called and told me he chased away the intruder. He asked me to send you back home if I saw you. He's worried about you."
You can redirect. Start asked about some distant positive shared memory. "Lois, I was thinking about your lovely irises. How is your garden doing?"
There's no real right answer, except saying something that worsens the agitation. "There was a warning that there's been break-in's in the neighborhood recently". Also don't try to logic your way out.
Whatever gets said will be shortly forgotten.
The real answer is her husband getting her to the doctor. There are pharmaceutical and physical barrier strategies that can keep people safe. A phone call to her husband to report the problem and gently persuade him to seek help is a good step if not already done. There are books and on line support groups that can be very helpful.
Good luck! | 433 | AskDocs |
I went absolutely psychotic after general anesthesia.....why | 26 yo white female
Hhx: Depression, anxiety, IBS-C, iron deficiency, insomnia
Meds: Venlafaxine 225mg, iron supplement, vitamin C supplement, melatonin 10mg
On Thursday the 11th i went under general anesthesia for a root canal (severe dental phobia). When they woke me up in the office I was extremely belligerent and was thrashing around and screaming like crazy. When I got home I punched my husband in the face and tore apart our entire apartment in a fit of rage (I am NOT a ragey person). Then I passed out on the ground. Husband called 911. Paramedics brought me to hospital. I got 4 of narcan, no response. Smelling salts not much of a response. Then woke up lated and was belligerent again in the ER, refused to let them do head CT, I was screaming about being raped. I got admitted for observation. I woke up in the middle of the night, went to the bathroom, got dizzy and passed out again. They did head CT and it was normal. The next morning I had paranoid delusions, I was convinced the FBI was monitoring me and they were going to take away my daughter, paranoid the nurses were poisoning me, ect. I ran away from my room and it took them an hour to find me. Then they gave me olanzapine and I slept for like 20 hours straight. Woke up normal with very little memory of what happened. ....so my question is how the hell did general anesthesia do this to me?
I have been under general anesthesia about 5 times in the past for various procedures and this did not happen. I had another dental procedure 3 weeks prior with somewhat similar results. I did a root canal under moderate IV sedation and while I have no memory of it, the dentist told me I was fighting them the entire time, hence why we did general anesthesia for the second root canal. I do not have a history of violence other than during these two root canals.
These are the meds I was given according to the anesthesiologist: 15mg midazolam PO, Once IV was started, you got 150mcg fentanyl and 20mcg dexmedetomidine titrated,
150mg propofol for induction, You got another 100mg propofol after intubation because you were bucking on the tube, 10mg dexamethasone. Most of these meds between 1:07 to about 1:20. Sevoflurane maintenance until about 2:30 and toward the end I gave you another 25 mcg fentanyl and 15 mcg dexmedetomidine to do awake extubation, Along with 4mg ondansetron
I will need more dental work in the future but both of my experiences with anesthesia for dental treatment has been, well, horrific. Moving forward I'm terrified this will happen again. What could have caused this? What in anesthesia makes people go psychotic? How can I avoid this? | 558 | " Patients with postanesthetic psychosis commonly experience hallucinations, time-space disorientation, recollection of fastidious events, anxiety, and even paranoia. Improved methods of delivering anesthesia and the development of simpler and more rapid operative techniques have diminished the number of patients who have postoperative psychiatric events in recent years, but it can still occur.
The exact pathophysiology of postanesthetic psychosis is not well understood. General anesthesia affects brain function at all levels, including neuronal membranes, receptors, ion channels, neurotransmitters, cerebral blood flow, and metabolism. It also affects stress-regulating transmission, the alteration of intracellular signal transduction systems, as well as more essential cellular processes that play an important role in neurotransmitter synthesis and release, including the intraneuronal signal transduction and the second messenger system. Interrupting any or all of these functions can alter mood, memory, and motor function, and cause behavioral changes, which can manifest as postanesthetic psychosis.
