OpenHealth Q&amp;A

Anxiety or Throat Cancer: My Experience

I'm a 22-year-old male with no significant health issues, aside from some intermittent acid reflux. Recently, I began experiencing a tightening sensation in my throat, which immediately led me to fear the possibility of throat cancer. When swallowing, I'd notice that something felt off—not exactly stuck, but definitely unusual. This discomfort persisted for about a week and a half, during which I could occasionally forget about it, only to remember a couple of hours after waking up. During those moments, my swallowing appeared unaffected. After this initial period, I was eating lunch one day when food became lodged in my throat. This incident triggered a wave of anxiety, causing me to feel as though every subsequent meal would result in the same issue. The next day, I experienced a sensation of something being stuck on the left side of my Adam's apple, accompanied by irritation in my throat. This discomfort lasted for 2-3 days before subsiding, yet I still felt as if something was obstructing my swallowing. As the week progressed, the stuck sensation remained constant. However, over the weekend, I discovered a technique that allowed me to swallow without feeling as though everything was jammed. Although my swallowing felt normal again, the stuck sensation lingered. I was relieved to think I was finally overcoming this challenge. Today, however, I woke up feeling worse than I had in a long time. My swallowing, while still functioning fairly well with liquids, hasn't completely resolved, and food still occasionally gets caught. On top of this, I've started to feel discomfort in the area where I previously sensed the obstruction. Additionally, my throat seems to make a clicking noise after swallowing at times. There’s a plethora of online information suggesting that all these symptoms could either stem from anxiety or indicate something more serious like cancer. This speculation has intensified my panic, undoubtedly exacerbating my symptoms.

AnxietyDepressionStress

PsychiatryTherapyDepression

Notable Decrease in Heart Rate: A 20-BPM Drop

Subject: F28, Weight: 102 lbs, Medication: None, Potential POTS Diagnosis Awaiting Tilt Table Examination. Greetings, Typically, my resting heart rate averages around 80 BPM, but I have observed a reduction to between 62 and 67 BPM in recent days. Over the last week, I engaged in physical activity twice, including a brief 10-minute walk, with no other alterations to my routine. It's worth noting that I am currently three days post-ovulation; could this hormonal phase be responsible for the dip in my heart rate? Additionally, I have been experiencing a headache for the last 48 hours. Aside from this, I feel fatigued despite having sufficient rest.

Weight ManagementLifestyle ChangesFamily Medicine

(22M) Vomiting Brown Liquid: Is It Coffee or a Serious Issue?

I'm a 22-year-old male, standing at 5'9" and my background is Caucasian. I've experienced just one incident of vomiting so far, and I'm not taking any medications currently. The only substance I consume is alcohol, but my intake has been quite limited recently. Lately, I've been experiencing a persistent feeling of nausea and some gagging. Thankfully, these feelings tend to subside if I'm able to focus on something engaging, so I initially thought it could be attributed to anxiety or stress. Interestingly, I've also noticed that I've been eating more than usual. Earlier today, after having my morning coffee, I actually threw up. I thought that perhaps inducing vomiting might alleviate the nausea. To my surprise, the vomit was brown. At first, I figured the brown color came from the coffee, but after doing some research, I discovered that brown vomit could signify internal bleeding, which is rather alarming. However, it looked relatively normal to me, at least from what I recall about my experiences with vomiting. Should I be worried about this situation, or is it more likely just a result of drinking a brown beverage? I'm planning to take it easy, complete my exam tomorrow, and reach out to someone if I feel unwell again or have a repeat incident. The last thing I want is to have to postpone my exam.

