Unnamed: 0
int64 0
50.9k
| Title
stringlengths 1
300
| Body
stringlengths 1
27.9k
| Response
stringlengths 1
7.9k
⌀ | Response Score
float64 2
2.68k
| Occupation
stringclasses 323
values | PMCID(s)
stringclasses 742
values |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
36,249
|
I need some opinions on this please!
|
Hello i am a male 20 years old, 175 cm height and 48 kilograms, I quit smoking a year ago no other medical issues expect the one im gonna talk about! So im getting a colonoscopy in 5 days but I still need some opinions. Since last night I have cramps that feel like I’m passing a kidney stone, a lot of mucus in my stool. My GI doctor told me it might be IBS, crohn’s or an infection( wich I doubt I have an infection), my symptoms get worse if I’m stressed, and also I felt like I couldn’t poop and after that my stool was kinda watery. Thank you in advance!
|
Sounds like IBS. Prepare yourself for that colonoscopy to be normal.
| 6
|
MD - Peds GI | Top Contributor
| null |
31,964
|
First experience with Contact dermatitis
|
Hello
33 year old Male , Hispanic.
I encountered my first experience with Contact dermatitis from a reaction to my laundry detergent. I had itchy red burning skin that lasted for about 2 weeks.
The irritation was mostly affecting my legs front and back. It also crept up to parts of my arms and foreamrs but not as bad as my legs which took most of the beating.
I was told by my doctor to use Cortisone cream to help with the itching and inflammation, I was also prescribed some extra strength otc allergy medicine. That seemed to help I did some research and found that coconut oil worked well and So i tried it and it worked amazing!!
It's been about 3 weeks since the contact dermatitis has gone away. And now my skin has been shedding like crazy. Kind of similar to a sun burn. It's even happening on my fingers and slowly creeping down towards my palms. It's been shedding for about 1 week now.
Is the shedding/peeling an effect of the contact dermatitis and is this a normal reaction from the skin just healing itself and if it is how long should it last?
Any info would help thank you.
|
Whenever the skin is inflamed it scales during or afterwards.
| 2
|
Physician - Dermatologist | Top Contributor
| null |
35,937
|
Continuing Amoxicillin w/ Augmentin
|
I am closing in on the last few days of a 7-day, 825mg/2x/day regimen of Amoxicillin and think I might need a few more days to kick what I have.
I have leftover Augmentin (Amoxicillin 825mg/Clavulinate Potassium 125mg) and was thinking of just supplementing them in for a few extra days.
I understand the best course of action is another visit to the doctor - but I'm wondering if this would continue the effectiveness of the normal Amox since it's the same drug at the same dose? In other words, adding the CP doesn't change the way it's absorbed and therefore would need time to build up anew, right?
Thanks!
|
Why are you on antibiotics?
Some conditions may not need antibiotics and fewer conditions require extending antibiotics
| 2
|
Physician
|
Blank
|
24,066
|
Correct amoxicillin dosage for 3 year old
|
Hi am ENT prescribed 5 mL twice a day of 600 mg/42.9 mg per 5 mL amoxicillin and clavalunate for my daughter who weighs 33 pounds (for an ear infection). Doing my own calculations of dosage online this seemed high and worried I’m giving her too much. Can someone please advise if this seems like the correct amount or if it should actually be half (I.e, 2.5 mL twice per day). Thanks.
|
Lots of pediatricians use what’s called “high dose” amoxicillin (80-90 mg/kg/day split into two doses) specifically for otitis media. She’s about 15 kg, so her dose looks like it fits within that.
| 9
|
MD - Peds GI | Top Contributor
| null |
25,272
|
Weird night sweats all of a sudden
|
Hello,
I'm a 32 year old man and recently, over the past two weeks I've been having weird night sweat issues where I wake up and my forehead, hair and neck/upper body are all sweaty.
I don't drink alcohol very often at all (maybe two beers a month on average) and I'm relatively fit, but a little overweight, as I do Jiu jitsu and try to eat the best I can while sometimes still eating junk like a cookie or two once a day.
So I began reading about night sweats in men and I noticed that low blood sugar could be one cause. See this concerns me, because I've always had trouble conquering my diet and weight. When I was 23 I lost 100lbs by eating tons of veggies and watching portion sizes. I yo-yo'd from 195 back up to 265 back down to 215 back up to 265 back down to 215 again and then COVID hit and I'm back up to 255.
Worried about my metabolism and what sugar binges over my life have done to me. One thing I have changed the past few weeks is making sure I don't eat a cookie or have a pancake at night like I use to habitually eat when I was younger. I've always consumed my daily intake of sugar (and more) all at once at night. Even when I'm on a great roll with healthy eating, I'll eat amazing all day (all whole foods) and then suddenly before bed all I want is sugar and sweets. Could my blood sugar be so low it's causing me to sweat at night?
|
You should really go to your doctor and say your only symptom is sudden drenching night sweats. That’s not a great sign, and should be looked at urgently.
Or you’re overheating at night and you get to laugh at my overreaction after your doctor gives the all clear!
| 2
|
Registered Nurse
| null |
21,835
|
[28F] I've had this spot under my breast for a while, and it has expanded out. I've tried scrubbing it off and using lotion, but it won't go away. It's painless, but I worry that it's skin cancer. Thoughts?
|
It's a brown circular area about an inch in diameter. I didn't have it when i was younger.
|
let the doctors decide if you need a full exam
| 3
|
Physician
| null |
14,277
|
Where can one get tested for rabies?
|
Hello I’m a 20 year old female, I’ve already tried doctor’s visits and consulting about it but they have stated there are no tests available for rabies. I was scratched by a cat about two months ago and I am starting to feel symptoms of itching and tingling where I was scratched (in my left hand). I also have a sore throat and have a bit of trouble swallowing. I read online however there are testing available for rabies but there’s no information about how to get said tests run on someone. So I just wanted to know if anyone had a second opinion about it. Is there really no tests available and this is just misinformation?
|
Not rabies. Youd be dead or hospitalized a long time ago, 100% as the other responder stated. There is no chance of rabies. 0.000000000000000000% chance. No exceptions.
| 3
|
Physician - Hematology/Oncology
| null |
24,742
|
Should I Go To ER for Gallbladder Removal or Wait? 1.3cm Gallstone and Adenomyocytosis.
|
I am a 24YO Female/225lbs/5’8. On 10/7 I had the first onset of symptoms, thought it was a virus. Horrific diarrhea (20 times in 24 hours), pain, fatigue, etc. I didn’t eat for 3 days and felt a little better. As soon as I started eating again the pain returned and hasn’t left.
10/12/21 I went to the urgent care and bloodwork and ultrasound was ordered. Ultrasound was done 10/14 and results were a 1.3 cm gallstone and adenomyocytosis. My blood work revealed an AST of 68 and ALT of 71. Urgent care says they will refer me to a surgeon but it may be Tuesday 10/19 or after before someone gets back to me due to delays in sending referral. In the mean time they told me to take tylonal.
I am in significant pain and have been for 9 days now. 6/10 just laying in bed doing nothing 8/10 when I attempt to eat. I’ve eaten a total of 7 times in 9 days. My boss kinda freaked me out because hers went gangrenous from waiting.
I don’t want to waste the ER doctors time during a pandemic if they are just going to discharge me and wait anyway. My insurance covers 100% at the moment so I’m not worried about going to ER financially. I just don’t know what to do and the urgent care hasn’t really told me to anything other than tylonal and wait for a surgeon to call me.
Is it worth going to ER to get it out now or keep waiting on a surgeon to call me. I’m exhausted and tired of being in pain. Thank you for any advice.
|
Removing your gallbladder isn't an emergency. Going to the ER won't get it done any quicker.
| 5
|
Physician
| null |
43,436
|
In the ER with a penile fracture. Wondering what the recovery process will be like and if there are any photos post-recovery?
|
My boyfriend is 19, about 5'10" and ~140lbs. White male. No medications. He's in good shape. In the fourth grade he had testicular cancer and had one of his testicles removed, I don't know if that's relevant or not. He's out of state right now and has an odd masturbation habit, he likes to press down on his dick until it makes a slight pop, it sounds like the cracking of a knuckle. I'm guessing it feels good because of the pressure on his prostate from the base of his penis. He's been doing it his whole life and never had an issue. Until today. Apparently he was harder than he usually is and when he pressed on it, it made a cracking sound, hurt and immediately went flaccid. So now he's in the ER. He can still pee alright so I don't think his urethra is torn. Currently, he's waiting on the specialist. I'm looking for advice/what to expect on the road to recovery and photos of fractured penises post recovery because I couldn't find any online. Any help would be much appreciated!
edit: How can I help him as a girlfriend? I'm worried about this affecting his self-esteem and our sex life which was very happy and healthy before this. I'll love him no matter what and I want to help any way I can.
|
Give him time to heal, because that is what he'll need. Rent out favourite movies together, play games, cook together, whatever is fun for both of you. Just tell him openly not to worry, and tell him that last sentence of yours instead of us.
| 3
|
Physician
| null |
36,215
|
Does ANA positive titer 1:40 mean auto immune disease
|
18 year old male, does not smoke drink or do drugs.
Hi, can anyone explain this at all for me a bit please? Does Ana positive with tiger 1:40 homogeneous and speckled pattern mean auto immune for sure or can it be a false positive because of the titer being low? thank you
|
1:40 refers to how many dilutions you have to perform before the positive result is no longer detectable. The bigger the number after the colon, the stronger the result is.
For ANA, 1:40 is not a strong positive result. Outside of some clinical picture with very convincing evidence of autoimmune disease this is probably nonspecific and doesn’t mean much.
| 3
|
Physician
| null |
48,028
|
I think I’m dying
|
I’m 17 years old height 5’6 and 150 pounds I do suffer from health anxiety/anxiety now I feel like I’m off balance swaying back and fourth and it somehow creating an anxious feeling panic feeling that somehow I’m gonna die. I just don’t know what to do anymore.
|
It does seem like you're having panic attacks. If you are not already, I would highly recommend talking to your pediatrician or finding a psychiatrist to prescribe medication and therapy. Panic attacks are controllable with the right meds + therapy.
| 2
|
Medical Student
| null |
27,572
|
How bad is 200-400mg ibuprofen daily?
|
I have slipping rib syndrome and some mental issues. Ibuprofen allows me to chill out a bit. I also noticed it chills my heart out too, where I'm not constantly feeling my heartbeat.
Can I keep taking 1-2 pills a day for a long period of time? What complications might arise?
|
That should be fine.
If you start to feel like you're getting heartburn constantly, then I'd lay off and see your physician.
| 4
|
Physician
| null |
30,221
|
Urgent! Rash on inner thigh
|
16F 5'3 ¾, 150lbs white. a rash on the inside of my thigh where my pelvis meets my inner thigh.
I've had two sexual partners out of my entire life so far, and while i tested clean after one, I haven't tested with my current yet, but she has been tested as clean after we've had sex a couple of times. She told me before as well that she has tested clean. I'm currently on the depo shot for birth control and this will be my second year on it I think. I haven't had sex since December or so but I recently bought a vibrator.
My period usually holds out until a month before my shot, in which I bleed for the entire month, but this month I started bleeding early, and couldnt help but panic. A friend of mine is a medic in the navy, and when I mentioned it she said it was due to my shot just being an impulsive crazy psychopath currently pulsing through my body. An acceptable answer, which was no surprise because I once bled for nearly three months. More of an annoyance than anything.
About a week ago I noticed some irritation on the inside of my thigh that was itchy, but not a major issue for concern, as sometimes the fabric of my underwear irritates the skin. I've been keeping an eye on it and I cant help but feel like I've done something wrong.
Its spread a little, but has stayed in the same place. One of the marks has raised and almost looks like an ingrown hair, but upon checking it just seems to look infected. I pressed down on it slightly and it hurt a little.
I'm really nervous. I haven't had any discharge or odd smells besides, what's expected from a heavy period. I want my period to end so I can figure out what's going on but I know I can't expect that to be soon. Can anyone please help me? I haven't had sex with my girlfriend recently because of it since I'm scared it might be an std. Would it be safe to put hydrocortisone cream on it?
[picture ](
|
I think it looks more like folliculitis. Keep it clean and dry, stop shaving there until it is better. It would be sensible to test for STIs anyway since you are sexually active.
| 2
|
Physician
| null |
7,195
|
I feel like I’m going insane (dermatology) 32M
|
Yesterday on a long car ride my back broke out with itchy, splotchy hives. I figured it was the new detergent my wife started using and borrowed clothes from my dad. (Curiously, I had no issues with socks or underwear)
Well. Today it’s much worse, and it seems like anywhere I scratch I break out into awful itchy hives almost immediately. The new ones are smaller and uniformly round, smaller than a pea. My chest/belly looks like hamburger, and at dinner I broke out on my arms around the hem of a short sleeve polo.
What is happening to me?! Do I have some kind of allergen under my nails? I washed them out the best I could without a nail brush. I’ve covered myself in an anti histamine he has in his travel bag, but my god it’s awful.
Edit: if this doesn’t resolve in the next day or two I’ll definitely go see the dermatologist my mother works for, but I’m out of town right now and feel like climbing the walls. Everything from the waist up itches but scratching just makes it worse.
|
[ is often idiopathic.
| 2
|
Physician - Dermatologist | Top Contributor
| null |
3,579
|
ALS fear (21F)
|
21F, Caucasian, 165lbs, 5’3”
Symptoms for approx. two months but intermittent
In early-mid February I was experiencing muscle pain, almost as if there was a constricting tightness around my right leg/upper thigh. I have not experienced weakness, but walking and standing would make my leg feel uncomfortable and painful. Even when I am sitting still, or laying in bed, I feel pain in my leg and thigh. I was also experiencing twitching, with the main twitch being in my right calves/thigh, but I will also experience random twitches all over my body randomly. This twitching is very frequent.
At some point in Feb, after probably two weeks, this muscle pain and twitching went away and I moved on with my life. Now, for whatever reason it is back with the exact same symptoms of aching/tightness and twitching. I feel the tightness at rest and while walking, and the twitching is only noticable when still. There is a consistent dull pain around my right thigh.
I saw my PCP in Feb over concern about this, and he did reflex tests and what not and I expressed my ALS fears. He told me that he was "confident that I did not have ALS" and that it would be the biggest shock of his career if I did, something along those lines. However, he did order and MRI for me to "get to the bottom of it", that was scheduled for late March.
My MRI ended up getting indefinitely postponed because of the virus and I have no idea when I can expect to get a new appointment. So really, I have gotten no actual tests of an EMG or MRI so really my PCP cannot be 100% sure that I don't have ALS or MS without any sort of test. I don't know how I am supposed to clear myself of these fears when for the foreseeable future, I will not be able to see a doctor or get any sort of appointment.