The patient is often irritable, uncooperative, uncompromising, thrashing, moaning, incoherent, or crying. This commonly occurs in elderly patients. Interestingly, there has been an increased incidence in emergence delirium among elderly patients undergoing orthopedic procedures and cardiac bypass surgery. The reason for the correlation with orthopedic surgery is unknown. However, during cardiac bypass, the heart is stopped and blood is circulated throughout the body by a bypass machine, which alters cellular metabolism. This alteration can lead to a change in mental state, or postanesthetic psychosis, in up to 60% of cardiac bypass patients. "
Oh wow. | 301 | AskDocs |
Can only think clearly at night. Mind is always blurry and tired during day time. | 26M. 6’1, 212lbs. No known health problems.
During the day I cannot focus well, and I’m always tired. I can no longer play video games without losing focus easily, or workout without getting fatigued quickly. My mind is constantly cloudy. My memory has gotten poor and I feel like I’m not quite myself and have not been for a few years. I don’t really feel emotional much during the day, and I really only feel like sleeping. I do my best to fight it by working out and drinking caffeine, but it doesn’t work as I end up crashing at 5pm every day after work. I sleep 7-8 hours a night. Sounds kind of like depression but I’m not sure.
During the night I’ll wake up and have moments of absolute clarity. I can recall long forgotten childhood memories, and I feel overwhelmed with emotion that I normally don’t have.
I’m a lifelong pianist but I’ve really stopped in the past few years as I can’t seem to focus well and have poor coordination. At night during these moments of mental clarity, I can play again and easily get around my keyboard in the dark. I feel the urge to get things done, but I can’t because it’s late and I know I need sleep. It’s like my brain all of a sudden wants to function again. Parts of my brain that normally don’t work begin to function again. Sometimes I’ll go learn new music, play video games, or even clean. I’m the version of myself that is the true me, rather than this tired man that can’t seem to care about anything.
I don’t know if I have a sleep disorder or depression, but it makes me really sad thinking about how much I enjoy life when I’m going through those moments of clarity at night. I’d do anything to be the person I am at 3am, but during the day. | 535 | There are many possible reasons for fatigue (mood, sleep quality, hormones, diet, etc.). Your GP can do a work up for possible causes. | 174 | AskDocs |
Seemingly Random Hole Under Breast? | Age - 20
Sex - F
Race - White
Weight - 170
Height - 5' 9"
Duration - 4-5 Days
No Smoking or Drinking
Meds - Mylan BC
Hello All, I'm posting this on behalf of my GF who doesn't have a reddit, and we haven't found anything on the internet
4 days ago she showed me under her breast where a pretty significant Bruise had formed a ring around a small red spot. We've just been keeping an eye on it and today the bruise is almost completely gone, but a hole (crater?) has formed in the center. No pain or discharge at all, just kinda there. We've got it covered and are wondering what the next move should be. We aren't super worried as there is no pain and no discharge. She has an appointment with her Gynecologist next week but we wanted to see if there is any reason to go sooner
Attached is a picture taken this morning with finger to scale, but her finger is kinda stretching it.
https://imgur.com/a/r6zEKK9
Edit: Really appreciate all the responses! Seems like general consensus is Hidradenitis Suppurativa or a burst Cyst. We're keeping it covered with tripantibiotic and she'll get it looked at during her doctor visit next week. Thanks Everyone | 330 | You probably missed the discharge (maybe it happened overnight or in the shower) but this looks like a cyst drained. Cover it with vaseline and a bandage and it should heal up in a week or so. If it doesn’t, she will meed to see a doctor. | 503 | AskDocs |
Acid from anus? | 24F, 166cm, 73kg, no smoking, no meds, no other relevant health issues, had this problem with my anus, (bowels) for a few years, maybe 3
Sorry in advance for this being kind of gross.
I sometimes have a feeling similar like needing to fart which occurs often but not always after making a poop. Sometimes it also starts like that. If i push just very slightly then i have small amounts of some foamy-slimey fluid that smells more like a mixture mildew and raw chicken meat than poo coming out my rectum which has a slightly roasty-brownish-gold colour similar to water with just a few drops of coke. When it touches my rectum it burns insanely, like not to be compared with diarrhea but a really acidic feeling similar to putting ammonia to your nose. What is this and is it normal? | 250 | First, I would check for sexual history and perhaps exclude some STI's. Next is taking history of gastro intestinal conditions in you or your family, recent anal blood loss, weight changes, diarhoea/constipation history.
