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Wife [34F] gets a 1-day fever after visiting brother's house, happened 4 times now
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About 1.5 months ago, my wife began going to her brother's house to babysit our 2 year old niece for several hours. She plays with the baby in the morning, eats lunch there, puts the baby down for a nap, and then goes home in the afternoon. She did this maybe \~20 times total. On 3 of those days, she came home from babysitting and immediately felt fatigued and when we checked her temperature, it was 100-102 degrees. The fever always disappeared within 6-9 hours and she was feeling mostly fine by next morning. After the third time, we decided she should stop babysitting for the time being. She had no fevers since stopping the babysitting.
On Sunday (1/17) we visited her brother after not seeing them for a couple of weeks. We ate lunch together, and played with the baby. We went home and by dinner time she was feeling chills. She had a fever of 101.5. This is now the 4th time she has gotten a fever after coming home from her brother's house. This seems to be a pattern now, but we can't figure out what it is.
Other relevant facts:
* She doesn't get a fever every time she goes to her brother's house. She has been at her brother's house many times (including babysitting) without getting a fever.
* No other symptoms besides fever.
* Until last month when this started, she hadn't had a fever in many years.
* Because of the pandemic, we don't visit anyone else's home. She is currently unemployed so she doesn't go anywhere else either.
* Nobody else in either household has reported feeling sick. She's the only one who gets the fever.
* Brother's household: Brother, his pregnant wife, and 2 year old daughter. My household: Me and my wife.
* Brother lives about 20 minutes away, kind of near some hills.
* Not sure if it's related to food. When she was babysitting, they cooked lunch for her. But there was nothing unusual that she never eaten before. Today, we ordered food from a restaurant for lunch. Brother's wife baked banana bread for us to eat. We drank instant powered coffee with it. That's about it. And like I said above, no one else has any symptoms.
* Of course it is technically possible that the fevers are unrelated to her brother's house, and just by pure crazy coincidence, are happening on the exact same days that we happen to visit her brother's house. (If this is the case, maybe I should go buy a lottery ticket...)
\---
Age: 34
Sex: F
Height: 5'8"
Weight: 127
Race: Asian
Duration of complaint: About 1 month
Location: Brother's house
Any existing relevant medical issues: None (that we know of)
Current medications: None
| 508 |
Chiming in here because I have seen a few suggestions that this could be something like allergies, stress, pregnancy...I want to clarify that none of these conditions on their own will cause actual fevers, not as high as 101.5 or 102 that your wife is experiencing. A person's basal body temperature can fluctuate for many reasons, but fluctuations from something like pregnancy would not cause a true fever (which we typically define as 100.4 F or over).
Are you certain that she truly does not have fevers on the days she has not visited her brother's house? Perhaps there is something that triggers her to notice them more when she has visited their house? Since you say she doesn't come down with a fever every time she is there, my concern would be that she is having fevers at other points in time but perhaps doesn't notice it for some reason.
She should definitely get evaluated by a physician if she is having persistent or recurrent fevers. The differential is pretty wide but would include some type of indolent infection, an endocrine condition such as hyperthyroidism, autoimmune or auto inflammatory conditions, etc. Malignancy is also a possible cause, though less likely.
| 546 |
AskDocs
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Is it okay for me [29F] to take melatonin supplements every night?
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Is it okay to take melatonin supplements every night?
Maybe a weird question. My husband and I have an awful sleep schedule due to him working late. Because of it, along with mild anxiety, have a lot of trouble falling asleep/sleeping soundly. I’ve also suspected I might have sleep apnea as I’m overweight (5’2, 220) and don’t get the most restful sleep, but that’s a whole other thing.
My stepdad used to take melatonin pills every night, he would pop one with us daily medication. I recently started taking Olly brand gummy melatonin and I found it works well for me and I have been sleeping better/falling asleep easier and more peacefully as well as staying asleep better. However, it says on the side of the bottle to consult your doctor before taking for more than 30 days.
I’ve googled around and didn’t find a definitive answer to my questions and I don’t really have a family physician since I moved countries and haven’t been to the doctor since I don’t have anyone I can ask reliably.
So here I am! Is it okay to take my sleep gummies every night? Are there any long term side effects of taking them? I’ll sometimes alternate a bit of NyQuil on weekends instead of the gummies. I appreciate your time and thank you in advance :)
Edit: thank you everyone for your responses :) I’m reading everything and learning a lot.
| 421 |
NAD, recently saw an LPT that explained a smaller dose (1-3mg) of melatonin is much more effective than a larger (5-10mg) dose. Something to consider.
EDIT: That should be 0.3MG not 3mg. Big difference.
| 188 |
AskDocs
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3 different doctors and no answer- what is wrong with my(25F) hand? It's getting worse.
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Edit: I've added some more symptoms to the "possibly related" list at the bottom after comments mentioned some things I had not considered
​
Hey guys, I am a white 25F, 6' 0, 135. I have had Reynaud's most of my life, but this is not Reynaud's.
About 1.5 years ago one of my fingers swelled up and didn't stop for a week, so I went to the Walk In Clinic and they thought it could be an allergy, sent me to an allergist, but also had me do some autoimmune blood tests.
The allergist said it wasn't an allergy but they had no idea what it was.
The blood tests (ANA Titer) came back positive (speckled) for a possible autoimmune disease (Sjogren's, Lupus, etc).
After a few months it went away and I thought that was that.
It came back this past fall, and it was worse than before. Now more than one finger will swell, and they'll also get these concentrated points where the small veins burst and cause bright red spots, but only on the backs of my fingers. The swelling makes everything I touch feel like I'm poking a blister, and at times it is so intensely itchy I need to put on gloves to stop myself from scratching. If I accidentally hit my fingers lightly against something it'll feel like I hit them with a hammer. The gloves seem to help.
It has come and gone since then, but has mostly stayed present.
I saw my PCP a few weeks ago to narrow down that ANA Titer test after my mom was diagnosed with Sjogren's. The Sjogren's test came back negative, but the ANA Titer was again positive (speckled). My doctor said that it was "only slightly positive" and we should not bother looking in to it more.
This past week it's gotten worse again- to the point where these especially blistery spots have started appearing on the pads of my fingers- 3 fingers so far. Previously it's only ever been on the backs, mostly around the bottom of my nailbed.
[Current photos of L vs R hand](https://i.imgur.com/nrojZ0D.png)
[Pointer finger is consistently the worst](https://i.imgur.com/XbrMHE1.png)
My pointer looks like it has a very bad in-grown nail, but that a the blister from the swelling.
Some of my right side toes also seem to be starting to get swollen and painful. My legs are regularly swollen from venous insufficiency, but never hurt like this.
My left side is completely fine.
Other possibly related issues: mouth ulcers, scoliosis, flush across cheeks ([darker on right side](https://i.imgur.com/CTEH4mT.png)), Reynaud's, splinter hemorrhage (on left hand pointer finger in above photo, but here's another from [March 2020)](https://i.imgur.com/XqJg8a8.png), frequent PVCs (12% of beats), "spider veins" in legs, purple/swelling in the feet, red blotches on feet from broken capillaries (or similar, not painful), bruise/redden easily, night terrors
What is going on? I'm tired of my hand looking diseased and painful, and none of my local doctors can give me any answers.
Thank you for your help
| 348 |
Quite a few differentials, I expect there will be a genuine identifiable pathology, pretty much all of which fall under the remit of rheumatology. Nothing acutely concerning, but get a referral and they should be able to help
| 209 |
AskDocs
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Accidentally been swallowing suppositories 3 times a week for a month
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F22 5’6’’ 115lbs white
Existing medical issues: anxiety, adhd, occasional vaginal itching that is prevented by probiotics
Current medications: 100mg pristiq, 100mg spironolactone, 20 mg XR adderall, nuvaring
Drink recreationally like once every two weeks
Like the title said. I asked my mom for women’s probiotics and she misunderstood and got me vaginal suppositories. I trusted that they were probiotics and didn’t read the bottle until yesterday, a month or so after I started taking them. They have boric acid and titanium oxide and the dosage is 600 mg boric acid. I feel fine, no side effects, but my boyfriend is worried about long term effects. Should I see a doctor?
Update: called poison control and they said I’m fine
| 586 |
You should call poison control as it shouldn't be ingested.
However, there's also no need to panic; it's less dangerous by mass than table salt if that is at all reassuring. If I were in your shoes, I would do whatever poison control recommends and then contact my primary care doctor for basic blood work including kidney function testing.
It sounds unlikely that you would be pregnant given your use of contraceptives, but you should also know that there are potential risks to a fetus from boric acid ingestion so if you find out that you were pregnant during this time period that should be discussed with your doctor.
| 334 |
AskDocs
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I an 18M have coughed up blood and lost 10lbs this week alone despite eating like I usually do
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Edit to title: I am 19yrs old
Medications I take: GUANFacine.
Drugs: Cigarettes (a pack a day)
Height: 6ft
Weight: 186
I was in the shower today whenever I started coughing, realizing that the white wall in front of now had specs of pure red and brownish red(like rust). Five days ago I weighed 200lbs, I now weigh 186lbs. A few days ago I had this sharp pain located seemingly in my right lung, I thought maybe it was my ribs, although there was no reason for it to be. Then pain worsened the deeper the breaths got. I find that it is harder to breathe now, but the pain is somewhat better than it was previously. I’ve been feeling fatigued in the muscles as well as the mind. The cough is a fairly new symptom only starting yesterday, but the blood is as new as a hour ago.
Edit 2: Going to the hospital in the morning to see what’s going on, a new symptom appeared — dizziness, I’m assuming affects from the sudden weight loss.
Edit 3: Went to ER, they did a chest X-ray and said it was clear, they also tested for the flu and for COVID-19, I’m negative for the flu, awaiting test for covid
| 586 |
Go see a doctor. Sooner rather than later.
| 877 |
AskDocs
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Total loss of bladder control
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What would cause a complete loss of bladder control in 17 year old with cerebral palsy. Yes he has cp and that’s what his primary wants to relate it to, but he’s been in control since age 8 and now suddenly, there’s about a 2 second warning before he goes. Sometime he doesn’t even know he went. Cp is non progressive. Last 2 months there has been 5 separate episodes of blood (not from urine) in his brief in the morning. After standing for sometime and then sits, he feels a slight pain in the groin area. Urine was cultured, no bacteria was found, only microscopic blood. Referred to nephrology and his kidneys are good but his compliment levels were low. Doc thinks from having COVID in November. Testing again in 2 months. Next step is urology.
Thanks in advance for any insight....
Edit: he is now being followed for increased hemoglobin and hematocrit in RBC
| 291 |
In cerebral palsy, the brain injury is static, but the clinical manifestations are prgressive. That said, the blood and sudden onset of incontinence doesn't really fit with 'just' CP. Is the young man wheelchair bound? Has there been any change in his drug treatment recently, and if not, what does he take? Any fever or other symptoms that you can think of?
When you were referred to neprho, did they order any autoimmune panel or investigate the complement levels? Something autoimmune affecting the kidneys/a systemic infection could also cause that.
Right now, the top thing to exclude given that the kidneys were fine is stone disease or something physicalin the urological tract- the referral to urology is a good start.
| 118 |
AskDocs
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How can I get rid of this insane exhaustion which has ruined my life for over a decade?
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I'm 24F. I literally just cannot get up no matter how much I tell my body to move. I spend several hours getting up from bed. When I, after hours, finally do manage to get up, my body is so, so heavy to carry around. I lose my vision/black out for several seconds after standing up and sometimes have to grab something in order not to fall, sometimes if it's really bad my arms start to spasm. Lifting my arms is hard. Brushing my teeth is hard. Taking a bath is hard and takes so long because it's hard to move around. When I breathe, it feels somehow like the air does not contain not oxygen for me.
Even when lying down, I feel weak and do not recover from relaxing/lying down. It's like my muscles or whole body is kind of "summing" or tingling even when lying down.
I also feel extremely cold all the time. I have dark circles under my eyes and am pale. Even when I use foundation and concealer, you can see my dark circles. I drink over 2 litres of water every day. I eat healthy - roasted vegetables and ground beef usually. I don't cook in oil or butter, just water. No candy. Almost never any bread. Lactose free milk. Eggs, smoothies. No seasoning except salt and very little pepper.
My BMI is currently around 17.3-17.7 (48-49 kgs/106-108 lbs, 167 cm/5'6"), but I am trying to get it up by eating more, but it is difficult because I feel sick every time I eat (chronic illness I've had for 15-16 years now) - it hurts/is painful, I lose all energy immediately, like out of the drain at once, I get nauseous, extremely bloated, feel a burning sensation in lower abdomen, I get water and food stuck in my throat several times a day and have to cough for several minutes sometimes, regurgitate the food up to seven hours after and therefore can't lie down in bed several hours after eating even though I'm depleted of energy, so I often fall down on my desk instead while sitting. Like in the movies.
Because of the exhaustion, just getting up and making/preparing food (and buying groceries) is a marathon itself, and often I lie hungry in bed but just cannot get up to get food because I'm so tired. Then I get even more tired, and it's even harder to get up. Sometimes I have to slide down from bed and onto the floor, sit there for a couple of minutes and then get up, black out for a couple of seconds, and finally drag my body to the fridge. Lol.
When I finally do get up, I am not less tired. I am exactly as tired as lying down, just standing, and I of course get more tired from standing.
I've done yoga the past five days despite having a cold (which has lasted since the 25nd of December 2020) because I really wanted to get stronger, but I feel completely done for during and after it and have experienced no extra energy. I have tried running for 3 weeks in a row before and felt the same. I am sort of afraid of exercising because it sometimes induces stomach pain, but have started yoga again now... before that I went for 30 min. - 1/2 hour walks every day, which is the best "exercise" I can do long-term without feeling pain. Even then I've walways felt tired during and after walks, often had old couples/ladies walking past me and so on.
I take multi-vitamin pills. Blood tests confirmed D vitamin levels were fine, so were B and TSH levels. No gluten or lactose intolerance. I had pretty low iron levels however 1.5 years ago (was told if it went down with 0.5 units more, I would have needed blood transfusion) and got iron pills, however I had to stop because they made my stomach pain and constipation really bad. I am very scared to try them again, but I am taking some other iron supplements that are more natural-based but also very low in iron compared to actual iron tablets (200 mg a day). With the multi-vitamin pills, I get around 21mg a day. Along with that, I eat spinach, meat and green beans, beetroot, etc., i.e. high-iron food.
I skip my period every second time with birth control. Since taking the pills, I have started to experience pretty bad period pain that I did not have before (which seems strange to me since they apparently often alleviate period pain?).
Anyway this is how tired I feel despite eating healthy, drinking plenty of water, taking vitamins and iron supplements, doing exercise...
What the fuck should I do at this point? I'm desperate for anything that actually works. I lose insane amounts of time to it, and it has made studying/socialising/doing anything extremely difficult... I just want a better life. A life that is not exhausting.
**Edit:** thank you all so much for your suggestions and support, I am trying to research everything you mentioned and reply to all or most of you but there are so many comments, I really cannot believe so many people read this insanely long post lol.
| 475 |
You should really see a psychiatrist in addition to a psychotherapist, physical therapist and dietician. You're not eating and probably anemic, which will make you weak. You're not eating because of your stomach issues. Your stomach issues don't sound like they are mostly organic but more predominantly psychosomatic. This has been going on for years, something will have shown up on testing and without treatment you would have had a catastrophic organ failure by now. That being said given the chronicity alone will cause you to have a mood disorder.
So simply this is a viscous cycle of predominantly psychosomatic issues that cause symptoms, that in turn cause malnutrition which adds/worsens symptoms, which worsens the mood disorder, which then worsens the symptoms.... And the cycle continues with symptoms that worsen every couple of months, with the only objective testing showing malnutrition.
Horrible place to be, very very difficult to get out of, but definitely not impossible. Just takes time, determination and the right professional help.
| 445 |
AskDocs
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I (25M) may have Covid again. Will a rapid tested show up as a false positive with the antibodies in my system?
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I had Covid-19 back at the end of November, and recovered just fine. Since then I have been working in field hospitals, helping covid patients. As of Friday, I have started to have similar symptoms to when I was positive (sore throat, minor fever, and some fatigue). I scheduled a rapid test today to make sure I haven’t been re-infected. My concern is will I show up as a false-positive since the antibodies could still be in my system? If so, should I get a different test done, or is there a better option?
Edit: I went ahead and got tested. I came back negative, so I’ll just attribute to either post symptoms, or hay fever. Thanks for all the advice friends!
| 387 |
Even a PCR test CAN come back positive up to 90 days after testing positive
| 153 |
AskDocs
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Daughter is majorly regressing and I have no idea what's happening. Neurological disorder? Something else? Help me make sense of this, please.
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Age: 20f
Height: 5'7
Weight: Not sure. She is very thin.
Conditions: Depression, anxiety.
Medication: She takes Cymbalta. 20mg.
Symptoms (physical)
* Weight loss
* Tremors/shakiness
* Loss of bladder control
Symptoms (Mental)
* Spaciness (unaware of her surroundings, almost like she's going around in a daze)
* Forgetfulness
* Extreme sensitivity
* Regressive like thoughts/actions (I know of no other way to describe it.)
I am posting out of concern for my daughter. Over the past year or so, I have watched her maturity seemingly decrease. She was always young at heart in the sense that she enjoyed certain childish things, but wouldn't solely depend on these, and had interests that were more "her age". In the last few months, she has not only denounced some of her old hobbies/interests, but can't even seem to grasp or comprehend what she used to be able to. For example, she used to be a speedy, comprehensive reader, sometimes being able to finish a good 300-page book in a day or two. Now, she struggles to even move from page to page, and has to re-read the same sentence over and over again. This has greatly affected her college. Her speech has become simple, scattered almost. She tells me that she doesn't remember the bigger words, which are really just the everyday words people use. The way that she describes her thoughts is forced. It takes a lot for her to put together a sentence, and sometimes it makes no sense (Ex. She uses a word that has a different meaning than what she's trying to say).
As far as her ability to care for herself goes, she is still pretty self-sufficient, but loses control of her bladder, when she used to always be in control of it before. Wets the bed sometimes (accidentally), and experiences a lot of leaks. Has started wanting to eat with her hands and drink exclusively out of straws/baby-like bottles (Water bottles that resemble that of a baby bottle where she only has to suck instead of sip/drink normally). Has become OBSESSED with stuffed animals and childlike items. This is very distressing for me as her mother to watch. It's like I'm watching my adult daughter go back to a childlike state. All of these things I have discovered throughout the months either unintentionally/accidentally, as she tries to do most of these in private. Some of these things such as her spaciness (especially regarding her school performance) she has told me herself, but I am now putting all of these symptoms together and starting to become worried. Is this a sign of some kind of neurological disorder? Could this be some other manifestation of her depression/anxiety? I've never heard of an adult regressing like this due to those illnesses, but I realize I am not very educated in mental illnesses or their effects. Please help me make sense of this, I feel like I'm slowly losing her.
| 703 |
No way to figure this out without testing, it could be a metabolic disorder, genetic disorder, neurodegenerative disorder, an autoimmune disorder, a psychiatric disorder or even just a drug abuse disorder. No way of knowing without testing and examining. She should start off with a neurologist and psychiatrist at the same time. As well as a primary medical doctor.
| 743 |
AskDocs
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My cousin (24M) was having surgery to remove a lung due to cancer and now the doctors are saying he’s brain dead. Is there any hope for his recovery??
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UPDATE: He passed away today. The cancer grew into his brain and most other parts of his body. His heart could not handle it. I thought everyone deserved an update. Thank you everyone who consoled and informed, it meant the world.
During the operation (as far as I understand) a piece of the tumor slipped into a passage and blocked the other lung. The doctor performing the operation had no idea and my cousin had no oxygen going to his brain for about 18 minutes. He then had massive amount of seizures and went into cardiac arrest at least once. The doctors had a meeting with us to explain what happened and now say he had too much brain damage and EEG machines say that he’s brain dead. The thing is his eyes are wide open at times and he yawns and twitches his lips like he really wants to say something but he can’t. He sometimes squeezes our hand when we’re holding it. But despite all of this the doctors say they aren’t voluntary and he does them even when we aren’t there. They’re just reflexes. Has there been a situation where someone has came back from this? Is there any hope at all?
| 1,034 |
Brain death is legal death
They will never regain consciousness or start breathing on their own again.
I'm so sorry mate.
| 478 |
AskDocs
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I'm [21 M] at my wits end. Broke my sacrum following a mountain bike crash and now can't control my bladder. My doctor says there's not more to do except managing the symptoms. Is there anything that can reverse this??
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21 M
181 cm
84 kg
Medication : solifenacin, melatonin, escitalopram, naproxen
I broke my sacrum after I crashed my bike in August last year. I was not operated on, the surgeon said it's risky and its better to let it heal. But ever since the accident I lost control of my bladder and it hasn't gotten better. I have several accidents a day and my life is ruined.
I got referred to the urologist and they put a camera in my bladder because they thought the bladder had been damaged.
They told me to catheterize but that was extreme painful and i even got a infection.
I've been managing this by staying home to avoid accidents (only good covid has brought me. I have an excuse to stay home). But even at home I feel the pressure in my bladder, I run to the bathroom but on the way there I leak and I can't clench to stop it.
Please tell me if you have any solution to this. I can't live like this.
I'm from Ukraine, hopefully other countries have other knowledge.
| 652 |
Hi OP; I’m sorry about your crash and these symptoms you have been experiencing. A few questions I have;
Have you had a any follow up with your surgical team?
Did you have a spinal MRI at the time of your crash; do you know the results and has it been repeated?
Have you had any change to these symptoms? Is it getting better/worse? Do you have any other urological symptoms like burning?
At the time of your crash (and now) did you have any neurological symptoms? Like numb areas or weakness in your legs?
When you have an accident, do you feel the need to pass urine and you just don’t make it in time? Or do you have any accidents where you didn’t realise you needed to pass urine until the accident had already happened?
| 488 |
AskDocs
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Fecal B.O. driven me to self harm
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Hello, I’m a 22 year old male presenting with a smell of feces around me despite being clean. I’ve had this issue for 10 years.
People avoid sitting near me and often ask me if I’ve farted or had an accident. It’s humiliating and has had an immense impact on my quality of life. I’ve self harmed a total of 8 times now, which were all a result of days when people noticed my smell and either said something horrible or blatantly held their nose/moved away. I’m upset as self harming isn’t like my character at all. I was extroverted and confident.
I can smell feces on my breath too. This is quite minor though, I can only smell it when flossing my back teeth. People don’t comment on my breath. The body odor is the issue.
I am not incontinent and there is never staining in underwear. My clothes never smell of feces after I’ve worn them. I wipe myself with wet wipes and shower after every bowel movement, putting a lot of effort into cleaning.
I have had chronic constipation as long as I or my family can remember. My first fibre sachets were prescribed when I was 3 years old. I currently suffer from obstructed defecation and the feeling of incomplete evacuation. I was diagnosed with a grade IV internal rectal (mucosal) prolapse / AKA internal intussuseption, via proctogram.
I’m considering a rectopexy to excise the excess muscosal tissue. I’m worried about the risk of incontinence and no improvement of symptoms. I’ve had one biofeedback session and am finding the sphincter/ pelvic floor exercises prescribed easy.
It currently takes around 20 minutes of wiping to get clean. Then I have a shower.
My colonoscopy came back normal. Coeliac test came back negative. Trimethylaminuria (TMAU/fish odour syndrome) also came back negative, though I am not confident in the validity of this TMAU result.
I have also tested for SIBO, Leaky Gut, H Pylori and parasites. All negative. A stool test showed I have low IgA immunity in the gut and bacterial dysbiosis.
Cutting out gluten reduced the fecal smell of my breath but not my general body odor.
I am a healthy weight and body fat. I exercise regularly and drink plenty of water. I don’t smoke and drink alcohol rarely.
White European
Male
22 years old
Healthy other than chronic constipation
Only medication prescribed is stool softeners
I’ve tried every vitamin and supplement I can think of. I can tell you which ones if you like.
Do you think my smell is to do with my lower GI problems or metabolic? ANY help at all would be appreciated. I just want to sit next to someone again in my life.
Thank you
SUMMARY:
Generally Healthy (but constipated) 22 y/o male has body odour that smells of poop despite being clean
***I’m blown away by everyone’s support. Everyone who has commented and voted has been truly amazing and been really generous! I’m still working through the replies whenever I get a spare moment!***
| 1,063 |
BACTERIAL DYSBIOSIS? THIS IS WHAT I HAD WITH SAME SYMPTOMS AS YOU (NOW CURED)
People commenting that TMAU is a rare genetic disorder don’t seem to be considering the fact that bacterial dysbiosis can cause secondary trimethylaminuria. Certain gut bacteria produce TMA. If you have too many of them, you will be producing way more TMA than can be metabolised by your body to TMAO, even without genetic defects related to the FMO3 Enzyme.
You need antibiotics. Flagyl (metronidazole) helped me. I seem to be cured years ago when I took Flagyl in combination with Augmentin Duo Forte (amoxicillin plus clavulanic acid). I also took a single dose of Diflucan (fluconazole) afterwards to prevent yeast overgrowth from the antibiotics.
The only probiotics I recommend are the yeast probiotic sacchromyces boulardii/cervisae. You can take this while on antibiotics. Taking too many probiotics containing bacteria, which you already have an overgrowth of, can make things worse.
In the meantime, follow some steps of the TMAU protocol for people with primary (genetic) TMAU. The most helpful one for me was showering with a special shower gel that has a pH of 5.5. You can use a pH 6 shower gel at the most. Most typical soaps have an alkaline pH of greater than 7. At an alkaline pH, TMA exists in its free form and the smell of it will radiate off your body. However, at an acidic pH (below 7), which is also closer to your skin’s natural pH, TMA crystallises as a salt (might be trimethylamine hydrochloride but I’m not sure) and can be removed from your skin with a low pH soap while you shower.
So get a pH 5.5 or pH 6 shower gel, preferably unscented and soap free. And get on those antibiotics! Particularly Flagyl, but as I said, it would be most useful to take the Flagyl in combination with the Augmentin Duo for at least a week.
NAD.
| 676 |
AskDocs
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My sister (37F) had a mild allergic reaction to the covid vaccine, can she take the second one? Reading conflicting info.
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37F, no medications, allergy to penicillin, anxiety disorder, lives in Alabama.
I'm not sure which vaccine it was but she broke out in hives and started freaking out on the phone when she called me. She has huge health anxiety. I suspect she broke out in hives from her anxiety but I'm not sure.
They gave her some benadryl and kept her longer. She ended up being fine so that means she will probably be fine getting the second one right?
But she sent me something from the internet saying people who have any kind of allergic reaction shouldn't get the second one.
| 394 |
Hi, medical student and someone who has been vaccinating people here! I can’t legally give medical advice, but I can tell you what we do when we’re giving a second vaccine dose to people who have had allergic reactions to their first dose:
We’ll still give someone a second dose, especially if it was hives and not anaphylaxis. The difference is that we’ll keep them for 30 minutes after the vaccine instead of 15 minutes. We have kits with epi-pens and Benadryl on site in case of anaphylaxis. My site was also VERY close to an emergency department (we were in a hospital), so extra support was close by if needed. I recommend that your sister talks with her PCP on whether or not she should take an antihistamine like Benadryl prior to her second vaccination.
Edit: I’ve never received Reddit awards. I feel so honored. Thank you!
| 596 |
AskDocs
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Friend Shotgunning Redbulls
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Hey everyone! I’m kind of concerned for my friend. Shes about 5’7”, 180-190lbs., and 22 years old. She doesn’t take any medications, she vapes and drinks alcohol, and she doesn’t have any significant medical diagnoses.
I’m concerned because she’s shotgunning redbulls multiple times per week, and sometimes multiple times per day. I’m a medic in the Air National Guard, and I’m also a medical technician in a hospital. I’ve tried to explain to her how awful this is but she just keeps making jokes about it. I was wondering if I could get a provider (APRN, MD, DO, DNP, etc.) to explain possible complications of this so that way I could send it to her to try to get it through her thick skull that this is bad. Thank you so much in advance, and have a blessed day!
| 366 |
NAD, short story:
When I was 19, and an apprentice millwright, a fellow apprentice (also 19) and I had just worked 26 hrs. We went back to our respective hotel rooms to get 6 hours asleep before resuming our emergency overhaul.
As we left, he told me he was going to swing into 7-11 and grab a redbull. He grabbed a 4pack. He drank all four in about 30minutes time.
He had a heart attack and barely was able to pull over on 880 (bay area).
19. He lived but has been on medication since. And always will be. With side effects.
Bad deal.
| 483 |
AskDocs
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Dark spot in my eye 25F
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[https://imgur.com/a/ur2yoeV](https://imgur.com/a/ur2yoeV)just discovered this today while putting in my contact lenses. Because I put them in and out every day I think it can't be there for long, but I'm not sure. Haven't found anything in the internet about it. It also can't be moved (thought it was just dirt at first). I don't have any pain, I'm just concerned. For rules sake: 1,58m tall, ca 50 kg no medication at all, I'm not smoking, don't do drugs and from germany.
EDIT: Going to call an eye doc on monday. Thank you so much for your comments.
EDIT: Saw two ophthalmologists now. They say it's a nevus but because of my light skin tone and the dark color of the nevus it will still be removed.
Update: I got messages from people having the same spot. First: Go see a doctor. But here is my experience. I have seen like 5 docs now in total. All of them were sure that it is a nevus but most of them couldn't tell if it was a melanoma = bad/harming (not sure about the terms). I got a very light skin tone so these dark spots are very unusual. I have appointments in the next months to track if it changes in size or color. If it does, the nevus will be removed immediately. So: definitely go see a doctor as soon as possible but don't be to scared of the result. It might turn out alright.
| 309 |
It looks like a Nevus. Basically a mole/freckle in the eye, much like when one appears on the skin it's often harmless but best to get it checked out.
| 232 |
AskDocs
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I need help. My life has become miserable
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25 male, 6’0, 180lbs, USA
4 weeks ago from today I was going to the gym with my friend and I suddenly looked at him and was like “man I am really having a hard time breathing”. I only did about half a workout then left due to really affecting me. I rested over the weekend and felt better by Monday morning. I went to work as usual for the next 2 days until it came back Wednesday.