I realize that initial symptoms of ALS aren't pain, but I have read stories written by ALS patients saying their initial symptoms were cramp in one limb or twitching and I can't seem to let go of these stories and shake them. I say, "that could be me".
I feel so scared and so helpless. I just want to live a long, happy life and get married, see the world, have children. I am terrified I am not going to have that.
|
It's not ALS. Ditto about the anxiety.
| 2
|
Physician - Surgeon
| null |
17,309
|
Anxiety about maggots
|
23F Height: 5'8" Weight:200lbs Race: White.
Hello! Due to OCD, I have recently been frequently and compulsively digging through my trash. I'm already getting professional help, but it's taking time to eliminate the compulsion (I don't need advice on that part). Today when I was digging through a trash bag, I accidentally got maggots on my arm. I'm now super freaked out. I cleaned up and took a shower, but I just need to know if it's a big problem if a maggot got tracked into the house or stayed on my body. It looked like it's possible for maggots to eat live skin?
|
No, there won’t be a maggot on your body if your showered afterwards. It might be possible one could have gotten into the house, but is something you can judge better than I can. Maggots don’t eat live skin.
Sounds like this maggot fear is something to discuss with your therapist.
| 2
|
Physician, Neurology | Moderator
| null |
37,159
|
Had a CT scan done today because of gastrointestinal problems. (26M)
|
Came back negative for cancer but they said I have swollen lymph nodes and either have a virus or IBS. I went to the ER and they did blood work for my kidneys, liver, and pancreas (all clear). Just wondering what I should be expecting and which kind of virus I could possibly have?
Symptoms are constipation, diarrhea, bloating through my entire lower abdomen, blood in stool, and I can feel inflammation in my colon.
26
Male
6’
160 lbs
White
1 year
Lower abdomen/posterior
|
Norovirus is one of the more common causes of viral gastroenteritis that we see.
IBS is not typically associated with enlarged lymph nodes.
| 2
|
Physician
| null |
30,343
|
I (18F) have irregular periods and need advice on when to take a pregnancy test
|
Hi. I am 18F and I often have irregular periods because I am underweight. I had unprotected sex (stupidly) on new years so Jan 1st and I took a pregnancy test that came out negative today so Jan 22nd. My last period began December 23rd so I thought this would be enough time. The test said it could predict up to 5 days before missed period but I don't really know when my 'missed period' is, I could've already missed it at my rate of irregular cycles. It's been a month since the start of my last one, so my question is should I trust this test? or do another because it isn't accurate.
|
Do another one in 2 weeks just to make sure. If that's also negative it'd be highly unlikely that you're pregnant.
STD screening would also be a good idea if it was a stranger/new partner you don't know the status of.
| 2
|
Physician
| null |
46,703
|
My doctor told me to continue an antibiotic even though my results were negative. Why?
|
I (24F) went to my urgent care on Monday morning 7/19 because I thought I had appendicitis. I did not. Upon a urinalysis, signs suggested I may have a bladder infection so my doctor put me on 100mg of Macrobid to fight it and then sent my urine for a culture. Earlier today (7/22) his office called and said my culture results were negative but to continue the antibiotics anyway. I have no qualms with this but what’s the point if there’s nothing wrong? It’s causing my gut to gurgle and causing diarrhea which both are annoying but I don’t understand why I should keep taking it.
|
It’s a bit of a hot potato in the infectious disease field. Probably if you were symptomatic for a UTI, you should continue the antibiotic in the chance that the test was a false negative (they happen). If you’re asymptomatic then probably you shouldn’t have been given antibiotics anyway, and can certainly stop taking them. There will always be some providers who tell you that you can stop taking the antibiotics and ones who will tell you to just finish them. There’s no real “correct” answer.
| 5
|
Microbiologist
| null |
4,204
|
how many vials of blood will these tests take ?
|
hi everyone ,
i’m getting some blood drawn for a couple of tests to find some answers for my lethargy and sudden massive weight gain (15kg) . i also have a horrific phobia of blood tests and i was wondering how many vials will they take for these tests :
FBC; LFT; U/E; Hba1c; lipids; TSH (TFTS is abnormal)
thanks so much , just scared they will take a lot and i need to be prepared as i’m already likely to faint .
|
2 vials only, about 10ml total, its a tiny amount.
If they are all fine, have you considered depression as a cause for lethargy and weight gain
| 5
|
Physician
| null |
6,957
|
Constant sore breasts
|
I constantly have sore breasts. Like really sore. The pain starts as soon as my period ends. Is that normal and is there a remedy for it?
Age: 28 - Height: 5'3 - Weight: 110 lbs - Gender: Female - Daily medications: None - Smoking status: 1-2 cigarettes per day - Previous/current medical issues: None - Duration of complaint: 4 months - Location of complaint: Breasts
|
That's not normal. Obvious first question: have you taken a pregnancy test?
If not pregnant, go see your doctor about this. Hormonal birth control could me helpful
| 3
|
Physician | Moderator | Top Contributor
| null |
9,163
|
18 Male, is this injury on my finger anything serious
|
Is this injury on my finger anything serious?
I have no existing health conditions and I’m 18 years
The other day I fell down while climbing a fence and kind of scratched the pavement
I got a couple of cuts and got this on my finger as I landed
It started off red normal then it dried up, it seems to be a blood clot, but I want to make sure it isn’t anything serious
The photo was taken roughly a day after and it doesn’t pain really, I can move my finger fine, and it only really pains if I put a lot of pressure on it.
|
NAD, it looks like a blood blister, it'll go away on it's own. If it gets worse, or if your finger starts really hurting, go ahead and run it by a dictor
| 2
|
Behavioral Technician
| null |
43,027
|
Period is late and I feel sick.
|
22 F with an IUD and sexually active
My period is always regular, but is now several days late. I have been feeling sick for two days now (headache, nausea, and cramping). I took two pregnancy tests, but both were negative.
Two days before my missed period I began experiencing severe, debilitating cramps along with some light bleeding.
I'm worried something is wrong. I have an appointment with my gynecologist next week, but I want answers now.
|
I'm assuming you have the copper IUD.
I would call the Gyn office tomorrow and see if you can get in on an urgent basis the same day. Even if that means you have to see a midwife or a nurse practitioner, they can at least triage if it is anything dangerous with the physician on-site. I doubt it is by the way, but I still need think you need to be evaluated sooner than next week.
| 2
|
Physician
| null |
29,868
|
My Wife has autism spectrum disorder ASD by birth doctors are recommending open heart surgery Since her RIM is weak Is there any other way of treatment I have attached the echo report results
|
Age 28
Sex FEMALE
Height 170
Weight 60
Duration of complaint SINCE BIRTH
Location INDIA
Any existing relevant medical issues NO
Current medications NO
IAS : 17x15 MM OSTIUM SECUNDUM ASD WITH LEFT TO RIGHT SHUT, POSTERIOR RIM - 9MM (THIN AND FLOPPY) , SUPERIOUR RIM - 6 MM **(THIN AND MOBILE)** ,AV RIM - 7 MM (THIN AND FLOPPY), AORTIC RIM - 8MM (THICK AND STABLE), SVC RIM - 12MM (THICK AND STABLE), IVC RIM - 11MM (THICK AND STABLE).
IVD : INTACT
|
The two methods of closing an ASD (atrial septal defect) are through open heart surgery, and via catheterization using a device. Given the size of her ASD and the thin rim, I'm not surprised they have recommended to do it through the open heart method. This sounds like the way to go.
| 2
|
Physician | Top Contributor
| null |
19,221
|
Should I use Symbicort or Albuterol for my breathing? (URGENT)
|
past 4 months have been taking 40-50mg of propranolol a day and all of a sudden I am having trouble breathing. No wheezing yet but just it feels harder to inhale. Which should I use? It's not 100% urgent I can still breath so maybe symbicort? Symbicort is safe to use with propranolol?
21 250lbs 5''11
|
Albuterol for rescue
And get to the emergency room
| 3
|
Physician | Moderator
| null |
26,861
|
Ulcer or Heart?
|
Hey all, about two months ago I was having some chest burning on the left side of my chest and shoulder pain, I went into the ER and they did an EKG and x-ray and basically told me I had indigestion and to take pepcid. That cost me over $1000 with insurance. It’s been a couple months now and I feel like the pain was better for a while but not gone, and the last 3-4 days the pain has been really bad, radiating into my neck, and shoulder. Antacids or pepcid do not help, neither does ibuprofen. In terms of ibuprofen, I have consistently been taking at least a few pills every week for years, so I’m wondering if maybe I have an ulcer in my esophagus or something?? I also had kind of a weird spasm feeling in the center of my chest a day before the pain started getting much worse. I have an appointment with a new primary care physician in a week, but I’m wondering if I should be worried enough to go to the ER, I really really cannot afford it, but I’m not sure that a standard urgent care would be able to help or if they’d also just send me to an ER. The pain is fairly high in my chest, and just to the left of my sternum. I am a 23 year old female, non smoker, normal weight.
|
Definitely. In the meantime, you might try some peppermint oil or just several peppermints, as those have smooth muscle relaxing properties (that's why restaurants offer mints at the end, to make your stomach and esophagus relax after your overeating (I do it, too)), and just from your description, esophageal spasm is pretty likely. Also, cut down on caffeine intake.
| 2
|
Physician - Family Medicine
| null |
38,798
|
18F - took urine sample for pregnancy test in the morning - half the urine looks like clouds?
|
Height - 5’5
Weight - 55kg
Race - Caucasian
Primary complaint - my urine sample I took this morning has separated so the bottom looks like clouds and the top looks like dark urine?
Existing medical issues - taking pregnancy tests
No meds, I don’t smoke, I occasionally drink and I don’t use recreational drugs.
I can include a photo if that’s needed.
Thank you so much
|
That's normal
| 5
|
Physician | Moderator | Top Contributor
| null |
1
|
About My Son (1 week, male, hypertrophic cardiomyopathy, born at 7.1 lbs, CPAP mask,
|
Long story, here goes....
Son was born 1 week ago. At 37.5 weeks into the pregnancy we discovered a critical heart defect and told he had a less than stellar chance of surviving birth let alone giving us as much time with him as he has. He has hypertrophic cardiomyopathy, enlargement and thickening of the heart muscle. All four chambers are enlarged, his heart is severely sick. We are still waiting for blood test to come back from lab, located in a larger city, was told at birth 8-10 days (assuming business, we’re about halfway there). The blood tests will help determine what exactly has gone wrong, and why.
I’ve been online a lot in the past few weeks here, and there really isn’t a ton of material relating to these issues... it’s a rare condition effecting some 1000-1300 pregnancies in the US yearly, we’re in Canada so less so up here. The boy (Sage), has been an amazing baby... in every other aspect he seems relatively normal and healthy to me. He was on a feeding tube but rejected it and now is bottle fed formula and breast milk. He wears a CPAP mask continuously so breastfeeding is rather difficult for him, the CPAP is only using room oxygen at a low pressure. He cries on the right cues, he pees and poops like a normal baby (already caught me with his stream twice). He smiles and is definitely aware of his surroundings.
I’ve been meeting with doctors and talking to the professionals here at my disposal but I’m trying to gather as much information as I can.
I know we need the testing back, hopefully that gives us the answers we need. But in the meantime I’m looking for any help and information. I know long term survival isn’t the most likely scenario, and that treatment would involve a heart transplant if he qualifies. I’m not disillusioned to the very real possibilities that he passes suddenly or doesn’t make the list.
If there’s any professionals on here with any information please feel free to reply here or send me a message. Thanks in advance for any time spent reading and thinking about my boy.
|
I can’t imagine the weight of this bearing down on you. I’m glad to read how you’re having the opportunity to bond with him, and you’re being the best parent you can be. You’re getting to know each other in this time that you have, however long that may be. I’m sure you have an excellent medical team, and I applaud you for engaging with them. As a family physician, I don’t have a lot of expertise with congenital heart conditions, but I want to encourage you to keep taking all the photos you can and changing all the diapers you can and to ask all the questions you can of them team. What kind of emotional support are you getting? I know that COVID has visiting policies restricted, so the other people who can see you and him together are limited. Please keep us updated on your son!
| 6
|
Physician - Family Medicine
| null |
44,993
|
(M23) Suffering with bad side effects after my 2nd dose
|
So I (M23) had my second vaccine dose about a two weeks ago (It was Pfizer BTW) but since then I have been getting constant dizziness, ringing in the ears, bad headaches and Just an overall feeling of weakness in my body. Over the years I've had flues, vaccines and viruses (I even had covid) but I have never felt this bad. The headaches are very painful (Id say an 8 out of 10) which also come with facial pain, I've had headaches in the past but never this sore. The ringing was starting to happen after my first dose but I'm even having trouble sleeping because at times it's so damn loud!
The dizziness Is usually on and off although It's not that severe but I have just had this overall "weak/tired" feeling
Honestly, Although I'm not an anti-vaxxer but I kind of regret taking this vaccine now because before all of this I never had any problems. The reason why I took this vaccine is because I was scared that I wouldn't be able to go to school, get a job or go to a social event. I've had plenty of vaccines in the past but I never had side effects like what I'm experiencing here, Even when i had covid back in November it was mild and not anything like this
I've been trying to get into touch with my GP but they are just always busy. Has anyone here had symptoms similar to mine?
Because the headaches seem to be getting worse along with the facial pain, The ringing has not stopped and I just seem to be feeling weaker by the day. I'm a guy who does a lot of cycling and I'm big into my fitness so My fitness level is pretty good but since that second dose I get tired walking up the stairs in my own house
EDIT: Now I don't know if this is important but since my second dose I have trouble getting erections and I have been getting some mild testicle pain which so far has not got any worse
|
There’s not much advice to give. You don’t say much about your past medical history, if you’ve tried to treat any of your symptoms, etc. Anecdotally it doesn’t seem uncommon for those who somewhat recently had Covid to have worse reaction to the shot
| 3
|
Physician - General Surgery
| null |
32,663
|
Swollen fractured ankle hurts like hell every time I put my leg down after a couple of hours of keeping it elevating
|
Hi all, I (26/M, 1.87m, 70kg) fractured my ankle a week ago and it's still pretty swollen as for the first few days I was travelling so was in far from optimal conditions (sitting in a car for hours, flying etc). Went to my doctor the day before yesterday and she said just keep it elevated and cooled as much as possible (I also have a cast and crutches).
However, my problem is as the title states. If I've been lying in bed for a couple of hours with my leg up on some pillows, whenever I stand up to go to the toilet or whatever it hurts really really bad. Like, almost as much as when I did the fracture.