Blood work check up is useful to check for liver/pancreatic/galway problems and inflammatory bowel disease.
It is possible to just be related to certain food intolerances/allergies or IBS. | 731 | AskDocs |
Wife has gotten 4 cm taller, well past the age that people normally stop growing? | Background.
Wife is late bloomer, she went from the shortest in the class to on the taller side.
Was 167 cm several years ago before we got married.
We had a couple of kids early 20s. She gained some weight during pregnancy.
Now she does exercises, a rowing machine and exercise bikes mostly.
Her height is now 171 cm.
​
Its not a measurement error. She measured 5'6" or 167 cm several times, they have used a stadiometer.
Now she is 171.
​
We also notice her height change as she is taller relative to me than she used to be. Memory and photos.
​
What could possibly explain that?
I read about people with gland disorders and things and it makes me worried for her.
​
Now real other symptoms that I can think of.
​
She is 30 now. | 572 | She should see an endocrinologist | 671 | AskDocs |
What just happened? Face in mirror isn't mine | 26F, non-drinker, juul way too much, 5'7" 125lbs. Dx GAD, DSPD and endometriosis. Taking paxil, visanne and aerius daily.
I've experienced derealization and dissociation before, where I got dizzy and distracted and went out of myself, but I can't find anything online that explains what just happened.
I was laying in bed watching YouTube videos and got up to pee. When I turned on the light I was shockedv to see someone else's face in my mirror. Logically I knew it was my face, but it was just...wrong. I couldn't put my finger on what exactly was different, it was just not my face. I tried letting my eyes adjust to the light (very bright) and put my hair back like it normally is, but it didn't change. I took a few pictures of my face to compare, and my face looked totally normal in the pics. But in the mirror, it stayed wrong. I woke up my wife and asked if she thought my eyes looked weird, and she said I looked tired but normal. I turned my head and my side profile looked normal, but straight on it's just still not my face.
I've just won a court case against a violent offender, but I'm not particularly stressed right now, since it's been 2.5 yrs in the making and I'm happy it's over. Is this just sleep deprivation? Having DSPD, I'm almost always sleep deprived and I've never experienced this before. Is this a symptom of something worse than anxiety or fatigue?
Edit: I had Alice in wonderland syndrome as a kid, mostly grew out of if but it occasionally pops up. Could this be AIWS? | 530 | Hi, I’m not a specialist in those conditions but depersonalisation/derealisation are associated with sleep deprivation, stress and anxiety. I think if you’ve experienced those symptoms before and have a clear reason why you’re sleep deprived then that would account for it. Hopefully it won’t recur, otherwise it may be helpful to see your psychiatrist.
Edit: forgot to ask, is it still present? And if so how long? If it is persistent it may require assessment by a doctor just to rule out neurological causes, such as temporal lobe epilepsy, however this wouldn’t need to be urgent.
Any loss of consciousness, weakness, speech difficulty, facial asymmetry, or numbness should be assessed urgently as an emergency. | 269 | AskDocs |
Fathers death | Hello. My father passed away a month ago and the police just called me to inform that they determined the cause of death to be suicide.
They claim that he offed himself through an overdose of an antidepressant called Sertraline in the amount of: 2.9μg/g. How many pills would that be if each one contains a 100 mg? Since I was there with him the night before he passed away, and i found the body, how long does it take to pass away when you overdose on antidepressants? I find the whole thing strange since he is a diabetic, and it just seems strange that he would commit suicide through antidepressants and not insulin which he has talked about before, forgive the strange question. He was very sick and couldn't even walk his last days basically, so i find it weird that I didn't find any Sertraline packets anywhere in the appartement. I am very troubled by all this and if anyone could please bring some clarity to mu questions it would be deeply appreciated.
When i was there the night before, he had cramps, was nausious, looked pale and was sweating and his leg hurt. This was around 8 Pm. I found the body at 1. PM. The next day. He had been sick a couple of days before and agreed that he would go with me to the hospital the following day. Is it likely that he had already overdosed when i was there with him? I would say that he probably died about 5 AM judging by his body. He must have taken the pills after I had left, right?
