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Struggling with Chronic Fever for Years

I am a 24-year-old male who has been experiencing persistent fever for over two years. Despite having undergone numerous antibiotic treatments—around 15 in total—I am not currently on any prescribed medications, though I do take vitamins daily. I've had multiple blood tests conducted that consistently revealed elevated C-reactive protein (CRP) levels. Notably, I was hospitalized in June and again in July due to a CRP level hitting 200, yet doctors were unable to determine the underlying cause in both instances. Recently, I visited an ear, nose, and throat specialist, but once again, no clear diagnosis emerged. My symptoms include a fever that exceeds 39 degrees Celsius, a sore throat that intensifies while swallowing, painful lymph nodes, and a persistent mental fog. Last week, I dealt with a urinary tract infection characterized by painful urination and extreme chills, although my fever remained below 38 degrees. I received antibiotics intended for the urinary infection, but given my history of frequent antibiotic use since June, I’m concerned about the long-term effects. Has anyone else faced similar health issues? I also try to maintain a healthy lifestyle by going to the gym and taking vitamins whenever I am not unwell.

Persistent FeverColdFamily Medicine
Male • 25-34
6 minutes ago

Feeling Weak and Embarrassed

Hello everyone! I'm a 32-year-old female, standing at 176 cm and weighing 75 kg, dealing with a frustrating issue that I find hard to discuss with anyone. I've not been diagnosed with any serious medical conditions, but I experience general weakness, persistent fatigue, occasional heart palpitations, and a constant ringing in my ears. My blood tests have come back normal, and I’m not taking any medications. For much of my life, I've felt unwell, but I always thought it was a common experience. It’s embarrassing to admit, but I only recently learned that the constant ear noise I experience is not typical. Over the years, this feeling has not improved and it's becoming quite ridiculous, as it impacts my daily life even during the most mundane tasks. I have no trouble walking, but standing up often makes me feel faint. If I try to cook or stand for even a short stretch, I start to feel unwell and need to sit down before I feel like collapsing. While I can walk and hike regularly, being upright for even a few minutes is a struggle. I remember fainting multiple times during performances as a child, which makes me laugh now, but it’s serious too. Just standing on a crowded train, hoping to find a seat, is overwhelming. It may sound like complaining, but it’s the reality I’m living with. I'm reaching out to see if anyone has insights into what this could be or what I might investigate further. Thanks in advance for any help! To clarify for the moderators: - Age: 32 - Gender: Female - Height: 176 cm - Weight: 75 kg - Ethnicity: Caucasian - Duration of symptoms: Throughout my life - Location: Europe - Any relevant medical history: None - Current medications: None

Chronic FatigueMuscle WeaknessPost-Viral Fatigue
Male • 25-34
6 minutes ago

Struggling with Nighttime Urination: Seeking Solutions

I am a 32-year-old female, weighing 50 kg, and I've been experiencing a troublesome issue for the past few months. Each night, I find myself waking up two to three times due to the urge to urinate, which is significantly disrupting my sleep cycle. I do not have any known health issues, and the only supplements I take regularly are a multivitamin. Occasionally, I use ibuprofen to alleviate headaches, but I am not on any other medications or substances. I make a conscious effort to limit my fluid intake before bedtime; nonetheless, the frequent nighttime interruptions continue. Throughout the day, my bathroom visits seem normal, and I encounter no pain or burning sensations whatsoever. The problem seems isolated to the time when I am asleep. I am curious if anyone else has faced this situation and what the common causes might be. Additionally, I would appreciate any suggestions on how to reduce or eliminate nighttime urination. I’m contemplating whether it’s advisable to consult a healthcare professional about this matter. Thank you for any insights you can provide!

Night SweatsFatigueSleep Medicine
Male • 25-34
6 minutes ago

Should I Seek Urgent Care for Swollen Lymph Nodes or Wait for My Doctor's Appointment?

Age: 29, Height: 5’7, Weight: around 130 lbs. I don’t smoke, occasionally enjoy a drink, and have no ongoing medical conditions or medications. Recently, I discovered two swollen lymph nodes. The first one is on the right side of my neck, slightly smaller than a pea; it feels fixed, somewhat hard, and doesn’t cause any pain. The second node, larger and oval-shaped, is located on the left side of my neck, more towards the side, and its texture resembles that of muscle, though I’m unsure if it’s an actual lump or just a muscle. The right side of my neck remains unaffected. As for my health, I haven’t experienced any additional symptoms such as fatigue, night sweats, weight loss, or appetite changes. Although I have a couple of cavities that may require root canals and have recently dealt with minor bumps and itching on my scalp after using a new shampoo, I’m uncertain if these relate to my current concerns. I did some online research and found that fixed lumps can often indicate serious issues. Should I consider visiting urgent care, or is it prudent to wait until my appointment next Tuesday?

COPDInternal MedicineRheumatology
Male • 25-34
6 minutes ago

Questioning a Possible Eye Condition

I'm trying to figure out if what I have is a stye or possibly an ingrown eyelash. It has a tiny black spot in the middle, which makes me doubt it's a stye. I'd really appreciate any insights or opinions on this matter!