So a couple of questions:
Is this normal? If so, how long will it go on for? And is there anything I can do to reduce this pain (other than painkillers, already taking 2x600mg Ibuprofen a day as prescribed by the doctor)?
Thanks in advance!
|
Yes, this is normal. It should get better every day. I'm surprised you weren't prescribed something more powerful than ibuprofen for a fracture. You could call the doctor again and see if there's anything stronger you can get.
You can also take the ibuprofen 600mg 4x a day instead of 2x. You can add acetaminophen 1000mg 4x a day as well (it's safe to take them together). If you are prescribed a stronger painkiller, keep in mind that many of them contain acetaminophen, so don't exceed 4000mg/day total.
| 4
|
Physician - Anesthesiologist
| null |
7,648
|
What can I do about my iron deficiency? Health insurance doesn't want to pay
|
I am 19 years old and female. I am approximately 1.74m tall and weigh 60kg. I take iron supplements. I don't smoke anymore.
I have severe iron deficiency. Pills don't really work, and it has been months since my last intravenous iron dose (I hope that's the right word for it). Now, I have all the symptoms I had when it was at 20 mmol/l, and I'm a bit worried. The symptoms include: dry skin up to a point where I have sores everywhere, especially around my mouth, tinnitus, low energy, dizziness, sometimes not feeling where "up and down" is, paleness, and being exhausted very quickly.
The last blood test results were already a bit concerning, but my doctor said he can't do anything because I'm already taking pills (that don't work) and the iron not low enough that my health insurance would cover it. It was at 45 mmol/l when I got it tested last time.
I live in Switzerland where we generally have good healthcare, but bureaucracy makes everything too complicated. I already eat very healthy and pay attention to what I eat, I also try to eat stuff with vitamin C so my body can absorb the iron better. I drink way less caffeine than I used to and stopped smoking, because that apparently can help too. Is there anything else I can do? Or might there be a serious issue that causes this? How urgent do I need medical help? I'm usually someone who doesn't go to the doctor if it's not very serious, am I not taking this serious enough?
|
Take the iron supplement every 2 days rather than daily. You'll absorb the iron better and it extends your supply by twice as much
| 2
|
Pharmacist
| null |
4,217
|
[24M] Taking Ibuprofen with only 1 kidney?
|
5'8 140 LBS.
I was only born with 1 functioning kidney (my right kidney). The other one is underdeveloped and non functional. So with that in mind, can I take Ibuprofen safely? I've been having really bad tendonitis in my left elbow and its preventing me from some of my daily activities.
Never had any kind of issue living with this 1 kidney but I don't want to do anything to jeopardize my health.
​
\[EDIT\] If yes, then is dosage affected?
|
Acetaminophen mixed with alcohol is an issue for your liver, not your kidneys.
| 2
|
Physician | Top Contributor
| null |
46,869
|
Heat Allergy?
|
Ever since I was little I have had an issue with the “sun”. Now the older I get the worse the issue becomes. I’ve realized it’s now connected to my body temperature. I was outside the other day for 30 minutes when my shoulders [did this nonsense]( It usually also covers my chest and back, as well as some hives spreading down my stomach, face, neck and arms. I am a 25 year old female, I am 5’6 and weigh 115 lbs. I am Caucasian. The hives usually last anywhere from 30 minutes to an hour. And that’s only if I get out of the heat and into cooler weather. Fans in the heat don’t work. Drinking water doesn’t work. Benadryl before or after sun exposure does not work. I also have the issue when I am at work and begin to feel warm. I live in Florida, where it’s a thousand degrees all the time. I can no longer go outside in the summers, I cannot go to the beach, or parks. Anywhere without shade is a no go. I break out similar to this every day when I shower. I have Endometriosis, not sure if that’s anything relevant. It is extremely itchy and very hard not to scratch.
|
Why not see an experienced dermatologist or allergist and be treated for your chronic heat urticaria. The treatment algorithm is the same for this as for all chronic urticaria. You have not tried the first recommended treatment on most guidelines, of up to four times the standard dosage of a second generation antihistamine (e.g., loratadine, levocetirizine, cetirizine...). The comes consideration of omalizumab and other secondary agents.
| 2
|
Physician - Dermatologist | Top Contributor
| null |
1,185
|
Infection from mosquito bites, coronavirus, or something else?
|
**Age/Sex:** 29F
**Height/Weight:** 5'4; probably 220 lbs.
**Race:** White
**Existing Medical Issues:** Hashimoto's; PCOS/insulin resistance; Bipolar Disorder; ADHD; Generalized Anxiety Disorder
**Medications:**
1. **Levothyroxine** \- 125mcg, 1x day
2. **Lamictal** \- 200mg, 1x day
3. **Buspar** \- 30mg, 2x day
4. **Metformin** \- 500mg, 2x day (just started again last Wednesday after being off for 4-5 months)
5. **Ativan** \- 0.5mg, taken as needed (usually no more than once or twice per week)
6. **Adderall XR** \- 20mg, 1x day (only Mon-Fri, no weekends, and I also take the brand)
7. **Zaleplon (Sonata)** \- 10mg, as needed at night for insomnia (started last Wednesday, have only taken it 3 times since the prescription has been filled)
**Drink/Smoke/Drugs:** 1st cigarette in probably one year as last week (only one); had about 5-6 drinks last week (most in a long time); last pot edible was about 2 months ago
I'm sorry if this is long, but I want to give as much information as possible. From Tuesday-Friday last week, I was vacationing in Cape May, NJ, and was pretty much outside for a majority of the time. It was hot/humid as hell, and some of the nights there were more mosquitos (as far as I know) out than others. This is where my complaint comes in, and where I am confused, because I really have not been feeling right since Monday night). Between Friday and Saturday night, I got pretty bit up (both feet are covered in bites, back of my right shoulder, right leg, as well as some on my right/left arms). I know it's bad, but I keep scratching them, so I don't know if that's causing a problem or making them infected.
Monday night I started experiencing some stomach discomfort/slight diarrhea, and because I was so itchy and uncomfortable, I took (this is where I'm an idiot) 50mg of Benadryl, and also used the Benadryl Extra Strength anti-itch gel, only realizing after the fact that both shouldn't be used at the same time. I woke up around 2am just in general feeling strange, as if I were high and very uncomfortable. I fell back asleep and woke up around 8:30am, feeling very cold and drowsy, had a raw sore throat, stuffed nose, slight headache/stiff neck and fatigue. Took my temperature and it was 98.8, about 2 hours later it was 99.1, and went back down to 98.1 after I took an Advil cold pill. Last night before bed I still had the stomach discomfort, took some Mylanta, which I don't think helped because I wounded up with watery diarrhea. This morning I woke up feeling a little bit better, but still have a slight sore throat and body temperature has been off (feeling hot/cold but no fever).
So, this is my concern/complaint: could my bites possibly be infected, or, could this potentially be the start of Coronavirus? (yes, I know I cannot be diagnosed over the interwebz, but if the symptoms aren't close to it, I really don't see the point in getting tested). While out last week I followed all the proper precautions (mask wearing, social distancing, hand washing, etc.), and I will admit that I do have anxiety, which is most likely only making my symptoms worse (if you tell me my anxiety is acting up, I promise I will not get offended like some people seem to, if anything it'll ease my mind). My mom thinks I should go to a minute clinic for the bug bites, which again, I don't see the point because I know bites cannot necessarily be diagnosed/hard to tell which bug bit. I am including pics of the bites on my feet because again, if anyone can offer some insight, it would be appreciated.
I know, the pics suck, but it's the best I could do: [Bites on Monday]( [Bites today]( [Bites on arms/legs](
If you take the time to read this/respond, I truly appreciate it.
|
Looks like mosquito bites in various stages of healing, some with the tops scratched off. Not thinking there’s a great deal to worry about in that regard. The temperatures you’ve recorded aren’t concerning.
| 2
|
Physician - IM
| null |
46,078
|
Anxiety or something else? Heart palpitations
|
UPDATES from original post below:
Hoping for more feedback..
Dr appointment updates:
EKG approx 10 seconds captured nothing
Physical exam revealed nothing of concern
Lab work all came back normal (no metabolic concerns)
Next step is a wearable monitor for 24 hours that will be next week.
I can’t shake these feelings and thoughts that something is going on. I don’t understand how I can suddenly develop these palpitations out of no where... my heart feels like it is working hard at times... like its best in hard. Today alone I’ve probably felt this at least a dozen times.
Does anyone out there have an experience to share or I’d welcome advice!
——————
Original post:
35 y/o Female
No serious or chronic health issues
No history blood pressure or cholesterol issues
No history of anxiety or panic attacks
Within past week, have started to feel heart palpitations - sometimes at home, sometimes at work, sometimes driving. No real consistency in the when / where. Last for a second or two but has freaked me out.
Now feel like I’m overanalyzing it and by thinking and worrying, I feel like they are happening more and it’s all I can think about.
I had a headache today and feel like I’m “off”. With that said, I fully acknowledge it is taking up my thinking power and if I am able to distract myself with something else, I’ll find 20-30 minutes pass where I didn’t think about it and in turn, realize I didn’t feel anything funny.
I am stressed - aren’t we all - and this is a particularly tough time, but I’ve always had a stressful job and tend to thrive under pressure.
I don’t use drugs. I was a moderate drinker (beer) up until 6-8 weeks ago where I started to cut back in an effort to just be healthier. I have been eating healthier and workout 3x a week. Exercise doesn’t seem to do anything to it - as typically I am too busy thinking about the exercise that I’m not thinking about the heart thing.
I have felt some tightness in my throat/chest but again - really do feel like questioning, am i doing this to myself because I can’t get out of my own head? My stomach hurts when i think about it - it feels like fear if that makes sense.
I have an appointment later this week but in the meantime, seem to continuously think about it so i figure why not throw the situation out there to see if I can get some thoughts.
|
Learning to relax and learn also how to do some simple breathing exercises where you also think of something pleasant while lying back in a reclining chair or supine in bed can go a long way for your own mental well being. Breathing slowly through your nose and out through your mouth where the expiration is longer then the inspiration lasting 8 or so seconds while thinking of a pleasant scene like a warm spring day with the sun on your face and the smell of flowers (lilac bush works well for me as it is so distinct of a smell) or possibly a vacation you experienced in your past can works wonders.
This can also help you fall asleep when your mind starts wondering too. Getting the correct amount of sleep can also be beneficial with a routine bedtime and waking period. A hot bath is one other option although we all know what happens if we have little ones so timing here can be difficult even in the best if circumstances. I think you can find something else to keep your mind off your worries and even reading a good book or getting involved with watching a movie can take and help to ease your mind, even if it is only for an hour or two. I like comedies myself as laughter really works well with stress in our lives.
These are the suggestions I can recommend. Usually the deep breathing works best when you are really stressing over the feeling of anxiety or palpitations and have only a few minutes to deal with it. Given your age, the chance this is anything else is pretty low. Good luck.
| 2
|
Physician - Urologist
| null |
36,433
|
74yo Male, Graduating hospice. New drugs from PCP.
|
My father is graduating hospice in a fews days, he signed the paperwork today. He met with his PCP yesterday and he perscribed him Bactrim until he can see his pulmonologist. He hasn't been on any antibiotics since he left the hospital 5 months ago. Is this normal? Also he put him back on blood thinners but the hospice nurse took him off because his blood was thin enough three months ago? I understand that hospice is different than regular care. My dad has been having dizzy spells and I worry the blood thinners will make it worse.
He hasn't done any labs yet, should I wait until they are done to give him any of the new meds?
He had a stent placed in his heart in early June and was in the hospital for 11 days with severe pneumonia, he has copd, they sent him home on hospice, he was on 10lpm of oxygen. He's on room air now, he still gets winded after exertion.
|
There are many factors at play that can't be explained in a simple post on reddit. A lot depends on what the goals are becoming and what your father is hoping to achieve with his medical care. There is no "normal" in these circumstances. I suggest your father has a good conversation with his physicians to determine what next steps align with his goals.
| 3
|
Physician - Pulmonary and Critical Care
| null |
43,751
|
I'm struggling with my mental health, I think I'm on the wrong medication, what shall I do?
|
Hello, please bare with me as I'm quite confused right now and I haven't written many in depth posts either. I am not looking for a diagnosis rather than some advice, information and just a point in the right direction. I'm 21 years old and I am on medication for depression and anxiety ( fluoxetine) I have been for nearly 2 years now and it's not helping. I dont think it is depression or anxiety anymore I feel different, I'm disassociated more than half the time and I'm constantly 'whizzing around'. Always cleaning, moving, feeling happy, in love. When I have a good week I eat good, sleep good, go out. Make effort with everyone around me. Euphoria even if I'm not rushing around doing everything at once then I'm doing nothing, the world is ending around me and I feel separated from my reality. I used too have a few bad days and more good but now it seems like I have a good week and then 2 or 3 bad. When i have a bad week, it's like everything has crumbled, I stay in bed, I dont really eat,drink or look after myself.
My moods are also very up and down, the slightest thing can make my mood drop the lowest, this can last days now. I also become quiet during a bad week, isolating myself from others.
Other key points-
- random psychotic episodes
- feeling dissociated, ' not in touch with reality
- paranoia
Like I said above I'm just looking for some advice, I feel really lost, guilty and I'm just wondering how I should go from here. I appreciate any advice thank you. ( if anyone is going too say go too the doctor I am planning too I would just appreciate advice I'm not looking for a medical diagnosis)
|
Communicate with your psychiatrist / prescribing physician. Literally just say everything you've said here (or write down your thoughts).
You shouldn't feel guilty! Your healthcare team is here to help YOU.
| 5
|
Physician - Pathologist
| null |
5,386
|
Opinions? Pharmacist said nothing works for a dry mouth.
|
27 F Overweight
I've been sick for over a month and am currently fighting tonsillitis and a disgustingly dry mouth. No matter how much water I drink I can't stop it. I can bare with it during the day but at night it is making me wake up every hour and I'm exhausted since I can't get a consistent sleep!