Some more info about him:
60 year old male.
65 kgs.
Diabetic.
Had a heart attack a year ago which caused brain damage.
Bypass operation which caused a thrombus according to the medical exam after his death, which explains why he could barely walk his last days.
The results from the autopsy found:
He had no alcohol for a couple of months before his death and non at the time of death. The full results from the autopsy is:
Sertraline: 1.3 μg/g
Desmetylsertraline: 1.6 μg/g
Propiomazin: 0.03 μg/g
Dihydriopropiomazin 0.11 μg/g
Aripriprazol 0.15 μg/g
Zopiklon: 0.11 μg/g
I know that he took two zopiklon which are 5mg each if that helps with anything
Please help me with my questions if you can, i could really need it! | 439 | Not a doc just here to send good vibes. Im sorry for your loss. Your father is at rest. | 380 | AskDocs |
5 year old daughter losing weight and bruising easily | Here is the info I have
* 5F
* Height: unsure
* 34 lbs.
* Caucasian
* Medications: Vyvanse 30 mg/day and Methylin Oral Solution (5mg/as needed).
My daughter is 5 (will be 6 in August). She weighs 34 lbs. She keeps losing weight but only a little at a time (like a few ounces here and there). She weighed 39 lbs about three months ago. We've noticed that she has been bruising easier and barely eats. I called her doctor about a month ago and asked what I could do at home because I didn't want to take her into a doctor's office during the pandemic. They recommended pediasure. She loves it and thinks it's chocolate milk but that's all she wants at dinner. She has severe ADHD so that is why she is on Vyvanse and Methylin. We are concerned she is losing too much weight. I called her pediatrician and waiting for a call back from them. Any other advice or suggestions? Thank you for your help!
[Photo of bruising](https://imgur.com/a/xWDymc5)
EDIT: I am not here to be judged. If you don’t have anything helpful, please move along. She is on this medication after more than two years of struggling to do basic things because she couldn’t concentrate. She’s now starting to learn and read because she can concentrate more.
To all the helpful comments, thank you!! | 577 | I would have her be seen by a pediatrician in person. I am a pediatrician and most offices have cleaning/ safety procedures to keep patients safe. Your daughter needs to be seen by a doctor and I imagine that they would order some blood work and other tests. | 730 | AskDocs |
Girlfriend (31F) has gotten really clumsy over the past few months | Details:
Age: 31
Sex: Female
Height: 5’ 5”
Weight: Wouldn’t dare ask
Race: Caucasian
No underlying health issues or medication except contraceptive pill.
I know the title makes it sound like a not-huge deal but I’ve noticed that over the past four or five months my live-in girlfriend has started knocking things over, dropping things, breaking stuff, etc. At first it was just kind of annoying but it’s gotten to the point where it feels like every time she goes to interact with an object there’s a 1 in 10 chance she’ll end up accidentally destroying it. At this rate we’ll have to replace her phone in the next two weeks because she’s dropped it multiple times every single day of quarantine.Her motor functions otherwise seems completely fine, and she hasn’t had any other telling symptoms (eg slurred speech, behavioural changes, etc). She’s also still a perfectly capable driver.
I’m assuming it’s just from being locked in a small house with nothing to do for the past few months. We’ve both had difficulty keeping to an exercise routine or eating properly and we’ve definitely put on some weight, so it could just be from the change in routine. I’m just worried because we’ve known each other for the better part of a decade and I’ve never known her to be this careless. At the very least we don’t have the money to keep replacing plates. Any advice would be awesome, thank you in advance. | 436 | This one can't be diagnosed over the internet. Needs a neuro exam. This could be anything from a pituitary / brain tumor to thyroid issues to vitamin deficiency to run of the mill clumsiness. See a neurologist. | 555 | AskDocs |
Please Help Me | Age: 8 Months
Sex: Female
Height: 24.61 inches
Weight: 13.49 pounds
Diagnosed medical: NAS
Medications: None
I have had custody of my niece for the last 8 months and she is nearly 9 months old. She spent the first month of her life in the NICU because she was born with NAS; having been exposed to methamphetamine, cocaine, and heroine. From the very beginning of me having her she has very sensitive skin, she bruises far easier than my children ever had. Example: she laid her head on my mother's wrist for about ten minutes and her bracelet caused a notable bruise on her face.