It lasted a week consistently everyday all day until I had enough and figured something was wrong. I initially thought covid although I had no other symptoms. I went to patient first late in the evening. They covid tested me did a chest X-ray and an ekg. Everything came back normal except for the ekg which showed I had a right bundle branch block. They recommended I go to the ER because of the symptoms and what they had found.
I went straight to the ER from there and they repeated the ekg to which they found the same right bundle branch block. They did basic blood work and repeated the X-ray to which they found nothing abnormal. They referred me to a cardiologist and discharged me.
A few days later I made the appointment with the cardiologist. They repeated the ekg there as well and came back with the same result. He ordered an ultrasound of my heart and a stress test. Also he referred me to a pulmonary doctor. I have completed both the ultrasound and stress test everything came back normal.
I made the appointment with the pulmonary doctor. The first visit was a tele visit and she ordered a CT scan. I went and did that and everything came back normal. I had a follow up appointment in the office the next week and they did a spirometry test. She told me the test was abnormal on the part where I exhaled. She prescribed me Advair Diskus 250/50 and I have been using that twice a day for a week and a half now. It has not helped at all. I have a follow up in a few weeks to do more tests apparently.
I made an appointment with my primary care doctor 2 days ago. He prescribed me Prednisone, zpack, and ventolin (inhaler) to try and knock anything out. This is my first day taking it. He also ordered a blood count test and thyroid test. I am waiting on the results
To go into more of my symptoms. I have a very hard time getting air and getting the feeling of getting a full breathe when I do breathe in. My mouth locks open a lot trying to yawn to get in air and it normally takes about 5-10 of those before I get the feeling of a full breath. I also have a decent amount of chest tightness and pain under my left peck on the bottom swoop part of it.
It is absolutely miserable. I am going to lose my job because of how much I have had to miss work. I am exhausted all the time and honestly quite scared. I did before this smoke marijuana on occasion 1-2 times a week max (if that) but obviously have completely stopped since this has happened. I also take Lexapro daily and have been on that for 2 years +. If there are any tests I should do or any type of recommendation at all I will absolutely try it. I am desperate at this point and don’t know what to do (plus no one really seems to care / have any type of urgency to get it resolved)
Thank you so much for any and all responses. I truly truly appreciate it
EDIT: Wow everyone. Thank you so so so much I am completely shocked at how much support I have received here. I truly appreciate each and every one of you who have made a contribution to try and help me. It’s a very scary time and I’m very lost so reading all these really put a smile on my face. I will absolutely follow up with everything suggested here
EDIT 2: I also wanted to mention the ONLY other symptom I have been experiencing is eye pain. Especially in the morning. Also after working out when washing my hands I noticed my eyes were blood shot red in the mirror. I have been working out consistently for years now and have never seen that. This did start before any of the other stuff did however but I figured it was worth mentioning.
EDIT 3: I pulled up my rest results from the ER and CT to give some more info
Type of CT performed: CT Angiogram of the Chest
Findings for what was suggested:
“Pulmonary arteries: No central filling defect is seen within the main, lobar
or proximal segmental pulmonary arteries to suggest acute pulmonary embolism.
Pulmonary veins: No abnormalities identified.
Coronary arteries: No abnormalities identified.
Thoracic system veins: No abnormalities identified.
Upper abdominal aorta and branch vessels: No abnormalities identified
Bloodwork:
Trop T test = normal
CBC test = all normal
Basic metabolic panel = all normal
Magnesium = normal
EKG results:
Diagnosis Class Borderline Abnormal
Acquisition Device MAC55
Ventricular Rate 62
Atrial Rate 62
P-R Interval 160
QRS Duration 108
Q-T Interval 388
QTC Calculation(Bazett) 393
Calculated P Axis 68
Calculated R Axis 70
Calculated T Axis 58
Diagnosis Normal sinus rhythm with sinus arrhythmia
Incomplete right bundle branch block
Borderline ECG
Thank you again!
| 531 |
NAD so grain of salt.
Your age, sudden presentation of shortness of breath with no productive cough or evidence of infection (assuming that's the case), localized chest pain and new onset right bundle branch block all say textbook pulmonary embolism to me. It sounds like that was investigated by your pulmonary doc, but may be worth asking which test she used (type of CT/what labs were checked) and what she thought of that possibility.
My job is always to look for an emergent cause as a paramedic, so I start with the worst case scenario then rule it out. Worst case here I'd say is PE, best case is possibly underlying respiratory infection that's causing fatigue and chest pain is from breathing harder than you're used to. Both are just shots in the dark, but since a PE can kill you it's worth following up on.
| 163 |
AskDocs
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Holes around vaginal entrance and urethra. PLEASE HELP F18
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I'm a 250lb 18yr old 5'9 female with PCOS,IBS,TMJ and possible arthritis. I take the usual medicines for PCOS and zoloft for depression.
My husband spread my vaginal lips and noticed holes around my entrance and urethra. He was able to get a photo and video. When he stretches my lips apart these holes open and shut when not stretched.. I'm not sure if they go deep. There's about four holes getting said and i want to cry and im horrified. What's wrong with me? Im so scared Please help...
| 513 |
Skene's gland openings are located on each side, near the urethra, and bartholin's gland openings are located on each side of the opening to the vagina. Perfectly normal anatomy, no reason to be alarmed if you aren't experiencing any discomfort or pain from them, and they don't appear inflamed.
| 757 |
AskDocs
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23F - seemingly miscarried WITHOUT ever being pregnant
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23F, asthma and anorexia (currently in slight relapse after period of recovery). Live in The Netherlands
**UPDATE -** ***4th of February***\*\*, I went to the hospital today and had a transvaginal echo, they couldn't find anything abnormal even though the pain is still present which is strange. I'm still confused but it could just have been a singular rupture. Even the doctors are confused, because it was so strange. Since the "period" was so painful and super short, they said it couldn't have been a decidual cast since there wasn't a big clump but multiple small ones. No one knows what it could have been besides a stray rupture, but they didn't see anything. Should I make a follow-up appointment with my GP?\*\*
\----
Last week I experienced severe cramps, to a point that I passed out and literally screamed, the pain left me unable to walk as it radiated to my legs. My pain tolerance is usually incredibly high and this felt *very wrong.* I ended up going to the emergency room where the doctor listened to my stomach for about a minute before asking me if there's a possibility I could be pregnant and then just writing it off as period cramps.
On this day I did bleed, quite heavily but only when sitting on the toilet, there was hardly anything on the pad. Clumps and cloths came with it too and I had one bout of diarrhea.After this I had only super light spotting, which isn't common for me. And reminded me that the week before I had 1 day of spotting which I actually never do, so that was rather strange!
My stomach is still somewhat over-active (very noisy) and a week later the pain is still there, though very dull. I'm super tired and very confused that I still have pain in my uterus area.
I have miscarried before in a very unpleasant situation, and the pain on that day was very similar, but it is impossible for me to *be* pregnant since my fiance has been sterilized several years ago. AND I did a pregnancy test the day after, just to be sure, but it was negative.
Someone please help? I'm freaking out and I feel so weird!
**UPDATE!! Tomorrow morning (3rd of Feb) I have an appointment with a GP with a specialism in gynecology. She's going to have a short examination and refer me to the gyno dept. in hospital if necessary**
​
| 532 |
Sounds like a ruptured ovarian cyst to me. You could ask your doctor to do a transvaginal ultrasound to be sure. Most ovarian cysts are functional and rupture on their own due to a high amount of LH or FSH. But they don’t usually hurt unless they get too big. Happened to me once because I got an infection. And I tell you I was on the ground so fast I thought I had a kidney stone or a ruptured appendix. Another thing is that vasectomies can fail sometimes. But if you took a pregnancy test that soon after it and it was negative I highly doubt it’s a miscarriage. The hormones wouldn’t have had that fast of a turnaround.
My best guess is cyst. Second deduction would be endometriosis that has extended slightly to your bowel. I would go for the transvaginal ultrasound first to see if it’s a harmless cyst or something more. Then update us. 👍
| 460 |
AskDocs
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My dying mother’s neck is rock hard around where her thyroid is. Hospice nurses aren’t sure why.
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I was just cleaning my mom’s mouth and checking her over when I noticed that her neck under her chin is really puffed up. I touched it and it’s rock hard. She is in her final days of life and is no longer eating or drinking anything (except for about a teaspoon of water I’m able to get her to swallow every now and then). I called hospice and they aren’t sure what could be causing it. Hospice started her on liquid lorazepam (2.5ml every 8 hours) and took her off of all of her other meds days ago, one being her thyroid medication. It doesn’t seem to be impacting her breathing any, but it still has me concerned. Does anyone know what could be causing this?
Additional info: My mom is 64F, 5’4”, approx 140 lbs. She was diagnosed with a severe brain tumor 5 months ago. Even with radiation it continued growing.
| 356 |
Sialadenitis (infection or inflammation of a salivary gland) can be seen at end of life, due to dehydration causing salivary stones to form and/or a weakened immune system as part of the dying process. People with a history of head or neck radiation are probably more at risk also.
I can't say for sure that's the issue but it seems likely based on your description.
The only concern is whether or not it's causing pain, if it is, it could be appropriate to start stronger pain medication. Oral care to gently moisten the mouth and a warm compress to the area may also help.
You can ask hospice if they think this is likely and if they have any additional recommendations.
| 367 |
AskDocs
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UK doctors - friend is recently dating a 'general surgeon' but we have a bad feeling he is lying about his credentials
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I'll try to keep this vague in case anyone knows anyone involved.
A friend has recently started dating a man who claims to be a general surgeon (UK) we are concerned he may be lying due to how he behaves and something just doesn't feel right. He is too young but claimed he 'fast tracked' three years of his qualifications because of people who knows so was able to become a surgeon earlier than expected.
He says he does plastic surgery abroad privately but works at a NHS hospital in the UK doing general surgery.
He claimed to perform stomach pumps on New year's Eve on his shift.
How can I check if he is legit? I can't find him on the GMC register or Royal college of surgeons.
They have been dating for less than 3 months and he is already trying to buy a house with her.
Our concern is he could be a conman trying to steal money or worse someone who may be abusive with narcissistic tendencies.
She seems smitten and is ignoring all the red flags. She's pretty inexperienced in dating and is a little naive so I feel she is vulnerable to manipulation.
Any help or thoughts would be appreciated.
| 852 |
Fast tracked qualifications? Sounds like complete BS to me.
| 893 |
AskDocs
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CT scan showed a uterus after I had a hysterectomy in 2014?
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I’m a 31 YO female, 5 foot 2, 120 lbs. I had a hysterectomy in 2014 because of severe endometriosis and a uterine prolapse.
I went to my GP in September because of right flank pain, pelvic pain, trouble urinating, and they general feeing that something was internally off in my pelvis. CT to check for kidney stones, said it came back normal. Gave me a steroid shot, Flomax.
It has never really gotten better, just back and forth in waves. A few weeks ago it started to get weirdly worse. It feels like there is a palpable thing in my pelvis that shouldn’t be there. While trying to make an appointment in my healthcare app, I came across my CT narrative which I didn’t realize was available to me.
Uterus/adnexa: Arcuate or bicornuate appearance of the uterus.
Except I haven’t had a uterus for 7 fucking years. They rechecked the scan today and confirmed there appears to be soft tissue present. I also have tiny little pebble size lumps popping up under my skin around my groin, ribs, and torso. I’m not sure if they’re swollen lymph nodes? Oh yeah, and all the skin on my vulva has RANDOMLY peeled off like a sunburn several times in the last couple of weeks.
I have an ultrasound and doctor’s appointment Friday. But I feel like I might die of a heart attack before then. What the fuck is going on and why do they keep brushing me off?
| 697 |
call the doctor you have an appointment with. ask them to call the radiologist and inform them you had a hysterectomy and ask them to look at the scan again.
it may be that they had standard language in their report that they accidentally left.
| 867 |
AskDocs
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I (22M) itched myself a second asshole and I’m too anxiety ridden to do anything about it.
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TIFU by giving myself a second asshole. NSFW
Obligatory throwaway, you’ll see why.
2 years ago or so ago, i starting having the itchiest fucking spot ever just below my tailbone at the top of my ass crack. It would itch so damn much for no reason and I literally couldn’t stop myself from itching it, I wasn’t shoving my hands down my underwear every day either, I was itching it through the top of my jeans which probably fucked me up real good by pushing the fabric of my underwear into my ass avery day.
It got so bad that I would wake up in the middle of the night sometimes and find myself scratching my ass it was so fucking itchy and it would reduce me to tears sometimes. I’m so embarrassed by this and still to this day have not not told a single person.
Around a year ago whilst I was going for a shit at work I could feel that feces was coming out of 2 holes and the worst part was - I didn’t even know if this was the first time or if I just hadn’t noticed it before, because I could only tell it was happening when I was wiping 2 different spots.
My whole ass is just fucked at this point, a year or so on from the first time I did the deed out of 2 holes. I never ever itch it anymore but there is so much tenderness, bloating and god knows how many piles down there from my actual ass hole all the way up to ass hole #2. Good god, there is enough pubic hair attached to my ass right now to cure alopecia in Western Europe, which is honestly the most embarrassing part for me - I do not want anyone to see the absolute bomb site my entire ass is right now. Going for a shit is an absolute nightmare, I normally have to shower after every time, because even after the 10th wipe that paper still ain’t clean. Wiping 2 holes weirds me out so much. (Although to be fair to asshole #2, a lot less comes out of that one.)
The thought of sitting down with anyone and having to tell them I’ve basically self inflicted an accidental second ass hole over the past year or so is completely and utterly impossible in my brain. I honestly think I’d rather die than have to sit in a room and tell my family and doctors that. I’ve googled the condition and I’m fairly sure it’s an ‘Anal Fistula’. Basically I am at risk of sepsis if I don’t get this treated. I’d honestly rather get rushed to the emergency room for septic shock than have to tell someone about my assholes. So here you go docs, what the fuck do I do?
‘Just go to a doctor’ has been running through my head for a year. But if you have never dealt with extreme anxiety before, then believe me when I tell you, it’s not as easy as that.
| 1,686 |
I had to have an emergency doctor's visit because I had a pilonidal cyst rupture and I had no idea what it was. I was ass up literally having a chunk cut out of my upper ass crack so the cyst could drain. It was the most painful thing in my life. Worse than broken wrists, burst ovarian cysts, and more. I laid there bleeding and oozing on a doctor's table with a very nice nurse who explained to me that the amount of shit health care practitioners see *is so beyond* what I could imagine.
Please please, don't be embarrassed of what you think they're thinking. A lot of people put off getting something like this addressed *because no one ever talks about having these issues.* **I promise you**, a month out from getting help you will be so relieved to at least know and have a course of action to help heal. Addressing it is beyond worth it.
Edit: NAD & thankyou for the awards!
| 1,352 |
AskDocs
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My body is adapting to cold and its becoming a problem
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I (18M) live in a state where its always super cold during the winter. I have never worn pants as i dont like the way they feel, even when its -10 degrees. Just recently i have noticed whenever i make the decision to go outside, my heart rate will spike and i start to get super warm. I can ride my bike in shorts and a t-shirt with a wind chill at -20 degrees and I will not get cold. My hands, feet, legs, torso, everything, will be warm within 5 minutes of me being outside. Now I think this is great because i never get cold, i haven't felt cold in years. But whenever its a little chilly in my room my body temp will spike and I start sweating and having hot flashes. My concern is that this might become a problem. I am always getting super hot and dehydrated all the time when it gets a little chilly. Should i seek medical advice?
​
edit: after reading some of the comments (thank you guys) i have decided to talk to my doctor about some thyroid problems. Hopefully this isnt the case but thank you all for your help!
| 488 |
As a friendly reminder to OP, even though you may have tolerance towards the cold, at -20, the windchill can permanently damage you with frostbite. From your friendly Canadian who worked in -45 this morning.
| 457 |
AskDocs
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Two girls I work with have gotten thyroid cancer. Should I be worried that we are being exposed to a carcinogen at work?
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Both coworkers who got cancer are in their 30’s and female. We work in an office. It is right next to the highway (like literally 10 yards or so from the highway) but I can’t think of anything else notable about it. I am younger than they are (also female) and I haven’t been working in this building as long but it makes me a little nervous.
| 367 |
It’s almost certainly a coincidence. If your work involves radiation or radioactive substances, though, two cases would be very concerning for a breach of safety protocols.
If you are in the US, you may be able to get data from your state’s cancer surveillance registry to put your mind at ease. Cases are reported by zip code of residence, but because people generally live near where they work, a cancer cluster near your place of employment should be discernible.
| 323 |
AskDocs
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How Do I File A Formal Complaint Against a Doctor?
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I am an African-American female in my mid-30's. Generally Healthy. I have a small cerebral aneurysm that is being monitored. I began seeing a new OBGYN in late December because my OBGYN retired, and I began to experience some medical issues. Specifically my periods became out of whack and my cycles (which were stable at 24 days for years) would last between 17 and 39 days. I would also bleed for up to 12 days, which is atypical for me. I also experienced intense hot flashes for several weeks that impacted my day to day functioning. I was literally hot one minute and freezing the next for much of the day for weeks. It also impacted my sleep tremendously. I just knew that something was not right.
So I attended an initial visit with this OBGYN and she rude to me the minute she saw me. She demanded I put my phone away, minimized all of my symptoms, made sarcastic remarks, and was not listening. The minute I mentioned hot flashes, she rudely stated that this cannot be menopause. Mind you, I never used that term. She sent me for labs and an ultrasound. The labs came back normal with the exception of my FSH which was 31. The ultrasound showed a few issues, but most notably, there was endometrial thickening (18mm) and an endometrial polyp. She then had her nurse or assistant call me and request that I see an endocrinologist, and demanded I see a neurologist for medical clearance for a procedure. The nurse initially did not say why I needed to see an endocrinologist or what the procedure was. I had to specifically ask, which is beyond me. Her response was that my labs are in the menopausal range and the doctor wants to remove the polyp.
The vascular neurologist was kind, and quickly cleared me. I saw the endocrinologist, who was very professional, smart, and kind. She did thorough testing, and the only abnormality she found was a low AMH (0.2). I've done some research and I know these two things (high FSH and low AMH) are not good. Although the endocrinologist says these values don't mean much in practice, she recommended that I see a reproductive endocrinologist.
So I go back to the OBGYN. She is rude again, from the minute she enters the room. She berates me for showing up instead of doing a telehealth visit. Her staff member specifically said I needed to come in person for this visit. For some reason she was unable to schedule the visit as a Telehealth visit. My email confirmations and text confirmations confirm this. These messages clearly say that the visit is at the office, and there are no instructions or link on how to setup a Telehealth visit.
She then recommended a hysteroscopy and polypectomy. I asked several questions (e.g., potential bad outcomes, recovery, etc.). She rolls her eyes a few times, but answers. I bring up the abnormal FSH value and her response was that the value is borderline, which is bullshit. She then tells me she will have someone reach out to schedule the surgery.
I just got a notification that a visit summary is available. Her note is a fabrication of what transpired. Her note indicates that she gave me the opportunity to cancel the surgery in favor of less invasive alternatives. Her note then lists the alternatives as observation or medication. Her note also stated that she recommended that I get a second opinion and I declined. Her note also implies that I insisted on the surgery. None of these things transpired.
Needless to say, I am firing her as a doctor. But I feel very uncomfortable about the way I was treated, and the lies in my medical record. How can I formally make a complaint?
TLDR: I began seeing a new OBGYN who has been rude during every encounter and minimized my symptoms and concerns. On our final visit, she recommended surgery and did not offer alternative solutions. However, her note says otherwise. How can I make a formal complaint?
| 894 |
I work in corporate compliance-specifically for the healthcare field. You can ask or Google the company’s compliance/integrity/ethics line, and file a formal complaint there. Keep in mind, you will need dates, locations, names, and possibly times. If you don’t have any of those, descriptions/ballpark figures are okay. You should receive a report number at the end of the process, and whatever you do, DO NOT inform anyone at that office you are filing a report with their compliance department, as the report goes directly to their corporate compliance department for investigation.
EDIT: Also, the reports can be subpoenaed to court, so make sure you get a second opinion on your diagnoses and her medical opinion. Providers are not always right, and that second (or third, if you need more evidence) opinion may help you win this case. Especially if they’re recorded in your medical records.
| 507 |
AskDocs
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I've been on an IV for two years without a diagnosis (31M)
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Hi, first time poster.
31M, 6'1", 155 lbs, caucasian, no previous medical history, no other meds, do not drink/smoke/do drugs.
I've been on saline infusions for two years straight, 365 days a year, 24 hours a day, 7 days a week. I receive just under 6 liters of fluid each and every day. My body can't seem to stay hydrated on anything less. My heart rate goes up, I get severely tired, will often get a headache, I'll start breathing rapidly and shallowly like I can't catch my breath, and often times I will get hot and break out in a spontaneous sweat. 5 years ago, when it first started, I began experiencing GI failure due to it. It started with a lot of gas and bloating. 3 weeks later I was told they would need to remove my colon. And they did, but it didn't fix the problem. I continued having GI problems until I discovered the fluid issue - and when I started the fluids, it was like my GI tract dipped its toe into a nice cold pool. Everything relaxed almost instantly. As long as I have been on the fluids, I have never had any GI problems ever again.
But the amount of fluids I require is obscene. I drink water too, but I can't drink enough to stay ahead of it. At first, I did the fluids only as needed, but it became clear I needed them all the time. In the times where I would stop, I would get severely agitated like my blood was boiling. I'm normally very calm and mild mannered, but in these moments, people around me would have to leave the room or the house. When my blood was tested, I had an anion gap of 26 and the acidity seemed to translate into severe agitation and not being able to relax. When I would start the fluids again, things would go back to normal and the anion gap would go back down. It's usually somewhere between 10 and 13 now on fluids.
It's starting to get to the point where I think about half of my doctors believe it's psychological. And I've almost run out of ways to tell them that it's not. I own and run a very successful tech startup that has raised lots of money over the last several years. I handle stress extremely well. Coming from my tech background, I'm very logical, level headed, and evidence-oriented. I don't ever complain about anything unless I know something is definitely wrong. I feel there is more than enough evidence to substantiate that it is physical, but I think the medical record has just become too overwhelming for most doctors to look at now.
I have exhausted all other normal avenues (seeing doctors face-to-face), short of "crowdsourcing" the answer through a medium like this. I also am not able to really share my story publicly under my real name for fear that the investors in my business might get spooked by my health problems.
I just want to be able to live a life not permanently attached to an IV at 31 years old, or at the very least, find a diagnosis. I haven't given up on my life, but I feel very close to giving up on my health. I feel many of my doctors see me as a lost cause, and I'm struggling not to believe it myself.
**Update**: Thank you everyone for all of the support. First thing in the morning, I am going to work on putting together more information to share. But for the time being, I have uploaded the results of 7K+ tests in an excel doc that everyone is free to browse: [here](https://www.dropbox.com/scl/fi/vbxxq6ofkodktibrqobgg/Mr-Nobody3-Blood-Test-Copy.xlsx?dl=0&rlkey=t3av3mob93wfwmk886abb92eo). I also want to address some of the tougher questions.
**Update 2/12**: More things to share: [Detailed Comprehensive Results with Notes](https://www.dropbox.com/s/7qomk2w65lsp92g/PDFMrNobody%20Medical%20Results.pdf?dl=0) and [Infectious Diseases Workup and Summary](https://www.dropbox.com/s/jomy4pqizusy9sz/clinicalNotes_Feb112021_144717.pdf?dl=0). Following the ID workup, I followed through with the IVIG therapy, but it was unsuccessful and did not improve the blood counts. The recommendation to follow up with NIH also was a dead end because they require a diagnosis. Undiagnosed Diseases Network within the NIH rejected my case because they didn't believe they had anything more to add.
**Update 3/3**: Too long to write here, but I wanted to share some [recent genetic findings and the results of my latest experiment decreasing the fluids](https://www.reddit.com/r/AskDocs/comments/lgc8ff/ive_been_on_an_iv_for_two_years_without_a/gpkx55e?utm_source=share&utm_medium=web2x&context=3).
| 847 |
I’m very confused by this presentation. I need so much more information. That is a massive, massive salt and fluid load daily. On top of the risks of IVs daily.
| 605 |
AskDocs
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I have a very rare version of a very rare disease. I'm finding it harder to cope as time goes on and I can't find anyone who has gone through the same thing. I don't know what to do.
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Good morning and thank you for any replies in advance. Basic medical info is below.
25F, 5'0", 120lb, half Japanese/half white, located in Philadelphia, less than a pack a day smoker, I use medical marijuana, never drink. Existing conditions are idiopathic hypersomnia, depression, anxiety, c-ptsd, and Kikuchi-Fujimoto disease. Current medications: trintellix 10mg, lamotrigine 100mg, vyvanse 60mg. I also just had two 5-ish hour IVIG infusions last week.
I was diagnosed with Kikuchi Fujimoto disease in December 2020 after being sick since February 2020. I had gone through many specialists and finally got a 2nd opinion and diagnosis from a whole team of specialists at Penn. I am currently treated there in the oncology department.
This disease is apparently pretty rare, and usually sorts itself out within 6 months. Unfortunately I did not get better on my own and thus have been feeling sick for a year now. My symptoms are swollen lymph nodes, drenching night sweats, nausea/vomiting, a plaquey rash on my back, weird blood work, really bad fatigue, abdominal pain, weight loss, and I run a low grade fever every day. I did a month of a really high prednisone taper, as soon as I stopped all my symptoms came back. I did two long IVIG infusions in the hospital last week but so far I haven't noticed any improvement. My doctor told me that he has seen a few patients with this before and has had success with an infusion called Rituxan, but as of now my insurance is denying it and its far too expensive to tackle out of pocket. The reason the insurance is denying the rituxan is because this disease is so rare there's very little literature or research on treatment already.
I trust my doctor and I have faith that their team is doing all they can for me in terms of care and also trying to get me the Rituxan for free. I feel unwell most of the time and while I think I've done a pretty good job of keeping it together for the last year, It's starting to become a struggle to keep going. I can't find a single other human who can relate to what I've gone through. I almost feel like an imposter because I'm treated in the oncology department because what I have is cancer like, but not cancer. A stupid part of me is afraid I'm taking time and resources away from cancer patients during a global pandemic and maybe I should just be suffering and hope eventually my symptoms resolve. My thoughts are veering to a dark place. I am not afraid to die but I am afraid to live like this, constantly feeling ill. I sent a message to my care team this morning asking if there's some kind of special therapist who deals with rare diseases or difficult diagnoses but I haven't heard back just yet. I have a therapist who I speak to every other week, but I want to talk to someone who deals with this more often.
How can I find someone, a patient or a counselor, who can relate to me? I can't find online forums for Kikuchi Fujimoto disease. Is a rare disease counselor even a thing? Have you had patients with super rare conditions? How did they cope? I always put on a happy face when I go to Penn because everyone there is always so nice to me, should I be more open about my despair?
Any advice is appreciated. Thank you.
| 826 |
I work for a rare diseases patient NGO (in public policy, so I can’t directly assist you unfortunately.) As this is a super rare condition you may find that Syndromes Without A Name (SWAN) groups or groups for undiagnosed people come the closest to understanding and sharing your experiences. It is a very kind and open community and I am sure if you send your local rare diseases group a message (see https://www.orpha.net/consor/cgi-bin/index.php?lng=EN and https://rarediseases.org/) they will point you in the right direction 🙂
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AskDocs
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Should I give up?
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25F, white, 5’8”, ~330lbs, no drinking or drugs of any sort, south Florida. I have had vertigo my whole life. My mom noticed when I was a toddler. I faint and fall frequently, am always nauseated, experience total disorientation. I don’t hear sounds coming from the correct places ( sounds are always opposite of where I think they are ), the room often spins or slides, I see stars and am unable to breathe a lot. When it’s bad I forget how to speak, what things are, where I am, who I am, who the people around me are, and am totally unable to read. I get headaches in the back of my head.
I have been to hundreds of doctors. I’ve been out of state. I’ve had every test imaginable. I’ve tried alternative medicine, been rushed to the ER, done MRIs and CAT scans and EKGs and brain monitoring and gastroscopies and even a weird DNA mapping thing. Some dude even stuck a balloon up my nose.
No one has any idea, and many of my doctors thought I was faking it. I was once told I may have basilar migraine syndrome but there was nothing I could do about it.
I missed a lot of school, and ended up dropping out of high school. I am unable to work at all because I have so little concentration or energy.
When I was 20 I was diagnosed with psoriatic arthritis. Late 2019 I was diagnosed with OCD, PTSD, and depression. A few months ago I started losing hearing in my left ear ( did MRIs, all normal, tried oral and injectable steroids, no difference ). Recently I learned my muscles are hurting WAY more than they should and are always super tense. I also just straight up don’t get periods. Maybe once every like,,, six months. ( The rules said I had to mention everything, sorry if this is TMI. Doctors said I don’t have PCOS. )
Because of a combination of arthritis and my dizziness, I can’t walk. I have wheelchairs. I have to sit to even brush my teeth and wash my face. I can’t make my own food or walk to get a glass of water. My entire life is relegated to my bed and my room and I am completely dependent on the help of my family.
To my question: do I give up trying to get medical help? Everyone says I’m making it up and it isn’t a huge deal, but this is Hell. I started trying a neurologist again but then COVID hit, and being in south Florida, it’s even more unsafe. I don’t know if I’m exaggerating or making a big thing out of nothing. Should I wait until COVID is over? Should I go now, anyway? Should I just never go again?
Also if any of you have ANY advice or can point me in a direction or anything at all, I’d be eternally grateful. I’ll take anything. Even “you should try yoga”, haha.
Thanks for reading. 💖
EDIT: Thank you, thank you, THANK YOU for all the responses, kindness, and outpouring of love. I’m humbled and grateful. It may take me some time to respond to everyone, and even then I may miss a lot of you, but know I’m reading and documenting everything and will be doing research and bringing it up with a doctor. Of course, feel free to keep responding/etc.!
Mostly, thank y’all for reminding me I shouldn’t give up, and for treating my medical history with more respect than I’ve ever had elsewhere in my life. You guys are the bee’s knees! 💖
| 444 |
NAD But as a person with some long term health problems which stopped me from doing many things I love, and many I wanted to do I say: FIGHT. Do not give up, there is so many things that we do not know about human body. Believe me I know how you feel, I miss the days that washing my teeth would not be a gamble and sitting down would feel less like hell. But there is help, somewhere, you are young, as me (22), we both will find help. Maybe genetics can help you. Have you looked into metabolic disease? Or maybe some special neurologist not a general one.