My mum went to the chemist for me today and the pharmacist said there's nothing for dry mouths and that I'd be wasting my money buying sprays. He just said to tell me to drink lots of water. I've been drinking heaps. :/
Should I not buy a spray or something? What can I do about it??
|
Im a pharmacist. Ask for Biotene ( NOT biotin) or xylimelts. Biotene might just be in the toothpaste section.
| 3
|
Pharmacist
| null |
49,559
|
Top of thigh nerve pain
|
Hello! I (21F) am finally seeing a neurologist in the upcoming weeks, but it’s been a while to get there. I was having back pain last September, which led to my right thigh becoming super sensitive. I would be sitting down and flex my leg in any way and immediately be in excruciating pain making me scream out. I couldn’t pick up anything more than 10 pounds or move my leg much. Constantly feeling every sensation in the book going on inside my leg. The top of my right thigh was so sensitive. I finally went to my hospitals orthopedic unit. The doctor walked in and said I probably had a pinched nerve. He said “and I bet this hurts” then poked my leg, hard, 6 times. I think me screaming out in pain made him realize he shouldn’t have done that. I was taken for an X-ray for my thigh and they saw nothing. I was sent home and referred to their spine specialist. I had an X-ray and mri of my back done, then said I had a slightly arthritic (I forget the big name) L-5 / S-1 disc. He sent me to get two steroid shots to help with back pain and told me the leg pain should get better. It didn’t. I got the shot in December. I was back in February after waiting 6 weeks to see if it would help. I got an mri of my thigh, and nothing. I got a never study done on my leg and nothing. I have tried steroids on two separate occasions. I tried taking gabapentin and that didn’t help. I then tried lyrica and that does not help. The spine specialist just said we should do a nerve block to see if it will get rid of the pain. And if it does, we can keep doing it. I felt like he was just done trying to help and didn’t want to refer me to someone else. I then saw a physician, a new one, as I was aging out of my pediatrician. She got ALL my blood work done, and everything normal. She had since tried helping me get in to see a neurologist, the first place was 8 weeks out, then called to reschedule my appointment twice due to scheduling reasons. I was frustrated and asked her to refer me to a new place. Anywhere I call won’t even tell me what their soonest appointment is without a referral. I am supposed to see the new place 7/26. I am so sad to realize I have gone almost a full year, being in pain. I can’t do simple things that I enjoy anymore. No hikes. Even doing the kitty litter hurts my leg. I am just about in tears every night because of the pain, and I can’t get comfortable in any position because of the sensitivity of my thigh, and I wake up wanting to cry because I am already in pain. And trust me , most mornings I do. I want answers and to not live everyday in pain. The pain is indescribable, it is different throughout the day. Nothing helps, and I need help. If anyone has anything to say to help me out , anything is appreciated.
|
Agree with trying nerve block. You've already done everything else.
Sounds like and L4 L5 S1 territory problem to me.
| 2
|
Physician
| null |
12,512
|
Itchiness and irritation of skin under eye. No visible irritation.
|
Age: 33
Sex: F
Height: 5'2
Weight: 110
Race: White Hispanic
Duration of complaint: 1 Day
Location: Right Eye, Lower dermal area
Any existing relevant medical issues: Chronic migraines, seizures
Current medications: Topamax 100mg daily, Imitrex 50mg as needed
[Photos of right eye for reference](
For the past day, I've had itching underneath my right eye. Only the softer skin near the ocular bone/outer eye socket, close to outer tear duct.
No visible irritation, no redness, dry skin, lesions, no discharge, no irritation of actual eye itself. No swelling or puffiness noted.
I am at a loss, but concerned as it doesn't seem to have a cause, but it started last night and still bothers me today. I have heard several reports of pink eye or eye problems with covid, and though I have been quarantined about four weeks, I have gone out a few times for groceries.
I do have a migraine today as well, but that is common for me and I see a neurologist for that. No sore throat, I do have mild stuffy nose, but could be allergies?
|
If it persists, treat is as blepharitis.
There are many causes of blepharitis and it can be detective work to sort this out.
Hydrocortisone ointment (not cream) for up to a week can help. If treatment is not successful, seek care.
Topical corticosteroids are not safe long-term, especially on eyelids.
| 2
|
Physician - Dermatologist | Top Contributor
| null |
47,443
|
Melatonin vs. Benzodiazepines
|
I am a 40 year-old female (average health and weight) with a history of depression & anxiety. I take Propranolol 40mg as well as Citalopram 10mg everyday.
I also suffer from Insomnia. I take Alprazolam (0.25mg) and Oxazepam (10mg) for sleep, not together but alternate every night.
I told my doctor that I feel "dumb" due to memory issues and brain fog and the like.
He attributed them all to the Benzodiazepines, in particular Xanax (Alprazolam) that has been found to interfere with memory.
He suggested that I would switch to Melatonin instead, but then I came across a few studies that basically said even Melatonin causes cognitive impairment, even if you take the minimum dose of 0.3mg.
I need to be able to sleep, otherwise my problems would get even worse, so I wonder then which path should be preferable: Melatonin or Benzodiazepines?
In other words, if I necessarily had to choose one, which one would be less damaging for someone whose profession only requires brain & cognitive work?
|
Taking benzos in the long term is not advisable. They’re well recognised as causing cognitive issues, melatonin is not.
I would suggest tapering off the benzos (under your drs close supervision).
If you don’t want to use melatonin you could try a sedating antihistamine like promethiazine.
| 9
|
Physician
| null |
43,043
|
My 6 year old son possibly swollen optic nerve please help
|
I have a 6 year old son. My wife recently took him to an eye doctor for evaluation on recommendation of his pediatrician. The eye doc did multiple tests and said “it’s possible the nerve connecting eyes to brain is swollen.” He said that since he’s a new patient, he has no baseline to determine if that is normal for him or not, however, sometimes it’s normal, sometimes it isn’t. He ordered an MRI of his head at Children’s Hospital, we’re still waiting on the call for that appointment. It’s been about a week now since he’s been seen. Of course, after my wife relayed the message, I used Dr. Google and am now fearing the worst. What are the possibilities? Please help, I’m so worried for my son.
He’s got no other known medical issues. However, he does have occasional morning sickness. That happens maybe once a week, when it happens, he feels better after throwing up once or eating. My 11 year old step-son has the same issue and has all of his life, so we figured the morning sickness was no cause for concern.
Please upvote to be seen. I’m very concerned.
Please don’t respond unless you’re a physician.
Thanks
|
I am not sure it is really that useful to speculate; certainly not without more details about what the opthalmologist an paediatrician have seen.
I assume the paediatrician wanted an opthalmological evaluation due to this morning sickness?
As you found out with Google; the primary reason for the MRI is to exclude tumours that raise intracranial pressure. Tumour is a very broad term that includes relatively harmless and easily treatable problems to very serious issues. Other causes of changes to the optic nerve can also sometimes be seen on an MRI, like inflammatory diseases.
Hang in there, this all might very well be a false alarm, but his doctors need to make sure.
| 13
|
Physician, Neurology | Moderator
| null |
33,152
|
Visible pulsing in belly..worried about AAA please help
|
Hi everyone,
I'm 20F, 5'7, 134 lbs. I've been having a lot of digestive issues (severe bloating, reflux, dysphagia, intermittent abdominal pain etc) for the past 5 months and been on PPIs but they havent seemed to help much.
Today while lying down, I noticed pulsing in my belly (originating slightly to the right of my navel but pulsating throughout lower abdomen) and didnt think much of it until I looked it up and now I'm really worried about an AAA. Im sure its always been there before but now it's just bothering me. The pulsing is quite prominent at times, and I can see it and feel it even when I'm lying on my side. I'm not particularly skinny either and have a bit of belly fat so that's making me worry even more.
I did have an abdomen ultrasound done in march to investigate the other issues I've been having and the results for that were normal but I still feel worried in case something was missed or developed after. I suffer from severe health anxiety and thinking about this has made it so much worse.
Any insight is much appreciated, thank you!
|
AAA is pretty unlikely in your age. A lot of people with healthy aortas can see the pulsation on their belly
| 3
|
Physician - Neuroradiology
| null |
42,793
|
2 Abdominal+chest CT scans over the last 3 years. Now anxious from being subjected to radiation.
|
Not sure if this is the right place to post this but - I've had a couple of mystery illnesses over the last 3 years that have come and gone, this latest bout has lasted 5 months and put me in the ER twice due to severe abdominal aches and nausea. I've also been loosing weight much faster than I ever have in any past illness. Now, I understand that CT scans are an effective diagnostic tool which I would hope the docs would only use if they absolutely feel necessary considering the high amounts of radiation, however now that theses 2 scans have been done and **nothing was found**, I now find myself in a constant state of panic over the amount of radiation I've subjected myself to. I feel tortured with the idea that maybe I wasn't in as much pain as I though and should have just toughed it out longer and denied the scan. Part of me thinks that the hospital (Kaiser) just wants to cover their ass when someone goes to the E.R. and scan everybody who comes in there so that they should something be dreadfully wrong with the patient, they can check all their boxes and say they did what they could. I can't find anything online to calm my mind about the amount of radiation I've now had with these 2 scans, in fact its nothing but cancer red flags. Is there anything folks here can say to put my mind at ease at least a little? I'm a 38 y/o male btw with no family history of cancer if that info is needed.
|
The amount of radiation you receive from a CT scan is approximately equivalent to your yearly exposure to background radiation. All in all it’s not a huge increase and it’s not something you should expect to cause cancer in most individuals.
That being said, there are a few specific cancers that have particularly increased risk due to lifetime radiation exposure - namely testicular and thyroid. The good thing about these are that they are largely non-fatal and easy to monitor. You can regularly self monitor both your neck and your testicles for lumps. If you find one, the initial evaluation is a simple ultrasound.
| 4
|
Physician
| null |
3,979
|
i consumed 60 pills that was 1mg each benzo alprazolam from friday to last night
|
i had 3 left so took them and drank like five beers. 5,3%. butthen idk i fell asleep n when i woke up i couldnt move and i was hallucinating stuff and couldnt move. i forced myself up aftwr like an hour now im sitting here w headache n feel so sht and im still under influence of this. should i go to the er? or just wait this out. also i have no tolerance for benzo so i remember nothing since thursday and im female 19years old and i have eaten like nothing since thursday so they hit hard i think
|
Please don’t abuse alprazolam.
I don’t know how often you use benzos or alcohol but be so withdrawal can be life threatening. If you haven’t eaten in a few days and feel terrible it’s generally a good idea to get checked out by the ED.
| 4
|
Physician - Cardiology
| null |
7,090
|
CT SCAN results.....I have so many questions :/ Can someone shed some light on the report?
|
I (34F) had a CT scan done today because of abdominal pain. I drink wine almost daily but as of today I never will again. I'm so scared that I have done irreversible damage. I have GI issues and kidney pain too. I take Vyvanse and I'm wondering if that has contributed to the kidney pain. I talked to the Dr. after she got the CT results and she told me to come in for bloodwork. She suspected a kidney stone but according to the scan, that's not the case. She didn't tell me anything else.
If I had kidney damage would that have been in the CT report? Does Hepatomegaly mean I have ruined my liver? If it was Cirrhosis would it have been in the report or is that something that I can only find out with my bloodwork results? I'm most likely not going to find out for a couple of days which seems like an eternity.
I hate that it took this happening for me to wake up and realize the damage I have been doing. I just hope that I can heal myself from this. :/
Can anyone look at my CT results below and give me their input? I'd appreciate it very much.
IMPRESSION:
1. No hydronephrosis or obstructive calculus.
2. Mild duodenal and jejunal wall thickening, either incomplete distention versus mild enteritis.
3. Scattered colonic diverticula.
### Narrative
\#############################################
\############## F I N A L ##############
\############################################
PROCEDURE:
CT scan of the abdomen and pelvis without intravenous contrast.
REASON FOR EXAM/PROVIDED CLINICAL INFORMATION: Flank pain, kidney stone suspected. Left upper quadrant abdominal pain
TECHNIQUE:
CT scan of the abdomen and pelvis was performed without the administration of intravenous contrast using routine abdomen and pelvic protocols.
COMPARISON:
None.
FINDINGS:
No acute osseous abnormality.
The visualized lung bases are clear.
No free air is seen in the abdomen or pelvis.
Several subcentimeter lymph nodes at the inguinal, iliac chain and mesenteric regions.
Hepatomegaly.
The rest of the liver, spleen, adrenal glands, pancreas, gallbladder and biliary tree are intact.
The stomach is mild to moderately distended.
No hydronephrosis or obstructive calculus.
The ureters are intact without an intraureteral stone. However, the mid and distal portions of the ureters are not well visualized for assessment.
Mild circumferential wall thickening of the fourth portion of the duodenum and the proximal jejunum.
The bladder is incompletely distended, limiting evaluation.
No significant free pelvic fluid.
Scattered colonic diverticula.
The appendix is intact.
No bowel containing abdominal wall hernia, no high-grade bowel obstruction, no organized fluid collection in the abdomen or pelvis.
|
Kidney damage and liver cirrhosis is more of a lab test then a CT test. Hepatomegaly means you have a big liver which usually happens in overweight patients or diabetics.
Some of your small bowel is thickened which could be inflammation or because it isn't stretched (would ignore)
You have diverticulosis which means you're not eating enough fiber and probably constipated. (Pretty early age to have diverticulosis)
| 3
|
Physician - Gastroenterology
| null |
34,156
|
Urine color is become dark yellow after taking tablets
|
I'm 21M weight 102 P height 6.7
I'm taking tablets called surbex Z it's basically a vitamin supplement after taking the tablet my urine color is becoming dark yellow normally my urine color is normal I'm also taking enough water.
​
Each Surbex Z filmtab tablet provides the following ingredients:
​
* Composition
* Vitamin C 500 mg
* Nicotinamide 100 mg
* Vitamin E 30 IU
* Calcium pantothenate (Pantothenic Acid) 20 mg
* Vitamin B1 (Thiamine) 15 mg
* Vitamin B2 (Riboflavin) 15 mg
* Vitamin B6 (Pyridoxine hydrochloride 20 mg
* Vitamin B12 12 mcg
* Folic Acid 150 mcg
* Zinc (equivalent to 100 mg of Zinc sulfate) 22.5 mg
|
Supplementation of B vitamins can cause a change in your urine color. You're just peeing out the excess vitamins (a sign that you probably don't need them).
| 2
|
Physician | Top Contributor
| null |
34,257
|
Infant spinal meningitis and it's relation to seizures in adulthood?
|
Hi everyone,
​
First of all, I totally understand that any advice here is not intended to be a legit diagnosis etc, but I'm just curious about something that I just recently began questioning and would love a true doctor's opinion.
​
So my girlfriend of 3 years has a history of seizures and she claims they are the result of her suffering from meningitis(spinal I'm pretty sure she said) when she was 2 years old (about circa 1992). I've always accepted this explanation as I have no reason to doubt any of it.
​
However, she just recently had a pretty bad seizure while I was out of town and apparently, upon arriving at the hospital, they found meth and ecstasy (but apparently nothing else) in her system. As far as I know, she doesn't do any kind of illegal drugs, only prescription painkillers for her severe back pain (herniated disc) sometimes. However, I asked about this over on a drug sub, and a few people suggested that the drugs throughout her life had more to do with the seizures than her old meningitis issues.