As far as developmentally, my niece is advanced and hitting milestones early. She is already pulling up, babbling and saying words, etc. She is a very active baby, and her bruising has continued along with her added mobility. i have tried to baby-proof my home to the best of my ability, but I suppose I have failed miserably because her bruising still happened. I have also discussed the bruising and finding a cause t every well-child visit and every additional visit we get related to her NAS, as well.
Last Monday I woke up to find her leg twisted in her crib and she did not cry until she actually saw me. I cannot tell you exactly how it was positioned because it was a different type of cry and i panicked in trying to free her. Her leg was caught between the bumper (i know it's not supposed to be in there, but if it isn't she will continuously bang her head on the wood when she is upset at bedtime) and her leg was in between the slats of the crib. I was able to twist her leg free after maneuvering her leg a bit. It was red and she was obviously upset, but no swelling had appeared as of yet. I comforted her and got her to calm down and we headed downstairs, so I could make a bottle and breakfast.
I placed my niece in her walker, that she does not usually walk in, she just kind of bounces. I made her a bottle, put a handful of cheerios on her walker tray, and then started breakfast for myself and my four year old. She was no longer upset and I continued our usual daily routine, as I had previous times she got her leg stuck in the crib. Throughout the day I did notice that her leg that got caught was kind of causing her issues; she didn't jump on it as much, she did not use it as much during crawling, she was not trying to stand, etc. Around dinnertime I began to notice that her leg was starting to swell. I became concerned at that time, but my boyfriend was not home, so i could not immediately go to the emergency room due to covid-19 and I did not want the possibility of exposing my daughter by taking her too.
When my boyfriend got home from work, which was around ten that night. When we got to the ER they performed x-rays on her leg and they said that they could not see a fracture, but decided to splint. They would need radiology too review because she did move (she hates being held down) and they were not as clear as they would like. We were sent on our way with the splint and advised to follow up with her PCP. The next morning, I called first thing to her PCP, and had to schedule an appointment for the next day. We went to the PCP and she wasn't alarmed by the results at that time either and said we needed to follow up with an Ortho in about a week.
I missed a call from her PCP early evening that said the radiologist was able to review her x-rays and there might be some concern and that I needed to take her into Children's ER and they would retake the x-rays. So, I got her and myself ready and packed up the car to go, with my boyfriend and four year old staying home again. Just as I put on my seat belt a lady with a binder knocks at my door and my four year old opened the door. I freaked out, and hopped out of the car. Turns out she was with Child Protective Services, and interviewed us and went to the ER with my niece and myself.
The PCP had called the ER ahead to tell them I would be coming in for additional x-rays, but in looking at my niece's paperwork her admission reason was listed was "Non-Accidental Trauma" and this was prior to them obtaining a clear x-ray of the original issue. So, first I would like to know if this is common, to list this as a reason to admit someone into the ER without even having all of the information. I feel like it created a biased among the nurses and doctors who reviewed her papers and examined her. She was admitted for testing and observation and i was treated very poorly by staff, from being ignored, to a nurse huffing and rolling her eyes at me.
During her ER visit I was presented with her leg's x-ray and i was advised it was called a metaphyseal fracture to her growth plate, I remember this specifically because I asked the doctor to spell it and explain it. My concern was her growth and I wanted to have a full understanding of what was wrong with her. The doctor said that these types of fractures are also called bucket-handle fractures and briefly explained why. They then performed additional testing on my niece; a skeletal survey, a brain CT, and some blood work. They did find an additional fracture in her right ulna, which i was told was her wrist area. And they later found a hairline fracture on her back left side of her skull, but no injuries to her brain.
After being in the ER for close to four hours, I was told that DHS was taking custody of both my niece and my four year old and I was required too stay with my niece while she was in the hospital for observation. She was supposed to have additional testing done during her observation period to try to find an underlying explanation to her issues. I was only visited for additional blood testing. She was visited by a CSI photographer and a forensic pediatrician in addition to the regular team of doctor's and nurses.