PsychiatryPsychologyDepression

Seeking Guidance on Acquired Anorgasmia

Hello, I’m a 41-year-old woman, weighing 210 pounds and standing at 5’4”, residing in the United States. My daily routine includes taking 18mg of Methylphenidate for ADHD, alongside a daily multivitamin and vitamin D. I also apply estrogen cream every three days. I don’t smoke and drink alcohol infrequently. Initially, I was on Trintellix for depression but transitioned off it, opting for Methylphenidate instead. Although I occasionally smoke cannabis, it’s not a frequent habit—once every few weeks or so. I had been taking Zyrtec daily as well, but I discontinued that once I began experiencing my current symptoms. Up until July 2025, I was able to reach orgasm consistently through clitoral stimulation, achieving climax every time, whether it was initiated by me or my partner. However, around that time, I suddenly found myself unable to orgasm at all. Concerned about this drastic change, I consulted with my doctor, who prescribed estrogen cream. The result was a slight improvement: I experienced orgasms approximately 10% of the time, but they were far less satisfying than before. During a follow-up, my doctor speculated that I might have lichen sclerosis. This was perplexing since I had not experienced any prior symptoms. Nevertheless, she referred me to a gynecologist, who shared the same suspicion. After a biopsy, the diagnosis of lichen sclerosis was ruled out, but I was found to have lichen simplex chronicus instead. Interestingly, I don't experience significant itching, which leaves me uncertain about its relevance. Because my orgasmic difficulties persisted, my gynecologist suggested discontinuing the antidepressant, Trintellix, which I did, but unfortunately, this change did not yield any improvement. In my follow-up with the gynecologist, I inquired about the potential benefits of topical testosterone as suggested by discussions on a perimenopause subreddit. She expressed skepticism, mentioning that my libido remains strong and cautioned about the risk of clitoral changes, yet she proceeded to write a prescription. I have not begun using it due to her reservations. Currently, I am attempting to find a sex therapist, but many are either full or have lengthy waiting lists. Additionally, I came across information indicating that Zyrtec could interfere with orgasm, prompting me to stop taking it. Consequently, I am now dealing with constant watery eyes from allergies, though I wonder if these symptoms might be due to perimenopause instead. I have found that light cannabis use does provide some relief, and the estrogen cream has helped moderately, yet I still only experience disappointing orgasms about 10% of the time. My libido is quite healthy, and while I often feel aroused and even come close to climax, achieving it still eludes me most of the time. I’ve also noticed that while I may feel aroused, my clitoris does not always exhibit the expected engorgement. I have an upcoming appointment with my primary care physician next week, where I plan to revisit this issue. I would greatly appreciate any suggestions or considerations for additional options I might discuss with her. It often feels like both my PCP and gynecologist respond with sympathy but lack proactive solutions, only venturing into further investigations like the lichen sclerosis situation.

Pain ManagementJoint PainAbdominal Pain

Struggling with Persistent Itch and Irritation in Groin Area

Approximately ten months ago, I began experiencing an uncomfortable itching and a burning feeling located between my scrotum and inner thighs. Around the same time, I noticed the emergence of red rings on my inner thighs. While the burning sensation eventually subsided, the red rings have persisted. Currently, there are nights when my scrotum becomes itchy, but whenever I attempt to relieve the itch by scratching, it just intensifies. This situation has become quite exasperating.

LupusThyroid DisordersEndocrinology

Understanding Low Absolute Lymphocyte Counts: Seeking Insight

Hello! I’m reaching out to understand the implications of having low absolute lymphocyte levels. I am a 34-year-old female, a non-smoker and don’t consume alcohol. I live in the United States and have been managing several health issues, including hypothyroidism, tachycardia, and polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS). There’s also a concerning family medical history with instances of conditions like pulmonary embolism, cardiovascular disease, cancers (specifically skin, prostate, breast, and colon), strokes, and Parkinson’s disease. For the past nine months, I’ve been enveloped in an overwhelming fatigue that’s debilitating—it's like an exhaustion that runs deep within me. My energy levels have drastically declined; I find myself spending my days off napping frequently instead of being active. This lethargy is a stark contrast to how I usually feel, and while I believe I’m sleeping well enough, the fatigue persists. I had some blood work done yesterday, which revealed a notable decrease in my vitamin D levels (that’s a new issue for me), along with my thyroid levels fluctuating as they often do. However, the most concerning finding was that my absolute lymphocyte count has dropped to its lowest point ever. Typically, my levels register at around 2.3 to 2.5, but this recent test shows only 0.7. I plan to discuss this with my physician soon, but I’d like to gather some preliminary information about what such a low lymphocyte count might indicate. My attempts to find detailed explanations online have not been very fruitful, so I appreciate any insights you can provide. Thank you!

Reaching My Breaking Point

At 22 years old, I'm facing some tough challenges. My hair is thinning, and I'm dealing with seborrheic dermatitis, which is really frustrating. On top of that, my nose is perpetually blocked, even when I'm outside in the fresh air. The hyperhidrosis I experience is also overwhelming—my entire body sweats, even during the chilly winter months when I'm just sitting still. I've been trying to find solutions, but these issues seem to be long-standing and are starting to take a toll on my mental well-being. I feel like I can’t be myself anymore. If anyone has suggestions or support to offer, I'd really appreciate it.

AnxietyDepressionStress

Should I Head to the ER After Taking Nyquil?