​
So my question is this, what is the likelihood that her seizures are mostly attributed to her meningitis, or are people right in suggesting that the drugs(both legal and potentially illegal) have more to do with it?
|
Previous meningitis can make seizures more likely. Drug use also can cause seizures. If she had drugs in her system they almost certainly played a part in the seizures, at least this time around.
| 4
|
Physician | Top Contributor
| null |
17,483
|
Topical corticosteroid and covid vaccine efficacy
|
30M, 170lbs, 5ft 10in, mixed race, no history of major medical issues besides psoriasis
I received my 2nd dose of the Pfizer vaccine April 12 and have had minimal side effects: arm pain, slight headache and maybe a swollen lymph node in my armpit.
1st dose was on March 22 and I had much more arm pain and a similarly swollen lymph node in my armpit area.
I was prescribed a topical corticosteroid (alclometasone 0.5mg) on Feb 3 for around 6 weeks for a rash on my penis.
I didn’t use the prescription for more than 4 weeks since it eventually cleared up.
My question is, knowing that the steroid I applied to my body is an immunosuppressant drug, should I be worried about the vaccine’s efficacy in me? Would waiting two weeks (late Feb when I stopped using it to early March when I got the vaccine) be enough time to not have a suppressed immune system?
Am I worrying over nothing as the steroid wouldn’t have a systemic impact? Even if it was on a sensitive area?
|
topical steroids do not suppress the immune system, just local inflammation at the site they were applied
| 3
|
Physician
| null |
48,713
|
Chest hurts after exhaling all breath. Did I mess something up?
|
32 years old | Male | USA
Tonight I was messing around trying to see if I could exhale all the air in my lungs.
I exhaled slowly for a while until it felt like there was nothing inside.
Afterwards, my chest now feels sore and hurts. Is that normal? Did I damage my lungs?
|
You will always have residual volume in your lungs even if it “felt like” there was nothing inside. You may have strained your chest muscles.
| 4
|
Registered Nurse
| null |
46,358
|
Wife [20f, pegnant] sick, concerned about what's going on with her lips
|
Patient: Female, 20, 5'4, 124lbs, Caucasian/mixed.
Medications: Prenatal vitamins, occasional Vitamin B6, occasional Unisom, occasional Zofran
Symptoms: Nausea, Vomiting, Fever, Chills, headache, back pain.
Concern: Lips and gums swollen, [lips looking bruised.](
All of this is pretty normal for her, and it wasn't until she had a fever that we realized she was actually sick, not just dealing with the pregnancy. She is fully vaccinated for Covid (Pfizer).
I wouldn't be worried because it basically looks like the flu, except that her lips and gums have been quite swollen, and her lower lip looks pretty bad (see the picture above). Can anyone give me any ideas what might be going on? Thanks so much.
|
When did this start? How far into the pregnancy is she? Have you or her been out and about?
Do you have the ability to check her blood pressure? Is she still able to eat, drink, and urinate?
| 11
|
Physician
| null |
31,122
|
Medication issues.
|
Hi, I'm a 19 year old female, who is 6ft tall and weighs around 23st (322lbs)
I'm a type 2 diabetic and have also recently been diagnosed with Borderline Personality Disorder.
I'm very stressed at the moment, as both of the medications I've been given for my BPD (Aripiprazole and Mirtazapine) can both make you gain weight. I also take Metformin for my diabetes, which is supposed to be weight gain promoting (although this isn't working for me)
I don't want to gain weight; is the best option here to stop taking the psychiatric medication, or carry on and worsen the effects of my diabetes?
|
The best option is to properly treat your mental health, but also make sure you're eating healthily and getting adequate exercise so that you don't experience the weight gain. Having it be a side effect of a medication doesn't mean that you are necessarily going to gain weight, especially if you're actively working to lose weight.
| 4
|
Physician | Top Contributor
| null |
43,758
|
Humping blanket leads to blood in pee as well as ejaculate as well.
|
28M
5'6"
150lbs
Not Smoking
I'm sorry that this question might seem inappropriate but I humped my blanket, and now there is blood in my pee along with in my ejaculate as well. This has happened before and it went away the more I peed with time as well. I think the cause of this is because I'm pushing my pelvis against something and it is rupturing something along my pelvic area.
It's not just blood too, it is also chunks of something red that I am peeing out that is coming out of my urethra. It's dark red, kind of cloth like, and small. I feel like it might be the lining of whatever ruptured, or it can be some of the blood kind of combining together? It doesn't sound good but this has happened before and it has gone away but I know it is still not okay. I do hope that this can just be flushed out but I would like some help and information if that is possible.
Edit: I just pee'd and it is clear, I don't know about my semen though
My first pee I pee'd a lot of blood kind of mixed with water.
Then I pee'd two more times each with lesser blood and my ejaculate had blood in it after the second time I pee'd, I think it was the second time.
Edit 2: my ejaculate still has blood in it but my pee was clear. I want to check my pee again though.
Edit 3: I pee'd again and it had blood in it again
|
It's called 'prone masrurbation', you can find many articles about it.
| 4
|
Physician - Pathologist
| null |
24,163
|
why do i sometimes see things that aren't there
|
sometimes i'll see things or feel things that aren't there. for example, i'll see a person, or an object, then do a double take and it's gone. it's not threatening or scary to me as it's only there for a split second and then it goes so i know it wasn't real. but sometimes i've seen someone walk past me, and in that moment it's felt so real that i've said hello, or moved out of their way etc, only for me to realise a second later when i look again that there's no one there. or i'll see something like a box fall over and cover my head with my hands to stop it landing on me, only for nothing to fall. what could be the cause of this ? im a 19 year old female , otherwise healthy, any ideas ?
|
This warrants evaluation by your doctor. There are many different caused for these kinds of symptoms, some organic and some psychological, but all of them merit treatment.
| 3
|
Physician
| null |
17,940
|
Post trauma inflammation [M57]
|
My father fell from a scaffold on Nov 30th, broke his jaw and bruised heavily his left side. Docs mostly cared about the jaw — internal organs were fine.
Since ~Dec 8th, there has been two significant bulges near the armpit. I am assuming that they are really inflamed muscles.
Please see a picture showing [before]( the bulges appeared, and then a couple showing [after](
What muscles would they be? What is the best course of action?
Thanks everybody.
|
That looks like pectoralis major mostly. I'm a little concerned that the muscle is torn and bunching up. I saw a youtube video of a year like this once that looked the same, before and after. He probably has reduced strength and a higher chance for injury. I'd see a sports medicine doctor and/or a physical therapist to rehab that to mitigate that risk.
Isn't the bruised side his right? Or is it a selfie in a mirror that flipped? Anyway, not critical to the situation.
| 2
|
Physician
| null |
35,642
|
I have a physical dependency on a psychiatric medication, but psychiatrist will no longer see me and I have no job or insurance
|
Hi. I live in San Antonio, TX. My gender is male. I am 26 years old. My height is 5'8" and I weigh 245 pounds.
I take two Olly Laser Focus gummy vitamins each morning, two 250mg tablets of Depakote ER per night, and one 2.5mg gummy vitamin of Melatonin per night.
I have been diagnosed with ADHD and bipolar disorder.
I was recently told by my psychiatrist that she would no longer be seeing me, so I am without my Geodon 80mg prescription that helps me properly function and get a full night's sleep. I am extremely restless without the Geodon and I can only take short naps rather than get a full night's sleep; I have a physical dependency on this medication. I also have no insurance and no job.
I have two questions regarding my situation.
1. Is there an over-the-counter medicine/supplement that treats bipolar/ADHD-related restlessness?
2. In a situation like mine (no insurance, no job for the time being, but with a physical dependency on the medication), would it be possible for someone like me to obtain a prescription? And, if so, where would someone like me go about obtaining a prescription?
|
You should try applying for Medicaid and starting with your county behavioral health services to get reconnected.
| 3
|
Physician
| null |
47,746
|
Period pains from hell 😭
|
I get the worst period pains, but today it's unbearable. I've taken 2 parkodin forte and 400mg ibuprofen and I'm still in so much pain.. I have my heat bag on me as well but nothing is working! And now I feel super nauseous after all the pills to top things off... what do I do!!?? 😭😭😭😭
|
A heating pad that plugs into the wall works well for me. With the nausea as well, I would see your doctor and see if you can get any prescriptions to get through this easier.
| 3
|
LPN
| null |
21,135
|
Weird symptoms - bruising, skin issues (rosacea), etc
|
Hello!
I am a 27 year old woman, white, 5’5 and 138lbs.
I haven’t had skin issues until just about a year ago. This is the worst my skin has ever gotten. Very red. Also my eyes are red and...veiny, almost? No itching. I saw an ophthalmologist a couple months ago and he didn’t seem too concerned (aka didn’t even bring it up). Saw ophthalmologist for other reasons (potential effects of the adenoma).
I’ve also been bruising really easily, and exhausted ALL the time. It feels like no amount of sleep can help me feel rested.
One of my bottom teeth has a weird dark line, and my two front teeth have the same thing. Can’t post photos of them because my camera sucks.
I am vitamin D deficient. I also have a pituitary adenoma.
Recently I had an allergic reaction to MRI contrast dye Took steroids and some antihistamines for a week.
Pic attached! [random symptoms ](
|
Do you have a primary care doctor? While these symptoms are weird, they could all be explained relatively well by an autoimmune disease. There are tons of different ones, but almost all of them will require a thorough lab eval to rule them in/out. Have you ever had lab testing done? Specifically... CBC/thyroid/urine studies/esr/crp?
| 2
|
Physician
| null |
24,830
|
How much Lysol spray can give you brain damage?
|
I’m concerned about potentially how much Lysol spray I just used to disinfect an area of the house. I don’t have symptoms and have cracked the windows and left the area, but I’m freaking out. I do have health anxiety.
Age: 18 Gender: Male Height: ~5’7 Weight: ~140lbs Length of exposure: 10 minutes maybe? I do not smoke. No medications or medical issues besides probable OCD
|
if you feel fine youre fine
| 2
|
Physician
| null |
7,104
|
My completely unvaxxed mother wants the covid vaccine and we're wondering what to expect.
|
My mother (54F) said she's willing to get the covid vaccine so she can have her grandchild over and not take covid to her elderly parents. However, she also informed me that she hasn't been vaccinated for anything before (her parents are strongly antivax). I was unaware of this.
So, we're wondering if there's anything to expect or prepare for outside of the usual side effects. I'm wondering if she might have a stronger reaction seeing as her body hasn't encountered a vaccine before.
She's recently lost a lot of weight (on purpose) and is about 190lbs and is 5'9". I would guess that she was about 250lbs before. She has had several hip replacements because of an accident in her 20s, a knee replacement, and has degenerated disks in her back, for which she gets quarterly epidurals. She takes welbutrin, tramadol, and a sleeping pill. She's not in terribly great shape and not super mobile, but does do low impact exercise in her swimming pool so as not to lose mobility.
I'd also like to push for her to get some other vaccines, specifically measles and shingles. Are there any others that should be prioritized?
|
Right now, the Covid-19 vaccine is priority. Since she does not have any vaccine history, I would have her ask to be monitored for 30 minutes rather than 15 after she is inoculated out of an abundance of precaution.
| 38
|
Physician | Moderator | Top Contributor
| null |
11,478
|
Jock Itch or STD?
|
Hello everyone, I had a kind of a rash on my groins and a bit on my scrotum, it was there for about 3-5 weeks, though I didn't do anything about it for the first like 2 weeks or so. It was itchy, but not always, just sometimes (mostly during evenings and before I'll go to sleep). Also around that time, can't remember exactly when like 4 dots (separated from each other) appeared on my buttock (see the pic for reference) but they weren't itchy, they were just there.
​
​
​
About me:
22 y/o
White male
Living in Southeast China (close to Hong Kong) right now (Born and raised in Serbia, Europe)
190cm tall
78 kg
Was happening during Jun/July, was there for about 3-5 weeks.
Didn't go to see a doctor, had unprotected sex with my fiancee few weeks prior this happening. I used some anti scratch cream or kinda like skin cleaner type of thing, I can't read Chinese and it was on Chinese so not 100% sure what it was.
​
Need your opinion of whether should I go to take the test (and test for what?) or not?
​
Thanks Reddit, I'm looking forward to your response!
​
[Images of my groins and buttock, how it was before and how it is now. NSFW](
​
|
I see no evidence of a STI. Consider some topical hydrocortisone and a topical antifungal agent to supress inflammation and anything infectious. If you do not respond, seek care.
| 2
|
Physician - Dermatologist | Top Contributor
| null |
16,053
|
pheochromocytoma
|
Hi there! Hope I'm doing this right. I'm 39F, 5'5, 150 pounds. Non smoker, no medications. I take a B12 and iron supplement due to anemia from heavy periods.
I was having spells of episodic high blood pressure and my 24 hour urine hormonal results were high. All blood and platelets were fine.
Family doctor diagnosed with pheochromocytoma.
I've been googling and very afraid. Can anyone often any insight or reassurance?
Thanks
|
What exactly would you like reassurance about? You’re probably not going to find someone who regularly deals with pheochromocytoma. It’s the kind of thing that every medical student gets made fun of for suspecting because it’s rare. As far as I’m aware people don’t usually die of it. When were you diagnosed and did your doctor not explain it to you? Do you have a surgery scheduled to remove it? They didn’t give you any meds to take in the time between now and your surgery?
| 2
|
Medical Student
| null |
4,056
|
Post Chlamydia problems??!!
|
Age:24 Sex:Male Race:Caucasian Height:5'8 Weight: 160lb.
​
So back around early/mid January I was in extreme pain for a week like not being able to stand up straight and walk around. My groin region (below belly button) and my right testicle was swollen pretty bad. Anyways, I end up in hospital, they gave me a shot, as well as prescribed me to some doxycycline. They could not give me a definite answer as to what was happening at the time.
About a few days go by and I still had no clue what was happening, but I was still taking the pills, I get a call from a doctor telling me I tested positive for chlamydia. Never had it before so was extremely put off. I was still seeing the same person that I got it from and was still "messing" around while still on the medication.
Anyways I stopped seeing the person, and haven't done anything since January, and the medication did remove the pain and swelling - however since February I noticed behind my right testicle - right on the bottom but more so tucked behind I can feel a bump. It is sort of pointy/hard . Kind of difficult to explain but its small and makes me feel weird to touch because my left testicle is smooth and rounded. There is no discoloration and you can't necessarily see the bump (if you look hard enough maybe you can) but mainly can just feel it. Doesn't hurt or anything and I can do everything as normal, but it feels weird and makes me off put.