What I need help with is in understanding her discharge paperwork, it says something completely different as far as her leg injury from what I was able to google. I feel as though I am in an uphill battle to get my babies back and I am terrified that they are giving me conflicting information all along the way and from this doctor to that doctor or nurse, information changes. I cannot afford an expert to get a second opinion from, so I am hoping you guys can help to point me in the right direction.
Below is taken from her Skeletal Survey:
-healing fracture of the distal right ulnar diaphysis with osseous callus formation and fracture line still evident
-small linear calcific density lateral to the distal left tibial epiphysis and mild widening of the distal tibial physis suspicious for an acute fracture. No dislocation. Left ankle soft tissue swelling is present.
Findings suggestive of an acute fracture involving the distal left tibial physis/epiphysis.
Healing fracture of the distal right ulnar diaphysis
Below is taken from he Brain CT:
-A nondisplaced hairline fracture is seen extending from the left lambdoid 2 sway most all suture
-no underlying brain injury
-no acute intracranial abnormality
Below is taken from her Discharge Summary:
-discharge diagnosis: L distal tibia fracture
-minimally displaced fracture of the medial aspect of the distal tibial epiphyseal growth plate
-CT brain obtained with no acute intracranial abnormality
-Skeletal survey reported acute fracture distal left tibial epiphysis, healing R ulnar and linear skull fractures.
It should also be noted that:
- von Willebrand Factor Antigen with a result of 42% with a reference range of 60-150% and flagged as Low
-von Willebrand Ristocetin Cofactor with a result of 32% with reference range of 50-150% and flagged as Low. With a doctor's note: Decreased von Willebrand activity and antigen consistent with von Willebrand's Disease. Recommend repeat studies including multimer analysis to determine VWD subtype
Further note:
-Neonatal Abstinence Syndrome
-Fair skinned, red haired | 478 | I can see why there would be concern for child abuse due to radiographically imaged fractures of different stages of healing. This is typical when a child is being abused. A bucket-handle fracture is also usually seen in the setting of child abuse. Seeing those two pieces of clinical information are red flags for child abuse.
You do sound like you love your niece and children and I don't want you to feel like anybody is against you. The measures the hospital and staff have taken is to make sure your niece/children are safe. Is there anybody else at home who watches the children when you are not there or someone who has access to the child when you are not around? The child might have been abused without your knowledge.
However, if there is no abuse, then the cause of her fractures will definitely be investigated. Be open, honest, let them know you have nothing to hide, and the facts will speak for themselves. I wish you nothing but the best. | 324 | AskDocs |
I have severe social anxiety. I really need a step by step for a doctors visit. | I (19F) want to visit a doctor for STD testing, I also want to see someone about my irregular periods. Separate visits, I’m sure. (Which should I do first, if it matters?)
I’ll be going alone, more than likely, and I want to know exactly what I should be saying. If I should call or go in to set up an appointment, the vernacular I should use, what will actually go down when I get in there, etc.
I feel pathetic but anxiety really is no joke. I can’t allow it to prevent me from caring for my health so I want to prepare best I can to ease my nerves. | 649 | You can do both in the same sitting, they will schedule a longer appointment.
I am socially anxious as well, and I feel safer when calling for an appointment. I won't feel like anyone is watching me set up an appointment for something I might feel embarrassed about.
What you should include in your call, assuming you are already in their system, in order:
- Name, DOB
- I want to set up an appointment with Dr. (name) for 2 issues. (if you don't know your doctor's name, you don't have to name them.)
The assistant might ask which doctor you want to be set up with if you didn't give a name and the office has multiple doctors. You can say you have no preference, but that you would like a doctor who is good with anxious patients.
The assistant will ask what your appointment will be about.
- I want to get STD testing done, and I have some questions regarding irregular periods.
The assistant will ask you when you would like an appointment. You can tell them your preferred day and/or time of day. You can take a look at your daily schedule and find a time that would be most appropriate without having to shuffle around too much.
The assistant will suggest a date/time. If it isn't going to work, you can give an alternative. It is possible that the actual appointment making goes back and forth a couple times, so make sure you have an overview of available dates/times in front of you.