Internal MedicineRheumatology
Male • 25-34
6 minutes ago

Should I Seek Medical Attention for My Injury?

I’m 5 feet 10 inches tall and weigh 200 pounds, and I’m not currently on any medications. Earlier today, I accidentally sliced my finger on a slicer, and the cut is quite deep, with significant bleeding. Should I seek medical help for this injury or just put a band-aid on it and move on? By the way, today is my birthday!

Lifestyle ChangesFamily MedicinePreventive Medicine
Male • 25-34
6 minutes ago

Struggling with Persistent Pain

At 16 years old, standing at approximately 168-170 cm and weighing 55 kg, I've found myself trapped in a cycle of ongoing discomfort for the past several weeks or even months. Every single day, I contend with debilitating headaches and a constant wave of nausea. This relentless pain has significantly disrupted various aspects of my life, leaving me barely able to function and forcing me to miss school frequently. I struggle to remain upright for long periods without feeling faint, and I feel a profound sense of weakness, as if my body is gradually failing me. The onset of these issues was abrupt and unexplained, leaving me puzzled as to their origins. My nutrition is typically sound; I adhere to a wholesome diet, steer clear of processed foods, and maintain proper hydration by drinking at least 2 to 3 liters of water each day. Additionally, I don't indulge in smoking or drinking alcohol. I have experimented with eliminating gluten and dairy, among other dietary modifications, in hopes of alleviating my symptoms, but none of these alterations have proven effective. Although I don’t engage in formal sports, I do walk several kilometers each day. Yet, even this light activity feels overwhelming due to my pain, which currently hinders any prospects of exercising or participating in more vigorous workouts. I’m currently waiting for my doctor to arrange a follow-up appointment for evaluation, but it’s been several days since our call, and my condition seems to deteriorate with each passing day. I am not taking any medication, and I am uncertain about what these symptoms might indicate. I would appreciate any insights or suggestions from anyone who may have experienced similar issues.

HeadacheAbdominal PainMuscle Pain
Male • 25-34
16 minutes ago

Mysterious Episodes Mimicking Panic Attacks: What Could They Be?

For the past year, I've been experiencing some unusual episodes where I suddenly begin to shake uncontrollably. This full-body trembling is often accompanied by a racing heartbeat and a sense of confusion. The sensations are reminiscent of a panic attack, yet they lack the accompanying feelings of fear and anxiety. The latest incident occurred shortly after I stood up; I've had a few similar episodes triggered by standing as well. I consulted my physician about these unsettling experiences, resulting in a comprehensive cardiac evaluation. This included two Holter monitors, an echocardiogram, and blood tests—all of which returned normal results. Interestingly, I did not experience any episodes while wearing the monitoring devices. An EEG was also performed, but my doctor remains uncertain about the cause. During my most recent episode, I felt extremely disoriented and feared I might faint. Fortunately, cooling myself down seemed to alleviate some of the symptoms. To manage my bipolar disorder, I am prescribed olanzapine along with buspirone.

Multiple SclerosisLupusThyroid Disorders
Male • 25-34
16 minutes ago

Addressing a Yeast Infection During Antibiotic Treatment

I hope this isn’t a silly inquiry, but I’m a 32-year-old female dealing with a severe tooth infection. Consequently, I’ve been prescribed potent antibiotics, and as a result, I’m now experiencing a troublesome yeast infection. My concern is whether I should begin treating the yeast infection immediately or if it’s best to wait until I complete my full 10-day antibiotic regimen. At this moment, I'm only on day five of the treatment.

Drug AllergiesAllergy & ImmunologyDermatology
Male • 25-34
16 minutes ago

Understanding CT Scan Findings at Age 50

Upon reviewing my recent CT scan results, it notes the presence of slight plaque in both the internal carotid arteries, specifically the cavernous and superclinoid segments, with a minor narrowing on the right side. This follow-up was prompted by a visit to the emergency room due to intense episodes of vertigo. During my visit, the medical team conducted an ECG and a CT scan to discount serious conditions and administered meclizine along with fluids for my symptoms. They also recommended that I see an ENT specialist afterward and incidentally discovered a thyroid nodule during the scan, for which I am now awaiting ultrasound results. Throughout my ER experience, I felt reassured by the care provided (the ENT subsequently diagnosed me with BPPV and performed the Epley maneuver, plus ordered the ultrasound). However, after reading the section of the report that contains the impressions, I noticed the findings about mild plaque and narrowing in the arteries. No one at the hospital addressed this specifically, leaving me wondering: is this a normal finding for someone my age, or should it prompt a follow-up with my primary care physician or other healthcare provider? For context, I am a 50-year-old female with type 1 diabetes managed through an insulin pump. My medications include a 10 mg dose of Crestor (a statin), 150 mg of Zoloft, Creon for pancreatic functions, low-dose birth control as part of hormone replacement therapy, and I recently began treatment with Budenoside for microscopic colitis, currently four weeks in. I’ve never smoked, rarely consume alcohol, and do not use recreational drugs. In summary, should I disregard the findings on my CT scan or seek further consultation? I appreciate any guidance. Thank you!

Shortness of BreathCardiologyInternal Medicine
Male • 25-34
26 minutes ago
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