I am not sure what it is or if maybe since I was still fooling around with the same person while on the medication the disease never fully went away.
Any ideas on what this is or what is happening is super greatly appreciated!!
EDIT: ALSO forgot to mention that when I was in the hospital they did do an ultrasound and said everything was good to go and no problems as well as good bloodflow.
|
Sounds like you had something called epididymitis. I’d urge you to contacting your doctor for a repeat ultrasound if you are feeling a mass on your testicle.
| 2
|
Physician Assistant
| null |
33,630
|
Mother Fainted with COVID - When to Seek Medical Treatment
|
Hi all,
Basically as the title says. Mother started showing symptoms of COVID last Tuesday/Wednesday, Feb. 2 going into Feb 3. She thought it was a bad flu, and her test is in the process of coming back positive. My dad's test came back positive this last Tuesday, Feb. 9. Last night, she was experiencing severe chills and nausea. This morning, she was experiencing severe sweats, and when she went to stand up and walk out into the hallway, she fainted. My father thankfully caught her, and she regained consciousness after about a minute. She claims her temp is 98.6 while she is experiencing these sweats right now. As far as I know, she is not experiencing any breathing issues at the moment.
To complicate matters, she is as medically fragile as Monty Burns: 55 year old female, around 170 pounds. She is not a smoker, a "one-small-glass-every-six-months" wine drinker, but she has Crohn's disease and has had three strokes in 2017 in the ACA area of the brain, and has a blocked artery in her brain. She is also on the following medications: Azathioprine, Losartan, Avorstatin, Delzicol, Dapsone, Multi-vitamin (50+ womens, brand unknown), Aspirin, Asthmanax, Fexofenadine (Allegra), Albeuterol (as needed), Advil (as needed). If needed, I can provide exact doses.
Is this normal during COVID? Should she be seeking medical treatment? My sister and I are very worried for her and would like to make sure she's doing what she needs to in order to get her through this without severe complications.
|
Literally as soon as she fainted. Her O2 levels could be very low, causing her to faint. She definitely need to see a health care provider ASAP.
| 7
|
Emergency Medical Technician
| null |
25,449
|
I feel like I’m choking after I eat (I chew my food before swallowing), which results in a panic attack, but I can breathe fine?
|
Age: 32
height: 5’10
weight: 240ish
gender: male
medication: not taking any
smoking status: non smoker
current medical issue: never had food allergies and food allergy symptoms. This happened a couple of times in 2012 or 2013. Started happening again recently (everyday it happens once). after i eat food (it happens with all foods for the most part and it happens everyday). I chew my food as much as i can (at least i believe i do), and i start feeling that i’m choking and yet i can breathe. No signs of allergy symptoms. No clear info online other than the inside of the throat has ridges where food particles may get stuck, other than that nothing.
duration: happens everyday, feeling of chocking lasts anywhere from a few minutes to an hour. Soon as the feeling is gone my panic attack goes away.
location of complaint: in the throat, specifically just left of my “adam’s apple”. This may have been felt one before on the right side of the throat, but generally is felt on the left side.
demographic: Chicagoland area (Midwest US)
What can be the cause/s? Can this be all in my head or could there be a legitimate reason? Its happening now. I know/recognize that I’m able to breath fine yet I’m in panic mode right now as its bothering me (listening to music and drinking water to calm down).
If you need any additional info, please let me know.
Thank you very much.
Edit: feeling is very minimal and panic attack went away (thank God). Still would like to know your opinion on what is causing this. Thanks.
|
You might also find it called a zenker's diverticulum or pharyngeal pouch.
| 2
|
Speech Language Therapist
| null |
7,191
|
Red Spots Penis
|
Age: 21
Weight: 200lbs
Race: Caucasian
Background: Hello everyone, the last couple of months I've noticed these red spots on my penis. I thought they were due to friction as they typically go better if I abstained from sex/masturbation (the skin would crack if I did it too much) but recently in an attempt to clear them up completely I've abstained from both for several weeks. The spots no longer crack but they have not cleared up completely. I've been using hydrocortisone (stopped a few days ago) and clotrimazole and while they seem to have helped they have not made them completely go away. They are no longer flakey, just kinda red. The bumps in the new picture kinda look like herpes to me but they aren't fluid filled and have been there for several weeks making me think they probably aren't. Any thoughts?
Before clomitrazole and hydrocortisone ( a week ago):
Yesterday:
|
More likely inflammatory than infectious. Consider lichen planus, lichen sclerosus and psoriasis. Sometimes skin biopsies are required to differentiate among the many possibilities.
| 3
|
Physician - Dermatologist | Top Contributor
| null |
44,903
|
Am I diabetic?
|
Am I diabetic?
Blood Glucose level after waking up...
101, 118, 103 = 107 avg. I drank 4 drinks last night and then fasted 7-8 hours. Had some pizza before bed. Upon waking up I took a drink of V8 juice, consumed approx 6G of carbs prior to the glucose test. Right when I realized I forgot I ran the test.
Then, I drank a coke, ate a banana and had some tonic water within 15-45 minute window. All in all, about 100G of carbs.
Recorded the following 178, 187, 175 = 180 AVG
I don’t have adverse symptoms...
For the last few weeks, Been having trouble sleeping, usually wake up 1-2x through the night. With an urge to pee, but not really a lot of volume to piss. In other words, it feels like I need to pee, yet if I get up I don’t piss much, and if I lay down through the feeling I’ll fall back asleep without needing to piss. Last night I slept great. Slept right through the night.
I have been drinking 3-4 beers trying new stuff recently.
I also take a ZMA supplement which is none to have affects on sleep. I take this since my doc told me to take magnesium for twitching. It works. I haven’t twitched in a while. I’ve been on this 4-6 weeks.
I also started taking Maca root.
One thing is I think I am dehydrated, feel an urge for thirst, and hardly drink much water at all! I take caffeine and creating and combined with the alcohol know my hydration should be increased!
Yesterday drank only 50 ounces.
I need to improve my hydration.
I woke up today with pain in my left hand ring finger when I bend it. No swelling, but the feeling when I bend it is as if it’s swollen.
Can’t recall any instance yesterday that would’ve caused an injury...
Male, 6’00” 185LBS no medications and active
No family history except for my brother who’s 17 was recently diagnosed type 2 diabetic.
Per my Apple Watch, I don’t have any high HR or anything like that.
|
**Stop checking your blood sugar.**
| 7
|
Physician | Top Contributor
| null |
938
|
Dismissed from care for violation of pain contract, nothing nefarious on my side, interested in what happens next with new doctor. 37/Male/Knee and leg injuries.
|
First of I would like to say that I know that tons of people say they didn't do anything wrong, or at least we're not aware of doing anything wrong. I am a nurse professionally but I have not held any position since early 2016. I know that the opioid crisis has really ramped up recently though.
I had been prescribed hydrocodone a few years ago for back pain and it was entirely ineffective and after a couple of months I weened off with the input of my physician at the time.
More recently I spent a couple of months in the hospital around the turn of the year with compartment syndrome in my one leg with two fasciotomies to reduce the damage. I went home with a wound vac and a couple of weeks later I was back in the hospital with septic arthritis in that knee that required two surgeries to resolve. A lot of damage was done due to the infection as well as the steps taken to stop the infection.
Upon discharge I was prescribed 6 10/325 lortab daily, not ideal because of my earlier experience but it was much more effective this time for this pain. A few months in I asked to be dropped to 5 a day and hoped to work on finding the lowest effective dose. That still was not cutting it and he prescribed 3 5mg oxycodone daily as well, that was completely ineffective for me and I was sent to a pain management doctor. His recommendation was 30mg of morphine extended release BID and on the 29th of last month I started that following my appointment with my primary physician.
The cost of that was well beyond what I can afford right now monthly but I filled that one and I worked to get a prior authorization with the insurance company. They said that I would need to take a urine drug screen which I promptly completed at my physicians office.
A few days later I was informed that I was in violation of my pain management contact because my drug screen came back completely negative. I wasn't even aware that the office would be looking at the results for any reason of their own to begin with and I was told that I was on violation and that was that. I offered to take it again. I offered to let them see the pills to know that I had them in my possession and it's not like they were going anywhere else. No go. It was done. Recently the health system was purchased by a much larger one and I can respect them having rigid rules, I just don't think that it is right in this situation.
I have an appointment next with with a new doctor in a different health system because of this now, which in a way isn't bad because it is in the same health system as the surgeons working with me on my knee.
I don't want to be tethered to this crap but at the same time until things are repaired I need something to help. I use crutches and I am sometimes laid up for days after doing a lot. I figured I would try something less potent with the new doc and go from there. The thing is though, they never even informed my insurance company of the test results at this point, and I really don't want to deal with them anymore. I would have to work on getting a prior authorization again since they have failed to inform the insurance company... The whole reason for the test in the first place.
What should I even say to this new doctor? I don't want to seem sketchy by saying that I was dismissed and he doesn't have full access to the documents, but I also don't want to be sketchy and withhold anything either. The only thing that I can think of is for like 4 days I didn't take anything for pain right before the test because I was super sick and I threw up a dose twice when trying to keep the morphine down. I waited it out until I was feeling better then resumed.
|
This pisses me off. Tell the new dr what happened AND THAT YOU OFFERED TO BRING PILLS IN FOR A PILL COUNT because what they SHOULD be worried about with negative UDS is diversion, or someone selling or giving away their pills. They should NOT be punishing people for minimizing opiate use. Idiots.
| 3
|
Pharmacist
| null |
29,397
|
Is taking Tylenol safe for people long after cancer surgery
|
So hey, my mom currently has BPPV (Benign Paroxysmal Positional Vertigo) and I'm wondering if taking Tylenol would help lower the dizziness when lying down for treatment. She had Thyroid cancer 6 years ago and removed her thyroid.
* Age: 57
* Sex: female
* Race: Asian
* Current medication: levothyroxine 0.075mg
|
No, there's no reason that it would
| 8
|
Medical Student
| null |
44,488
|
Am I underweight, and how do I gain weight?
|
I am 14F, 5'2 and 94 pounds. I look stupid compared to my friends and I hate it. Am I unhealthily underweight? how can I gain weight fast and not lose it?? Sorry if this question shouldn't belong here but I don't know what other subreddit there is
|
You are unhealthily underweight, and I would recommend that you gain weight.
Unfortunately there’s no quick trick for gaining weight. It’s all about the calories. You need to eat more food and more high-calorie foods.
If you struggle with eating more food for whatever reason, it’s reasonable to discuss with your doctor. Depending on why you can’t eat enough, there may be strategies or treatments that can help
| 5
|
Physician
| null |
40,623
|
Delay vaccine after covid positive
|
29 F
Height 1,5 m
Weight 45 kilos
Currently tested positive for covid and delayed my vaccination. I have mild symptoms. How long should i wait before taking the vaccine? What blood tests to do after the disease and before the vaccine?
I have permanently LBBB on EKG, and the cardiologist said it is a genetic anomaly of my heart. Does the Covid attack the heart? Should i do the vaccine? Thank you.
|
Not a doctor but I am a vaccine and big bio nerd!
Current recommendation is to get the vaccine after you have finished with quarantine.
If you have been TREATED for COVID with antibodies you apparently should wait 90 days.
Data coming in shows that people receiving the vaccine while positive for and symptomatic with COVID tend to feel better after Vaccination?
This is a decent article on the subject:
I'll leave the heart stuff to a real doctor.
| 9
|
Respiratory therapist
| null |
1,072
|
My testicles go up during an erection?
|
It is like my ballsack is empty. They go like right next to my penis. I can push them down physically, but I don't know why they are doing that in the first place. Should I be worried?
Thank you for any help. I'm 20, I'm on zoloft, and I have never had any problems with my testicles medically. I'm white, 5'5, and probably 115 lbs. (Trying to gain some weight!)
|
This is normal.
| 2
|
Physician | Top Contributor
| null |
43,338
|
I have been told by an eye specialist at the hospital I have bilateral allergic conjunctivitis. Is it worth asking for an allergy test with my GP?
|
34F, 5ft5 ish and around 14st or 196lb. Asthmatic but controlled and not currently on any medication, even inhalers at the moment! No drugs, non-smoker but occasional drinker.
My eye had gone blood red (just the right eye) and was watering a lot. It wasn’t sore unless I got tired, but it made underneath my eye go dry and red which did get sore. I saw my GP who, after about 6-8 appointments and prescriptions of various eyedrops, gems and creams, sent me to the Ophthalmologist at the hospital. After examination, I was then told I had bilateral allergic conjunctivitis and blepharitis in my right eye. My left eye is completely fine and has no symptoms at all. The last time this occurred before now was October 2019. Is it worth asking for an allergy test, and if so, is there a specific one? Thank you
|
If it's the only allergic symptom, if there's no skin or nose issues, for example, I usually don't advise to test
| 3
|
Physician - Ophthalmologist
| null |
24,385
|
If I don't MRI, will I die?
|
First, sorry for the title, I thought it was catchy.
I am a 30 year old female. I have SLE with discoid manifestations. I take a significant amount of medications including Cellcept, Methotrexate, hydroxycloriquine, viagra, gabapentin and I am a participant in a clinical trial for a biologic. I have a history of really bad headaches, but within the last year my autoimmune disease has started becoming under control and the headaches have disappeared, therefore I quit taking topamax. I smoke, but don't drink or use any recreational drugs. I have three related questions, but mainly my concern is whether or not an MRI/MRA is absolutely necessary. I am going to preface this with saying I dislike doctor's appointments and I am tired of the plethora of tests.
Last Tuesday, I went into my GP because a few days prior I heard my heartbeat in my ears (it sounds exactly like an ultrasound of a fetal heartbeat). I have been hearing my heartbeat on a somewhat regular basis for around 3 years, it started when I was on a fairly high dose of steroids. I can only hear my pulse when I am lying down. I went to the doctor because lately the noise has been quite significant and strong. It has sounded like a train was running through my head, all while my head and neck was throbbing and my room appeared to be breathing. It has been so loud and strong, it wakes me. When I wake up, I have a severe pounding headache and am drenched in sweat. My primary care doctor referred me to get an MRI/MRA study, and my first question is whether it is absolutely necessary. By that, I mean will I die if I don't pursue this or is it more of an inconvenience?
My doctor also had asked me if I had any neurological symptoms. While I have a lot of weird and unexplained symptoms, I am unsure of what really constitutes a neurological symptom and what is just kind of wonky. Some of the weird things I experience are: eye problems, neuropathy, strange walking, memory and speech issues, "lightheadedness". I can go into depth, but I feel crazy talking about some of these things. This brings me to my second question, what should I tell my doctor about?