I am a 30-year-old cis woman, weighing 75 pounds (34 kg) and standing at 5 feet 3 inches (160 cm). My medical background includes obsessive-compulsive disorder (OCD) and a history of alcohol use issues. Currently, I am on multiple medications including Effexor, Seroquel, Thiamine, Gabapentin, Naltrexone, and Panroprozale. Here’s what happened: Last October, I experienced a significant mental health crisis and made the drastic decision to overdose on Tylenol and Advil while consuming alcohol. I won’t disclose the precise amount out of concern that it might prompt someone else to replicate my actions. I have struggled with alcohol in the past, including periods of severe abuse where I consumed up to 1.5 liters of vodka daily. Due to my declining mental health, I was staying at my parents’ house at the time. After the overdose, I tried to confide in my father, but he misconstrued my pleas for help as attention-seeking behavior. After a few hours filled with increasing pain, particularly in my upper right side, I ultimately begged my dad to take me to the emergency room. Even though I initially told him I just needed psychiatric help, I eventually disclosed the truth to the ER staff. However, I learned that too many hours had passed for them to administer treatments like stomach pumping or activated charcoal. They informed me my liver looked compromised from both the alcohol and Tylenol overdose, leading to my hospitalization for a lengthy stay to administer continuous intravenous treatment intended to mitigate liver damage. I ended up remaining in the hospital for 11 days. The experiences there were excruciating, especially as I dealt with additional stomach challenges from the Advil, which ultimately led to a delay in being properly examined. A doctor I knew suggested a scope, but it wasn’t until I began vomiting and passing blood that they finally performed the necessary procedure, revealing multiple bleeding ulcers caused by the Advil. They treated those ulcers and monitored my liver thereafter. Upon my discharge, I received strict instructions to avoid Tylenol entirely and was cautioned against the usage of Advil due to the risk of recurring ulcers. I was prescribed Panroprozale and have been taking it regularly since. Currently, I am suffering from a severe cold that has lingered longer than usual. A recent visit to a walk-in clinic resulted in the doctor recommending I take Nyquil cold and flu every six hours (30ml) for a maximum of four doses within a 24-hour period. For the last 48 hours, I’ve been adhering to those instructions and have had a family member supervise my medications since my overdose. However, this doctor was unaware of my previous health issues. In hindsight, I regret not disclosing my medical history during my visit. Lately, I have experienced considerable discomfort, including frequent vomiting and pain, particularly in my upper right abdomen. While the pain is nowhere near the intensity of my earlier overdose (previously a 12/10, now roughly a 6/10), it’s still quite concerning. I have noted slight yellowing in my eyes, but my skin appears normal. Although I have avoided taking any Tylenol or Advil products, I recently learned that Nyquil contains acetaminophen, which could be problematic for me. My inquiry is whether I can safely discontinue using Nyquil or if I should seek immediate medical attention. To be transparent, I was advised to abstain from alcohol when I was released from the hospital, but I relapsed around Christmas and have since engaged in heavy drinking weekly. I understand this is dangerous and I’m actively working towards quitting through therapy and support groups. Alcohol has formed a central coping mechanism for me since I began drinking at 13 and it’s been hard to overcome. Any guidance on whether an ER visit is essential or if I can stop the Nyquil would be greatly appreciated. Also, suggestions for alternative remedies that are safer for the liver would be helpful as well. My cold symptoms include a strong cough, sore throat, mild sneezing, slight fever, and a headache. Thank you for your assistance.

OCDAddictionDepression

ArthritisCrohn's DiseaseThyroid Disorders

25 minutes ago

Is a pelvic ultrasound a suitable first step for irregular spotting?

For the past eight months out of nine, I've been dealing with light bleeding between my menstrual cycles. This spotting typically lasts a few days, emerging about a week before my period begins. My healthcare provider suggested observing the situation for about six months, as I have been managing irritable bowel syndrome (IBS) for the last couple of years, which has contributed to a significant weight loss. Fortunately, I have recently reached a stable and healthy weight, yet the intermittent spotting persists. Since my primary physician is currently unavailable, I discussed my concerns with her substitute. This doctor recommended that I undergo a transvaginal ultrasound. Given my struggle with post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD), I expressed my preference to start with a pelvic ultrasound instead, as I often find invasive procedures challenging. She agreed to this approach, but now I find myself questioning whether opting for a pelvic ultrasound is the right choice. Will this initial test offer us any meaningful insights, or am I delaying necessary investigations and incurring unnecessary expenses by not proceeding directly with the transvaginal ultrasound? Details: - Age: 29 - Height: 5'7" - Weight: 140 lbs - On oral contraceptives - Menstrual cycles are regular, with mild discomfort during periods - Family history: biological mother diagnosed with polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS), hereditary instances of cervical and uterine cancer in my biological grandmother and aunt at a relatively young age.