Take a break from doctors if you need it, but do not stop looking for answers, you deserve them.
| 239 |
AskDocs
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Eye Concern
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Hello! So I have had a vein in my left eye since I was 8 years old, today i was looking all the way right and caught a glimps of the entire thing in my webcam and it freaked me out, I am having no eye issues right now but just want to make sure I don't have a eye worm(or something) or my eye is going to fall out....
Anything advice will be great.
​
[https://imgur.com/a/cm01TdV](https://imgur.com/a/cm01TdV)
| 280 |
Looks like a juicy episcleral vein! If the eye was more diffusely red I might be concerned, but given the isolated, chronic swelling with a (presumably) normal eye exam a couple years ago, I wouldn't worry about it too much. Most likely benign, just like varicose veins you might see in people's legs.
| 261 |
AskDocs
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This may sound crazy, but should I be worried that my dog is suddenly obsessed with my left arm..?
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Ok, I know the title may seem odd, but I spoke with some trainers and a vet who all said I might want to just check up on this... So my dog today suddenly has been acting very strange with me, grabbing my left arm with his paws, pulling me towards him, sniffing and licking only that arm like crazy, getting upset when I pull away and then jumping all over me, growling/whining, etc, just obsessive behaviors. I changed clothes and it didn't matter, I did training with him and he went right back to it after we stopped. This has gone on all day. I finally spoke to some trainers and a vet who told me not to freak out, but that I may want to speak to a doctor because they have seen instances where dogs sensed illness in a human. I was very sick a few days ago with a stomach bug, but today (when he started) was the first day I've felt better (well enough to eat normally.) The only other connection I can think of to the left arm is that I had my first covid vaccine there (and got pretty sick from it), but that was a few weeks ago and I haven't had problems since... Anyway, please just let me know if you all think I maybe should go in for a check-up (or perhaps just call my dog's usual vet tomorrow and tell her he's crazy and he's making me crazy.) Thanks!
(26F, 5'2", 135 lbs, no major recent medical history, only take birth control, no smoking or drinking.)
UPDATE: No appointment yet, insurance issues (what's new), but I promise I will go soon--I'm due for a checkup anyway so it works out! I also get my second Covid shot in a little over a week, so that should be interesting. Thanks everyone for the entertaining (and occasionally terrifying) responses! (PS: Most definitively not pregnant, so you can at least count that one out hah.)
| 763 |
Look, check it out. My rescue dog used to sniff my husband’s stomach. My husband would joke he’s smelling what he had for dinner ( he’s a beagle so food obsessed). Turns out my husband had a Tumor on his pancreas. It’s been removed for 18 months now and my dog has never ever again sniffed his stomach. Better be safe and feel a little silly then have regrets
| 1,084 |
AskDocs
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I have a tooth that's basically a hole in my head. It started gushing blood and now I'm having really bad neurological issues and my chest hurts. Is this a medical emergency?
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21F, 5'3", 175 lbs. The neurological issues started around the same time the tooth got infected, over a year ago, but I couldn't get a root canal because it was going to be $3k even though I have insurance (thanks America). The other day my tooth randomly bled, and I mean filled my mouth with blood. I also have a few more cavities that aren't really that bad but my gums around them are swelling. Ever since then, my neurological symptoms are the worst they've ever been. One minute I'll be fine, the next I won't know what the hell is even going on. My chest is killing me too. Is this a medical emergency? Would an emergency room do anything to help? I set an appointment with a local dentist online that helps low income and I finally got on medicaid so I figure they'll just rip it out, but they haven't gotten back to me, most likely because of the snow in my area. I'm worried that I have an infection.
Neuro problems are: headache, confusion, tachycardia (POTS), flu like feeling, head pressure like it's full of liquid, neck stiffness, memory issues, and more confusion.
It may be worth noting a few weeks ago I had to go to the hospital with meningitis symptoms and after a spinal tap they told me it wasn't meningitis but I was fighting a nasty virus.
Edited to update: went to the ER. They didn't draw blood or anything but the doctor did check my tooth out, said it was infected and sent my script to the pharmacy to pick up tomorrow. The doctor thinks the bleeding episode was my tooth being abscessed and then draining itself. I also have pharyngitis. As for the other symptoms (neck, headache and confusion) I had the same symptoms about 3 weeks back, went to the hospital and got diagnosed with and unknown viral illness (after testing negative for meningitis). The doctor thinks I could have the illness again, but this time nobody else in my house is sick but me so I don't know. I see a dentist Monday, and we're supposed to get 16 inches of snow this weekend so I'm hoping that the antibiotics will take care of everything. Thank you guys so much for the support. It warms my heart to see so many internet strangers caring so much about another internet stranger. <3
| 794 |
Go to the ER now. Neck stiffness, confusion and systemic signs of infection are big red flag signs.
| 1,099 |
AskDocs
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Down Syndrome and Chronic Infections
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I am the new guardian of my brother-in-law. He is 25 yrs old, and has Down syndrome and alopecia. He is non-verbal, so getting answers can be difficult. There was also a brief history of medical neglect before he came to live with us.
He suffers from chronic eye and ear infections. Bad ones. Red pussy eyes, smelly ears and had his ear drum burst at one point. He has alopecia, and has chronic fungal infections in his nails. He also has terrible cystic acne, as well as bad eczema. His poor hands are always raw and cracked.
We brought him immediately to the urgent care clinic 2 months ago when he arrived. They started ear and eye antibiotics and also agreed with our suggestion to start Turbinifin (sp?) as an anti-fungal for his nails. We’ve also connected with his primary care doctor. The infections initially went away, and even his nails are looking so much better. Now his eyes are infected again (pus, inflamed, red and raw looking).
Our concern is that his doctor believes this is ‘just the way he’s always been’, so we just treat things when they become too severe. I had to PUSH for a full blood workup, literally read the tests we wanted out loud as she wrote them down, and found out he hasn’t had any sort of a test in over 4 years.
I feel like, if this was me, a doctor would be scrambling to protect my eyes & hearing and to ensure I wasn’t walking around with chronic fungal infections that caused my nails to fall off and bleed.
I guess I’m asking for any suggestions, and leads, and any advice. I’ve asked for a blanket of blood testing including thyroid and celiac disease. What else should I be asking for? Any ideas you could give me as ‘possible’ illnesses/underlying issues that we could pursue? We have him on a waitlist for a new doctor, but that could take awhile.
| 330 |
I think you're right to advocate for his health. Whilst certain genetic disorders are associated with certain conditions and variable life expectancies, it doesn't mean that people with such conditions aren't entitled to have the same level of care and treatment as anyone else.
Noone should assume that any medical condition is directly associated with any condition until its proven to be the case in the individual, and shouldn't preclude any treatment on the basis of a genetic disorder unless it is clear that it would cause more harm to the individual than be of benefit.
That being said, its hard to know what's going on without any knowledge of his past medical history. However I cant see why youd not treat these infections any differently to someone without a genetic abnormality. Is he OK taking treatments and does he have an awareness of his own health needs?
Maybe worth asking why in his case those that are treating him feel they can only intervene when its severe. Id be interested in their response.
| 152 |
AskDocs
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Husband (48) frequently fainting, poor appetite, losing weight
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My husband for the past year has been frequently fainting and just had one of these spells. I was alerted to it because I heard his his head hit the tile floor in our kitchen. This isn’t the first time he has been injured in one of these falls.
In addition to that his appetite has become increasingly poor. The only foods he can tolerate are rice milk, rice cereal and peanut butter toast. He has also lost a fair amount of weight (20 lbs in the last 6 months).
He has had a Colonoscopy/Endoscopy within the last several months that was clear. He was also tested for food sensitivities/allergies. He also has had blood work done and everything was good.
His health history has been good with the exception of a parasite he contracted approximately 6 years ago while traveling out of the country. This parasite put him in the ICU and almost killed him. Thankfully the ICU doctors were able to treat the parasite but he was left with holes in his intestines. He is unsure of type of parasite but is confident that he contracted it from water in Uzbekistan. After the parasite he was never able to fully gain all of the healthy weight he had pre-parasite.
All of the doctors he has seen are stumped. Right now it’s a wait and see but with the increasing fainting spells, losing weight and poor appetite we don’t know what to do. At this point I’m afraid to let him out of my sight for too long for fear that he’ll really hurt himself during one of these falls.
Is there any advice on what this could be or what we should have him tested for?
| 480 |
He needs a full blood work up, cardiac workup and an ultrasound or CT scan of his whole abdomen - some parasites (liver flukes, etc) over a period of years can travel to the liver causing anorexia, jaundice and so much more. Someone also mentioned Neurocysticercosis which are pork tapeworms that can live in the brain. These same tapeworms plus other roundworms can also go into the heart muscles. Better to rule out. I'm a doctor in a developing country & cases like this are common.
| 444 |
AskDocs
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Bug in Ear aftermath, female 23
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Female, 23, smoker, 200lbs, 5'3", cefdinir
So approximately 3 days ago, I woke up in the middle of the night with the most awful ear pain in my life, so bad I went straight to the ER. They looked in my ear, saw what looked to be a lady bug, and got to work. Step 1 was lidocaine and wait, and then they spent 6hrs flushing my ear with water and peroxide and digging into my ear canal with various instruments trying to get the sucker out. The only removed the head and the outer shell of the bug, not the main body. But it was 2 am, they had already caused so much trauma to my ear drum and spent 6hrs on me, so understandably they sent me home and I was told to come back the next day. (I dont have insurance, and would have gone to urgent care instead if instructed so but this is why I didn't go traight to an ENT) So I show up the next day, get 3 diff people looking in my ear who all say they see something but doesn't look like a bug. They flush my ear out once, and look again, and decide im good to go home. I was given Cefdinir the first night and have been taking it as instructed. The pain has been off and on, but I dripped some hydrogen peroxide in my ear and let it bubble up then drained and then did the same with warm water, as they told me to do at the ER when I got home. Since doing this (yesterday) my ear is now constantly throbbing and swollen all the way down to my lymphnodes (I think thats what it is, but that side of my neck/throat region) and now im just wondering if I should stop using peroxide or allowing really anything in my ear and leave it alone and what I can do fir the throbbing and swelling and if any of this is normal for this situation. I know bugs in ears is semi common but ive never known another person to go through this so im just looking for advice before I go to urgent care for a check up closer to when my antibiotics are done, because I do not want to waste Healthcare providers time or money or mine for that matter if all they can or will tell me is to finish my meds first. Thanks <3
| 274 |
You should continue your Abx and not put anything else in your ear. You may want to see an ENT. They often have specialized equipment for these types of cases.
| 226 |
AskDocs
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Mystery illness baffling doctors
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Hello Reddit doc! This is a very interesting one and I have consulted doctors all over the world for help, since this has taken away my entire life.
Age/Sex: 27F
Height: 5 ft 7
Weight: 52kg
Race: White Caucasian
Primary complaint: Extreme Skene gland inflammation of unknown origin, accompanied by extreme bloating, POTS, left-sided body aches, fever, cervical and inguinal lymphadenopathy. The Skene glands causes a 24/7 desperation to urinate, akin to Tinnitus of the urethra (very very very hard to live with).
Duration: 6.5 years (but severely for 1.5 years). Partner suddenly affected since 1 year ago.
Existing medical issues: Raynaud’s, hiatal hernia, retroverted uterus, First Bite Syndrome
Drink/smoke/drugs: None
Current medications: None
Occupation: ex Flight attendant (worldwide travel)
Country: UK
This is an extreme mystery and doctors are very baffled by me. I would be so grateful for ANY opinions please.
August 2014: I suddenly developed what appeared to be a UTI, with very subtle frequency. Antibiotics did not help at all. A week later, ended up in A&E with extreme left sided pain. Cause was not found but pain resolved within three hours.
2014 - 2019: Recurrent extreme centralised abdominal pain high up where the stomach starts. I’m talking 11/10, excruciating pain. Spontaneously resolve each time. A&E doctors could never find a cause, except white blood cells would always be high. Eventually did an endoscopy after five of these episodes and found hiatal hernia. I am suspicious these were vowel obstructions. Meanwhile, I am still living with urinary frequency. Negative cystoscopy. Also having dry eyes and joint pains and First Bite Syndrome, but negative for ANA. First Bite Syndrome is unusual, considering I have never had head or neck radiation. Dry eyes and joint pains spontaneously resolve after one year, never to return.
Upon exercising, I develop a hacking cough a few minutes in, which stops as soon as I stop exercising. Thought it was asthma or something, but have no prior history of it. On MANY occasions, people have approached me while I am on a treadmill to ask if I am OK because they can hear me across the gym. Someone told me once they have asthma and that mine sounds worse. This is ONLY with exercise though and occasionally after eating.
August 2019 - Suddenly overnight, subtle urinary frequency turns into a constant 24/7 pressure to urinate, coming from the urethra/vaginal region. Post void dribbling, stream dysfunction, dyspareunia now present. Menstruation blood does not flow properly now - must be ‘pushed’ out when on toilet.
Now also have lower left sided pain when coughing and what looks to be either a hernia or a protruding vein.
December 2019, - Again, sudden eruption of symptoms and now the 24/7 pressure to urinate, is so severe that it feels like I could wet myself any moment. Now totally housebound, aged 26. Have lived like this ever since. Now have extreme POTS. Standing up and going incredibly dizzy. Blue patches on feet. SEVERE cervical lymphadenopathy - so severe that I am sent for emergency lymphoma testing (negative).
Up till this point, MRI has failed to show urethral diverticulum and another cystoscopy is totally negative. Bladder totally unaffected and no diet sensitivity etc. Not IC.
THE INTERESTING PART: Bearing in mind I have had this since 2014, I am shocked in December 2019 when my sexual partner suddenly catches something from me, the very first time we have unprotected sex after my symptoms have got worse. Immediately we assume this must be an STI, however we have both been tested nearly twenty times for all STIs and are negative. We were also thoroughly tested before being together and were always clear.
We try antibiotics regardless of negative tests. I do not respond to Cefalexin, Doxycycline, Azithromycin, Trimethoprim, Nitrofurantoin, Clarithromycin at all.
Strangely, my partner PARTIALLY responds to Cefalexin and Azithromycin.
Metronidazole instantly induces fever in me and Trimethoprim induces a response which looks like Desquamative Inflammatory Vaginitis, but resolves instantly upon stopping Trimethoprim.
I am now extremely bloated 24/7, not just at the end of the day. SIBO test is positive but Rifaximin does not help at all. Seems I also have bleeding hemorrhoids now too. A lot of diarrhea present. Sometimes pain and shortness of breath upon eating.
July 2020 - I find a urologist specialised in female urethra and upon pelvic exam, he states that I have very dilated skene glands. Excess prolapsing urethral mucosa. Am awaiting surgical excision of the skene glands. No date for surgery yet due to COVID queues.
I put the situation to CrowdMed and a doctor from India wrote in saying my cervical lymphadenopathy, excess urethral meatus tissue and fever fits with Tuberculosis. I travel worldwide for work, so this is possible. He stated this is also sexually transmitted which is why my partner partially responds to Azithromycin and other antibiotics, but not fully. My partner does also have night sweats on and off of unknown origin. TB is also notable for harbouring in skene glands.
I am wondering if I may have nutcracker syndrome, given the extreme bloating which I believe may be veins. I can also see a protruding vein near my hip bone which hurts when I cough. It would fit with extreme POTS too. My left legs aches at the end of the day too and I have unexplained blue patches on foot. Skene gland symptoms worse with menstruation and exercise.
Partner still symptomatic with chronic prostatitis to this day, and he also now has some pain with coughing in the abdominal area, which is negative for hernia upon ultrasound, though both of us show abdominal fluid upon ultrasound.
Tests done: colonoscopy (negative), endoscopy (hiatal hernia), x2 cystoscopy (both negative), ultrasound (polycysts on ovaries showing and retroverted uterus and unknown fluid). Normal bladder and kidney ultrasound. Pelvic MRI (without contrast) showed free floating fluid and retroverted uterus. Awaiting abdominal CT scan.
Notable blood work: abnormally low lymphocytes, IGA deficiency, very high prolactin.
This is a real medical mystery and I have probably accidentally missed off some symptoms because there is so much to this story. I am sorry that this might seem so disjointed.
Therefore my question to you is: do you think this could be (1) Tuberculosis (2) nutcracker syndrome (3) something else?
I have been housebound for a year now at my age and have lost my dream job and entire life really, so ANY advice that anyone could provide would be so appreciated please and I understand that Reddit can never replace my own doctors, but any opinions could be so grateful received please.
Thank you so much in advance.
EDIT: had it suggested that I should really highlight that my boyfriend has it too. This is contagious it seems.
| 426 |
It’s certainly worth getting tested for TB, it’s cheap, easy, and relatively treatable. Nutcracker seems less likely given your constellation of symptoms, and it wouldn’t be responsible for most of the things you’re feeling, but it’s possible. Any coughing up blood? Night sweats? Severe back pain? If you haven’t already getting a full infectious work up including fungi, Protozoa and parasites is probably worth while.
| 208 |
AskDocs
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Permanent damage from suicide attempt?
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I’m 26, female, 5’10, and weight unknown
I had a suicide attempt February 4th by overdosing on Wellbutrin. I spent five days in the hospital recovering and returned home yesterday from my psych hold/Bakeract. Since the attempt, I’ve had extreme weakness in my left arm and numbness from my hand up to my neck. I can control my hand (though it tingles) and rotate my wrist but other than that, my arm is basically useless, limp and I can’t move it. It doesn’t hurt at all, but it’s very uncomfortable and scary.
At the hospital, I had an MRI that showed muscle inflammation and was told I need steroids and physical therapy. I think they were gonna also do a brain MRI but for some reason it didn’t happen/they decided against it ? - I don’t know because the whole situation is very fuzzy to me.
I was just looking for advice on whether I should seek out a second opinion and possibly see a neurologist? I’m also wondering if you all think this is permanent damage? any information about this kind of situation or overdose would be helpful..I’m really worried.
| 638 |
The MRI that showed muscle inflammation, was it in the same muscles that are concerning you now?
| 285 |
AskDocs
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"I took a look at your xrays, and your ankle is fuuuuuuuucked up" - Direct quote from my new orthopedic dr.
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34F
Height 5'5
Weight 130lbs
Race white
Medications sertraline 100mgs, alprazolam .5mgs as needed, ibuprofen as needed (I know I use too much, generally 800mgs every 4 hours).
Current daily smoker, no drinking, no drug use.
I was in a motor vehicle accident in 2004 which resulted in a shattered right ankle. My ankle was put back together with a combination of pins, screws and plates.
I had the hardware removed in 2006. Ever since, I have suffered with arthritis and pain every day. Most days it's easily managed with heat/ice, elevation, and ibuprofen. According to my most recent xrays there is no fluid in between the joints and the bones are rubbing together. I also have floating bone spurs.
However my last job was very physical which exacerbated my ankle to the point that it looked like my ankle was stuffed with a baseball. I left that job 2 months ago but I think the damage was pretty severe.
Over the years I have seen countless surgeons that have suggested bone fusion surgery to permanently fuse the bones together. I have had approximately 12-15 custom braces made that either made things worse or were not practical for standing, walking or kneeling.
At my most recent appointment today, the surgeon said I'm too young to have an ankle replacement done. He kept strongly suggesting I have the bone fusion surgery done.
I'm hesitant to go through with it because past doctors have said I would not be able to drive if I did this. ( it is my right ankle, and since I have limited range of motion I taught myself to drive with my left foot for the brake).
My question is, will I be able to drive if I go through with the surgery? I cannot find any info online, and have had multiple doctors give me conflicting answers. I am the sole supporter of my family of 5 and the only one with a driver's license.
Does anyone have any thoughts or insight about this?
Edit: thanks for all the responses guys! This is wonderful. I haven't had a chance to read them all or respond yet, but I will a little later today. Thanks!
Edit 2: it seems the overall consensus is to look at modified driving options. I will definitely do some research, although my main concern with that is the cost. Bear in mind I make $12/hr at a part time job and support my entire family, so cost might definitely be an issue.
Edit 3: thank you all for your thoughts, input, advice, anecdotes, and admonishments about smoking and my ibuprofen intake. I appreciate it all. I will look into alternative options for my car setup, although I most likely won't be going that route due to cost. I was more looking for other opinions on being able to physically drive with a fused ankle. Thank you all again.
| 830 |
I’m an Orthopaedic surgeon. I agree that an ankle replacement is a really bad idea for a young manual worker.
When I see a patient who is considering ankle fusion, they often have concerns about how they will function after.
Your ankle is likely to be stiff already.
if you buy (or get fitted with) an Ankle Foot Orthosis (AFO) it will have two benefits:
1: it shows you what it is like to walk around with a stiff ankle so you can see if it’s acceptable.
2: it might take your pain away anyway and allow you to prevent surgery.
| 636 |
AskDocs
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My feet always look and feel like I can only imagine trench foot would within an hour of wearing socks and shoes
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I'm a 28 year old male smoker who has to walk a lot and I'm 5' 8" and about 200 lbs so I have a lot of weight on my feet all day and when I get them free at the end of an hour or a day it's literally disgusting and my feet always hurt and I use foot powders and sprays to no avail. I've tried everything even changing my socks twice or 3 times a day but like I said within an hour I'm slip sliding around and my foot looks [like this](https://photos.app.goo.gl/rAfyaKWhwTQc5j4G9) and I can't stop it! I scrub them every night with pumice and scratch the daylights out of them every five seconds at work because they're so itchy and painful but no hygiene routine will make it stop! Please if somebody can help me I'm lost as to what to do and i don't know how much more I can take before I develop some level agoraphobia because I won't want to wear socks and boots or shoes so I'll never leave my yard, or even my house when it hits winter time!
EDIT: This is my feet in the morning and within an hour of taking them off. I just took this an hour after posting [morning/after they dry](https://photos.app.goo.gl/6i1pUdnAnnbx1k789)
EDIT SOLVED: To everyone who's helped me I thank you greatly from the bottom of my heart your support has been monumental and now I must take this advice and move forward. I will update when I find a solution and let everyone know what worked I'm sorry I couldn't thank everyone although I really tried and I wish I had awards to give but you guys have really kicked ass. Stay beautiful and I friggin love you
| 488 |
Hyperhidrosis or excessive sweating can cause these symptoms especially on the palms of hands and soles of feet. You should see a dermatologist to get a proper diagnosis and treatment. There’s a few things that can help, including prescription deodorant that you can apply on your feet.
Do you wear the same pair of shoes every day? If so you need to get another pair or two to alternate to allow your shoes time to dry out between wears because excess moisture will make things worse and it’s a breeding ground for bacteria. Try to avoid cotton socks because they don’t wick the moisture away. Wool or synthetic athletic socks are better for moisture control.
NAD but a nail technician trained in foot skin and nail disorders.
| 458 |
AskDocs
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Unbearable stomach pain
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I'm 21, female, 5'0 and 150lb. My stress has gotten so bad that I have not eaten in weeks. I've been to the doctor, they prescribed like ten things and none of which help. My stomach hurts so badly, it keeps making noise and hurting. I'm dehydrated because it gets mad if I even drink water. I can't use the bathroom and I just started bleeding. I'm getting these tiny reddish marks all over my body now and they feel like a needle if I put pressure on it. If I try to eat I get so sick I hunch over for hours and it's like it isn't being digested. I also can't sleep, after about two hours I wake up shaking. What can I do?
| 331 |
go to the ER.
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AskDocs
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I need some brutal honesty.
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70 yo Caucasian female. 3 weeks post covid 19. 11 months post large pulmonary embolism after a severe ankle sprain. Overweight, sedentary. History of high blood pressure , asthmatic, chronic bronchitis. Pre-diabetic. 1st covid vaccine given 1 week ago. Only medications at this time is a cholesterol medication. I believe all blood thinners were discontinued.
Patent is my mother.
Wet cough began Wednesday. Refused urgent care. Collapsed this afternoon. 911 called. Patient coded in ambulance. Successfully recesitated. Intubation done at hospital. Coded a second time successfully recesitated. X-rays show widespread pneumonia in both lungs. Ultrasound results indicate at least one blood clot. Currently sedated and restrained. Right eye reactive to light. Left eye non responsive. High fever. Both kidneys are non functional. Patient is undergoing procedure to lower body temperature for 24 hours due to fever and possible TBI. Currently full COR.
I need complete honesty, I'm support staff in a medical setting so I know how bad things can get and how quickly. I need no sugar coating. I've worked in geriatrics for 20 years. If any one would be willing to give me the honest truth about the most likely outcome I would be grateful. I have a difficult time saying out loud my suspicion that my mother has run out of time. That this was a domino effect that started with the covid diagnosis.
My father is convinced she'll be home in a few weeks. My gut instinct says no. I just need to hear it from someone else.
Thank you, stay safe, warm, and healthy.
| 735 |
Really hard to comment without examining her. She now has 3 organs that fail (brain, lungs and kidney), but it still is very early after resuscitation. Your prediction sounds more likely than your dad’s.
Next step is trying to get a sense of the neurological prognosis 24 hours after resuscitation. You’ll need a neurological exam and usually an EEG and/or SSEP for that. If that is compatible with a very poor prognosis, a talk about comfort care might come quite early.
| 655 |
AskDocs
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I feel like my head is going to explode. I cannot stop sobbing. I feel like I am going crazy but will get slapped with doctor shopping.
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24f. 5'4 110 lbs. 1.5+ years ago I got a concussion from a car accident. Hospital ordered no imaging, since they said I would have showed symptoms for other stuff and it was unneeded. I had typical concussion symptoms, but as the weeks went by I began to feel worse. My headaches were lasting all day and increasing in intensity, more neck pain, shoulder pain, back pain, blurry vision, nausea, etc. . . I saw a GP and she gave me a referral to a concussion specialist. He prescribed amitriptyline, gave me a referral to a vestibular and physical therapist. I stopped having body pain, double vision, and nausea, but I still got raging headaches. He ordered a brain MRI, I was told it was normal, but I was also told then that I couldn't see him anymore since he was out of network. . . I thought I would just wait it out even though I felt horrible, but I figured I would be fine if the mri was normal. . . I ended up seeing a new GP a few months later. He told me to just wait it out, but prescribed amitriptyline for another month. I felt horrible still, went back to him, he told me to wait it out, so I took myself to see a neurologist (important to note I had no referral, I saw this neurologist on my own). This was 6 months ago.
Cue to today, I still feel horrible. My head currently feels like it is going to explode, the back of my head feels like something is pushing on it, the base of my skull feels like a bruise and is painful to the touch, I have these really horrible jolts of pain that come and go to the back of my head and side of my face. I literally have sob sessions multiple times a week because of this. I cannot describe how painful this is. This week in particular, I've been sobbing every single day from pain. I lost count of how many times today I've been crying, cause it keeps coming and going. II don't know what to do anymore. I saw a neurologist, and she prescribed amitriptyline about 6 months ago, and just tells me to wait it out. I saw her last month and told her all this, and she still said just take amitriptyline and wait it out.
I literally can't do this anymore. The pain is so bad I have a lot of "darker thoughts" cause I literally cannot live with this pain anymore. But I've also seen multiple doctors over this. I'm afraid I'll get slapped with doctor shopping. They all keep telling me after a week or two I would be fine from this concussion. It's been well over a year and I feel so much worse.
| 726 |
Hi, I had a similar issue after a concussion in 2015 and also bounced around to a bunch of neurologists who didn’t know what to do with me besides prescribe medication that made me loopy. I was eventually referred to a headache specialist who ended up diagnosing me with trigeminal and occipital neuralgia. I did receive courses of nerve block injections for this, but he also told me I needed to be evaluated by my dentist for TMJ dysfunction. When I was evaluated, I found out that I had a significant case of TMJ and after trying different braces that only lessened the damage to my teeth, I was referred to an oral surgeon who does botox for TMJ. He told me that most of the patients he sees for this type of treatment have a history of concussions or whiplash injuries and that there is likely a connection between these types of injuries and development of TMJ as these injuries can lead to spasticity of muscles in the shoulders, head, neck, and face. The botox injections changed my life. Probably reduced my pain level to about 25% of what it used to be. I also had mildly blurry vision that lasted for a few years after my concussion. After being evaluated by an ophthalmologist and eventually a retinal specialist, I was diagnosed with branch retinal vein occlusions in both eyes. The specialist was at a loss as to why this developed in someone that was young and healthy, but said that it could possibly have been related to the head trauma I suffered. As of this year, the occlusions can no longer be seen in retinal imaging or fluorescein angiography and my vision has improved slightly. I just thought that this might be helpful for someone who seems to be going through something a lot like what I went through. I know the pain can be maddening, but there are things that can be done that will preserve your quality of life.
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AskDocs
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Would a therapist be able to talk to my parents if I talked about past abuse and past suicidal thoughts? 16M
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*I know this is a doctor subreddit but I thought I would give it a shot and put it here, since I know that typically doctors and stuff like that understand more about these types of things*
So I’ve been considering therapy again. My last therapist was not good at all, and I’m 99% sure she was telling my parents stuff. And also, I was forced to go to therapy, so I already went into it with a bad mindset.
But I’ve really been thinking about it lately. But if I do go to therapy, I want to be completely honest this time.
But if I talked about how many father and brother abused me, would my therapist have to tell my mom? Bc she likes to deny it ever happened, and she doesn’t classify it as abuse (although it DEFINITELY was). And I just don’t want her to know
And also, if I talked about how I used to be suicidal, would my therapist have to tell my mom? And also, if I told her I don’t want to be alive, but I don’t want to kill myself, would she tell my mom? Bc I’m not going to actively try to end my life, but I don’t really want to be alive, and the thought of death doesn’t really scare me at all.
So I’m just curious if a therapist would have to tell my parents about these things. It’s just something I want to think about before I decide wether or not to try therapy again.