The last question I have is about family history. I only have knowledge about my maternal side. In that, there are neurological disorders. My grandmother was diagnosed with Alzheimer's and a brain tumor, my grandfather was diagnosed with Parkinson's. My mother also has a brain tumor (according to their neurologists, their tumors are NOT hereditary). My aunt has a thyroid disorder and my brother has a traumatic brain injury and asthma. How much of this is really relevant? I ask because while I can recite this here, I get so overwhelmed at the doctor's office that I forget most of it.
|
\> By that, I mean will I die if I don't pursue this or is it more of an inconvenience?
If anyone could know the answer to that, there would be no point in getting an MRI.
| 6
|
Physician
| null |
16,758
|
Best friend [24F] is having seizures and short term memory loss from mental health alone? Looking for insight
|
Best friend has short term memory loss and seizures from poor mental health alone?
My best friend (24, F) has bipolar disorder and has always dealt with mental health issues like depression and anxiety. Apparently her mental health got really bad during quarantine and she went to the hospital (ER) with her boyfriend cuz something felt off to her. Before that she told me she’d been having uncomfortable “head spasms”. At the doctors she had a grand mal seizure and then got transported to a mental health care facility, having been experiencing basically a mental break down.
I don’t know a lot about what has happened since as I only get the info her mom gives me but I know she has had at least one more seizure, and that they say nothing is or was physically wrong with her. (She didn’t fall or have any physical trauma, all blood work is good, nothing wrong in brain scans, etc). She is home now but has short term memory loss where if you tell her something she doesn’t remember 10 min later. She needs to be supervised 24/7 and can’t have her phone as she gets upset/confused/overwhelmed easy and they don’t want her to have another seizure, because they believe they are self-induced/solely related to mental health.
Can anyone provide any insight on these topics? I want to know more but am having a hard time getting answers from her mom. It seems odd to me that all this could happen just from a mental breakdown and poor mental health. I believe them of course I just want to know more. Since there’s nothing physical wrong does that mean she is more likely to recover?
I’m really worried about my friend and just hoping to maybe learn more about what she could be experiencing. They’re trying to get her an amnesia specialist so hopefully that helps too. If you have any suggestions too of how I could help her at all (memory or otherwise) I would really appreciate it.
Thank you in advance.
|
Sounds like pseudoseizures or psychogenic non-epileptic seizures (PNES). It is from being too mentally stressed and she does need intensive mental health care. If the doctors can figure out a good medication plan, she can recover from this.
| 10
|
Medical Student
| null |
16,584
|
Lipoma or Sarcoma? help!!
|
First off, I'm a 5'7 21 year old male and i weigh 150 pounds. (Mods told me to put that). I do use a vape. And drink occasionally on the weekends. I do regularly workout.
I have a lump on the back of lower/middle thigh. It is only noticable (can see it poking out) if i stand straight up. If i sit down, cross legs etc, goes away. No pain or anything its just there. I have had trama in this area before if that helps any. Had Tourettes as a child. This area was a man "tic" spot. What does it sound like to you guys?
It isn't huge but it is definitely noticable. Right thigh to be exact. Any ideas?
|
pictures would help.
| 2
|
Physician
| null |
12,377
|
[15M] I have only one testicle, a scar on my scrotal sack and another one above my waistline
|
I have had 1 testicle and these scars for as long ago as I can remember and I haven't asked my parents about it.
I recently read something about an undescended testicle having higher chances of testicular cancer.
Can someone tell me what possible procedures could have been done ?
|
The surgical removal of a testicle is known as an Orchiectomy
The procedure to correct the placement of undescended testes is an Orchiopexy
| 4
|
Medical Student
| null |
15,806
|
Mom have COVID-19 and possibly whole family.
|
Mid 40s, 5’3, non-smoker, asian, around 40kg-50kg.
Fully vaccinated Pfizer.
So my family thinks she contracted covid 5 days ago. And now she is showing symptoms runny nose, cold, sore throat, and today loss of taste.
I’m afraid, I don’t want her to suffer. What is the odds of her getting better? And I think my whole family have COVID-19 because we were eating together and in the same house.
How likely that a 16 year old and a 13 year old develop severe symptoms? Not vaccinated because it is not approved at the moment for children. Plus my grandmother too she is fully vaccinated, only mom have symptoms.
Sorry if my post is confusing I just can’t put into words the things I want to say.
In short how likely is my mom to recover she have mild symptoms.
|
As a fully vaccinated individual, your mother is unlikely to have any serious complications from COVID-19, and the odds of her needing to be hospitalized or dying are super super low.
Are you in the US? The Pfizer vaccine is approved for individuals 12 years old and older. We’ve been vaccinating kids for months now, you really should have been vaccinated already (if you’re in the US, that is; I have no idea about other countries).
Keep your grandmother away from your mother. Your mother should be fully quarantining for 10-14 days depending on your local guidelines.
| 6
|
Medical Student
| null |
23,614
|
Snowboarding injury: is my wrist broken?
|
Hello!
I was learning to snowboard this winter and fell multiple times on my hands. I don't remember a specific incident that caused this, so it may have been a result of multiple smaller falls. Anyways, my wrist hurt really bad at first, any kind of pressure pushing back on my fingers when my palm was open hurt so much I would stop using it for a time. Now, after 4 months, it does not hurt as bad, but I still can't hold up my own body weight (150lbs) or give someone a highfive without pain. I don't want to go to a doctor if it's nothing...do you think it could be a small fracture? If it is, what is the treatment? What kind of doctor should I see?
I really appreciate any advice y'all can give!! Thank you!
|
Sorry, my x-ray vision isn't working today.
| 2
|
Physician | Top Contributor
| null |
26,404
|
24F Does getting the COVID vaccine make you positive for the rapid, antigen test?
|
24, 170lbs, 6'2", Mild symptoms since Wednesday
I received the J&J vaccine this spring. Recently, I've been feeling mildly feverish. My body is sore. I have a stuffy nose. I've been coughing and I have a headache. No loss of taste or smell however. But I still want to get tested.
Is there any point in getting the rapid, antigen test if I already got the vaccine?
|
The vaccine cannot make you test positive on the rapid antigen test, no. If you get tested for COVID (preferably PCR, but antigen is an okay screener), and it comes back positive, you actually have COVID.
If you’re symptomatic, you should get tested, preferably with a PCR test.
| 13
|
Medical Student
| null |
15,071
|
Afrin overuse
|
Female 28, 5'3, 172lbs, complaint is chronic stuffiness of my nose, length of complaint is a couple weeks, my concern is dry mouth while sleeping leading to tooth decay and what happens when it stops working entirely. No related illnesses or conditions. No meds.
So, I've been using afrin every night because for some reason my nose clogs up when I get in bed for sleep. I don't know if it's some kind of allergen in the room or what. But I've been using the nose spray for maybe a year or close to it. Now I have noticed it stops working at some point in the night and I'm clogged up again when I wake up. And then I have to use it again during the day.
So I'm getting nervous that it's gonna stop entirely and not sure what else I can do
|
If you are in the USA you should be able to get flonase without prescription, jut be sure to follow the instructions for use. Also, while weaning off afrin some people have good results by weaning one nostril at a time. For the nasal congestion/dry mouth try a cool mist humidifier.
| 2
|
Registered Nurse
| null |
47,979
|
Chiropractor said I have a pinched nerve in my upper back, should I see a specialist?
|
19 AFAB (he/they), 5’3”, 250 lbs
I’ve been experiencing sharp, deep pain on the right side of my upper back. It’s to the left and bottom of my shoulder blade.
I’ve always had upper and lower back pain due to my weight and large breast size. Sometime in January I think, it started to get significantly worse.
I started seeing the chiropractor on June 7th for 2 days a week. I have been experiencing the pain described above for many months, and it’s gotten to the point where I neglect my chores and showering because it hurts so bad to stand and move my arms. I started alternating the days I would do chores - washing dishes one day (our dishwasher is broken so I do everything by hand - for 4-5 people) and showering the next day. By the time I’m done, I’m in so much pain and exhausted, I can hardly move.
I got adjusted at the chiro on the 10th and the pain increased significantly. It’s no longer bothering me just when I do chores - its hurting constantly and intensely. There’s no clean dishes and I haven’t showered in days because it hurts too much to do anything at all. It’s hard to even lay down comfortably. My mom is getting frustrated with me and I’m getting frustrated with myself and my body. No one is willing to help me get my chores done.
I saw the chiro again today and brought it up. He ruled out a torn rotator cuff and did a few more tests before saying I had a pinched nerve. I don’t know anything about anatomy and stuff, so I took his word for it. I told my mom his diagnosis afterwards and she seemed skeptical because I didn’t have an MRI or anything. He did adjust something right over that spot and it felt immensely better afterwards, but now that I’m home again, I feel the sharp pain returning.
The chiro didn’t say I needed additional testing or see a specialist, but I’m concerned that just getting my spine adjusted won’t be enough. Should I ask him about it when I go back in on the 18th? Or should I take the initiative to call my PCP and ask for recommendations for a specialist?
|
It sounds like you're experiencing a pretty common dance that people get into with chiropractors. Go see your PCP, get a real diagnosis, and get some real treatment.
| 18
|
Physician - Pulmonary and Critical Care
| null |
13,852
|
Have had a pulmonary embolism, do I need bloodthinners if I freeze my eggs?
|
32F, Sweden, bilateral PE 2016 due to then unknown Factor II mutation and BCPs. Not treated with blood thinners anymore but I use prophylactics during long travel, surgery etc.
PCOS treated with Metformin and Spironolactone.
The title pretty much says it all. 😊 For a few different reasons, I’m planning on doing fertility tests and hopefully freezing some eggs soon.
I’ve been told any pregnancy of mine will be considered high risk and need monitoring and blood thinners.
But will I need blood thinners during the egg freezing process as well?
It’s been pretty hard finding information online, I’ve found some guidelines for DVT and IVF saying blood thinners should be prescribed as soon as the ovulation stimulation begins.
I will of course discuss this in detail with my doctor! It’s just been my experience that I need to stay on top of the increased risk because it’s often overlooked even though it’s in my records. (It’s happened when I had gall bladder surgery and when I was hospitalized with a kidney infection, for example.)
It’s easy to miss so it doesn’t bother me much, I just know I need to ask about it.
I just know so little about fertility stuff that I simply don’t know what common practice is.
Thank you so much in advance!
|
Your question should be discussed with your thrombosis doctor. If you plan to take gonadotropin medications or clomiphene to over-stimulate egg production, you would be at higher risk of clotting similarly to taking hormones (like OCPs).
| 7
|
Physician - Rheumatology
| null |
17,255
|
Extreme Anxiety from Prednisone
|
[Age:18][sex:M] 6 foot roughly 170 lbs relatively good shape. Often smoke weed to manage my tourette's disorder but haven't in the past 2 weeks. Don't use tobacco products or consume alcohol. Blood pressure is on the low end don't remember the exact reading but they said I'm in no danger just a bit on the low end. I've had a sinus infection for about a week and it appears I have bronchitis as well. Saw my doctor yesterday and received a prescription for 40mg prednisone (never taken it before didn't know what to expect.) However I have a chronic anxiety/depression disorder (that my doctor is aware of.) I've noticed since taking the medication that my anxiety has increased ten fold and I had to stay home from work/school today as a result. I had panick attacks where it feels like my heart is pounding all day and felt extremely nauseous and dizzy(which was no fun with the sinus infection on top of that.) Regardless I'm about to go to bed where I'll have to take more of the medication tomorrow. I'm calling my doctor first thing in the morning before taking more prednisone but I'm wondering if this is a normal thing? If so am I in any danger? I try not to feed my anxiety with these kinds of things but I'm genuinely concerned.
|
Prednisone can worsen anxiety. Goes back to baseline when you stop it. Calling your doc in the AM seems like a good idea.
| 3
|
Physician | Top Contributor
| null |
38,655
|
Can I stop taking my Wellbutrin?
|
27
M
6’1”
250 lb
White
~2 weeks
Virginia, USA
Wellbutrin 125mg
Adderall 15 mg 2x a day
I’ve noticed I have been extremely irritable since starting Wellbutrin (WB) a couple of weeks ago. I missed my WB on Sunday (still took my adderall) and felt happy all day. I took the WB this morning as prescribed and have been extremely irritable again. Am I safe to stop taking my WB? This is my first antidepressant and I know some require you to step down off of them.
|
This is something you need to talk to your doctor about. Your doctor needs to know about adverse effects and such to know what is and isn't working.
| 3
|
Physician - Pulmonary and Critical Care
| null |
24,109
|
I've had a fever for 6 days, is this normal for the flu?
|
I have had a fever for 6 days, cough, aches and went to an Urgent Care. The doc put on Tamiflu and I have taken a few doses. When should my fever go away? It doesn't drop below 99. I'm not sure if something else is going on or not.
I have been using Tylenol and cough meds along with the Tamiflu.
|
I had the flu in November and had a fever over 100 for a solid seven days so what you’re describing is definitely not atypical for the dominant strain this season. I would recommend scheduled does of Tylenol four times daily alternating with ibuprofen assuming you have no history of liver or kidney disease or gi bleeding.
| 2
|
Pharmacist
| null |
90
|
I don't want to eat my meds today.
|
Hello I am 19M
I have been diagnosed with tuberculosis
Am on rifampicin
Pyrazinmide
Ethambutol hydrochloride and isoniazid meds
I took my first dose of vaccine yesterday for covid
And today morning I puked and since then my tongue feels awful and am nauseated too
I would assume it's vaccine side effect
I have took the rifampicin and pyrazinmide for today
But the last med ethambutol hydrochloride and isoniazid
Is very big and tastes very very awful
It makes me nauseated too
Am afraid I'll vomit after eating it
Can I skip it for today?
|
With medications against tuberculosis it's very important to take the meds *every* day to avoid developing resistant bacteria. Consider contacting your primary care doctor for help with treating side effects.
| 5
|
Physician - Pulmonary and Critical Care
| null |
33,058
|
Bitten by a street cat, should I get rabies vaccination? (21/male/1.8m)
|
It happened in a city area, by a bus station infront of a mall. I have known this cat for 2 months now, kinda old, very friendly, doesn't like being pet around the legs. While petting him I touched him around his legs... So he gave me a small bite, then continued to lick himself. there was only 1 teeth the pierced my skin, so a bit of blood but really nothing serious.