When you've agreed on a date/time, you will be all set to go. The assistant will give an overview of your set appointment. If your doctor's office does e-mail confirmations, you will get the deets in your mailbox. With this confirmation, your appointment has been set. The assistant might give you instructions for COVID-19 precautions in place at the office, or these precautions will be included in the e-mail if applicable.
Then comes the actual appointment.
Prepare a list of questions you want to ask your doctor and bring it along. Prepare a list of symptoms you are experiencing. You can hand over your notes if you feel too anxious. Bring a note book to take notes and write down more questions if you feel too anxious to talk properly.
You will arrive shortly before your set appointment. Read up on COVID-19 precautions taken at your doctor's office beforehand.
When it's your turn, the doctor will call your name. Follow them into the room. Don't be afraid to tell them about your anxiety before any real talk starts. They will understand and act accordingly.
There are a few possibilities for STD testing. The doctor will ask about any symptoms you may have noticed. The doctor might ask you to strip down so they can take a look at your genitals and take a swab test to send off. Another possibility is that they write up a test form for blood testing.
For your irregular periods, the doctor will ask you about how long this has been going on. They might ask you about sexual activity, or other symptoms you might be experiencing, such as pain, severity of bleeding, acne, hair growth in places you wouldn't think of as normal, and the list can go on. When the doctor is done asking questions, they will tell you what the next steps will be. This can include blood testing for hormones, complete blood count, iron levels, and maybe some more. Ask about these tests and what they can tell the doctor when it comes to possible diagnoses. The doctor might also write a referral to an OB/GYN.
If you are uncomfortable at any point, tell the doctor. Keep taking deep breaths if you're anxious. If you feel comfortable enough, keep asking questions if anything is unclear.
When your appointment is nearing completion, you will get instructions on what to do next. If you are missing any info, ask the doctor.
If questions come up after the appointment, you can always call the office again.
I hope this helps, good luck! I know how much anxiety can suck and how huge that mountain can be. You can do this, I'm sure of it!
EDIT: This was all written from a Dutch point of view. Read replies to this comment for some practices that might be different. All of them are helpful! | 982 | AskDocs |
My grandpa sings almost 24/7 | My grandpa (90M) suffers from a stroke and has been paralyzed on his right side for over two decades now. Just last year in March, my grandma passed away and it obviously affected him. In November last year, one of my uncles suddenly died too. Just some backstory, my grandparents (just my grandpa now) were being taken care of by my aunt and uncle (all the other aunts and uncles live a couple hours away, so they take turns and make regular visits back) – within the span of the year, that home saw the loss of both my grandmother and my uncle.
Around late last year or early this year, my grandpa started singing. We brushed it off as him just trying to be cheerful because he struggles to communicate due to his stroke, but lately the frequency of his singing has increased drastically. To the point where he sings every five minutes, he sings in his sleep, and he doesn’t really seem to be conscious of his singing.
Is this normal with the elderly and if so, can anything be done about it? We are planning to bring him to see a doctor (for a separate reason, he has a skin conditioning that’s worsening because of him constantly sitting and lying down) but it’s a bit difficult and he’s at higher risk with the current COVID situation.
Btw, sorry if I’m not following the right procedure! First time posting in this thread. | 560 | Some patients who have speech difficulties after a stroke are better able to put together a coherent string of words by singing... for reasons that are ~~are~~ not terribly well understood, but thought to be related those functions arising from different pathways in the brain. Kinda cool, huh? (I've heard the same can be true for people who stutter...but I'm not a stutterologist.) :)
Or it could just be that your grandpa is trying to be positive (as you said) or maybe he misses having someone to talk to so he sings ("talks") to himself. And now it's become a habit that he sings all the time.
Regardless of the reason, it's not an indication of a problem as far as I know. Certainly no harm in mentioning it at his next Neurology appointment, though.
Purely anecdotally, my grandmother had a stroke and suffered severe expressive aphasia. But she could sing Happy Birthday, various Christmas carols, and the lyrics to many other songs she knew before the stroke without missing a beat. So we encouraged her to sing and sang along with her (even if she wanted to sing Jingle Bells in July) because it seemed to make her happy and why not? | 317 | AskDocs |
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