And the final question I have is would any therapist work for any issues? Bc I have a lot of different things I want to talk about. Depression, anxiety, abuse, masturbation/sex and LGBTQ+ issues. So idk if I could just get any therapist or what. Bc I know therapists can specialize in certain areas, but I would imagine any therapist would work for any topic. So yeah, any help would be appreciated :)
| 561 |
If you are in immediate danger, or your therapist feels like there is danger, they will disclose. A good therapist will tell you that they need to tell your parents, and will support you before and after the conversation. Past abuse, past suicidal ideation is not a threat to life. Wanting to die, or not Wanting to be alive and having a plan to end your life are 2 different things too. I would spend your first few sessions with a new therapist talking to them about what they find the need to disclose, and how they do it.
If you are in Canada, you can talk to them about emancipation, where they test you to see if you are mature enough to make decisions regarding your mental health. Then they don't need parental consent, nor do they need to include your parents in any of the case management.
| 302 |
AskDocs
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I’m depressed and lay in bed all day every day, now everything hurts?
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I’m a 18yo mixed race female who suffers from depression anxiety and bpd. I vape, though I’m in the process of quitting, i occasionally smoke weed, and I don’t drink. I take an antidepressant and am also on the depoProvera shot for BC. Because of this I’ve been unemployed and just at home laying in bed all day. Like Literally all day. For like two weeks. Maybe longer. I would say on average I get out of bed maybe 3-4 total hours a day give or take. Sometimes more if I go see a friend, sometimes less if I don’t. I also am struggling with an eating disorder, though not a “Normal” kind. Mine relates to OCD in that I can only eat about 7 different things or I will not eat. I will sometimes go days just eating one or two little snacks thats on my list a day, I couldn’t tell you the last time I had a fruit or a vegetable. From the being in bed all day, I’ve noticed stiffness and such which is to be expected, but now it’s progressed some. My bones are in pain. My lower back, my chest, and my ribs especially. They hurt when I inhale deeply. I’m seeking help for my mental and eating disorders already, but should I go to the doctor for these body aches? I’m scared something is wrong.
| 521 |
You should seek medical/mental attention because you’re currently in a depressive spell. The aches you describe sound like someone who has been in bed for more than a day, each day compounding.
You may benefit from intense psychotherapy or a brief medication trial such as a stimulant or benzodiazepines.
Depression sucks, it will be around forever but there will be better days. It isn’t “you”, try to remember that and keep seeking help.
| 283 |
AskDocs
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My brother is suicidal, and he needs to be hospitalized until he is no longer a danger to himself. How can I make sure that he is held there for longer than 72 hours?
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My twin brother (35 year old male, Caucasian, occasional smoker, has been on Prozac for 3 weeks) is going through a particularly difficult breakup, and threatened to kill himself by overdosing on his prescription sleeping pills earlier today. He has attempted suicide two different times in the past over previous breakups as well. I brought him to the emergency room earlier this afternoon and explained everything to the nurse, who stated that he will be held there involuntarily for the next 72 hours. My question is, can he be held there longer than that? My fear is that he will harm himself as soon as he leaves, and he needs serious professional help to figure this out. What can I do? I am very scared and feel helpless. I am not allowed to be there with him due to covid restrictions (no visitors).
| 585 |
It depends on your location, but holding someone longer than 72hrs tends to be much more difficult that holding them for less.
All you can do is try to speak with his admitting team and voicing your concerns to them.
| 400 |
AskDocs
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I'm a 14 year old female (14F) and cannot walk.
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Edit: I am 14 and a female. I weigh 100lbs and am 5'2. I take the depo shot for my periods and take calcium and iron supplements. I do not smoke or do drugs and there is a 0% chance that I am pregnant (not sexualy active). I also take over the counter pain drugs like ibuprofen and it works but not well enough.
I went to a pediatrician and I don't know what is wrong. I am becoming late to all my classes because it hurts to walk so badly that I have to walk very slowly and limp.
There seems to be nothing physically wrong on the outside but it hurts so bad. Any idea of what it may be? I got my blood tested for vitamin deficiencies and cancer but my labs haven't come back yet and it's giving me a great deal of anxiety. I also lost about 20lbs in a couple of months. My appetite has been shit but my dr thinks it is my mental health issues causing that.
I believe I may need a mobility aid but idk how to get one and if our insurance will cover it. We have medicaid. I don't know how to bring up wanting a wheelchair or maybe a walker to my dr to help me move.
things that I can no longer do
-get to classes on time
-walk normally without extreme pain or walk on a funny way without moderate pain and limping
-stand up in the shower
-get up or sit down without it being super painful
-bending down is very painful
-walk to and from school (my mother has to drive me to school but cannot usually pick me up afterwards and I live less than a mile away from school so the bus legally doesn't have to pick me up). It took me 50 minutes today and it usually takes less than 10. I live only about a block or two away as well.
I was physically unable to walk a few days ago and I am struggling with very simple tasks. I think my dr takes me somewhat serious but I think he also thinks I'm exaggerating or these issues are coming from my mental health. I think I need help. I think I need serious help. It is very embarrassing. I just need to know what to say or bring up or what it may be... I'm so worried.
Also please note that there is no physical injuries that are apparent on the outside like bruising, cuts or anything like that. It just slowly got more and more painful to walk this month. I've had somewhat of a struggle my whole life but nothing serious enough to get checked out, it also didn't limit my daily life until recently and my mother thought it was severe "growing pains" at first but it is becoming more and more clear that it isn't just that....It is happening so fast.
Edit: my mother is willing to take me to the emergency hospital but idk if this is an emergency so idk if I should go
Edit 2: it appears that I will be going to children's mercy after my brother's art club contest. She won't let me go before but is willing to take me afterwards.
Edit 3: currently omw to the hospital rn. I feel so guilty. My brother has to do this with me rather than relaxing. I haven't been able to help my mother yet she supports me so much. I haven't been able to do much at all and I can't stop thinking of all I should've done before this to let my family know how much I love them.
Edit 4: all of my labs came back and they came back normal. After some discussion I need to see a specialist- the dr took me seriously and thinks I have amplified pain syndrome. I feel so validated.
Anyways I have a question. For those of you who are familiar with the condition is using a mobility aid really a no-go? I asked the dr and she said probably not but I'm having trouble walking.
| 757 |
ER physician here- you need to have your mom take you to a pediatric emergency department, not an urgent care and not a local ER. You could have a variety of things going on and need a proper physical exam. I have seen in my career a few times after a viral syndrome where the lining of the joints gets inflamed. That sounds like what is happening but it could be other things is well.
I’m sorry you are needing to advocate for yourself on the internet but you do need to get checked out at the proper location where the correct doctors are.
Good luck to you. Please give us an update.
| 411 |
AskDocs
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30yo Female. I just found out I'm pregnant. Should I get the second dose of the COVID vaccine tomorrow?
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I am a 30 year old female. Taking no medications. No prior health problems.
Hi everyone!
I apologize if this question has already been asked; I'm very new to this group. I just found out I am pregnant (right at 4 weeks). I had my first dose of the Pfizer vaccine about 5 weeks ago (I am a school counselor, at work five days a week and in constant contact with students - socially distanced and with masks). I am due to get my second shot tomorrow, but I am terrified of possibly having a fever and hurting my embryo. I miscarried my first pregnancy last month after ttc for almost a year, and I wouldn't be able to live with myself if I did anything to jeopardize this pregnancy.
So my question is: is it more dangerous to risk a fever post-vax this early in pregnancy, or to skip the second vaccine and have a marginally increased risk getting COVID without a second dose? My husband is a doctor (not in immunology/internal medicine) and supports me either way. I feel so blessed to have been offered the vaccine so early, but now I'm just really worried about making the best decision.
My doc recommended going ahead with the second dose, but left the choice up to me. What would your recommendation be?
EDIT: I ended up getting the second dose today. I don't have the luxury of holing up inside my house until second trimester, and getting COVID during pregnancy sounds terrifying and dangerous. Decided to just take the risk that I had a better chance of controlling rather than risk getting COVID.
Also, I learned today from my local health department that I would have to get both doses again if I waited any longer than 6 weeks between doses (until second trimester)...who knew! Apparently they can't prove the efficacy of the second dose if more than 6 weeks have elapsed between doses. Anyways, I am at peace about my decision; I don't have to worry as much about COVID for the remainder of my pregnancy!! Good luck to you all in the same position - this is a tough and very personal decision.
| 401 |
Vaccine > COVID imo. I would recommend getting the second dose and getting that full protection.
| 383 |
AskDocs
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worried about health problems before going to prison?
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I’m going to prison. Not sure if this problem can be diagnosed in prison or not. I’m 24 male weigh 240lbs 5’11. I’m overweight and eat like shit. I have an enlarged prostate, and gastritis. The thought of diabetes recently scared me, haven’t been tested, before I was arrested I started eating a bit better. I won’t be able to continue my diet into prison. I’m worried about these tremors I have been having. For a few days at a time I’ll feel tremors, weakness, fatigue, migraines, sensitive to light, the tremors almost feel like chills. After about a weak these symptoms go away and then a few weeks later will come back for a week or so.
| 535 |
Get tested now for diabetes. While your diet won't be great in terms of fresh fruit and vegetables and quality protein, it is extremely likely that you are going to lose weight. At the commissary skip the chips and honey buns and buy instant dried milk, peanut butter and tuna. Further, exercise is one of the primary activities in prison so you have that opportunity also to become healthier.
| 542 |
AskDocs
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33f got covid vaccine dose 2 3 weeks ago...have a question
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I got Pfizer done exactly three weeks ago today. Yesterday I tested my blood for antibodies and it was negative. Now I know we aren’t injected with the actual virus but I thought I’d develop antibodies?? What’s the information on this, if any?? Thank you!!
| 332 |
Very simple answer. The commonly available antibody test only looks for an antibody to the nucleocapsid part of the virus. The Pfizer vaccine creates antibodies only to the M-Spike protein part of the virus. Thus, your antibody test would NOT pick up a response to your prior vaccination.
That said, Labcorp currently has an antibody test specific to the M-spike protein and should theoretically be able to check for vaccine induced immunity.
| 338 |
AskDocs
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Doctor terminated me as a patient after telling him the physical therapist he referred me to sexually harrased me. Is this normal? Can I do anything?
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Female 24, 5'3", 133lb mixed race (white and Asian)
Ehlers danlos syndrome
Never smoked, never drink, never used illegal drugs
Medications celebrex, tizanidine, birth control, xoliar, gabapentin, ritalin, levothyroxine
I'm extremely confused and distraught right now. I just saw my geneticist in January for a follow up appointment. I've seen him for over 3 years now. Never had a disagreement always been a compliant patient. When I saw him in January her scheduled a follow up with me for 6 months.
Today I received a letter in the mail dated 2 weeks ago informing me my doctor was terminating me as a patient. I'm incredibly confused I've never done anything wrong or anything that upset him. The only thing that's happened since I last saw him was after the PT sexually harrased me I messaged him to inform him because he regularly refers patients there. There was absolutely no warning of this coming, no attempts to repair the relationship, he didn't even tell me I did something wrong. The letter also doesn't include a reason for termination but this is the only interaction I've had with him since I last saw him
I'm also currently panicking because the letter said he would terminate care 30 days after the date in the letter which was 2 weeks ago. Which gives me only about 2 weeks to find a new doctor and the only other doctor in my area that will treat my condition has a 2+ year waitlist. Is a doctor even allowed to terminate a patient with such little notice when they are aware theres only 1 provider that can take over care and is aware how long the providers wait list is? I'm just really freaking out because I have no idea what I'm supposed to do now when it will take over 2 years to be able to get a doctor to manage my condition again. It feels like knowingly leaving a patient without a doctor qualified to treat them for 2 years is seriously endangering a patient. Not to mention I've effectively been given 2 weeks notice by the time the letter arrived and he's perscribing me multiple medications.
I attempted to call and ask why I was terminated and if I did something wrong but their office has not returned my call when they usually return them immediately. I have a strong feeling they will not being giving me a reason. Is it normal for a doctor to terminate a patient with absolutely no warning that something is wrong? Is there anyway I can convince my doctor to take me back? I really can't go 2 years without a doctor able to treat me. Also no doctor will preform any sort of procedure or surgery on me without having approval from a geneticist first so that means I can't get treatment from any of my other doctors for 2 years. I also still have active refferals I'm waiting on appointments for from him. Do those refferals now become invalid? Those doctors will only see me with a geneticist referral. Am I going to have to wait until I can get a new referral in 2 years.
I just don't understand this at all. I've always has a positive relationship with this doctor. I can't understand why he would terminate me with no warning or reason. Other than he likes the PT and he's trying to cover for his friend. (that also other women have told me, he sexually harrased them)
Edit for context the letter was dated 5 days after I reported the sexual harrasment to him.
Edit 2 also everything keeps telling me I should go find a new doctor. Should I really? If I'm clearly so much a burden as a patient a doctor I've had a good relationship with for 3 years finds it apporiate to drop me with no warning why would any doctor ever agree to see me? Does this means I'm too messed up psychologicaly to be helped physically? I just can't understand this.
Edit 3 also for more context again. I have a physical therapist I regularly see and have seen for years. My geneticist referred me to this other PT because he treats a lot of patients with EDS and my regular PT who coordinates with my geneticist wanted a second opinion so this is who he reffered to. After the inappropriate encounter I went back to my regular PT and told him the details of the situation. He told me I should contact my geneticist and tell him what happened because he would want to know. (this based off of his professional relationship with my geneticist) I only reported it to him because my physical therapist advised me to. And as a physical therapist I trusted him to be able to judge what was more appropriate in this situation.
NO MATTER WHAT TATICS YOU USE TO TRY AND BULLY ME I WILL NOT GIVE YOU DETAILS OF WHAT HAPPENED WHEN I WAS SEXUALLY HARRASED. No one here is a legal investigator working on this case. People have said me not giving details means they simply have to take my word on the fact I was sexually harrased. However if I give details you also still have to take my word on if they happened or not. There's no legitimate reason anyone here needs them. It is incredibly creepy to try and insist someone gives you details about a sexually inappropriate situation.
| 850 |
Will try and be concise on all your questions.
A doctor can usually terminate a patient with a standard 4 week term. Sometimes the office will allow emergency visits to that doctor until another doc can be found but more likely they can refer you to an emergency room.
It is standard that the doctor usually does not give a reason for termination. Usually the patient has an idea as to why from prior discussions, but in your case it sounds like you know why.
You usually can’t convince a doc to take you back, nor should you want to if you suspect they’re protecting a colleague over their patient.
Referrals to other docs shouldn’t be affected by his decision.
You should absolutely find a new doc.
Lastly, if you strongly feel that their was inappropriate sexual harassment by the PT, you should report him to the medical board for an appropriate and formal to review to hopefully protect future patients.
| 759 |
AskDocs
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1F progressively worse, high sustained fever, hospital stay
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I posted last week but I didn’t get a response so I deleted it. My 14 month old daughter had a 103 fever for a week, pediatrician started her on cefdinir and her fever dropped. She became extremely lethargic and slept for 3 days/nights straight, only waking when I’d wake her up to try to eat, falling back to sleep in less than an hour. At one point, she woke up and was extremely pale and disoriented, she had a scared look on her face and kept falling like the floor dropped out from under her (she’s been walking since July at 8 months old so this was alarming). Her temp read 95.6. Called the ped nurse’s line and they told me to take her to the children’s ER.
The ER was a harrowing experience and I’m struggling with it now. The nurses weren’t able to find a vein for a blood sample or to place the IV and unable to place a catheter. When she finally got a sample, she spilled the blood all over the bed and floor and tray and then walked out and left the blood sitting there. For 5 hours they made about a dozen attempts for the IV and catheter, while I had to restrain my baby girl as she wailed, got raspy and started vomiting from distress. It was awful. The attending also had terrible bedside. Thankfully there were 2 residents that saved my sanity.
We were admitted and spent a few days in a room and the care in the room was exceptional. They weren’t able to figure out what was wrong (a nasty infection originating in UTI or sinus) but they ruled out 14 viruses and after 3 days she finally started nursing and eating and had a wet diaper so we were able to go home. She seems to be getting better today (first day home from hospital)
I’m a survivor of childhood sexual assault (stepfather) and I’m having a really difficult time with the memories of restraining my baby while they failed for 5 hours to place the catheter.
I know pediatric nursing is difficult, high turnover, emotionally draining. I felt distressed just hearing all the other kids screaming in other ER rooms, let alone the ordeal I was putting my child through. I feel for the nurses too.
Can someone please help me? Is this a necessary ordeal to get my baby back to health or did I traumatize her? How can I feel better about what I put her through? Is it common to have such difficulty getting a vein and catheter in a 14 month old? How can I help her not be terrified with doctors?
She’s 15 months old today, 27-28 lbs. 90th+ %ile for height, weight head circumference. White. Symptoms have been 3 weeks now. Location, Nebraska
Thank you if you made it through this long post. I think I need to see a therapist but just putting this into words makes it feel a little manageable.
| 409 |
You sound like a thoughtful mom and you’re doing your best. I’m sorry this has been so stressful lately. Please make sure to reach out to your support systems so you can give yourself a break, too.
Young toddlers can be especially difficult to care for in the medical setting. I have seen plenty of difficult iv placements. My guess is she may have been somewhat dehydrated at first, making the IV even more difficult.
It’s hard to say what exactly was going on. It sounds like your daughter is still having symptoms? Talking to your pediatrician seems like a good idea. Out of curiosity, what testing did the hospital do? Did they check for covid antibodies? Right now I have been seeing similar sounding cases to this coming back positive, likely representing more mild-moderate MIS-C
| 237 |
AskDocs
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My mom is dying from an illness no one can diagnose
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EDIT AND UPDATE: I'm sorry that I haven't been on a lot or replied much. I want to stress again that I have neurodevelopmental conditions so talking and interacting online is challenging for me and some responses from members overwhelm me.
The update about my mom: i came down to visit her and get as much information as I can from her and I am seriously convinced that she has Invasive Candidiasis. Her neurological issues started around the same time that she developed thrush. The doctors tried every antifungal they could to treat it, but they all failed. None of the doctors took an invasive approach to treat it. It was a walk in doctor that helped her specially order gentian violet dye to treat it herself. But gentian violet is not meant to be taken orally because it can cause cancer. While she was using the dye her symptoms cleared up and she was able to sleep again. She stopped using it. A few months later she stopped sleeping again and her problems returned. My theory is that the infection is still in her body but I dont know what steps to take to get her treatment for it if her own doctors don't believe that she still has an infection. She doesn't want to try the dye again because of how dangerous it is.
This is going to be long and sad, but I have nowhere else to turn to at this point.
About five years ago after moving to a different city my seemingly healthy mother (mid 40's) had a devestating mental breakdown unlike anyone had ever seen. She stopped sleeping. I dont mean she developed insomnia. I mean she literally stopped sleeping completely. My step-dad got her a sleep monitor that would monitor how many hours of REM sleep she got and my mother was getting zero. He would stay up with her for days while she stayed awake. It wasn't like insomnia where you feel tired but struggle to fall asleep, my mother literally never gets tired. Its like a part of her brain just forgot how to get tired and how to fall asleep.
Around this time she also caught a severe oral yeast infection after visiting a shady walk-in-clinic that has since been shut down. Since she's allergic to penicillin she couldn't get rid of it the normal way. She lived with it for almost two years. It wasn't until she met a doctor who did a lot of traveling did she learn that this kind of yeast infection developed in another country where it was devastating small villages and killing people. She ended up having to take invasive measures. I'm not sure what the doctor told her to take but he said if she didn't the infection would have finished her off within the next months. Why I bring this up is because maybe its a possibility that the infection caused her breakdown and sleep problems. Maybe the infection got to her brain.
Of course when you stop sleeping your brain and body start shutting down and doing terrible things. My mother turned into a zombie. She began hallucinating. She stopped eating too. After a stay in the mental health ward a doctor diagnosed her as bipolar. A condition I know well, but that my mother has very FEW symptoms of. Up until the point she got sick, she wasn't exhibiting ANY common symptoms of bipolar disorder. But they diagnosed her because they thought it would explain her inability to get tired. But the thing is, my mother doesn't have highs and lows. She just has a brain that constantly stays on and when it does there is nothing manic about her. Once in a while for the first three years she would come out of it for a bit. We would get two good months of her being back to her regular self. She would sleep normal again and her mood would be stable. But she doesn't come out of it anymore.
The only reason she was able to stay alive was heavy doses of sleep medication. The doctors struggled to find what ones worked because it seemed that you could give her enough to tranqualize a horse and it wouldn't be enough. Finally they found a disturbingly high dose of something, but it would only knock her out for about two or three hours a night. She describes the experience on them as immediately shutting off and then when the pills wear off, its like a switch is flipped and she's fully awake again. There is no slow coming to or gradual wake up, she's either off or she's on.
It took forever for her to get a sleep study. She lives in one of the worst areas of Canada for health care. When she finally got the study done they filled her up on sleep aids and then put her to bed. She woke up as soon as the meds wore off and when they checked her stats they found that she got 3% REM sleep. The normal amount is between 20 and 25%. They said they never seen anyone score so low and yet they still didn't take any extra measures. Just sent her home with her pills.
For a little while my family had become convinced that she had fatal insomnia but unlike that condition hers still responded slightly to strong sleep aids. Also fatal insomnia is hereditary and no one else in our family has it.
Her pills stopped working again about a month ago. She's back to being a zombie. She can't even form full sentences when we speak on the phone. I live far away from her and covid has made this entire issue all the more cruel. She has terrible memory problems. My sister is convinced she has alzheimers. Both my sister and I aren't in a place financially where we can get her the care she needs and my step-dad isn't the best person to rely on for those things. Both my sister and I have made a pact to get mom better help once covid is over but we aren't sure if she'll live that long.
Suffice to say this has been the most devestating thing to happen to us in our lives. My sister and I both feel so helpless. All we want is for mom to stop suffering. She was the most vivacious and expressive woman I ever met and now she's just a shell of her former self. She isn't mom anymore and every time she calls she sounds like a small child. She cries and begs for death. I just want to help her. I dont know where else to turn. If anyone can think of anything? If anyone has known someone like her or has expereinces something similar or if someone is a medical professional who's seen something like this before, please help. We just want to know whats wrong with her. My step-dad says that they tested her blood too and it looked like the yeast infection was gone
| 841 |
OP You are getting a lot of responses here, but wanted to make sure you saw user "Neuronivers" second response to you. He/she is a neurosurgeon and willing to look at the old MRI for you. Apologies if you are already in contact privately, but you didn't respond to that comment yet so I wanted to make sure you saw it.
You say she may not have all her medical records, but the imaging center will.
| 618 |
AskDocs
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18F & suffering from cheese disease, what is my body trying to tell me?
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Hello there,
I've been really nauseous these last couple of days. Thrown up once today and the just the thought of food makes me puke. My stool is normal but a bit rarer than usual. No stomach pains, no previous diagnoses, I take ibuprofen semi-regularly but never on an empty stomach.
The only thing I crave is cheese. I can't stop thinking about it. My family has locked away all the cheese in the house to stop me from overeating and I am _this_ close to taking the car and buying mountains of cheese from the shops.
Not a medical emergency but I would like to know what my body is telling me and how I can return to eating like normal without the taste of bile interspersing all my non-cheese meals. Am I lacking calcium? Certainly not fat, I'm at the upper end of the healthy weight span.
I'm definitely not pregnant, unless this is the second coming of Christ.
Thank you for any and all advice!
| 365 |
So this may be WAY off base but I had a boss once that went through this and it was her gallbladder. She could only eat cheese and subway sandwiches, anything else had her puking or nauseous.. she did this for a few weeks before she got concerned and went to see a doctor.. they removed it and she was all good post-op!
| 244 |
AskDocs
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Ruined my glans using a sex toy few years back. Loss of all erogenous feeling, sex or masturbation are painful. Permanent redness and dryness
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I apologize for the wall of text and words some users may find inappropriate. I tried my best to describe the issue in as much detail as possible. Please read full text.
Hello, this is my first post here, and at this point I'm so bummed out and depressed I'm just trying to reach out to someone who might have any solution or suggestion whatsoever.
Here is my problem. Back when I was 20, I was very horny and wanted to explore various ways of pleasing myself. I noticed getting high would improve my orgasms drastically. One day I got high and found a "tutorial" online on how to make your own pocket vagina basically. Yes, I was a horny pathetic teenager, let's get that out of the way immediately. Anyway, so I followed this tutorial, and it said to put a latex glove between some sponges, and the whole thing into a chips can. I lubed it up, and it felt very good, so I decided to repeat the process a few more times. On one of the occasions, I decided to spice things up a bit, and make it tighter, so I put the glove inside of a flat piece of long sponge, rolled it up and put inside the can. BIG mistake. I made it so tight my dick could barely fit it at first, so I removed some sponge to allow for a bigger hole. It was still a bit tight, but I thought to heck with it, I'll lube it up and go in. Now here comes the shock, after the first few strokes I could feel a very sharp pain throughout my entire glans, and when I climaxed, I felt immense pain in my glans, like the nevres went into override. When I looked at my dick after, my glans was full of tiny scars, akin to a hundred tiny papercuts. Ever since then, 5 years have gone by and my sensation has been permanently changed. I pretty much have absolutely no erogenous feeling in my glans left, and the glans has become permanently red and dry. No cremes help. Feeling I do have is pain. Lots of it. Any sort od rubbing of my glans, or foreskin going over it, will cause me to feel only pain. Best way I can describe it is the feeling you get in glans when you try to continue masturbating after youve already cum. It feels overly sensitive and painful. This feeling has become normal to me, this is what I feel any single time I try to masturbate, its as if my dick is permanently painfully hypersensitive.
I have been to a few urologists and a dermatologist, but they got me nowhere. This has become an issue that keeps me awake at night, and frustrated, because I spend so much time trying to find at least a speck of information online that could help me, without success. I have become very depressed because of this. I even had a girl a year ago and sex was just painful, anything rubbing the glans was just painful, and sex uncomfortable. Probably a reason we broke up, as I couldn't ever be satisfied, and she might've felt inadequate or sth.
Lately my glans has become somewhat numb, not sure why, so the feeling of pain has become less noticable, I could say more tolerable, but so has the intensity of my orgasms as well.
What the heck can I do, we live in the day and age of stem cell therapies and what not, yet no doctor seems to even recognize my problem? I will talk to a doctor tomorrow about visiting a neurologist, and after that I'm pretty much out of options. I don't know how I'll cope for the rest of my life with a sub-functioning penis, due to a self-sustained injury during my teenage years, because I was experimenting. I feel devastated.
| 475 |
NAD. If I were in your shoes, I'd leave my penis completely alone for at least six months, except to clean it. No sex, no masturbation. If it heals up, give it an extra couple of months for more healing. Give it a rest, a good long rest and keep it clean. Find some kind of emollient, unscented cleanser instead of soap so it doesn't get dried out. You might check out some herbal remedies like comfrey balm, something like what would be used on a baby's diaper rash. There's a product called Country Comfort Baby Cream that I've used to heal lots of injuries. Also, some of these home [treatments](https://www.pristyncare.com/blog/home-remedies-for-balanitis-pc0441/) for balanitis might be helpful.
| 384 |
AskDocs
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Could taste buds be permanently damaged through child abuse?
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This is about a 14 year old foster kid. Otherwise healthy. We suspect his parents may have tortured him when he was younger by burning his mouth or other ways. He’s hinted at it and now he says food doesn’t taste like anything or doesn’t taste good. Is it possible that damage to the mouth could permanently damage the tongue or will taste buds always regenerate?
| 553 |
No idea about the tastebuds thing, but check his sense of smell, especially given the history of abuse. Repeated head trauma can mess up the nose. It happened to my fiancé because he broke his nose a bunch (college wrestler) and he couldn’t smell for a while, but what he really noticed was loss of taste. Luckily it was fixed very easily!
| 414 |
AskDocs
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1 year old can't stand on right leg anymore (X-ray included)
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1 year old, normal weight for his age, suddenly started limping one morning. Went to the pediatric orthopedist, initial diagnosis was Toxic Synovitis, was prescribed some Ibuprofen.
He seemed to get better at first, then a few days later he suddenly didn't want to stand on the leg at all.
Went bac to the doc, he noticed there is pain in the hip when he moved it a certain way. Did an X-ray and some bloodwork (both attached below). Bloodwork came back fairly ok, except signs of a mild infection for which he prescribed some antibiotics (He had Roseola infantum a few days earlier).
Doctor said he only sees something that would point to Perthes disease on the X-ray, but he's too young to have that. He didn't exclude it 100%, but put his leg in a cast from the hip to the foot (so he will rest it 100%), and told us to come back in 4 weeks, see if anything changed.
We're in Romania, and it's pretty to find good doctors over here. Doc we went to came highly recommended, but still, we would like a 2nd opinion. Thanks!
X-ray: https://imgur.com/ftlqYJN
Blood work: https://imgur.com/DlMcEqu
| 407 |
Orthopaedic surgeon
The hip on the right side doesn’t look normal. Specifically the femoral head. There are a number of potential causes of this. I agree that Perthes is unlikely in this age group. My major concern is that the White cell count is raised on the blood tests.
In a child with a painful hip, a high white cell count can point to septic arthritis of the hip or osteomyelitis (bone infection)
This would usually be diagnosed both clinically and with hip aspiration, or MRI scanning if Osteomyelitis is thought to be the cause.
Immobilising the hip in cast will not treat this condition.
It is possible that I am reading the blood tests incorrectly but if the white cell count is 25 I think you need to recontact the doctor at the very least or bring the child to the nearest largest children’s hospital you can find.
| 536 |
AskDocs
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24F, physician, post COVID-19 condition. Is there any physician here with COVID-19 neuropsychiatric symptoms? How did you cope with them?
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24F, 55 kg, physician. I was diagnosed with COVID-19 on February 17th with a pretty mild case. However, at the end of my recovery days, I started having severe anxiety, insomnia and high heart rates (which I never had before), so I had to go to the psychiatrist a couple times (he prescribed quetiapine at low dose, clonazepam temporarily, propranolol, melatonin and escitalopram). I think I had never taken so much meds in my life. This question is basically for support, as us (doctors) are known to be "bad" patients bc we have difficulties to accept we are sick. If there is any doctor with COVID-19 neuropsychiatric symptoms, it would be great to know I am not alone.
| 529 |
Had covid in December, I’m 25F, 130lbs. While my covid case was mild, I had dyspnea, a bad dry cough and chills along with bad nausea - they all went away within 1-1.5 weeks.