I senitized the wound with soap and alco-gel about 15 minutes afterwards (washed with water immediately) and went to my family doctor a day later. She told me to get a tetanus vaccine so I did, rabies wasn't even mentioned, she probably didn't think it was necessary. Should I worry? Should I still get it? Since getting bitten I've been looking for that cat in the same spot he always goes too, if he is alive 2 weeks later I should be fine. Its been 10 days since and I still haven't seen him again (checked 3 times).
|
Well, if you've already talked to a medical professional in person, then I would stick with their advice.
| 5
|
Physician - Pulm & Critical Care
| null |
29,029
|
Should I be worried about drain hole not closing?
|
I am a 34 FtM guy. 5'4, 195 lbs. Hispanic, no drug user.
I had an open gallblader removal a week ago.
They left a drainage until monday.
Its an horizontal 1 inch cut. Doc said it to just keep it clean and it should heal by itself but I did not ask how long would it take.
So it has been 5 days since and I dont see progress, still looks like an open hole to me.
It doesnt hurt or smell. Dont look inflamated and only been leaking some drops of yellow liquid.
But I am worried cuz it was my first surgery so dont know what to expect, the actual surgical cut started to close around third day after surgery.
This is from Mexico and the appoinment to retire sutures is Dec 20.
Only taking paracetamol for pain.
Hope you can help!
|
That looks like it's healing. It might take a couple more weeks for it to be fully healed/closed. But it looks like it's developing good granulation tissue. Just care for it as your doctor advised you and have it evaluated at your 12/20 follow-up.
| 4
|
Physician - Emergency Medicine
| null |
39,014
|
Should you ever see a doctor for a minor symptom just to make sure it's not something serious?
|
33F, obese (on diet), no medications.
My left breast has had a minor itch for months, especially nipple/areola and the left side of the breast. I assume it's dry skin or something. Sometimes I put lotion on. It's only the left, very rarely the right as well. No rash or anything.
So, it's 100% fine, I can deal with it no problem. I'm not *worried* at all really. I'm just wondering what's the best thing to do.
Because, if it is a sign of cancer, even though that's super unlikely, it would be better to know sooner rather than later.
I have dense breast tissue and don't do self-exams because I would never be able to figure out what's normal or not, and it just makes me feel uncomfortable.
My mom had 2 unrelated breast cancers (stage III in her late 40s, stage I in her late 50s), and my maternal aunt died of breast cancer in her 50s.
I've seen my doctor twice in two years (mental health) and I feel like she looks down on me or treats me like a hypochondriac, so I don't really want to make an appointment.
The only other thing which is probably nothing is that I noticed a sort of stain on the inside of my bra, both right and left, like where the areola would be. I haven't noticed any discharge, so I'm assuming the stain is just from sweat or something.
|
Yeah, this is something you should go in for. You could try and see if you can produce any discharge, but don’t cause yourself pain, just let your doc know if you are able to or not. They’ll probably want to do an exam, or maybe a mammo or ultrasound to see if there’s any changes that can’t be felt on exam. Just in case, I’d get this checked out.
| 10
|
Physician
| null |
41,176
|
Red lump in breast, 18 female
|
This morning I noticed a bit of a red lump underneath just the outside of my areola. It seems to be underneath a Montgomery gland (though the gland on top looks normal). I left it alone and checked it tonight and the surrounding area is now all red... it feels like a cyst (which I get rather often on my face), but the fact that the whole surrounding area is red is a little concerning and ive NEVER had any "acne" of any kind on my breasts. I squeezed it hard to see if there was fluid and a little surfaced.
I just got a Mirena IUD a few weeks ago. Could it have any effect on this?
Should I see a doctor asap or should I wait a few weeks?
|
Go get it lanced. It's probably infected.
| 3
|
B.S., Medical Lab Sciences
| null |
46,829
|
Stomach cramps, diarrhea, flushing, fast heartbeat, nausea after eating
|
Demo info: 5’10, 145 pounds, 24 yo female. A1C 5.6%, PCOS.
Hey all,
Was really hoping someone can help me out, because I’m miserable right now and my gastro is zero help.
These symptoms used to happen to me mainly a couple hours after eating a very fat-heavy meal, but over the last week it’s been happening pretty much every time I eat, very soon after eating. Basically I’ll get incredibly nauseous, have stomach cramps, diarrhea, very fast heart rate, get incredibly hot/flushed all over, and have dry mouth. Trying to stand up or walk is almost impossible. I can’t overstate how uncomfortable this feeling is, I usually end up laying down in the fetal position feeling like I want to die. Water doesn’t help, but I’ve found that eating salted almonds tends to be the best at getting rid of these symptoms.
I’m so hungry right now but I can barely eat because I’m getting these symptoms almost every time I eat. I just started taking Nexium today in hopes that it would help.
I started a very low carb diet a few months ago because I used to get crazy symptoms after eating (migraines, confusion, fatigue, memory loss) and I also have PCOS— low carb has been a lifesaver in clearing up those symptoms and curing my PCOS. But these after-eating symptoms now are completely debilitating too and I have no idea what’s causing them. I’ve been to both a gastro and an endo and both of them seem to take the opinion of “not my department”.
I’d just love some direction or guidance because I’m miserable and starving right now :(
I’m not sure if this is relevant, but I occasionally get absolutely killer hangovers off of very little alcohol. I’ll spend the entire next day having the symptoms above— one time I ended up throwing up green bile after an entire day of these symptoms. For some reason supplementing CDP choline pretty much put an end to these hangovers. Just thought that was interesting because those hangovers feel exactly how I feel after eating now.
Edit: it was the MCT oil that was causing it; I stopped taking it and this stopped happening
|
Not sure why most in this post are pointing towards C. Diff.... thats very unlikely with the way youre describing your symptoms and no recent abx use or past hospitalization. To be honest, C. diff would not be high on my ddx. A gallbladder issue or gastroparesis would be much higher on the ddx vs. C. diff.
You state a low carb diet is curing your PCOS? I understand this would be helpful in reducing insulin levels, but not sure how that would CURE your PCOS.
'Crazy' symptoms after eating like that deserve an appropriate workup. The way you describe your symptoms \(High HR, Flushed, Hot all over, Diarrhea\), to me, point towards a neuroendocrine imbalance. Get a Ultrasound of Abdomen to look at gallbladder & ovaries, CT Abdomen/Pelvis to look for any masses that an US may miss and 5\-HIAA urine test. This will give you your answer.
| 3
|
Physician - Emergency Medicine & Internal Medicine| Moderator
| null |
35,981
|
Is 358 low Testosterone for a 24 year old male?
|
A while back, my husband got tested for low T and we thought nothing of it after the doctor told us it was “normal.” Recently, we asked for the charts back, and saw that his level is 358. I know different labs measure it differently, but they said the expected range was between 300-1200. In doing some research, it seems like my husbands Testosterone is normal...for a man in his 50s or 60s.
To me this seems like an issue that should be addressed. Does it not? Why did the doctor tell us it was normal when it doesn’t seem normal for a 24 year old?
|
That is a single number average value. All lab tests work with normal ranges, which is quite different from one average number.
The normal range for testosterone in adult males aged 19 and up are between 250 and 1250 ng/dl. This range has been determined by compiling *a lot* of data from men of all ages, with and without symptoms of high or low testosterone levels, and unleashing the power of statistic maths on that data. Lab test ranges have a 95% confidence interval, which means that one can be 95% sure that a value within range is normal. 5% of men do have symptoms of low (or high) T within this range, which is such a low number that doctors don't tend to say something is wrong with testosterone levels when they see a result well within normal range.
Testosterone values can vary widely even over the course of one day. Blood taken in the early morning can have (much) higher levels of testosterone than blood taken in the late afternoon or evening. Stress can influence testosterone levels as well, and so can a lot of other factors.
| 2
|
B.S., Medical Lab Sciences
| null |
498
|
What's wrong with my skin?
|
Since yesterday I've been itching all over my body, and my skin looks like [this]( Looks like an allergic reaction. No change of body wash or shampoo in the last 2 weeks. I have no known food allergies.
* Age : 29
* Sex : Male
* Height : 5'10"
* Weight : 180lb
* Race : Asian Indian
* Duration of complaint : Since yesterday
* Location (Geographic and on body) : New Jersey, all over the body.
* Any existing relevant medical issues (if any) : None.
* Current medications (if any) : None.
* Include a photo if relevant (skin condition for example) : [Here](
|
Oooo great case for u/itchdoc
He is the askdocs king of dermatology, he will let you know whenever he sees this
| 3
|
Physician - Emergency Medicine & Internal Medicine| Moderator
| null |
22,351
|
Blurred vision currently being investigated.
|
Age: 25 Sex: female Weight: 13st 8lb Height: 5ft 5 location : UK
Hi,
I’m under investigation atm as my ophthalmologist found that the margins of my optic nerve in my right eye were blurred on a routine examination. I’ve had an ultrasound of my eye done as they suspected optic drusen but they found no calcification. Today the vision in my right eye suddenly went very blurred as if there was a film over it or I had something on one of my contact lenses (took them out and put glasses on: still no change) and it’s been on and off blurry all day. My eye has also been involuntarily squinting since this began. I have also had some pretty bad headaches over the last few days - though nothing that a couple of paracetamol couldn’t get rid of. Do you think it’s something I should urgently get seen to? Or can it wait until I can get to the opticians next week? (Currently on holiday in the U.K.)
Thanks!
|
Why not call 111 and pop to an urgent care centre? They can locate you a nearby one if they think you need it.
| 2
|
Physician - Critical Care
| null |
14,898
|
Shou I take out my metal plate after my bone is healed
|
Should I leave that or take it out? The metal plate is in my forearm. I will lift and go to the gym, so I am afraid about it.
Height 5ft 6 weight 168 pounds age 23
|
Metal plates are to be discussed with your orthopaedic since he/she’s the only one knowing your clinical situation. Your doctor will explain you your situation and the PROs and CONs of both removing it and keeping it.
| 2
|
Physician
| null |
12,395
|
[24m] Does obesity really cause inflammation in the body?
|
24 male 5”11ft 250lbs former smoker former drinker
I’ve been having pain all over my body. From weird “headaches” that feel like more inflammation than headache, pain in my organs such as my lungs(upper back), liver, and kidneys and I believe maybe my heart area as well. Aside from the organs I have pain in my joints and non joints such as my thighs, knees, ankles, soles of feet, toes, fingers etc.
My abnormal lab results are:
Glucose: 110mg/dL (normal range 65 - 99mg/dL)
Sedimentation Rate-Westergren: 32mm/hr (normal range 0 - 15mm/hr)
C-Reactive Protein, Quant: 67mg/L (normal range 0 - 10mg/L)
I was also tested for rheumatoid arthritis which showed no trace. I appreciate any input anyone may have.
|
While obesity can cause a chronic inflammatory state, I wouldn't suspect to see these values for both the CRP and sedimentation rate. The fact that you're having pain all over the body makes me suspicious for something like polymyalgia rheumatica or another autoimmune condition.
Has your physician discussed these results with you yet? There are more specific blood tests that can be conducted when trying to rule in and rule out autoimmune things. If they are unable to do that, a referral to a rheumatologist could be warranted
| 7
|
Physician
| null |
42,465
|
Had sharp chest pain and pressure last night that passed. Should I go get checked out?
|
24 year old Male, 6.2, 220lbs.
Yesterday just randomly I started feeling a deep, sharp pain in my left chest whenever I breathed heavier than a quick, shallow breath. My pulse also seemed to be high. I don't have a blood pressure machine so I don't have any official numbers. After a while I forced myself to suffer through and take a few deep, very painful, breaths. Next thing I know I feel a "lump" shift in my chest and the pain and pressure was gone. This was scary. Should I make a doctor's appointment?
|
I would never discourage someone from making a doctors appointment. If you were my clinic patient calling into my staff, I would probably tell you to go to the ER, but if you were my family member I would tell you not to worry about it. Sounds noncardiac. Of course I don’t know your family history and risk factors, but considering your age it’s highly unlikely to be heart related.
| 4
|
Physician
| null |
47,038
|
Went to ER for abdominal pain, found out liver is enlarged. Input?
|
I, 31f, visited the ER last night for severe RLQ pain and found out my liver is enlarged measuring 19.5cm and a couple kidney stones that have not started to pass yet. I am moderately healthyish, 210 and 5ft6 but on a weight loss journey. Diagnosed with PCOS & endometriosis in 2016. My diet is pretty healthy, I avoid starchy carbs and if I do drink I will have 1-3 drinks a week, so I was surprised when the doctor told me this new info.
The CT scan with contrast said “liver length measuring 19.5cm and is hypoenhancing” along with the details of the two small kidney stones. The doctor told me that I needed to see a gastroenterologist ASAP, which I have an appointment for but I am very nervous and basically looking for some peace of mind. Or more information on what those results mean/ what I could possibly expect. Side note and possibly unrelated: I often get swollen lymph nodes in my right under arm but was told by my primary care doctor that since the swollen nodes come and go it is ok. Thank you in advance!
|
Despite your weight loss and good diet, you are obese and have imaging findings concerning for non-alcoholic fatty liver (here is some information on that condition: Almost certainly unrelated to the lymph nodes.
| 6
|
Physician
| null |
24,955
|
[53M] Persistent ache in testicles, lower back pain, and swelling in groin
|
I have had persistent (and growing) pain in my testicles over the past 2 months or more. It is accompanied by a dull ache / pain in my lower back and what feels like swelling (and some occasional pain) in my groin. I should explain the last bit - I've been getting soreness and swelling in that area which is below the abdomen and just above the penis, on both sides (I'm not sure what this is called - lower pelvic region / groin?) This all follows a problem I'd had earlier from back in April where I'd been having painful erections, and no one was able to really solve the issue, despite a visit to my physician and a urologist. According to the tests done then, there were no particularly elevated levels of anything in my urine to suggest infection or prostate issues.
I should also add that I've been having issues with my right knee, which is impacting my walking, and I'm having a knee arthoscopy procedure next week, and I don't know if this is impacting any of the above (pain in the lower back, pain in the groin, since I'm occasionally walking with a limp because of knee pain.)
One symptom around all of this has been excessive fatigue - I've been sleeping a lot lately, or I find myself wanting to sleep a lot.
I'm also overweight (losing) - 5' 8", 220 lbs, otherwise in relatively good health, take antidepressants, antianxiety meds, and mirapex for RLS. I have sleep apnea and use a cpap when I sleep at night. I take descovy as HIV transmission prevention.
I appreciate any insights into what this potential problem could be, as it seems to be getting worse.
|
My recommendation would be to see your doctor again. I’m not sure if it’s related to your painful erections back in April. It may be totally unrelated and a separate problem.
| 2
|
Physician
| null |
End of preview. Expand
in Data Studio
README.md exists but content is empty.
- Downloads last month
- 25