The lingering anxiety that I’ve had because of covid has actually been worse than covid itself. My heart rate spikes at random times and it’s caused me to frantically diagnose myself with all sorts of disorders and conditions that I realistically know are not possible since they present in mostly older people with preexisting issues.
It’s been pretty rough trying to even study for boards since I tend to associate any similar symptoms of mine to the pathology I’m learning about. Nothing has helped much other than doing yoga and more deep breathing throughout the day! You’re not alone at all, I hope you feel better soon!
Edit: removed claiming credentials
| 236 |
AskDocs
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My mother took me to the doctor at 12 y.o. for a prostate exam.
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!! Edit: I have never obtained my medical records to know exactly why this procedure was done. I apologize for claiming it was a prostate examination as that may not be correct. Thank you for those who informed me of the different reasons for this procedure.
!! Edit 2: Thank you for your responses, I realize now I should have obtained my medical record first because the real issue is I dont know why this happened. There could have been a legitimate reason but my posts makes it appear like something wrong happened. Which I dont know... I will be seeking therapy aswell. I didnt expect this response and it has definitely pushed me towards finding out and getting help.
----
I am a 30 yr old male. My mother took me to our family doctor at 12 years of age and the doctor performed an examination of my prostate. I thought it was weird then and I think its weird now. Has anyone ever experienced this? Or would there be any obvious reason this was nessessary?
I did not have any health complications at the time. I was living with my father (parents divorced) and it was on one of my weekend visits with mom.
I remember it was extremely uncomfortable as I was 12 and had no sense of personal hygiene and I was not informed as to what the trip to the Dr. was about. It remains a vivid memory.
Is this a normal procedure for a 12 year old boy?
Thanks
| 320 |
You can ask for your medical records and may be able to find out what happened or why
| 313 |
AskDocs
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So, is this a cyst that's now poking through the skin?
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Male, 30, about 135 lbs, 5'7"
Basic summary: I have this small bump on my abdomen that seems to have been pushed to the surface, and has now seemingly broken through the skin, yet it hasn't burst.
It's something that formed around an old appendicitis scar but over the years seems to have moved a bit.
The other day, after doing ab exercises, I realized that it had been pushed to the surface and was starting to look more and more like a pimple. My gf and I decided to put an acne hydrocolloid dressing on it to try and treat it. However, when I checked on it, it became more prominent, completely poking through the skin.
It's a bit unnerving, and I realized that I actually have no idea what's going on and the possibility occurred to me that, since this is near the site of an old surgery scar, what if this is some kind of hernia and what I'm seeing is my intestine? I honestly doubt that, but I ask because I realized that what I thought was a triviality at first might have much higher stakes. Also, I may not exactly have access to a doctor as soon as I'd like.
Photos: https://imgur.com/a/9zNZvrH
**Edit:** I should specify, there is virtually no pain - even poking it firmly through a bandage doesn't hurt (at most maybe slightly tender, similar to a minor cut). Also, there was very little blood. If this wasn't on an old abdominal surgery scar I would not have thought twice about it, likely would have even tried popping it. It's just very bizarre and fairly distressing.
| 363 |
This is my field.
That actually looks like a sinus developing. Tough to say with certainty. It’s NOT a hernia, anybody who says that has no idea what they are talking about.
It’s ok to open it, I usually use the wooden end of a q-tip. It won’t hurt. And it prob can slide in a ways, maybe an inch or so. If it does, then that’s a sinus. Or let a doctor do it.
If it is a sinus, then it’s coming from some sort of deeper infection. Usually represents and infected suture down deep. If they used permanent suture in an infected field, this can happen. Older surgeons use permanent suture MUCH more often, people trained more recently very rarely use it. I virtually never use it, for exactly this reason
I’d make an appointment to see a general surgeon, they can help sort it out. CT scan would be my choice to get a better feel.
If you still have the info for whoever did your appy, I’d see them. I can’t tel how big they is, but did you have an open appendectomy? That’s throw back also. Everybody does them laparoscopic now. Are you in the US? Did you have an older surgeon?
| 639 |
AskDocs
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Is my cast on too tight?
|
Hi,
24F, 5'1 healthy I broke my wrist last Saturday, put in splint in the ER, and was put in a better cast by my ortho on Monday. Since yesterday my fingers have gotten so much much more swollen, feel tingly, and they cant seem to warm up, even though im elevating and moving them. this is what it looks like [https://imgur.com/a/u7opOUT](https://imgur.com/a/u7opOUT) my wrist where the break is also feels cold
I dont go back for another xray/checkup until next tuesday, 2 weeks from when they put my cast on. should i go to urgent care or is this normal? never broken a bone before so i dont know if im just worrying too much or not. thank you!
| 262 |
Thank you for all the replies! i went to urgent care and had the cast taken off and replaced with a splint - my hand feels so much better! will have to re cast on Monday but should be ok. thanks again!! :)
| 316 |
AskDocs
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36:12 Wake/Sleep cycle for 10 years
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I have a sleep pattern that I've never even heard of before...
I, XXM, physically fit, no drugs, rare alcohol, no more than 400mg caffeine a day, no Rx drugs.
I have a sleep schedule that has more or less averaged out to 36 hours awake and anywhere from 5 to 24 hours asleep. Usually about 10-12hrs. 48+ hours awake is not uncommon and happens at least once a month.
Fortunately, my job often allows long hours where staying alert is preferred.
Staying up for 24hrs has never been a problem for me. I cannot imagine sleeping every single night.
I don't get irritable when I start to get tired; but my sense of humor comes out. I become more witty.
Has anyone ever heard of a sleep schedule like this? Or does anyone have any literature recommendations?
Any questions or insights are welcome.
Thanks.
Edit: Clarification
| 352 |
This is well-studied. Here is a sample:
[Non-24-hour sleep–wake disorder](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Non-24-hour_sleep%E2%80%93wake_disorder)
[The Forty-Eight Hour Day](https://watermark.silverchair.com/010209.pdf?token=AQECAHi208BE49Ooan9kkhW_Ercy7Dm3ZL_9Cf3qfKAc485ysgAAAp4wggKaBgkqhkiG9w0BBwagggKLMIIChwIBADCCAoAGCSqGSIb3DQEHATAeBglghkgBZQMEAS4wEQQM0jTkDwc_FA7xEn5qAgEQgIICUWiB9m_VbWMoSlBXAVxiYtp1gk7xArtWdlwNQmzHpoUS7h4hW2v5k56pgNuDs9GoEbP2uciOz7HZoqRMSMH3hMYUkLfcXYPowWAYO-5T3eieYP6NrvIzGugcBvYr3hsVM4glDpFwaiVbPtbKh4GH5V6_HroAq_vkWKulxBubcuNygiCWRKiPRA2e1VRi3-TwLz2KxqCj4RfC3JOVNuJXas0Jt7lWrUGg-tPXYTPK-Ml6kZiQDdaPXgT-luUn0zrLKTSH_Dd2VpwTtQuYUpraL1y38lySl-g3Ju67VhpZWHAvMJnjtcQhp5znaZA-XnSG9wdvBHtm-dwDQTAO7NaHhJLxyiIrtUMkiTWqevNFIVcih-gbBg7ClxeSAtsRSU5i8lOXgZ3OGwRfKsKz9OtRbAi0nRR8vOWFCZjlwXvuwqOgPf73p3dCkFw1HIBK4erRMnqRNYS7eFlsOjDVv0zRBfmbowhgkUtAMRIHjpuRBA3Jf20P-z5I4Tt7tprHkpC9qeTn77ocvIDJCLyTs-0CDzqMXpbJULlyfy7hw4GaBPid4GaCSN4e2mmJ5GH2kCzNphnHDjvAtP5613VfEKQdcuCNvKhbOnF_MSHDTKF7xJsAAMV9F9I3NtqzURDBa9KL-HDM0Y2Zul0LckxFd49i0sPndwQKQwl0Zrn4hLVuXQ05HzsPHp3EJ9QvyOsMZ-5pnR5vCjibp0MIOi7oy37OmWgqKiwQ_iwhVXWz7-lOkLfqeh7LkH4ghLRJLnK_VNlVSVx9Ba5VS3s8yDJAO8g7xmfV)
[Revisiting spontaneous internal desynchrony using a quantitative model of sleep physiology](https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC3557950/)
[How extreme isolation warps the mind](https://www.bbc.com/future/article/20140514-how-extreme-isolation-warps-minds)
[Circadian Rhythm and Sleep Disruption: Causes, Metabolic Consequences, and Countermeasures](https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/27763782/)
[Human Non-24-Hour Sleep-Wake Cycles in an Everyday Environment](https://watermark.silverchair.com/020308.pdf?token=AQECAHi208BE49Ooan9kkhW_Ercy7Dm3ZL_9Cf3qfKAc485ysgAAAp4wggKaBgkqhkiG9w0BBwagggKLMIIChwIBADCCAoAGCSqGSIb3DQEHATAeBglghkgBZQMEAS4wEQQMe9Xk58DSt_tNKqN4AgEQgIICUZwZldt7Bb73fOhgDjdRpGXpEq0Jxp_raxjE1Jav_KVi1t9yt6iDUY2TEsYUDNMHY3it6-OpgX3wMeF8cyYlY4uVYj-X41FBbj2iKc6KDDI7jqIUnwluI-63yy3Uv48GJDqGfveb4lyrSZqZOSFF5n4y-LF0WPWywt7CsafsggoXQDqIPuDufmSRkzcNgpZ-0Gip8F_9Mo8WukitZrpImpM6MCWkDg8xWTGi0U-SFt69HfYysz5vXqw40VfFgH9w1Det3JhUtlJROmsgJoF8w2lPNn2SSxJhEw0bXAyK5DRlo4EtZ5_8utjGcKWKQfJMSX8wDZDMJVbh_2zD3KY1vT58YSNYIy2MNNQbkBmouqcMOXHTPqar03ozvQnjWPzCOMdTG4g_0avgd6EHWAc9-FhYm4JCA4lmiRRkpN6Aw5O_XX8Aqp77Dkfq-OYmXE5spa0iGevfzk9TY3wdsKIrjn591hptzzjiIdQah97VDKZLxuaXFSraLsy46T2mfMaLuqIpvN-9vxocMHaFwyWKmqS9vyNl46O1y3ro3eq5gl8w1oWs-Nf0pprKbqVpPuNHR9GQwKIwyzrHrO7zITtOATqsUd2y5VoAGrXAy8kXVHLwm5L9vu5HREWRiSbn69xyWOHzB8JyExwCCHFVyBDevVR8HRS75a6RosNmnBujh8bq6XPPcxzJMKmMVuAXzGqroS9QJ7S9Wgw_D1QqlpZSUSenVtc0YHhbU6D14Mtdy02EYtIrJ93TeFIIqP_vWPhjjo-uicB2RrTT0gmEBIgLNk6n)
[Non-24-Hour Sleep-Wake Disorder in Sighted Patients: Dealing With an Orphan Disease](https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC6086943/)
| 199 |
AskDocs
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My son has Type 1 Diabetes. We have been struggling with constant lows for the past 36 hours despite giving him a lot of uncovered food.
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I am posting here because it is the weekend and the Diabetes Hotline is only open for emergencies.
My son is white, ten years old. He is severely autistic and nonverbal. He has Type 1 Diabetes; he was diagnosed with it a year ago. We've been able to manage it quite well so far.
He wears a DexCom glucose monitor because he is nonverbal and can't tell us when something feels off.
My son uses Humalog as his fast acting insulin and Lantus as his basal insulin.
For the past 36 hours, he has had constant blood sugar lows (70 or less) no matter how much food we give him. He will go up to the 100s for a bit then plummet back down an hour later. At one point he was in the 30s and we had to scramble to give him oral glucose, though he has not lost consciousness.This is highly unusual for him; usually we have more problems with his sugars being high.
We have not administered Glucagon.
I can't even tell you how much uncovered food we've given this guy. Apples, juice boxes, crackers, even a whole second plate of dinner, all without insulin coverage. Normally, he'd skyrocket, but he just bumps up a bit then crashes back down. It's like there is a magnet trying to pull his sugar down all the time. We were up all night responding to low alarms even though we gave him plenty of oral glucose.
We have cross checked his DexCom readings with finger sticks; the numbers are accurate.
One thing that may be noteworthy-- we recently bought my son a bouncy ball and he LOVES it, he's been bouncing and chasing it around for hours on end. But I didn't think physical activity could have such an effect on blood sugar. He's not exactly swimming across the channel, but he's not sitting still like he usually does either.
We've already decided to reduce his Lantus per his endocrinologist's standing orders and our extensive patient education. But we can only reduce it by 10% because that is all we are authorized to do under the parameters of our orders.
Can moderate physical activity really impact sugars that much? Is there any more we can do other than stuff him full of food and wait?
I want to call the Diabetes Hotline but my partner is more hesitant to do so because she doesn't want to occupy the line when there might be someone else in the state who just passed out and received Glucagon. It's usually one nurse on call and that's it.
Thank you for your time and help.
Eric
| 538 |
This is a reasonable call to the hotline. You’ve gotten a lot of answers that are good, so I won’t say similar things. Just that calling the number is a good thing to do. This, and worse scenarios, is what that number is for. You wouldn’t be out of line to ring them.
| 435 |
AskDocs
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16 year old persisting penis fish-like smell
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Started about 3 months ago, remains even after showering, a part of the tip seems like its darker almost grey-violet
| 267 |
Probably plasma cell balanitis or zoon balanitis. I would try over the counter clotrimazole cream twice a day. I would also get checked for STDs.
| 274 |
AskDocs
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Had an interesting call, LEO. Never seen anything like this before, wondering if you can help.
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Hello, for background I am LEO, I had a contact today and cannot figure out what was happening.
Hear a report of a male in front of a restaurant that had been standing in the parking lot for over 3 hours, but had not moved an inch. We watch him for a little bit and he is just standing up, feet shoulder width apart, facing the sun in the middle of the parking lot.
We make contact. Upon getting closer to him he doesn't move, but I notice his lips were cracked around the entire outside of his mouth like one of the sponge Bob thirsty faces (best way to describe it) and he had frothy white foam pouring from his mouth with blood coming out of the top and mixing in with the foam. The blood appeared to come from his gums and was mixing in with the white foam that looked like toothpaste. He still had not moved an inch, it was like his feet had been nailed to the pavement.
We are talking to him, he seems to be tweaking, but is still somewhat coherent, but not to the point we believed he would become volatile and attack us, so we dispatch for EMS. We are trying to gather information from him or get him to move but he just wouldn't. All of his answers were jumbled and he refused to move an inch, just kept standing upright. His hands were slightly twitching like something was effecting his motor control.
While we are waiting for EMS to arrive I asked him multiple times if he had taken any narcotics (I had seen OD's and this wasn't like any I have dealt with), which he replied no. I asked him multiple times if he had recently came into contact with any animals, he responded no everytime. I know some of the symptoms of rabbies but he seemed to deny the possibility and had an empty energy drink by his feet that he confirmed he drank.
EMS arrives and we sit him down, he was unable to move his legs and it was like they had stiffened up, the phone in his left hand was almost cracking he was gripping it so hard and his wrist was contorted weirdly, while his right hand was making movement as if he was typing on a key board.
The man appeared homeless, so we at first assumed narcotics usage but there was just something weirdly unsettling about this one, I have never seen anything like it.
If there is anyone that has dealt with anything like this please reach out and let me know what it was.
| 561 |
Just want to thank the OP for handling an unknown medical and/or mental health situation with caution and respect. Thank you for your service!
| 428 |
AskDocs
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Why do I have bad taste in my mouth when I have diarrhea?
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16F, 5’4. I don’t take meds or do drugs, drink, or smoke.
I’ve had diarrhea five times this year so far. I felt like I got it often, so I decided to keep track.
When I have diarrhea, sometimes I have a horrible taste in my mouth, like I can taste it in my mouth. It’s so horrible that I can’t bear to keep the saliva in my mouth so I spit it out. It’s really horrible that I can’t think about anything else, and wait for it to pass.
Edit: Sorry I didn’t add this sooner. This has been going on for at least a year or two. It only happens about half the time, and only when I have diarrhea. It has been happening more frequently recently.
| 365 |
I had a patient like this once upon a time. She had a gastro colonic fistula and basically would burp farts. Might be worth seeing your primary doctor and getting referral to a pediatric surgeon.
| 725 |
AskDocs
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Please, please help. Prolapsed rectum in 23F
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I’m posting this from a private account because this is a private issue, obviously. I really need advice on this one so please help if you see this. And the nature of it **might be a little NSFW**.
**UPDATE** (~12hrs later): I’d like to thank everyone who has commented and messaged me about this, giving advice and sharing similar experiences. It means a lot to me, seriously, and it’s calmed me down a lot. I will move forward with my gastroenterologist who finally got back to me, I will get a referral for a pelvic floor specialist if necessary, and continue taking stool softeners and sitting with my feet on the toilet seat like a weirdo. I think it’s gonna be fine. I am usually the one to offer advice and reassurance to others going through what I’ve experienced, but today when I needed someone to do it for me, I wasn’t disappointed. Thanks Reddit :,)
———
Background: I’m 23F, 5’7. Due to various chronic illnesses, I’m underweight, and have been dealing with constipation for about a year. I take meds for it, prescription and OTC (miralax, magnesium, fiber pills, amitiza), and drink a lot of water, but the BM’s are still very hard and I have to strain to poop. I kept telling my doctors, but they cared more about the regularity than the texture.
Yesterday I had to do an enema. It worked, but something just felt weird, so I looked in the mirror and freaked out — my rectum was prolapsed. It was very mild compared to pictures I’ve seen before, not really protruding, just right at the opening, as wide as a dime. It went away when I wasn’t straining.
I went to the ER. Turns out I also have an inguinal hernia. Both of those things occurred because I’ve been struggling with such severe constipation for so long that wasn’t properly managed. I also have mixed connective tissue disease which is a big risk factor.
Rectal prolapses don’t get better on their own, and only worsen over time. The first line of treatment is stool softeners — the ER docs added a few more (Colace & Senna) to try to eliminate straining. But even if I strain a little, to fart or pee or cough or laugh, I can feel it come out again.
I’m scheduled to see an emergency general surgeon for the hernia in the next few weeks, and I’m supposed to talk to them about the prolapse as well. I do NOT want this to get worse. How the do I advocate for more immediate treatment? How do I tell the surgeon that I can’t afford for it to get worse?
How do I even reasonably live with this? Not only is it physically uncomfortable, it’s also incredibly embarrassing and shameful. I feel like a gross person because organs that are supposed to be on the inside are now on the outside, and I feel mad about how my doctors mismanaged it. I’m young, I’m in school, I’m in a great longterm relationship. It. Can’t. Get. Worse.
Is my sex life going to be upended? What happens if the stool softeners make my poo soft but the prolapse still occurs when I bear down (already the case)? Will they *do anything* about it?? Or do they wait until I’m involuntarily leaking shit and having to manually poke it back in with my hands to take action? What’s the surgery like, and is it even effective? How do people poop during recovery?
It’s hard to find info about cases in young women and what is done if it’s mild but progressing. This is a tough one emotionally and I just need some words of wisdom. Please advise.
**EDIT: I didn’t realize so many people would see this, and I’m seeing a lot of the same in comments about figuring out the underlying cause. See notes below:**
I do have a gastroenterologist, who has not been able to figure out the underlying cause and dubbed this “unspecified gastric motility disorder.” This, she said, is likely worsened by POTS, mixed connective tissue disease (Ehlers-Danlos Syndrome), and one of my prescriptions (tramadol). Those things can’t be directly addressed because the illnesses aren’t curable and I can’t go off the tramadol at this point in time. I emailed her about the prolapse and continuing constipation yesterday, am awaiting response.
For those of you who might think the tramadol is the only cause: I’ve been on it for two years, and the constipation only started a year ago. At the beginning of those two years, I was on a higher/frequent dose than I am now without a problem, and the constipation did not improve when I was off it for about a month last summer. So it really is only a factor.
The meds I’ve been on for constipation for six months (ordered by my doctor) include amatiza, fiber, magnesium, 5HTP, and Miralax. I have tried Motegrity, Senna, and Colace to no avail, but with the Senna & Colace piled onto the other meds... fingers crossed they help this time?? I’ve also tried glycerin suppositories (nope), and enemas hurt me like HELL, but occasionally I have no choice.
| 326 |
General surgeon for the hernia.
The general surgeon is going to send you to a colorectal surgeon for the prolapse. There’s surgery to fix it. It is fixable.
Edit: for anybody unfamiliar. Rectal prolapse is a routine issue except for the very rare circumstance that you can’t get it to go back in. If you can’t get it to go back in (usually really old sick people) then go to the ER. It can get swollen and cut off it’s blood supply. It’s super rare, I’ve never seen it. But I have seen many patients with major prolapse. (Fun fact, to get it back in we put a boat load of sugar or salt on it to draw out the edema if needed, I’ve never had to do this either but my partners have)
Also wanted to add that for the average person, pooping 3x a day up to once every 3 days is considered “normal”. But you shouldn’t be straining or having really hard poop. It can cause long term issues if it goes on for years. So talk to your doctor about it and in the mean time grab some over the counter stool softener and take them as directed. There’s a bunch.
If you are REALLY constipated, I recommend mag sulfate. Comes in clear bottle and it’s 10oz I believe. Drink half the bottle. If you haven’t pooped in a few hours, drink the other half. If you still can’t poop or are having abdominal pain, go to ER. A mechanical obstruction can be a surgical emergency.
Blood in your stool, or really black or dark stools are not normal and is how cancer can present. Needs a colonoscopy. We catch many cancers that way. Don’t ignore it. It can make things MUCH worse for you.
The amount of people who don’t think of diarrhea as a bowel movement is astounding to me. Diarrhea is a bowel movement. “When’s your last bowel movement”. “A week ago”. “You’ve had nothing out of your anus in a week?” “Well only a lot of liquid”. Is a convo I have weekly.
Lastly, and this is purely for my benefit, if we ask you about your bowel movements, we generally just want to know when, was it a normal amount, and solid or diarrhea. We do not need you to describe it in excruciating detail which some people really seem to want to do.
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AskDocs
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Bullet ingestion, strange weird question.
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My stoned ass drunk little brother (28, 200 Lbs, 5'10 Canadian caucasian, asthmatic and probably depressed) did this terrifying party trick where he ate a 9mm round like a pill. (Dont worry, the guns were under lock and key in a different property) Everyone was thrilled, it was funny, and I thought oh, he will poop that out.
Well, he did it two more times. So he's sitting around with three bullets in his shit factory. He's to ashamed to go to his doctor, and I'm 98.4% sure he's just goona shit them out before anything breaks down and causes any serious damage (lead poising being my primary concern)
Any and all advice welcome!
| 370 |
He will eliminate them and there is no reason to think he won't unless he's had major abdominal surgeries in the past. There would be nothing I would do for him if he came into my Urgent Care other than reassure him. It's not uncommon to miss the passing of even loud/heavy things like bullets.
| 346 |
AskDocs
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Itching that ISNT going away PLEASE HELP
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I’m a female and 21, i’ve had a long history of issues with my period since i first got it. long story short last summer i was put on a second birth control because my nexplanon arm implant wasn’t working enough to control my cycle, i got an IUD put in along with keeping the arm implant. a couple months later i started to get this INSANE itching that will not go away. i went to the doctor multiple times and i was constantly being diagnosed with yeast infections and bacterial vaginosis, i went to a different doctor from the one that suggested i be on 2 birth controls, the doctor said it was messing with my hormones having 2 birth controls so we took the arm implant out. i’ve gone to the doctor 5 times in the last 2 months due to the itching not going away, i’ve been tested for STD’s STI’s and checked for yeast and BV and all are negative. they just keep saying it’s my body trying to get my hormones back to normal but this itching is insane and it’s affecting my life terribly. i can’t afford to keep going back to the doctor for them to tell me it’s just my body adjusting, has anyone ever had this happen or does anyone have any suggestions on what i should do?
| 308 |
NAD but I have a few questions.
1) When you say doctor, do you mean OB/GYN? Or were you talking to your primary care physician or a different type of physician?
2) Where exactly is the itching located? Is it inside the vagina? Around the labia? Elsewhere?
3) Does the itching seem to worsen/improve with anything (such as time of the day, certain activities, etc)?
4) Do you use anything topically in the itchy area, like soap or wipes?
5) Do you itch/scratch the areas a lot?
Answering these questions may help the doctors in this sub with pointing you in the right direction for diagnosis/treatment. If you are unable to get answers through your current doctor, and if the itching is on the outside of the vagina,I might suggest seeing a dermatologist as they also deal with skin problems in the genitals and may be able to help you out. Good luck and I hope you're able to figure this out soon!
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AskDocs
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63M Cardiac Patient — Running low on options
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My father was born with a hole in his heart, which was repaired at age three.
In 1999 he was diagnosed with cardiomyopathy (I think?) and a grossly enlarged heart. A pacemaker/defibrillator was installed.
Over the years he has bounced around the heart health spectrum. The pacemaker was recalled at one point, a different model with a third lead, which never worked properly, was installed at another point.
Eventually, medication started to manage his experience better and the pacing was disabled in favor of a defibrillation only setting.
This machine eventually failed (battery), so a couple years ago a defibrillator with no wire leads was installed.
As time went by and numurous surgeries had attempted to give him a better life experience, the amount of wiring inside him started to become somewhat in excess.
Last February, my dad became very ill with what his doctors now believe was COVID-19.
I don't remember the number, but his refraction rate has dropped significantly and his overall health declined.
Once again a surgery was attempted — this time to install a new pacemaker on his opposite side, but after many complications, seemingly due to the old wires, the procedure was aborted.
The most talked about plan now involves open heart surgery — but he was told that surgery of this variety and purpose (removing all the wires) includes an over 50% mortality rate.
I believe that these doctors are doing the best the can and I have every reason to believe they are excellent at it, but I know that sometimes another perspective or experience from another person can open doors you may have never seen otherwise — so I have to appeal however and wherever I can, because that percentage isn't good enough right now. This is my dad, and though I am 26, I am not done with him yet.
If anyone has thoughts on a different idea, be it treatment, surgery, a specific cardiologist, or anything else — you name it, please share.
I have no interest in holding you accountable for your response on Reddit if it doesn't help. I just want to do everything I can do to help my dad have the chance to be with us for a reasonable while longer, and selfishly, I want him here longer.
Thank you all for reading this.
Dad — if you read this, I love you. Hang tight for me.
Other info: 6'2" 300lbs, caucasian. Also suffers from ankylosing spondylitis and rheumatoid arthritis.
Edit: I am still reading these but am at work all day today, so I apologize if I don't respond for a while. This post isn't abandoned! Thank you!
| 453 |
OP, please have your dad get a second opinion at the best heart surgery within reach. The surgery he needs is probably laser extraction of the wires, which _is_ a high risk procedure but certainly not 50% mortality.
Also, depending on his exact diagnosis, he might be eligible/might benefit from a cardiac assist device such as an LVAD. That would also be a question for the heart team. Many patients with low cardiac output benefit from these devices for years.
| 225 |
AskDocs
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2 month old who can't keep anything down
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I (29F) have a 2 month old daughter in the United states who is just going through it for the last 2 months. She was born with a clubbed foot and is in braces so moving her legs around is complicated when her stomach is upset. I used to breast feed, but she was having constant diarrhea, gas, and was just all around uncomfortable. I switched her to a lactose free formula, which really helped with the diarrhea. Her doctor had said something about acid reflux but wasn't sure if she was just uncomfortable from the casting for her clubbed foot so she wanted us to wait it out and see if things got better. My daughter started spitting up a ton, everything we would feed her she would spit up. At her next doctors appointment she was out of casts and in braces. I told our doctor that she was spitting up a ton and still seemed very very uncomfortable. She also only gained a pound in a month. Our pediatrician prescribed her an acid reflux medication First- Lansoprazole 3mg/mL susp. 90 mL to give to her dialy. That seemed to help the first day but the spitting up has continued, she is even more uncomfortable than before, we are barely sleeping at night. I have tried gripe water, gas drops, acid reflux medication and I just started a probiotic. She also has a herniated belly button that the doctor said won't heal properly till we can get her stomach issues under control because she just keeps pushing it out. I am at a loss of what to do and I just want my baby to be comfortable.
| 377 |
Pylori stenosis is very probable but your child needs to see a pediatric GI ASAP. Also because your daughter was born with a clubbed foot, I wonder if there is some other congenital abnormality with the way her stomach is shaped. Has she had any imaging on her belly?
| 329 |
AskDocs
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New rule: only verified users can have top level comments
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Hi everyone,
As the subreddit has grown, we've seen an increase of complaints about comments made by our verified medical professionals being buried under those of laypeople.
To improve visibility of comments made by verified users, I've programmed automod to remove any top-level comment that is not made by a verified user.
Non-verified users may still comment, but only in reply to the automod starter post or other top level comments made by verified users.
Please message us if there are glitches in the new rule. The weekly question thread has been programmed to be an exception to the removal rule, but if that did not work please let us know.
Regards,
the mod team
Edit:
Does anyone with automod programing experience know how to make an exception of this rule to threads made by moderators? I have now set it up on the comment level, but it can't take into account who started the thread. My inbox is open to ideas!
| 1,413 |
Happy about this new rule, it’s been super annoying to see random people guessing multiple possible causes of things they know nothing about then giving out treatment recommendations that could worsen the issue.
| 652 |
AskDocs
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Should I host a guest with an active MRSA Infection?
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I live in a household with 3 adults and 2 children (1 and 2 yrs old). My flatmates recently brought a friend from abroad, who was going to stay for a few days, sleeping on the couch. I was talking to the guest and he told me that he picked up a "staph" infection in a hospital overseas a few months ago, that he feels bad and has pus - filled bumps popping up regularly on his body "because it is in his bloodstream" and that he has been through 2 different antibiotic treatments with no effect.
I did some research and came to the conclusion that his condition is what is called an active infection with MRSA or something very similar. I also learned that those are contagious, hard to treat and potentially life - threatening.
I warned my flatmate, who spoke to his father, who is a medical doctor. To my surprise he was told there was nothing to worry about.
Can someone explain to me how that is?
From what I have gathered the propability of the resistant staph bacteria colonizing items and subsequently inhabitants of the household increases each day this person sleeps on the couch, uses the bathroom and the kitchen, especially as my flatmates are rather easy going people, not the types to constantly deep clean and sanitize surfaces and objects.
If colonisation occurs, the likelihood of infection in the future should be drastically increased, shouldn't it?
So how can it be considered safe to have him in the flat?
Please help me understand this.
I have fled the apartment and am seriously considering moving out because of this.
| 298 |
Agree with father, nothing to worry about.
| 112 |
AskDocs
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My girlfriend's fingers are are getting random open wounds that bleeds a lot when it first appears
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Age: 24
Gender: Female
Height: 5'3
Weight: 120 lbs
Location: Right Fingers (except the ring finger)
Duration of complaint: 10 months
[https://imgur.com/a/f9XHtPM](https://imgur.com/a/f9XHtPM) (2 pictures)
The affected fingernails are also forming ridges and are discoloring (the black specks on her fingers in the pictures are black nail polish). The random cuts only appear around the finger nails that has the discoloration and ridges. Her finger nails started deteriorating last year during the summer and it would appear to improve but then it would get worse again. She says it's especially painful to do anything when the wounds freshly appear. She lotions her hands a lot so it can't be dry skin. She stopped painting her nails for a month but the problem still persisted.
Can somebody please help us?
Thank you.
Edit: I'd like to thank everyone that took the time to respond. My girlfriend and I are reading through everything and will take your advices. Appreciate you guys!
| 365 |
Ok so this isn’t always the case, but those could be splinter hemorrhages from infective endocarditis, which is an infection in the heart. Small pieces of vegitations (bacterial growth on heart valves) break off and travel to the ends of the arterial system where they get stuck and cause a bleed under the fingernails.
Does she have fevers? Any history of IV drug use? A previous heart valve condition? Previous illness leading to sepsis? A compromised immune system?
If none of those are the case and she’s otherwise living life normally then it’s pretty unlikely she has infective endocarditis. However the nail ridging is usually indicative of some form of malnutrition, vitamin/elemental deficiency, or chronic illness with organ dysfunction.
| 347 |
AskDocs
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I don’t think anyone is taking me seriously and I’m afraid I could be very sick
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Basic info-
Female
25
35 weeks pregnant with second baby
Gestational diabetes since 20 weeks. I was also diabetic in my first pregnancy which was only 10 months ago (back to back babies)
metformin controlled
200 pounds and 5ft 4 inches
The OBGYN I see also drew my blood yesterday and saw my iron stores were ridiculously low so I have been sent today for an iron infusion at the hospital, however I doubt this is what is causing my vision issue.
So I’m hoping I can perhaps get some insight here.
On Thursday of last week I woke up from a nap with a random blind spot in my right eye. It basically makes it so that pieces of a letter or word will ‘disappear’ or ‘fade out’ when I’m reading on my phone for example. The rest of my visual field and my left eye is not effected.
If I am looking at an object from a distance, such as a games controller, part of the controller will disappear before coming back into focus. In only one part of my eye. It is totally weird and terrifying. I have suffered ocular (eye) migraines in the past but this is not one of those. It has not gone away or faded in nearly a week.
I realised the importance of getting this managed so contacted an eye doctor right away. I have very very poor eyesight anyway with a very strong prescription so I know how quickly eye problems should be looked into.
She saw me a couple of days later and found nothing wrong with my eye at all. She even did specialist eye scans and nothing flagged up. The only thing she noted was that I had more eye floaters in the effected eye so her theory was that my vision loss was due to eye floaters. I was sent on my way with no further follow up.
By yesterday (Monday) I was still no better. I was seeing my OBGYN for a growth scan and check up for the baby and mentioned my eye issues as the nurse was taking my blood pressure. Blood pressure came back fine.
The OBGYN didn’t really know what to do or say which I expected as she doesn’t specialise in eyes but I figured if I mentioned it she could maybe direct me further for help. Instead she determined my blood sugar control was ‘probably bad’ and that could be why my eyes were acting funny. However the eye doctor tested me for diabetic retinopathy days before and this came up negative.
The OBGYN has said she will decide on Friday if I need insulin after reviewing my blood sugars and adding another dose of metformin.
I feel I have been really pushed off here and I don’t know where else to turn. My grandad died of a brain tumour and I truly believe I have one too now on account the eye doctor found NOTHING amiss with my eye at all. I’m terrified and so upset. I live in the Uk so we can’t simply just shop around for doctors. Our health care is limited due to it being free therefore I can’t just contact a random eye doctor for a second or third opinion. I can’t just get myself a neurologist. Everything has to be done through referrals and nobody is referring me anywhere.
Has anyone got any input at all? Please?
Thanks.
| 357 |
Vision changes, like blurred vision can be due to a combination of gestational diabetes and hormonal changes in pregnancy. These changes cause general fluid retention which can happen in your cornea as well. However I agree with the other post, have someone check your urine for proteins as well. Have you had any headaches? Nausea/vomiting that has not been your normal? Numbness or tingling in your extremities or confusion? These associated symptoms could mean something more serious is happening, however I think it'd be worth for you to see your GP to see if they can examine you and make appropriate referrals if needed.
| 208 |
AskDocs
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Anti-vax receptionist: How do I proceed?
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35 year old male. Currently experiencing severe parosmia and 'brain fog' from COVID-19 in November. Currently taking 20mg Lexapro daily for depression.
But that's not quite so relevant as you'd imagine.
Just moments ago I had an incredibly strange, infuriating, and dangerous experience with my doctor's receptionist. As stated above, I have lingering effects from having COVID back in November. I texted my doctor's receptionist - as is standard procedure when I need to get in touch with them - that I've read recently the current vaccines often provide relief to those suffering from lingering effects, and that I'd like to talk to my doctor about getting a doctor's note so that I might get vaccinated soon.
In response, the receptionist sent me the video below and that I should, verbatim, "Watch this and then decide. I am also very much into other strategies to help you feel better. I can give you info of someone who can help you."
/garbage antivax propaganda video removed at request of mod/
As you can see, my doctor's receptionist is spreading incredibly dangerous misinformation and anti-vax conspiracy theories. This person is putting themselves directly between myself and my healthcare professional. I can't help but wonder who else this person has interfered with, and how many other patients this person has prevented from accessing appropriate healthcare.
Anyway - I'm in a state of shock. I'm not sure how to proceed here and I wanted to talk to someone for guidance. I don't have my doctor's direct line and have always gone through this receptionist to gain access.
Please share your thoughts and advice and how to proceed. Thank you.
| 728 |
Book an urgent appointment with your doctor for “personal reasons” and tell them this; show them what she sent you. This is wildly inappropriate.
| 681 |
AskDocs
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Will a gyno be able to ‘out’ me (28F) to my husband (34M)?
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Not sure if this is the right place but I thought I should try since my questions are strictly medical. If this doesn’t belong here I’d be very thankful if anyone can please direct me to a more appropriate place.
Just to provide a little background, I live in a country where women’s rights are pretty much a joke. I have been unfortunately married to my husband for almost a year and am planning to escape as soon as possible (however this is irrelevant here). The problem is he wants children and I don’t, so I have been lying about it to protect myself.
Now he wants us to see a specialist for infertility and I am afraid the doctor will be able to tell him that I am on contraceptives based on the tests they carry and would be very thankful for some advice on what doctors can actually tell based on those tests.
Telling the doctor the truth is not an option as we are attending together and also they don’t respect confidentiality rules where I live.
Also, when I was around 16 I was diagnosed with PCOS and have been taking contraceptive pills and spironolactone for about 4 years now (both are bought over the counter in my country so no doctor prescription required). My main question is whether the doctor could tell I am on this medication currently.
More specifically, I would be extremely thankful if anyone can address these questions:
- If I have comprehensive blood tests will they be able to tell that I take contraceptive pills and spironolactone?
- Will the infertility tests be able to tell that I do actually suffer from PCOS or will it look like I don’t because of the medication I am taking? Usually PCOS sufferers have high testosterone levels but I know the medication I am taking is lowering that.
- Will they be able to tell that I have regular (pill induced) periods or will they believe when I say I have irregular periods?
- Will the tests show that I am ovulating or not?
Any advice or resource would be greatly appreciated!
I am 28F, 160cm, 47kg, BMI 18.3, white. Don’t smoke, don’t drink, no drugs.
EDIT: just want to add that I am really grateful for the advice received. Sorry I haven’t replied to all the comments as I was very distraught today but I have read them all and would like to thank you all.
As for the ‘relationship’ issue here I just want to add that I have an established plan to leave and I am dealing with this separately and is under control. I also thank you for all the kind words, this really means something.
| 1,212 |
I agree with what’s been said here already. If you need to lie to your fertility doctor for your safety, definitely do so. However...
My worry would be that if you’re on birth control (estrogen and progesterone) and the fertility doc gives you MORE hormones, you could end up with a blood clot (pulmonary embolism) or intense life threatening fluid shifts (ovarian hyper stimulation syndrome) and then you could actually die. The ICU doctor caring for you won’t know what to do because they won’t know what the underlying problem is.
The fertility doc won’t know what meds you take now. But they will know if they prescribe you hormones and you don’t take them - they will do bloodwork to make sure you’re responding to the meds and the bloodwork will show you didn’t take their meds.
Is there any chance you could get your own doctor, separate from the fertility doc that your husband isn’t involved with, that you could talk to on your own and who would respect your confidentiality? They might be able to help you navigate the situation, telling you what meds you could take or not take, or talk to the fertility doctor on your behalf (maybe they could even talk to the fertility doc and ask for advice on what you should do, without actually outing you to the fertility doctor).
There are a lot of safety risks here if fertility treatments are pursued. Maybe you’ll get lucky and your husband will be infertile or something anyway. But I would be really worried about you taking any treatments, or having to undergo surgery or something unnecessarily. Is there any doc around who could help you?
Edit: I just saw the comment by u/rarvyn below and I see that actually they may be able to tell if you’re on birth control by your initial labwork. I also wanted to add, even if there is no doctor near you, with covid virtual care is the newest thing. You might be able to find a reputable doctor/website online that can connect you with a doctor in a country that does respect confidentiality who could help you navigate things. I actually have no clue how this would work, it may take a little research and maybe someone else here would know more, but that way a third party doc would never even know who your husband is.
| 534 |
AskDocs
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My dad has suspected Stage IV Colon Cancer and I just want to know what to expect.
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My dad (Male, 48 years old, 6'1", 175 pounds, active lifestyle, otherwise very healthy) had diverticulitis a couple weeks ago. They prescribed him some antibiotics. While they were in there, they did some tests and they biopsied his liver. It was cancerous. He has an abscess on his colon and the oncologist suspects that the liver cancer is secondary, and that the primary cancer is in his colon.
My dad is my best friend, and I just want to know what to expect. Is it possible that they can just cut out the liver and colon cancer and he'll be okay? The oncologist seems to think that they can remove the liver cancer based on its size. He has a colonoscopy scheduled at the end of the month so that they can figure out what to do about that. Is there anyone that can just tell me more about the process? My whole family is very frightened.
EDIT: Is there any way to un-delete some of these responses? I saw the first sentence of them on my phone in the notifications, and they seemed like they could be helpful/comforting. I would like to read them. I'm not asking for medical advice that I'm going to rely on as much as I'm asking for what types of expectations I should have. Anyway for a mod to un-delete them?
EDIT 2: This is ridiculous. I want to see what these people have to say, and everytime I get a notification to go there it's already deleted. Can anyone help with this please???
EDIT 3: Thank you all so very much. I really appreciate everyone who has reached out to me, sent messages, and offered their opinion or experience. As an aside, I understand the policy reason for this rule of deleting comments, but I think the mods should strongly consider leaving it up to the poster whether that should happen instead of just assuming that it would be beneficial in any particular case.
| 552 |
This is my area, I’m often involved in these patients.
I can’t make any assessment really on the info you’ve provided as it’s not enough info, nor would I attempt to prognosticate without reviewing imaging and biopsy results myself. Oncology will be your quarterback in terms of putting it together for your particular case. But here is generally how it goes. Almost all cancer work up goes in 3 steps. This is how I got through boards without getting ahead of myself, which is easy to do.
1: tissue diagnosis. Get a piece of whatever the tumor is and confirm the cancer under a microscope. In this case, they biopsy the liver because they can’t do a colonoscopy given active inflammation and number two, a biopsy of the liver answers two questions same time. Yes it’s colon cancer (they see colon cells that’s shouldn’t be in the liver), and they’ve confirmed it’s widely metastatic (past the lymph nodes).
2: staging: for this we want to know extend of the disease. In your situation, the liver biopsy will answer that. But they will also CT the chest to look for Mets (colon cancer goes to lung also). Assuming his liver biopsy comes back and colon cancer, you are T4.
3: management. Once you’ve staged, then you choose the appropriate management for that cancer at that stage. For colon cancer, stage 4 goes to neoadjuvent chemo. That’s fancy word that means chemo before surgery. Think of it as the cat is out of the bag, and you can’t surgically go around and take out all the cancer cells. So they only way they can try to get it under control is by medicine. You want to see regression of the tumors. They usually do 8 week courses or so and then reimage. Most oncologist use a special type of scan called a PET scan. It highlights tumors more. If he’s responding to chemo, they may do a couple rounds. The goal is to shrink all big tumors, and you can then assume the microscopic stuff is dying too. If the big tumors are shrinking, and are physically surgically resectable based on anatomy, surgeons like myself or colorectal surgeons will go and try to respect any residual tumor.
Chemo is through a port, and they’ll put one in fairly soon to get started ASAP. It’s a minor procedure, low risk. And chemo for colon cancer is well tolerated in general. And hair doesn’t usually fall out.
BUT, your dad is already having a curve ball that’s gonna mess stuff up. This is common. Treatment gets derailed from all the other stuff that comes along with cancer. He has an active infection, and if that is tumor, that means tumor is eating thru the colon wall. They can’t start chemo until that’s under control. And sometimes we are forced to move forward with surgery for the colon now, because the colon is perforating, is blocked, or is bleeding too much. This would set back surgery weeks potentially, and that’s assuming there’s no hiccups. It also may mean a colostomy. We use them for various reasons that are beyond the scope of this convo.
As for the liver, yes we can and want to remove isolated Mets, but more often than not it’s all over the liver. You just can’t see it on the CT yet. There’s no benefit if you can’t get virtually all of it.
Our medicines get better and better. But widely metastatic disease is still tough to beat. 5 year and 10 year survival rates are out there if you want to look them up. Remember those stats lag our advancements so it’s probably actually a little better than those numbers.
Good luck
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AskDocs
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I have a resting heart rate of 124 and above at 21 years old. I just wanted to post about it and gain some new knowledge.
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Is this normal if my cardiologist did tests where they take pics of your heart to see if there is anything wrong but didn’t fine anything. The only thing he l noticed was my heart would go up to 175 when I wore a heart monitor for two weeks. His explanation was I must be pretty active but I’m not really. I tried to explain to him Im on my feet here and there through the day but not nonstop but he thought I was alright so I trusted his observation. I was then put on metropolol for it. It was a very low dose.
My heart rate has dropped a little since on it but it’s still kinda high 108-120 sometimes and when I forget to take my pill it can go up to 130.
I found out I had a high resting heart rate during a sleep study they didn’t think much about it then. In 2019, Before I went under anesthesia, the anesthesiologist was concerned about how high my heart rate was and insisted I see a cardiologist.
Female
21
110 lbs
Past diagnosis of lupus but now I’m told I don’t have lupus.
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Have you had other workup besides that test from the cardiologist? Did you have an ultrasound (echocardiogram/echo) or stress test, or was it something else when you refer to pictures taken? And is this to say this cardiologist is satisfied with the workup, and is calling this sinus tachycardia? (Are you definitely seeing a doctor and not an NP or PA?)
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AskDocs
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2 year old, black spot and possible tooth on roof of mouth?
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My 2 year old, no health issues, was munching away on a bread roll when I noticed this. What is it? It’s definately not food stick there as she allowed me to touch it With no issues, there’s no pain or discomfort to her she said.
The photo is of the inside of her mouth, my hand is only covering up her eyes because of the flash.
https://imgur.com/a/gNgyeSv
| 519 |
DDS here. First time noticing it? Are there any dark spots on the tongue? Is it a raised lesion? Do you have any other photos? Could you describe it please: is it rough, yellow, red, does it bleed when touched?
My recommendation is to visit a dental office. It’s very difficult to figure it out without being able to see it in person. It’s difficult to photograph intraorally.
Edit: is it soft or hard to the touch? Is it raised or
Flat?
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AskDocs
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Kids tested positive for Covid, I’m 2.5 weeks past my 2nd Covid vaccine (Pfizer). What are the precautions in this situation?
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Age 36
Sex F
Height 5’8”
Weight 130
Race Caucasian
Duration of complaint 3 days
Location
Any existing relevant medical issues none
Current medications none
My two kids ages 15 and 9 tested positive for Covid yesterday. Their symptoms started Friday 3/19 morning. So far both my husband and I don’t have symptoms and I am the only one in the family who is fully vaccinated (my husband is getting tested tomorrow and is quarantining). I know guidelines say I do not need to quarantine if I’m fully vaccinated, not showing symptoms and am in contact if someone who is Covid positive. My question is, what if you live with them? It feels weird to go out for groceries, prescriptions etc living with kids who have tested positive. For those who have been fully vaccinated, what would you do in this situation? And do I need to be tested if I’m not having symptoms? Any helpfully advice would be appreciated!
| 482 |
Youll need to mention where you are based as it depends where you live in the world. Though it looks like youve had advice that those who are fully vaccinated have a different set of rules?
However doesn't your government or health service website tell you exactly what to do? Does your country have a track and trace system?
In the UK youd have to isolate, no matter your vaccination status, as theres still a risk of spreading the virus even if you're unlikely to become seriously unwell with it.
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AskDocs
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9 months pregnant with hemorrhoids and desperately worried about delivery. Please help
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I [35 F currently 168 lbs] am 38.5 weeks pregnant and have had ongoing hemorrhoids for the past 2 or so months. I was having really hard bowel movements which is what caused them initially. Every time they decreased in size (to virtually nonexistent) I’d have a hard poop and they’d enlarge again.
About two weeks ago I started taking 2 stool softeners in the morning and evening as well as a dose of Benefiber in the morning. That helped soften things a little but it’s still painful to go #2 and my hemorrhoids just won’t go down. I’ve been eating prunes, taking epsom salt baths, and drinking approximately 70-80 fl oz of water everyday.
I’m terrified about exacerbating them when I have to push during labor, especially if they don’t decrease in size by the time that happens. Could they explode? Will they get even bigger? Will they ever go down in size? What about the first scary poop after delivery? Will I have to have them surgically removed? What else can I possibly do to make them better / ease my discomfort? Please help me.
| 424 |
Sounds like you're doing most of the recommended things. I'd take more fiber. You want like 25g at least, and benefiber has 3g, it's honestly kind of a joke how little fiber there actually is. Other options to add would be proctofoam and lidocaine or dibucaine ointment. You'll need a prescription for both of these but they work well for many people, lidocaine def helps with pain. I doubt they'll burst during delivery, but on the bright side you likely won't be able to feel it regardless.
| 307 |
AskDocs
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14m, 5’5”, 60kg I blacked out for a second after taking a pill incorrectly
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This just happened, I’m currently sick with a cold and it was 11:30 pm so I was about to go to sleep. I decided to take some cold and flu tablets before this and I of course used the night ones (brand is apo health) i took two the first one went down correctly but the second got somehow mucked up in my throat and I felt intense pain, next thing I know I’m on the floor with the water from my cup on me and a cut on my back. For a bit I had a feeling that I wasn’t existing on earth, that sorta trippy feeling. What happened here? I feel a bit of pain only from the cut on my back and no pain at all in my throat.
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There are nerves that run fairly close to your esophagus in your neck that can cause your blood pressure to drop very quickly when they’re touched or irritated. A sudden drop in blood pressure can cause fainting or blacking out.
While it’s unusual for those nerves to be *that* sensitive, that sounds like the most logical explanation here.
| 366 |
AskDocs
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Is there a spectrum to psychopathy; can some people ever have a normal, productive life?
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My 12 year old daughter has had several different diagnoses over the years starting with ADHD, then oppositional defiance, and more recently conduct disorder (which I honestly think is just a catch-all for things they can’t quite name or explain yet).
She’s been in in-patient care this year, but is now home and completing intensive outpatient therapy. I don’t know if anyone can help her or if there is any medication that will work. We’re not giving up, but sometimes in the back of my head (I don’t say it to the psychiatrist), I wonder if what is happening is a result of the way she is made and if, maybe, it can’t be fixed.
Since the day she was born, since the first day of birth, she has needed constant stimulation. As she got older, she would feed that need by being destructive, breaking and destroying things. Not to be mean or hurtful, but to stimulate her mind. And also fires. A lot of small fires. She has no fears of any kind and when she was little, I always had a kind of pride in that, although it made me uneasy, too. But, really, as she’s grown it’s become terrifying, even taking a whole bottle of pills recently (which resulted in the in-patient stay), but as she said, she had no intention of killing herself. She knew she would get to the hospital in time. She didn’t want to go to school and was angry that I was making her go. Another thing is that she doesn’t ever care about or understand others’ feelings whatsoever. Sometimes she seems happy, even excited, herself. She almost never, maybe actually never, seems sad. Angry, yes. Sad or crying, never. Remorseful, also never. These are not new traits; they have always been present. We noticed them from an early age, like maybe around 3-4 years old we noticed that she didn’t cry or seem sad ever. I know that probably seems strange to people, but it seemed like it was her “personality,” if that makes sense.
Even though she’s young and she hasn’t been diagnosed with antisocial personality disorder, I think in my heart, I know that’s where we are headed. I just know somehow, even though it’s horrible to say. I’m not even sure she would care or could care that much about a diagnosis like this (which I don’t know if that makes it better it worse)?
My question to this forum is, is it possible for people with psychopathic/antisocial traits to ever live normal and productive lives? I know right now she’s at extremely volatile age and she has a lot of growing and self-learning to do, so I’m trying to see past the now. With continued therapy and support, is it possible for people like her to have a future? Relationships? Passions? Have you ever met anyone or do you know of anyone who has? I want her to have the best version of her life she can have, whatever that is.
| 810 |
It reminds me of this guy. You might find it interesting.
https://www.theatlantic.com/health/archive/2014/01/life-as-a-nonviolent-psychopath/282271/
He ended up living a pretty normal and successful life, and is convinced the love and care he received made it possible.
This isnt really a medical answer, I am not a psychiatrist, but I thought you might like to see it regardless.
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AskDocs
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22 F - Got hit by a bus 10 years ago, didn't go to the hospital. Concerned now as an adult of repercussions.
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22 Female - Height 166cm - Weight 70kg - Location UK - Non-Smoker - Take general multivitamins - No diagnosed illnesses
Around 10 years ago when I was 12, I was hit in the leg by a bus. I didn't go to the hospital as I hid what had happened to my leg from family etc. as I stupidly thought I'd be in trouble for not looking when crossing the road - told my parents I hit it off a bannister badly at a friends house. I remember my leg hurt a lot for months, especially when knocked and over time a bump turned into a sort of dent in my leg. Now 10 years later... the area where my leg was hit is just to the right of the middle of my shin on my left leg. This area that is about as big as an Iphone X and still remains numb till this day. The best way I can describe the numbness is if you were to hold a snowball for a long time and then someone touched your hand - you can feel the touch slightly but nowhere near in a normal capacity. There is also a dent in what I'm unsure is the muscle or bone, or both which can be seen. Despite the skin being numb if my leg is knocked badly it hurts a lot more than if it was my other 'normal' leg.
I never really paid much attention to this until recently and just accepted that my leg would be like that forever.
However, I recently slipped on the ice and fractured my radial head and whilst this hurt initially it healed really quickly and I have had no issues since. This had led me to question what actually happened to my leg as I am still feeling the effects years later. I am now worried that by not going to the hospital when I most likely broke it that my leg has healed in a strange way (explaining the numbness and dent) and I am concerned that it is going to cause me issues later in life. I feel I can't really go to the doctors and ask for an x-ray for a trauma that happened 10 years ago as my leg will have healed - would the damage even show up?
Is this something I should be concerned about and try to source an outcome? Or is it something I'm going to have to live with due to being silly and not getting it looked at when it happened
Edit - Thank you so much to everyone’s responses! I will book a non urgent appointment with my GP and request a non urgent x-ray.
| 451 |
> I feel I can't really go to the doctors and ask for an x-ray for a trauma that happened 10 years ago as my leg will have healed
Yes, you can. Not A&E but your primary care doc.
> would the damage even show up?
Yes, a healed fracture will show on x-ray.
> Is this something I should be concerned about and try to source an outcome?
I think having peace of mind about if there's long-lasting damage to your leg is a good enough reason.
| 385 |
AskDocs
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22F - Doc found a tumor in my heel bone
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I got an X-ray yesterday expecting a stress fracture from moving out of my third floor apartment but they found a bone tumor instead. I am panicking. What kind of tumor does it look like? Does it look malignant? Do I need super invasive heel bone surgery?
X-ray: https://ibb.co/x5hqyHw
| 414 |
[Here's](https://radiopaedia.org/cases/bone-island-calcaneum-1) a case which is pretty similar to yours. Probably an enostosis, sometimes called 'bone island'. These are pretty common, and are benign. They are not a 'tumor'. No treatment / surgery required.
I don't primarily work with bone tumors, so if I was pushed to give a recommendation without consulting with a bone radiologist, my approach to this would probably be on the cautious side. Take a CT with some measurements. Then a follow-up xray in 6 months to see if it grows. Wouldn't recommend biopsy unless it grows significantly in half a year.
| 390 |
AskDocs
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“Homosexuality” listed as medical condition” in patient portal
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19M, USA, 5’11, 150 lbs, drinking, no smoking, no drugs
My COVID-specialist asked if I was sexually active and I mentioned “my boyfriend”. She asked if it was my roommate. It’s a little embarrassing to be dating my roommate, so I answered “yes, we started dating the week after we signed the lease and we just got really close as friends and things progressed into a monogamous relationship.” Ik that’s a little extra info on my personal life but I didn’t want her to think I was just hooking up with my roommate or I moved in with my boyfriend of 5 and a half months after only a month of dating lol. I don’t mind it being on my record (msm are more prone to certain health issues) but I’m ever so slightly uncomfy it’s right next to persistent COVID symptoms and labeled as a “medical condition” in my patient portal. In the note it says “roommate” not “boyfriend” or anything else. Idk it just feels like my doctor thinks I’m casually fucking my roommate. It’s really not a big deal but i’ve had really homophobic psychiatrists before who assume that I can’t be monogamous or other gay stereotypes even though I’m in a committed relationship with someone I love. It just weirded me out. Thoughts?
Edit: i didn’t even say that i’m gay- im literally bi lmao
| 682 |
It is relatively common to add MSM (men who have sex with men) to a patient file, as it has implications for certain STD tests ( at least in my country). For example, we don't test straight people for hepatitis c, but we do test MSM, after unprotected sexual encounters. It is just seen as a risk factor for certain conditions, like someone that is overweight has more risk for certain conditions.
In any case, you have every right to ask them to remove it from a shared list. I would never write it on a referral note.
| 533 |
AskDocs
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My brother just got diagnosed with lung cancer. What Now?
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We had prior cancer patients in my family. My mother being one having stage 3 breast cancer and survived. Now it has struck my brother.
He is very athletic and fit at 19. Does not smoke or drink but he has been in contact with friends who smoke vape and drink.
How are survival rates for lung cancer? Is it curable? Any long term effects?
Fuck Cancer man.
| 524 |
I am very sorry to hear about the struggles. As an oncologist, I certainly understand how you must feel right now.
There are different types of lung cancers. Your brother's oncologist should be able to guide your brother and your family through all the treatment options necessary for his care.
Stay strong! Although there is not enough information for me to answer all your questions, your brother has a fighting chance!
| 374 |
AskDocs
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[Mild NSFW] I’m epileptic and had my first grand mal ever about a week ago, and I’d like some advice.
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19F, 125 lbs, 5’6”, Caucasian. I take Vyvanse on occasion for ADD and Keppra every day for epilepsy.
My epilepsy has never been very serious. All my life it’s just given me a weird sensation in my left arm that I could deal with, and never had any specific triggers. That changed back in 2016 when I got the flu. From then on, I’d seize if my body heat was too high- and when this happens I’ll feel hot and cold at the same time, my vision will go spotty and sometimes I’ll fall over (but not usually). Since my first experience in 2016, I’ve had maybe 10 of these seizures ranging from hot showers, to intense activities to my blankets being too thick.
So the actual story...
My boyfriend and I were having sex when it happened. I felt my vision going spotty so I tried to vocalize it but I couldn’t find it in me to form actual words. Luckily, my boyfriend knows I’m epileptic and knows that if the sounds I make sound like discomfort or pain, I’m probably about to start seizing. But this was not a kind of seizure either of us had seen from me.
From this point my memory is completely black and this is all from my boyfriend’s point of view. I started convulsing and slurring my words trying to ask “what happened,” which was a mistake. My boyfriend saw how I was sticking my tongue out while I was convulsing and tried to stick it back in. He eventually did successfully but not without me biting it and him, damaging the nerves in his fingers.
He called 911, dressed me, and the paramedics came. My memory comes back while I’m sitting in front of the paramedics, and I guess I actually had no memory at all in the moment either because once I came to, I was looking around all disoriented as if I didn’t know where I was.
The paramedics were planning on bringing me to the hospital when my memory of basic, recent events were fuzzy but I started to remember more slowly and they decided it’d be fine for me to stay at home. My tongue didn’t hurt for a day or two after that, I guess it took a while before it got sore. But it’s been hurting for about a week now, and has made swallowing my pills, talking and eating food very tedious tasks. I want to find some way to soothe it, especially because I have 3 currently healing canker sores at the moment, so my mouth feels terrible all around.
Any advice on how to soothe it? Or maybe any advice on what to do next time I seize like this?
EDIT: I forgot to mention that this particular time I was late taking my evening meds. I had gotten really engrossed in drawing and ignored my alarm. I’ve learned my lesson. So it’s not faulty medicine.
| 395 |
Hi! I am a neurologist. It does seem like you understand that being late with medications when you have "brittle" epilepsy can lead to seizures. Even if that is the case, we try to adjust dosing or even trial new medication to provide you a little better protection in the future. Being a few hours late shouldn't have this effect, so it is definitely important to call your neurologist/epileptologist to let them know that this happened.
Regarding seizure first aid - as your boyfriend now understands you never stick anything in the mouth of a patient who is seizing. Yes, you can injure your tongue but you wont choke on it - that is a myth. Seizure first aid is to get the patient to the ground, help make sure there is nothing around that can injure them and make sure they aren't hurting their head by hitting it on the ground. As the seizure ends, put the patient in the recovery position, on their side and keep them calm while you get help. The epilepsy foundation (https://www.epilepsy.com/) has excellent resources for seizure first aid.
Regarding your tongue, the mouth/tongue heal pretty quickly compared to the rest of the body. Cool water can help reduce swelling and you can find lidocaine solutions over the counter for numbing the mouth, usually in the dental section. There are lozenges used for sore throats and sore throat sprays that have the same lidocaine (look for an active ingredient that ends with "caine").
Hope that helps and I am sorry that happened to you, i'm sure it was traumatizing for your boyfriend to see . If/when he is ready he may want to talk with you about it further.
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AskDocs
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[19 / M] I can't have sex. I don't know what to do.
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Alright.
This is a throwaway account, and for good reason. What I'm about to share with you is not only unusual, it's also quite embarrassing.
You read the title. And I don't want to beat around the bush longer than necessary, so let's jump straight to the point.
The reason I can't have sex is fairly simple, yet psychologically devastating as a 19 years old young man who was supposed to start his sexual life not long ago.
What is it?
In short, my penis has been extremely curved since I'm around 14, and I only have one testicle.
You heard that right. When I say "extremely curved", I really mean it. It's bent to the point where it forms a 90 degrees angle when erected, and I wish I was kidding. Thus, it makes it physically impossible for me to have sex. It's not broken though, and I don't think it's Peyronie's disease either. Otherwise, I should feel pain or something. Strangely enough, everything's working perfectly fine down there. I think it's just that: an extreme curvature. Nothing else. And in flaccid mode, you couldn't even tell. Concerning my missing ball, I don't know what happened. I don't know anything about where this problem comes from actually. Hence the title. The only thing I'm certain of is that I wasn't born like this. The rest, on the other hand, is a complete mystery.
And that's exactly why I'm posting here. I'm lost, to say the least, and I have absolutely no clue on how I should proceed. Like, where do I start? Where do I go? What do I do?
Any advice would be highly appreciated for sure. This text is a shorter version of a post I already made on r/offmychest, except I don't detail my entire story regarding this issue here.
I don't think it's suitable anyway. Only the medical part matters I guess.
Nevertheless, thank you very much for according a bit of your time to a random dude on the Internet.
See ya.
**EDIT: Damn, this post received more attention than I thought it would! I wish I could answer to everyone here, but it's getting a bit too much now, haha. Just know that all your replies are really valuable and useful to me, and as an insecure man like me who was searching for solutions, it gives me a lot of hope and strength! So from the bottom of my heart, thank you very much guys! You rock!**
| 534 |
Go to a urologist. This is their wheel house and they should be able to talk you through all of your options. Good luck man! As a fellow penis owner I know this has to be a hard thing to go through!
| 848 |
AskDocs
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My dad was declared brain dead, but doctors are trying to wake him up?
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Hello, my father (70 years old, around 5'9'', around 180 lbs) was in a serious car accident a week ago today, and he hit his head really hard. Right after the accident, the witnesses tell us he got out of the car, walked around, talked to the police officers, and seemed completely fine, until he fainted. He was rushed to the hospital and we were told he had a severe brain hemorrhage and would need surgery.
After the procedure, the neurosurgeon called us and told us the damage in his brain is irreversible, and that the right side of his brain could be considered dead. He told us my dad would pass away in a matter of hours.
A week later, he is still in the hospital fighting for his life. He has been on a ventilator, off the ventilator, and back on it again. However, doctors told us yesterday that they will try a treatment in hopes that he wakes up in the next 48 hours...they said his brain is sometimes responding to different stimuli, that his left hand is responding to pain stimuli..I am very confused.
As far as I understand, a person with brain death can never wake up again or respond to stimuli..does this mean he may have not been brain dead after all? That perhaps he was just in a coma? Is it possible that he wakes up, even if he is unable to move or communicate? The doctors have not been very specific with us, and calling the hospital is difficult right now due to COVID chaos taking over the hospital systems.
We, as a family, expressed to the doctors our wish that if he is unable to make a recovery, we would prefer to let him rest, as my dad would have also wished this (he is an extremely active and dynamic man, he would despise being left in a vegetative or paralyzed state).
I understand this may not have any definitive answers, especially without having access to my dad's medical charts and specific brain condition, but any guesses you may have are totally welcome. I just want to understand the different scenarios we may be facing here. Please let me know if you need any other information, although I tried my best to give as much as I could. Thank you very much.
Edit: Thank you so much to all those who responded. Unfortunately my father passed away this morning. His brain stopped showing any activity and it eventually fully died. Thank you anyways for all your help, truly. Much love to all <3
| 512 |
Brain death is a clinical diagnosis, and it can get a bit complicated. The diagnosis is made based lack of brain function (often described as lack of brainstem reflexes) in the setting of no reversible causes and otherwise normal physiologic state (no profound hypotension, lab abnormalities, etc). Importantly it's based on \*function\*. It's not a diagnosis that can be made in an operating room or after an acute event. I suspect what the neurosurgeon meant after the procedure is that he thinks there was severe damage done to your father's brain, and he is at very high risk to progress to brain death. After a significant event it's recommended to give some time (i.e. days) to see what kind of recovery there might be. It sounds like your father isn't truly brain dead based on him responding to pain. It's a very good thing that you all talked about his wishes if something like this were to happen, because just because he is not brain dead does not mean he will have any real functional recovery. As far as what kind of recovery is possible, that depends on a lot of the details of his injury and hospitalization.
| 375 |
AskDocs
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[16/Male] worrying incident while showering
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Age 16
Sex Male
Height 5'4
Weight 140~
so recently, roughly a week and a half ago, something odd happened while i was showering, it was pretty normal, then suddenly the noise from the shower became deafening, and i tried to cover my ears to try and help (to no avail). it was to the point where i started crying. it hurt immensely for roughly 5 minutes, then it ended as quickly as it started. afterward it left me with a pretty bad headache. i have no idea what it was or what happened, so im posting here to atleast try and find a general idea as to what it may have been.
Edit: added something else that happened that i forgot to add (crying)
| 352 |
I have to say I've never heard this before. I'm interested.
The first thing that comes to my mind is this: You have nerves in your brain that control your ear drum. You know when sometimes you hear a really loud noise and it startles you? But then, if it's music or something, it doesn't seem so loud after it plays for a while. That's because you have a nerve that goes to your ear drum that adjusts it so that loud noise doesn't damage your ear (right away at least). Sometimes, that nerve stops working properly and even not-so-loud noises can seam really loud all the time. You usually see this in cases where people's faces become paralyzed temporarily, a disorder called Bell's palsy. But I suppose it's possible that it can happen by itself. Perhaps you got some water in your ear and that caused that nerve to act up.
In any case, I would suggest seeing your doctor. They will probably decide to do a brain scan to see if there is anything visibly wrong with that particular nerve. Or, in addition, they may send you to an audiologist (a doctor who specializes in hearing and disorders related to hearing). If this continues, there are medications that you can take that can slow down the nerves, which might help with the symptoms. But I don't think it will get that far.
It could also be a migraine. It's not unusual for them to start at about your age. Usually migraines start with something called an *aura*, which is where you see (or perhaps hear) something unusual, and then a headache comes after that. For most people with migraines, they see something (often like floaters or zig zags that look kind of like when you've stared at the sun). Then they get the headache. Sometimes they get sick or feel the need to be in a dark and quiet room. Because migraines are more common, that's probably what this is. But because this is such an unusual aura, I would say it'd be good to rule out anything else brain-related first. If it is migraines, there are plenty of medications that are available to reduce the chances of them happening and, if they do happen, to make the headache go away faster.
I think starting with a brain scan would be good first, and then you can visit an audiologist or a neurologist to go from there.
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AskDocs
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Long term symptoms after COVID vaccine?
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I am a white male in my 60s, 6-2” 225 lbs with previously no major medical issues. Not on any medication at this time other than ibuprofen. I had my first Pfizer vaccine approx. 6 weeks ago and experienced some pretty significant body aches/joint pain and fatigue for a little over a week. Everything seemed to resolve except some lingering knee pain. I had the 2nd jab approx.3 weeks after the first and my knees have progressively gotten worse along with lower back pain and fatigue. It’s now going on over 2 weeks after the 2nd jab and I am really uncomfortable. Ibuprofen helps a little but now it’s getting hard to even walk the dog. Previously I walking 3+ miles a day. To be clear I didn’t have any of these symptoms before the first shot. Anyone have an opinion on what is going on here
? I’m getting worried. Thank you!
Edit: thanks for all the replies. If things don’t improve soon I’ll make a doctor’s appointment.
I also want to be clear....I am 100% PRO vaccine!
| 273 |
Other than fatigue, joint pain, and muscle aches, low back pain have not been reported. ( [Pfizer side effects ](https://www.fda.gov/media/144414/download#page=3)) and most resolve within a few days to weeks. I would suspect that they are not necessarily related directly to the shot. I would suspect that the connection maybe that the shot cause fatigue and that lead to a sudden drop in your physical activity. This leads to deconditioning. As we age, we are more prone to aches and pains joints when we aren’t able to exercise. I would recommend shifting your focus to getting back to your old exercise routine. If you can’t do that on your own call your doc to see what they recommend.
Edit: for clarity and to add link: because this is a new vaccine I strongly encourage you to report your symptoms (follow the link) they may be a new rare side effect if they fail to resolve
| 214 |
AskDocs
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Death is around the corner unless we find answers. Medical emergency
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Please. This is my last resort here and I’m asking for any and all opinions from people with experience, know someone one with experience, professionals, school teachers professors or students.......
My boyfriend and I just had a little girl a few months ago. He’s been sick since before I met him. I’ll go over the basics that I know. Nobody can figure out what it is and we are waiting for the Mayo Clinic to get back to us. He’s went from 220lbs to 150lbs. It started slow but the past 2 years is when it really started to get bad.
To start with some background,(may not necessarily relate to the issues) he used to have liver and kidney issues and ended up in the hospital because he almost had liver and kidney failure from alcoholism. He chews tobacco and has his whole life (since he was 12). He used to swallow his spit with a chew in while he was in high school. He used to spray weeds a year before this all started up and weed killer fell all over him. He also has had kidney stones and hasn’t had the best diet. He’s like addicted to sprite. He’s had a very active lifestyle also, working a laborious job running heavy equipment Anyway, he also got beat severely growing up from when he was a young kid to age 12.He never really goes to the hospital either. He’s been sick for 4 years and went a few times here and there and never got an answer so he gave up. Then he met me 2 years ago and so here is what’s wrong, and the progress we have had.
His symptoms started as just pain and nausea and vomiting every time he ate food. It would take an hour to kick in. And then it started to only take 30 min. The pain would subside substantially once he vomited. But over the past year it’s gotten to where the pain never stops no matter what and food makes it worse. The weight loss started at around 1-2lbs a month and then advanced to 4lbs a month. He has no energy for anything, frequently seems out of it, his stomach is always making loud noises. He hasn’t had a solid stool in like 8 months. His throat is sore and his voice is hoarse and has changed a bit (maybe from throwing up). He had a lump in his throat (swollen lymph node) and got it checked out. His lower back is always in tremendous pain (maybe becuase of his job constantly bouncing up and down in a machine or maybe something else). He also gets lightheaded and has fainted a handful of times. His pain in his stomach is in his upper left abdomen and lower right as well. The pain is so bad that he is constantly curling himself inward as if he’s trying to be in fetal position. No pain meds work. We have tried every diet under the sun. Nothing helps. No relief. He throws up liquids solids.... a cracker... he simply can’t eat. It’s really sad. So now let me get into what we DO know.
The only things the doctors have discovered that I’m aware of are that he has an elevated white blood cell count, they can’t find cancer anywhere, there’s 0 abnormalities (come to find out there are a few ‘minor’ ones that the doctors failed to maybe link together into a diagnosis. I’ll get into that in a second), he has fatty liver disease, kidney issues (not sure what), kidney stones, an intestinal ulcer or two.
The colonoscopy and endoscopy found nothing but the ulcers they didn’t do anything about. They did a swallow test with eggs and dye. Didn’t find anything. They did some CT scans tons of bloodwork, MRI, tested his pooop and urine, did the esophagus test where they cost your throat... they haven’t found anything except for this past week we realized (his primary doctor called him) and said that he reviewed all the results and what his Gastro didn’t think much of, could be a bigger issue. His intestines are super tense and flexed so it’s hard for food to pass through. And his stomach is digesting at 60% as per the normal 40%. So he is digesting food at a faster rate. They also found that the food in his stomach just sits there. He tries to eat a bunch at night and takes his sedative to sleep so he can try to digest some food. The food just sits in his intestines for hours upon hours until he throws it up becuase only a small amount of food digests before the rest just sits in his stomach. They said his stomach is so so so acidic cuz of all the food just sitting there. It’s called dumping syndrome. Oh also one last thing, he has a bunch of moles and some new ones I haven’t seen. He has had a sore on his ear that hurts since I met him, too. He’s a white male and 6’4 and 28 years old.
Doctors have thought he had Reflux, crohns, pancreatitis, liver cancer, lymphoma... probably amongst many other things. But no luck finding the root of his problems. The pain, and the puking!
Please we need some help. We don’t know what to do or where to go and I know he probably doesn’t have much longer if we don’t find an answer. Any insight is appreciated. We don’t know where to go from here. He has insurance and we will spend whatever it takes. I will do whatever it takes so he can be here for his 3 kids.
| 895 |
This is my wheelhouse—and i do see a lot of patients like this. Have two right now.
This sounds like a FUNCTIONAL obstruction of his intestines. It needs to be delineated as either a mechanical obstruction (think like a bent garden hose) or a dysmotility disorder (think paralyzed intestines or stomach)
The advice above by non doctors is what happens when people with half knowledge chime in and why i agree with mods deleting “NAD but...” comments. Its aggravating I have to waste time countermanding their advice, but:
-Placing A feeding tube without knowing if there’s a blockage will make him sicker and could kill him. It would cause a leak and kill him
-gallbladder could be ruled out with one test, and I am assuming based on the battery of tests that they checked it
-gastroparesis is also a possibility but can also be ruled out with a very very simple radiological study which he could have easily already had.
-lyme is a possible cause, but again ALSO simply ruled out with a blood test.
-SIBO also possible, but extremely unlikely to be this extreme.
Your boyfriend has what is an extreme illness and I agree its gotten to life threatening levels. Help goes beyond posting here, and I am willing to get professionally involved. Even if need be via telehealth (if you’re near NYC area maybe in person) but lets take this offline here and you can PM me to discuss how best to proceed.
If he were my patient, I would start by personally reviewing every single test he had, which he was missing, and look at the radiological films with my own eyes, not the radiologists interpretations of them only (cant tellyou how many of these kinds of cases i have solved just by doing this and catching something the radiologists missed). If he hasnt had them already, he needs an Upper GI series with small bowel follow through immediately, and if thats normal he needs a gastric emptying study followed by a motility study (he swallows washers and has serial xrays after). If those are normal, THEN he can have a feeding tube to get started.
His liver failure history is alarming as well, and could be related.
Hope he feels better, and for the first time here I am inviting you (and only you) to DM me if he is that dire so I could hopefully stem disaster.
Some questions to ask him before you reach out:
-has he had surgery in his abdomen before?
-can he tolerate liquids? Do the symptoms only occur with solid foods but not liquid?
-how often does he have bowel movements? Are they abnormal in any way when he does? Diarrhea? Thin and pencil like? Bloody?
-when he got “beat up” did he ever take beatings into the abdomen? Especially enough to cause injury to his spleen or liver?
-does he have any unusual genetic conditions that run in the family? Especially tumors or cancer?
-did he get the ear ulcer biopied? (If not he needs this IMMEDIATELY)
-what pesticide did he get covered in and how often was exposure?
-has he seen a surgeon? Has anyone considered a diagnostic laparoscopy?
-does he have a CT of his abdomen WITH contrast? Or was it done without contrast?
There are more but these are whats needed to get started...
*ps- holy cow, you guys are really generous with the awards and upvotes. Thank you, sincerely. I just hope to get OP’s SO better.
*update: am completely humbled by all the positive feedback. I’m not a guy who’s comfortable with praise or complements—but I am completely grateful to you all, never had anything on reddit get these kinds of awards or upvotes. I havent heard from OP—and am kind of worried, but hopeful she took my guidance to her local md team and hopefully they are moving in the right direction.
On a side note, am a little concerned that caring about suffering patients seems to have become the exception instead of the norm from my profession. Its kind of a wake up call that the house of medicine needs to put patients out front and center of every single healthcare move we make, and while I practice that way, maybe I shouldnt abide others doing it the other way.
Anyways, thanks again, and you’ve certainly given me food for thought while I consider how to bring back “old school” medicine, that doesnt resemble going to a costco or sams club.
And as for so many that reached out with similar complaints—(I’m shocked at how many you are) I’d have to take a week off of surgeries just to get to you all! I’m so sorry i havent even been able to respond to you all, but will try to squeeze in a reply here or there between patients or surgeries.
***4/3 update: OP responded here 👇🏻
| 2,169 |
AskDocs
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I'm so tired, I'd rather just be dead. I can't function.
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29F, 5'3" 215lbs. Caucasian, living in Florida.
Duration of complaint: Most of my adult life.
Medical history: Depression, Anxiety, PTSD, pre-diabetes.
Medications: Metformin, Zoloft, Mirtazapine.
I am so tired ALL THE TIME. I wake up tired, go to bed tired, take naps tired, sleep at work tired, (almost) fall asleep driving, can sleep in the shower, drink a full cup of coffee and immediately sleep, sleep almost everytime I sit for any length of time...
I can't function anymore. My house is a complete disaster because I just can't find the energy for even the most basic things, like laundry or dishes.
I get the kids off to school then immediately fall back asleep and sleep until noon, even when I have alarms set to get up earlier.
I go to bed around 10:30 every night, consistently. I get up around 6:45am, consistently. I sleep all night long, no interruptions.
I never feel rested, no matter how much sleep I get. No matter how much coffee or energy drinks.
I had a sleep study consultation and we discussed narcolepsy, but in order to test for that, he says I have to be completely off my psych meds. And that's a really bad idea. I'm extremely suicidal without the meds (sometimes even with...). He suggested we start with a sleep study for apnea, since that can be done on meds.
But at this point I'm feeling really helpless.
Do I risk suicidal thoughts/actions for the sake of a diagnosis? Do I just keep trying to live with the tiredness? I don't know that I can do either.
It feels like I'm trapped in this horrible cycle of tiredness. Sometimes I think the only escape will be death.
Help...
| 618 |
You might have sleep apnea, so i think its smart ro check for that first, before tampering with your imprtant psych-meds. But if sleep study shows no sleep apnea, the next step could be altering/getting of meds in cooperation with your psychiatrist.
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AskDocs
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Why does moderate exercise even for TWO minutes (not walking) make me REALLY REALLY weak and confused/disorientated afterwards?
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20 Male Europe
I literally cant exercise at all. This is horrible.
If I do walking, I am fine, no weak feelings. I can even walk at a normal pace and with uphill climbs for an hour without a weak feeling
But when I start doing more intense exercise, even if its a MUCH shorter time like two minutes, I feel insanely weak and confused/disorientated without being dehydrated. This shouldnt be happening, right? I am new to trying exercise this way, but, I still think it shouldn't happen.
For example, just like 20 squats in a row, 5 pushups, would make me insanely weak
No known Health conditions. No diabetes. But I have poor quality sleep and unexplained fatigue in general.
| 495 |
Not normal. You need to be evaluated by a doctor. There are too many possible causes to figure out from my bed over the internet right now, but you definitely need to get some testing and a formal interview with a medical professional. They will probably start with basic lab testing and may move on to metabolic, cardiac, or pulmonary testing depending on what they find.
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AskDocs
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Girlfriend with eating disorder died - exact cause?
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My GF died a few days ago. She had an eating disorder. I went to her house a few dies prior and walked in on her room covered in food. She had agreed to go to treatment and everything, then died before we could get her there.
She was subtype II which is anorexia with binge / purge. She was not dramatically underweight, just skinny. She was 5'8 and told me she was 113 but she could have been lighter and lying about her weight. She had been to treatment before and I'm not sure how long ago she relapsed. I think I saw signs at least 6 months ago, but didn't understand the disease.
I believe she was binge drinking alcohol at night in addition to her ED behaviors. I'm not sure if she was the night she died or not. I'm just her BF so the authorities aren't releasing any information to me. I did find out from her roommate that she was laying down in her bed and had blood coming from her mouth and nose. They found her Monday afternoon and the last time I heard from her was Saturday night.
Can anyone tell me what the exact cause of death is? I'm so devastated by this. I feel like knowing how she died or what her final moments were like would help.
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Most common cause is electrolyte imbalances from disordered eating which lead to heart disturbances and cardiac arrest. Esophageal rupture is is less likely and rare but it’s a possibility. Being intoxicated and vomiting which leads to asphyxia is also a possibility. She could have simply choked on her vomit. I’m so sorry this happened I hope you find some peace. I hope she is at peace as well. Eating disorders and deadly and dangerous.
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AskDocs
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My 11 month old daughters limbs have been turning purple accompanied by high fevers, any ideas?
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Age: 11 months
Sex: female
Weight: 20 lbs
Medications: none
Diet: formula fed, with regular solids now.
Gestational age at time of birth: 37 weeks, with 8 days spent in the NICU for breathing problems. No issues with breathing since.
Lab work: Can provide exact labs performed upon request, but all have been within normal ranges.
For the past three months my 11 month old daughter has experienced some strange things. She will spike high fevers up to 103 degrees, and her hands and feet will turn purple. Her limbs are cold to touch, and eventually they will warm up and it feels like they are thawing out. Her fevers last up to 3 days at a time. No teething or ear infections present.
The doctors chalked it up to the cold climate we live in, we are in the Midwest. The winters are very cold here, sometimes as cold as -30 degrees. I didn’t think anything more of it, we took the doctors suggestions of double/triple layering her clothing to keep her core warm, which would in turn help warm up her limbs.
Well, this hasn’t really helped. Several times since then she’ll spike high fevers, always around 103 degrees, and it last for a few days along with the color changes of her limbs.
She’s had minimal tests done, basic blood tests and an X-ray of her heart. Her 02 is always normal, her bp was normal, she’s been seen by her pediatrician a few times, and I brought her into the children’s hospital ER. They are transferring her care to the Infectious Disease Pediatrician at the Children’s Hospital. Her weight has stayed consistent, but she is VERY irritable most days.
We are obviously very worried about her, what kinds of things could we expect moving forward? Does this sound like some weird weather related fluke? They’ve Covid tested her no less than 5 times due to the fevers, and she’s always been Covid negative. I do have pictures upon request of her limbs, it just won’t let me add them on to the post.
Sorry for the rambling, I’m trying not to forget any information.
| 460 |
Not knowing what tests have already been done, I have a few preliminary thoughts. Overall this could fit into a disorder of red blood cell structure, such as Sickle cell or hereditary spherocytosis. When the body is under stress, deformed red blood cells have trouble carrying the appropriate amount of oxygen around the bodies, and the hands and feet (and also end organs such as the spleen and kidneys) are affected. It happens episodically and is termed a “crisis”, because under normal circumstances the cells perform their job well enough to deliver oxygen in non-stress situations, but can’t handle the demand when higher oxygenation is needed. I’m sure, though, that under routine testing this would have likely been discovered, as all you really need for diagnosis is a low hematocrit and hemoglobin, and a cell count with differential and blood smear, on which abnormal cells will be discovered. These labs should have already been done with any workup.
Now if you’re saying that this happens when baby is introduced to cold, there are a couple more possibilities. One is “cold agglutinins”, autoantibodies that form when temperature is at extreme lows, and usually target red blood cells. A special test is needed for this diagnosis where they do temperature specific testing looking for these specific antibodies. This could present with the symptoms you’re describing but only present when it’s very cold (ie no symptoms in the summer or warmer weather). Another less worrying scenario would be a bad cause of Raynaud’s but that would not explain the fevers. Overall, keep a very close record of WHAT you’re doing when the symptoms come on (if there are any predisposing activities) and WHEN they happen (in the cold, mornings, nights, after feeding, when baby is hungry or colicky?). These details can be very helpful when trying to make a diagnosis and will help physicians greatly. Overall diagnosis ranges from something that could be damaging to something the merely annoying and shows up in episodes of being upset (like Raynauds). Stay vigilant for other symptoms of distress or organ dysfunction (decreased or bloody urine, severe vomiting, changes in bowel habits or odd consistencies).
ps I’m also a physician I’m the Midwest! Wonder if we are around the same area, as I also contract with my local children’s hospital and academic medical center. Feel fee to DM if you want more info! Good luck
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AskDocs
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How do we know that the COVID vaccine won’t cause health problems several years down the line?
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I am an 18 year old, perfectly healthy male. I’m very conflicted about taking the vaccine because I just don’t understand how we know what could happen to our bodies 5+ years in the future? Can somebody smart explain it please?
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We can’t know this yet for the CoVID vaccine because it is new. But we do know that you are more likely to have a long term complications from a natural virus (measles, mumps) than you are from most vaccines. There is no biological reason to suspect that the mRNA vaccine will be higher risk.
There are little to no preservatives (that why it has to be super cold) and the mRNA doesn’t stick around. It has been used for over a decade ( for other conditions). It basically is giving your body the recipe to make a protein that looks like a CoVID protein. I can’t explain this better than this [xkcd comic](https://xkcd.com/2425/) mRNA vaccines will probably be something you take in the future to treat or prevent certain cancers (just replace the CoVID mRNA for melanoma mRNA.. and your own immune system will seek and destroy cancer).
We know that natural CoVID infection can cause complications in many people. Young people can have long lasting heart problems. But the likelihood is really really low. That said we know the vaccine decreases these chances even further. So why not?
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AskDocs
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24F My daughter is critically ill and hospitalized. I'm terrified her brain is dying, slowly. Trying to balance letting the team do their work, with the fear they're going the wrong direction due to information getting lost or reinterpreted in each shift and each handoff.
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3/31/21. Original Post
A couple of days ago, I awoke to find my daughter in an awake, eyes open, and enlarged, but mute, unresponsive state. SOne eye seemed bigger than the other or set forward more somehow.She had repetitive, stereotyped movements, like bracing herself on her arms, pushing herself upward repeatedly, to no effect. Her mouth was open with a fish-like look to it. Panic, fear, surprise in her eyes/face. Her arms were alternately folding up to the chest, fists rolling inward, and then curling into the lap, wrists curled inward. Her legs were extending and rolling inwards. I'm not sure she was breathing. Then that all stopped and she just curled over and didn't move. We called 911.
At the hospital:
History: "Patient with a possible episode of seizure and following altered mental status. "
Her oxygen level was 77%; She didn't have a gag reflex, one pupil was 3mm, one was 4mm.
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&#x200B;
|CBC Day of event 10:22AM|Shortly after|Discharge|
|:-|:-|:-|
|WBC 21.5 \*\*|27\*\*|6 (after IVIG, +steriods)|
|RDW 12.3|12|12.1|
|RBC 4.07|3.78\*\*|3.75\*\*|
|PLT 693\*\*\*\*|540\*\*\*\*|479\*\*\*\*|
|MPV 8.4\*\*|8.3\*\*|8.3\*\*|
|MCV 94.3|89.7|93.6|
|MCHC 32 (then 31.6\*\*)|31.6\*\*|33.3|
|MCH 30.2|29.5|29.9|
|HGB 12.3|11.5\*\*|11.3\*\*|
|HCT 38.4|33.9\*\*|33.9\*\*|
BiBasilaer Alterlisis
"Minimal subpleural consolidation in the dependent portions of the lower lobes likely related to atelectasis with aspiration possible given secretions within the trachea and mainstem bronchi."
Phosphorus 7.2,
10:22 EGFR 85 mL/min, Lipase 31,
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|VBG 10:22AM|10:22|11:42 Intubation|
|:-|:-|:-|
|PH 7.3\*\*|7.11 \*\*||
|PCO2 52 mmHg\*\*|84 \*\*||
|PO2 73 mmHg\*\*|59 \*\*||
|Sodium 136 mmol/L,|137||
|Potassium 4.5 mmol|4.0||
|Chloride 103 mmol|103||
|Calcium++ 1.24 mmol/L|1.34 \*\*||
|Glucose 140 mg/dL\*\*|160 \*\* ? why||
|Lactate 0.7 mmol/L|1.1||
|HgB 11.5 g/d\*\*|12.4||
|HCO3 26 mmol/L|27||
|ANION GAP 7 mmolL|7 mmol/L||
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11:06 AM VBG's PH 7.3\*\*\*, PCO2 52 mmHg\*\*\*, \*PO2 73 mmHg\*\*\*\*\*\*\*,, Sodium 136 mmol/L, Potassium 4.5 mmol, Chloride 103 mmol, Calcium++ 1.24 mmol/L, Glucose 140 mg/dL\*\* Lactate .7 mmol/L, HgB 11.5 g/dL\*\* , HCO3 26 mmol, Anion Gap 7 mmol/L
&#x200B;
Anion Gap 11 (then 13\*\*, 16\*\*) Calcium 9.7 Chloride 104 CO2 25 (then 22, 19) Creatinine 0.94. (then 1.05\*\*) Glucose 153. Potassium 4.2 (then 3.4,\*\* 3.2\*\*) Sodium 140 Urea Nitrogen 13 (then 17\*\*, 10)
Lumbar puncture: RBC were 375 Tube #1,
Prolonged QT and ST-segment problems. Inverted T, maybe? (Attached at end of the post). At end, Team conjectured Torsades de point arrhythmia may have been involved.
Low potassium was noted at some points before and after hospital.
Pan scanned
CT Chest: Lungs: Dependent bibasilar atelectasis. Pleura: No pleural effusion, thickening or pneumothorax. Lymph Nodes: No enlarged thoracic lymph nodes. Thoracic Aorta & Great Vessels: Normal in diameter. No atherosclerosis calcification. Pulmonary Arteries: Unremarkable. Heart & Pericardium: No detectable coronary arterial calcification.Unremarkable cardiac morphology and pericardium. Mediastinum & Esophagus: Unremarkable.
CT Abdomen: A lucency seen in the transverse process of L3 on the left, axial image45 series 5, and coronal image 74 series 6, raising question of a smallundisplaced fracture at this location.
They intubated her. They tried Naloxone; it didn't help. Hours later, they were able to extubate. Cognitively she wasn't fully herself, but she was alert, awake, and talking or responding with two or three-word sentences. She would trail off because she kept encountering word-finding difficulties and would just give up because she couldn't express what she wanted to say.
Over the next 24 hours, she descended into an altered level of consciousness. It's not clear why.
Now mute, eyes open, gaze tracking consistently to the left, "picking" at the sheet, incontinent,
After ruling out some things in the ED (meningitis, encephalitis), The differential sounds like it includes Brain Injury, Seizure activity, Catatonia, and AutoImmune Encephalitis (She had an abnormal Clock Drawing Task - only drew one half).
They asked, but we didn't think it was an overdose; She was at our house, lying in bed, with me sitting on the chair at the end of the bed, watching her for the 24 hours before it happened. She did have what I thought was a "restless legs" thing before falling asleep after hours of "fidgeting." And she never once went to the bathroom.
She also had a full tonic-clonic seizure in her Dad's arms the day before all this started. (He and his dad have epilepsy, know what it looks like)
&#x200B;
Coming soon is a Brain MRI, Continuous EEG, Pelvic ultrasound. Possibly Empiric high dose steroids.
Will she live? Will she recover? Is she dying?
I'm just terrified. Have you seen such a picture and figured it out and had it go well? I need hope, courage, and support. It's hard to know when to push back when it feels like someone isn't taking in something we're saying that seems important to get across.
Trying to hold back panic, agitation, and worry.
Update 4/3/21
On continuous EEG monitoring. Starting Steroids. It looks about the same, but it helps so much sit with her and lay eyes on her. I couldn't be with her for the last 24 hours; the hospital was going into a Covid lockdown due to the surge.
Thank you all for all the good wishes and support. I will update as the picture emerges.
Interestingly she seemed to recognize her favorite stuffed dog, but only if it was 3 inches from her face. She also only seemed to open her mouth for food if you came in at the right angle. It seemed like the issue involves some visual/perceptual issues.
Anti-NMDAr encephalitis the leading theory. Waiting for Mayo results, but starting High dose steroids today and doing continuous EEG to see if these are seizures any chance. I think IVIG infusion is being considered if steroids show some good response. Sedated MRI scheduled for Monday or Tuesday, as she's doing too much moving currently (picking at the sheet, looking around) and not able to follow commands. They fear it would not give them quality information. Interestingly, when we were discussing this in the room together and discussed Valium, and if she would stay still for the MRI, she said 'I will!" It was garbled, and I don't think anyone else could decipher it but me. She's in there, trying to communicate. The attending also noticed that when we discussed whether this was a possible overdose, she was doing everything she could to communicate that it wasn't. I was grateful for his awareness. He's really watching and looking at her and trying to interpret the clues she's giving. We are so grateful to this great team. Apparently, they exchanged many emails behind the scenes after they all consulted individually during the day. Neurology, Internal Medicine, and Psychiatry are in the mix, I think. Pelvic ultrasound sometime this weekend to look for Teratoma. IM said if the Mayo panel is negative, he will call and give them the current clinical picture, and they will run whatever more rare antibody panels they can think of. IM attending said it was a cool process, getting to talk and consult with the top neuroimmunologists in the world. This is going as well as we could have hoped at this point. She seems comfortable; thanks for all the wisdom and reassurance. Keep your fingers crossed for us. And Happy Easter, everyone. God willing, she will heal fully, and we all will be wiser and humbled by this whole process.
Interestingly, she was hospitalized the previous week briefly. Over the course of a couple of days, she was feeling worse and worse. Fainted (or an unwitnessed seizure). She seemed confused, almost like she was unaware she was a college student. She told us she thought she had been falling and shaking lately. Lots of times. Big and unusual bruises all over her and deep, deep red discolorations over elbows and knees. Stopped eating. Incredibly fatigued. Big bruise on the lumbar spine, and she couldn't even sit up and walk to the car.
We had to call the ambulance to get her to ER. It seemed like it was a confusing picture to them, and they couldn't make sense of it. Several big, painful ulcers in her mouth. Elevated WBC, elevated sed rate, elevated CRP, low calcium, low potassium. Abnormal EKG with Long QT, maybe inserted T wave, not sure. A was talking and mostly herself. She got a little better in hospital, able to eat with pain medication and swishing Lidocaine in her mouth, plus some Magic Mouthwash. after eating. Rheum didn't think her Sed rate or CRP elevations were the issues; they said Neurology and EEG were important. Neurology said EEG normal. Everything kind of petered out. So A was discharged, and we took her home, unsatisfied, but we understood. She continued with deep fatigue, listlessness, no appetite. Then the seizure was observed by dad, we brought her to our house, and the next morning the events above unfolded. So I guess you could say it was slow and sudden at the same time.
4/4/2021 (Long story short, the EEG showed abnormalities consistent with Anti-NMDAr encephalitis. The pelvic ultrasound also showed something on the ovary, and they are going to take a closer look at it with a pelvic MRI when they do the Brain MRI. IVIG started today along with 2nd dose of steroids. A. is beginning to show improvement)
When I got up to the unit, it was such a relief to lay eyes on A. and hold her hand. The nurse had given A the second of the high-dose steroid infusions that morning. Over the course of the day, I could see glimpses of A in there. While arms were still moving, hands were still kneading the sheets, and head and eyes roaming left up middle and down constantly, there were moments her eyes locked on mine, and I could see she knew it was me.
We put her favorite movie on the laptop, next to her on the bed that afternoon, and I could see she recognized the voices. There was a little arm wiggle and head move when “Harley Quinn“ spoke. We all burst out laughing at that, and then A cracked up at our cracking up. It was a little off, it clearly wasn't her regular self, and it had a weird quality. The word bulbar came to mind. Honestly, I don't even remember what it meant, something automatic like I think. Sadly, A. would disappear back into random flailing, kneading, bobbing, blank eyes, and especially as night descended and it felt like she wasn't exhaling well again. She would give a little half-hearted coughs; she didn't seem like she had the strength for a real cough. It did show on an x-ray (?) that she had aspirated a little before the intubation.
The other weird thing was that her flailing arm/hand seemed like it was searching for mine. When I caught her hand, Her grip was Lethally Strong. But it seemed to relax a bit if I kept squeezing as hard as she did. Getting the sheet or gown out of her death grip was So Hard, and a couple of times, I felt like I risked breaking or dislocating a finger or getting something twisted near off.
After all the ultrasound and EEG, and absolutely no sleep the first night, A slept a good deal of the night. It didn’t come easy, though. Her arm muscles were so jumpy and disorganized. She would fall asleep, but the arms would start going again and wake her up. I tried to put gentle pressure on her clavicle, shoulder, and upper arm area whenever the twitching started, and that seemed to quiet the twitchy arms. I tried just holding her hands, but that didn't work; her arms would just that, taking me through their pattern with them.
4/5/21. The attending came in the next morning and went over the EEG and ultrasound findings. The EEG was abnormal and showed patterns consistent with NMDAr encephalitis, one of which is the grinding of teeth thing she did all night long.
The pelvic ultrasound seems to show something too. Not definitive, but enough that they talked the imaging department into doing a sedated, simultaneous Brain and Pelvic MRI tomorrow.
All that to say, They started the IVIG today and gave the 2nd steroid dose. I think they're working. She seems to get a tiny bit better every day.
Interestingly, A wouldn't take anything by mouth today, and we all tried it every which way: no food, no pills, no water. The skin on her lips was coming off in sheets, and the lower-left inside lip seemed hard and yellowish. The ulcers were still in there and infected, maybe? Fungal, strep, staph? Lips peeling layers of skin. Strep toxins?
Thank you so much for all the well wishes. Thank you for following along with us and sharing the stories of your journeys. My heart is cracking open for the suffering people have endured. I don’t even know what to say other than a prayer for all of us. I am humbled and grateful.
4/8 Update, New teams, Push back, and a Weird Chart Note.
Staff turnover day was rough. We were unhappy and didn't understand why A was being taken off the steroids and IVIG because it seemed working. Neurology said encephalitis doesn't get better this fast, so it can't be AntiNMDAr encephalitis and that she doesn't need steroids or IVIG. It seemed like they were say nothing was really wrong on EEG despite the report findings.
They went back to the overdose theory. We pushed back and said she's clearly gotten better since the meds. But they said, too much better too fast. Implying recovery after the overdose is this fast, I think.
I was so confused. The lack of gag reflex and pupil issue means brainstem stuff, doesn't it? Maybe not mutually exclusive.
(BTW, EEG report said background slowing and focal slowing on one side more than the other. Focal neuronal dysfunction.
Later that day, the attending physician put in the note about my cleaning something or putting ointment on a rash on A's bum (on some prior day when A. was "not there," but not written until the disagreement day)
The MD also wrote he interviewed A regarding whether these behaviors were unwanted or struck her as abnormal. A said the doctor told A she didn't have to mention it to us, which struck her as kinda "creepy." The write-up had a way of phrasing that implied they thought it was wrong. The whole thing just seemed weird.
I didn't understand what the issue was. This was my girl; she was hurting and seemed to know it was me. Given the history of sexual assault, I was protective and worried about recollecting the intrusive cleaning and toileting care they were doing on her. She had a red bum and was incontinent of bowel and bladder. It seemed obvious ointment would help protect her skin, but I didn't see them using any.
Earlier the same day, I had been trying to work on the skin of her lips. For some reason, the skin on her lips was coming off in big sheets and little dried hanging pieced. The nurse and I had been applying chapstick for the last 2 days, but it wasn't cutting it. Finally, I started putting a big layer of vaseline on her lips and then running over it with a dry washcloth to exfoliate and get all the hanging rough dead skin. The nurse was happy about this intervention saying, "Good, that's been bugging me too,"
I know A didn't love us attending to her skin issues, but she tolerated it. I can't imagine any adult wouldn't bristle a bit about these ministrations, But I'm still unsure why certain duties were expected to be performed by staff only.? If we had to bring her home in this state, it would obviously be us who had to do it, wouldn't it? I didn't relish that, but you do what has to be done. When my stepdad was in hospice in the last few days, I had to help him with the urinal actively dying. It was... "revolting" would be too strong a word, maybe, but his body was shutting down, he was a day from dying, and he had just fallen trying to get to the commode. The hospice nurse had run a urinal over. He tried it use it but couldn't do it himself and asked for help. I was just professional and matter-of-fact about it, and it was done.
I don't know if any of the others who went through extended hospitalization encountered things like this. I would be interested in your interpretation of the event.
Pelvic and Brain MRI: Ovarian lesion consistent with Endometrioma or hemorrhagic inclusion. MRI essential normal. Not likely Encephalitis of any kind. Conclusion on the hospital was still overdose, accidental or otherwise, and possible conversion disorder or malingering. And we were apparently sexual predators. It kind of blew our minds. At that point, I lost it and kind of ripped into them on Reddit about the Medicine that wasn't being addressed.
Abnormal EKGs, Long QT interval, Inverted T wave, High WBC, high platelets, low RBC indices, Low potassium at multiple times in both hospitalizations, Highest rheum labs she ever had. Fractures in multiple cervical and lumbar vertebrae. All this was never communicated or correlated clinically to A. symptoms, the syncope or seizures, the feeling so bad, the killer neck and back pain.
We involved Patient relations and Patient risk (Their malpractice Lawyer?) to help us get back on the same page).
After the intervening above, the final discharge conference with the IM team did mention that A had a Long QT interval on the Initial EKG on both hospitalizations. Recommendation: Maybe Torasades de Point arrhythmia. Prescribed Potassium. Stop Atarax. Follow up with PCP. Stop the Atarax, as it was Torsadesogenic.4/12/21
A. is doing well. It is so good to see her up and about, eating and drinking. We are so happy and grateful that she is home.
Having loved her book "In shock" and her story of medical catastrophe, near miss, and psychological healing, I reached out to Rana Awdish, MD. She recommended poetry as effective in facilitating the processing of trauma and recommended her favorite authors. So A and Dad took a quick trip to the bookstore today. So good to see her on her feet, if even briefly.
A does have waves of original symptoms.
A. described a wave of feeling bad/weird; at almost the same time, I noticed the white-ish blueish tinge of her lips. SpO2 90. Tachycardic. Spiky EEG on the home Omron device. Feeling lots of pressure in the back base of her skull. Temperature 100.5
Recline. Better SpO2, but not good yet. Flat on the bed, side-lying. There we go.
Review log book. Which meds in last 12 hours. Very few. That makes it easier. Which of those meds are Torsadesogenic. Dropped it. (Trazadone)
Pulse ox continues to have drops daily, and she feels poorly for a while. Hot tea with sugar and a dash of salt helps the most out of anything.
4/13/21
I woke this morning with that Right eye seeming to sit a little farther forward in the socket. It seems like it is bulging a bit. Also, a swollen right eyelid (crease disappearing as it gets closer to the nose. The right side of the face fuller than the left side. Seems a wee bit swollen.
A complained of a very sore left submandibular, submental area lymph channel as it crosses her chin bone. I thought the first day she mentioned it in the hospital, it felt like a hard bone chip out of her chin bone. But every day, it gets more sore, swollen, and achy.
She reports feeling "beat up" It seems like she is sore and achy in several spots. The first day she reports this as more of a whole-body sense. A day ago or 2 days ago, it was more just the cleavage area.
Not sure what is still going on. Can IVIG antibodies attack an infection like an antibiotic and drain through lymph?
She had pre-septal cellulitis around her right orbit 2-3 years ago. She was hospitalized and treated with 1 day IV antibiotic. She has had on and off redness and discomfort under her right eye since then.
4/14/21
Half of the Upper Eyelid is swollen (close to the nose) the right eye area itchy again. SpO2 continually hovering in the 92% range the last two days as eye symptoms came back. A. reports she feels really chilled. Face goes from pinkish rosy, to pale white, with drained white/bluish lips. After taking medication and eating hot food, SpO2 hovers more in the 94-96% range, she feels a better temperature, comfortably warmer, and her back and neck feel better. It may be delaying medications too long. 1st dose is not happening until late afternoon. Typically includes 200mg Lyrica, 4 mg Tizanidine, 100 mg tramadol, 1/2 of a 7.5 Vicodin. Evening Dose is a repeat, but Potassium and Cymbalta. Significant pain in the cervical spine and lumbar spine today.
&#x200B;
EKG Repeated in ED day of admitting Below
\* mine
**Acquisition** **Device** MAC5 5MAC55
**Atrial** **Rate*****BPM*** 118 92
**P** **Area*****uV\*msec*** 113\^564 224\^376
**P** **Peak** **Time*****msec*** 66\^66 68\^46
**P** **Prime** **Area*****uV\*msec*** 0\^0 0\^0
**P** **Prime** **Peak** **Time*****msec*** 0\^0 0\^0
**Q** **Area*****uV\*msec*** 0\^48 21\^0 \*
**Q** **Peak** **Time*****msec*** 0\^10 6\^0
**R** **Area*****uV\*msec*** 562\^1470 1331\^989 \*
**R** **Peak** **Time*****msec*** 36\^42 34\^38
**R** **Prime** **Area*****uV\*msec*** 0\^0 0\^0
**R** **Prime** **Peak** **Time*****msec*** 0\^0 0\^0
**S** **Area*****uV\*msec*** 0\^43 0\^32
**S** **Peak** **Time*****msec*** 0\^68 0\^62
**SA** **Prime** **Area*****uV\*msec*** 0\^0 0\^0
**S** **Prime** **Peak** **Time*****msec*** 0\^0 0\^0
**T** **Area*****uV\*msec*** 0\^-45 516\^0 \*
**T** **Peak** **Time*****msec*** 0\^60 94\^0 \*
**T** **Prime** **Area*****uV\*msec*** 0\^0 0\^0
**T** **Prime** **Peak** **Time*****msec*** 0\^0 0\^0
**Calculated** **P** **Axis*****degrees*** 79 54
**Calculated** **R** **Axis*****degrees*** 67 17
**Calculated** **T** **Axis*****degrees*** \-12 -18 \*
**MAC1200** **PP** **Interval*****ms*** 508 652
**MAC1200** **RR** **Intervals** 508 652
**Maximum** **R** **Amplitude*****uV*** 493\^1186 1020\^786 \*
**Maximum** **S** **Amplitude*****uV*** 0\^83 43\^39 \*
**Minimum** **ST** **Area*****uV*** \-20\^-25 9\^-15 \*
**Maximum** **ST** **Area*****uV*** \-10\^0 19\^4
**P** **AXIS*****degrees***7954**P** **Onset*****ms*** 202 199
**P** **Onset*****ms*** 144 147
**P** **Peak** **Amplitude*****uV*** 53\^185 97\^126
**P** **Wave** **Area*****uV\*msec*** 113\^564 224\^376
**P** **Duration*****msec*** 116\^116 104\^104
**P** **Offset** 202 199
**P** **Onset**144 147
**P** **Onset** **Amplitude*****uV*** 14\^73 19\^29
**P** **Prime** **Amplitude*****uV*** 0\^0 0\^0
**P** **Prime** **Duration*****msec*** 0\^0 0\^0
**P-R** **Interval*****ms*** 1501 52 \* \*
**Q** **Offset*****ms*** 259 261
**Q** **Onset*****ms*** 219 223
**Q-T** **Interval*****ms*** 286 374
**Q** **Peak** **Amplitude*****uV*** 0\^83 43\^0
**Q** **Duration*****msec*** 0\^18 13\^0
**QRS** **Count*****beats*** 20 15
**QRS** **Duration*****ms*** 80 76
**QRS** **Balance*****uV*** 493\^1103 977\^747 \*
**QRS** **Area*****uV\*msec*** 536\^1381 1308\^956 \*
**QRS** **Deflection*****uV*** 493\^1269 1063\^825 \*
**QRS** **Intrinsicoid*****msec*** 36\^42 34\^38
**QRS** **Offset** 259 261
**QRS** **Onset** 219 223
**QTC** **Framingham*****ms*** 362 428
**QTC** **Fredericia*****ms*** 358 431
**QTC** **Calculation*****ms*** 400 462
**R** **AXIS*****degrees*** 67 17
**R** **Amplitude*****uV*** 493\^1186 1020\^786 \*
**R** **Duration*****msec*** 58\^44 63\^57
**R** **Prime** **Amplitude*****uV*** 0\^0 0\^0
**R** **Prime** **Duration*****msec*** 0\^0 0\^0
**S** **Amplitude*****uV*** 0\^53 0\^39
**S** **Duration*****msec*** 0\^18 0\^19
**S** **Prime** **Amplitude*****uV***0\^0 0\^0
**S** **Prime** **Duration*****msec***0\^0 0\^0
**Special** **T*****uV*** 0\^-63 54\^-4 \*
**ST** **at** **End** **ST*****uV*** \-10\^0 14\^4 \*
**ST** **at** **Point** **Jul** \-20\^-25 19\^-15\*
**ST** **at** **Mid** **ST*****uV*** \-10\^-15 9\^-5 \*\*
**T** **AXIS*****degrees*** \-12 -18
**T** **Offset*****ms***362410
**T** **Peak** **Amplitude*****uV*** 0\^-24 68\^0
**T** **Wave** **Area*****uV\*msec*** 132\^42 514\^111
**T** **Duration*****msec*** 0\^90 218\^0
**T** **End*****uV*** 34\^39 24\^24
**T** **Offset** 362 410
**T** **Onset** 290 301
**T** **Prime** **Amplitude*****uV***0\^0 0\^0
**T** **Prime** **Duration*****msec***0\^0 0\^0
**Ventricular** **Rate*****BPM*** 118 92
| 917 |
This sounds like antiNMDAr encephalitis and their team seems to try to establish that diagnosis as well.
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AskDocs
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Please help me understand my Mum’s final days (trigger warning: death)
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Trigger warning: details of death
Details: (not that they are relevant now). 65/female/~100kg
Medical history: stage IV RCC
Medications: too numerous to name, but was on Sunitinib 25mg, I know there is an increased risk of stroke with this medication
My Mum was battling stage IV RCC, we found out 2 months ago that her last ditch treatment was working (11 months after diagnosis).
She suffered a stroke on Thursday, as she was getting ready for the day. She was on her electric scooter in the bathroom (she amazingly hadn’t fallen off it), my Dad was with her a minute after it happened and he knew immediately what had happened because one side of her body was not moving and she was trying to communicate that she didn’t feel well but she couldn’t form the words.
She was rushed to hospital and a CT showed she had had a stroke and there was a massive bleed in the middle of her brain. The emergency room doctor told us this was not survivable, that there was nothing they could do especially given the battle she had been facing. We understood and we know she didn’t want any heroic efforts to save her, didn’t want life prolonging treatments - we had spoken about this, thank God. We knew that even if she could survive, that she wouldn’t want to given that the stroke had affected the only side she could put weight on and there would be no way we could care for her at home any longer.
She had moments of opening her eyes and she could squeeze our hands and move her foot. There was a moment that she opened both eyes completely and looked right at me like she was really seeing me. That night, Dad laid beside her on a sofa bad and she kept reaching for his hand, she touched his face. I am so glad she was never alone.
The next morning, she was trying to reach up for the handle she had above her bed at home. She kept touching her left hip, rubbing her tummy and putting her hand to the left side of her head. I know she could feel the pressure building and she must have been in agony.
She had a syringe driver with her pain relief in it, and something to dry up the secretions. We told the doctor that she was feeling pain and must be feeling sick. They added extra pain relief and midazolam.
She had a few brief moments of raising her eyebrow and squeezing hands, but became more unresponsive.
She would feel burning hot at times and we tried to keep her cool with wet washers as we did not want her to start having seizures. Thankfully she didn’t have any seizures.
What I was not prepared for was the rattling chest, the sound of bubbling fluids in her airway, the leakage of secretions from her mouth, the suctioning of the secretions. It sounded like she was drowning to death. I did not know this would happen. This was incredibly traumatic and I can’t un-hear it. Her heart rate was 150BPM. I always thought the ‘death rattle’ was something that happened after death. The whole process of dying seemed incredibly barbaric.
We were with her when she died, thank God. I was on her right side, the side that was paralysed, holding her hand as I couldn’t bear to see the fluids leaking from her mouth. My Dad and sisters were on the other side. She opened her eyes and they say this was involuntary, she couldn’t see. I hope she couldn’t because she wouldn’t have seen me, but I hope she knows I was with her until the very end.
I am utterly heartbroken, but I am also relieved that she did not have to linger in this state for too long. But I also feel a desperate need to know the facts.
My questions are;
1. Would she have known what happened to her when she had the stroke? She was so well up until the point she suddenly wasn’t, there was no lead up, no feeling of illness - just hope for the future and looking forward to spending the morning with one of her much loved grandsons.
2. Did she know we were there at the end, even though she couldn’t respond?
3. Could she feel those secretions? Did she feel like she was drowning? Could she feel her mouth and throat being suctioned?
4. What did she die of? I know that sounds like a weird question, but I don’t understand the mechanics of death. Like did her brain die and her heart stopped because her brain couldn’t tell it to keep beating?
5. Would she have known she was dying?
She had said it would be far better to die from a heart attack, because it’s over quickly, that it was torture seeing us hurting. I just hope that the way she died was in someway similar to the swiftness of a heart attack. The End was always something that I dreaded because I was worried it would be agonising for her. I knew it would be for us, but I didn’t want it to be for her. There was nothing left unsaid in this lifetime and I can take comfort in the fact that she knew how loved she was and we knew how much she loved us.
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Hi OP, I'll do my best here but unfortunately most of my answers will be fancy versions of "I don't know. " what I can say is that I'm terribly sorry for your loss, your mom sounds lovely and I can feel your love for her through your writing!
>1. Would she have known what happened to her when she had the stroke? She was so well up until the point she suddenly wasn’t, there was no lead up, no feeling of illness - just hope for the future and looking forward to spending the morning with one of her much loved grandsons.
Possibly, but there's no way to be sure. At least when your dad found her it sounds like she was at least somewhat aware, even though at that point she was unable to find the language to tell you so.
>2. Did she know we were there at the end, even though she couldn’t respond?
Again, there is no way to be sure, but I'm going to say probably yes. Death is a complex thing, but I've been taught that hearing is the last sense to be lost. Even if she could not fully process the words or respond, she was likely able to hear you.
>3. Could she feel those secretions? Did she feel like she was drowning? Could she feel her mouth and throat being suctioned?
I'm sure she had some sensations from it, yes. But between the pain medications and the damage to her brain, I don't think either would have made her uncomfortable for long.
As far as the drowning feeling - we call that "air hunger" and it is very effectively treated with pain medications - they allow the dying person to rest and not feel like breathing is a struggle.
For the death rattle, yes, that is truly awful to watch! But I can at least offer this bit of comfort - it was much more distressing for you than it was for her. At that stage in the dying process she was not truly breathing, that was the last few electrical signals going from her brain to her body and she likely had no sensation or awareness of it.
>4. What did she die of? I know that sounds like a weird question, but I don’t understand the mechanics of death. Like did her brain die and her heart stopped because her brain couldn’t tell it to keep beating?
Something like that, yes. The stroke caused bleeding into her brain. Blood, when not in vessels, is extremely irritating to tissues, and caused a massive inflammatory response in her head. This causes pressure, also a significant amount of brain cell death. The brain can't handle all of this and starts shutting down. Your brainstem is in charge of breathing and heartbeat, and is the farthest from the spot that was bleeding - it either got pushed out of place by the pressure or stopped getting messages from the rest of her brain and could no longer function. Which is why breathing gets weaker/more ragged before the end, it just sort of tapers off.
>5. Would she have known she was dying?
This one I can't even give you a guess. Possibly yes, possibly no. Based on your description of her, however, I suspect that even if she did know she was dying it would not have brought her much distress.
I hope you and your family are able to grieve her loss in relative peace, and keep her memory alive fondly. ❤
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AskDocs
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Please help me, I feel like I’m going nuts and not being taken seriously. I’ve gone to the ER 4 times in the last 4 months with excruciating chest pain and they’ve done blood work, X-ray, CT scan, Troponin texts and ECG. Haven’t found anything except a PE, could they be missing something?
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Edit #3: I passed out today on my apartment steps out of absolutely the worst pain I’ve ever had in my life and someone saw me and called an ambulance. I finally got a diagnosis in the emergency room after bawling my eyes out of frustration at this entire situation and they found out I have a coronary vasospasm and two additional PEs on my right lung. I’m relieved we finally can treat this and find the cause. I’m eternally grateful to a cardiologist that commented here with this suggestion because I fought for myself tonight.
Edit #2: I finally got a referral over to a cardiologist. After talking to my rheumatologist he doesn’t believe it’s anxiety related as we’ve tried SSRIs and Valium. He believes it’s either a heart condition, inflammation around the heart and breastbone or an issue with my gallbladder. Due to how deliberating my symptoms are he recommended we start with a cardiologist to rule out the more serious stuff and go from there. My appointment by some miracle is on Friday and I will keep everyone posted.
Edit#1 with additional info: met with a therapist weekly for three months and got placed on anti anxiety medications by a psychiatrist, this hasn’t alleviated symptoms. Heart problems do run in my family. A cousin of mine passed away from heart failure at 23 at was missed when I was a kid and my mother has a rare heart defect she didn’t get diagnosed with until she was 29.
I’m a 25 year old female, 5’10 200lbs with diagnosed Lupus and PCOS. I’m on methotrexate to manage my Lupus and am on metformin for PCOS. No history or family history of diabetes, blood tests have confirmed everything is in a normal range. I did a round of warfarin to treat a small blood clot (pulmonary embolism) they found the third time I went to the ER and on my last ER visit it was no longer there.
All of my blood work has come back in normal ranges for blood sugar and cholesterol along with troponin and when I got cardiac imaging done three of the four times the attending ER physicians told me that my heart was pumping blood “excellently” and that they couldn’t find anything wrong with my heart. We did a chest ultrasound that looked normal and my CT scan looked normal as well, apart from discovering a very small PE the third time that had been previously missed. They have also run tests to rule out GERD and we even tried a brief stint with anti anxiety medications that didn’t make a difference - I don’t believe that I suffer from anxiety as I do not have any of the other symptoms, this is the one thing in my life causing me a tremendous amount of stress.
The problem is, I can’t shake the feeling that somethings seriously wrong and that no one is taking a closer look because of my age. I’m really worried I’m having heart issues that are being missed and that I’m going to die from them.
Each time I’ve had one of these episodes, I get a crushing feeling in my chest and back, feel like I have an elephant sitting on me and caving in my chest along with serious lower back pain that’s deliberating. I then start to get numb fingers in my left arm and feel an impending sense of doom. I’ve gotten super lethargic before one of these attacks and have slept for upwards of 10 hours. They also result in dizziness and shakiness where I feel cold and line I can’t get warm enough. Lastly, I sometimes get a sharp pain in my upper left chest and middle chest area that almost feels like I’m getting shocked by electricity. They usually come and go for a few days before I get worried enough to go to the emergency room and then get sent home being told they can’t find anything.
Can someone please help me? I’ve been unable to get a recommendation for a cardiologist as my insurance requires a recommendation as the ER hasn’t been able to pinpoint anything heart related. I’m having the same symptoms again and don’t want to go to the hospital unprepared for what to ask for to be taken seriously as I’m so nervous of just getting sent home again.
Thank you for your time.
| 479 |
I recommend you continue to be followed as an outpatient. You’ve had a very extensive cardiac workup so far, but if you want to explore this further the way to do it is not by going to the ED. It is not the ED’s job to diagnose you. Their job is to find out whether or not you are having an emergency or not. If they rule out dangerous causes of chest pain such as heart attack and all their workup is negative they don’t have to keep looking for an answer and can send you home. However, I think it would give you peace of mind to see a cardiologist. Given your family history it is not unreasonable. The way to go about this is to go to your PCP with this issue and ask for a referral. I think they would be happy to refer you given everything that’s happened.
| 692 |
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