OpenHealth Q&amp;A

LupusFibromyalgiaCrohn's Disease

Understanding My Lab Results

Here are my lab results: - Total calcium: 1.7 (Normal range: 2.15-2.75) - Ionized calcium: 0.89 (Normal range: 1.1-1.3) - Inorganic phosphate: 2.2 (Normal range: 1.0-1.9) - Vitamin D3: 14.09 (Normal range: 30-100) - Alkaline phosphatase: 606 (Other liver function tests returned normal) - Renal function tests indicate normal results - Amylase: 108.1 (Normal range: 22-80) - Parathyroid hormone (PTH): 5.28 (Normal range: 15-65) I’ve been experiencing varying levels of discomfort in my limbs. I consulted a physician who conducted several tests, but since I recently finished school, I currently lack access to consistent healthcare. I am particularly curious about the implications of these results, especially considering my low PTH level. I have concerns that it might indicate an underlying autoimmune condition. Additionally, I am wondering if my nutritional intake could be a factor, given the mildly elevated amylase and my ongoing digestive issues.

PediatricsChild PsychologyDevelopmental Medicine

Understanding Amenorrhea

I used to have a regular menstrual cycle, but for the past three months, starting in November, my period has been absent. This situation is causing me a great deal of anxiety. Although I have been dealing with stress in my life, I have been actively trying to manage it. Additionally, I’ve been taking daily vitamin supplements, including iron, B12, vitamin C, and zinc, yet the issue persists. As time goes by, I find myself growing increasingly worried about this situation. Recently, I’ve noticed some clear discharge a few times, but I don’t experience any symptoms that typically indicate an approaching period. I’m 21 years old and I am certain that I’m not currently pregnant. What steps can I take to encourage my menstrual cycle to return? Furthermore, could the absence of my period have any implications for my fertility, which is something I'm particularly anxious about?

FibromyalgiaCrohn's DiseaseEndocrinology

Right Lower Abdominal Discomfort Near the Waist

I am a 20-year-old male, weighing 170 pounds and standing at 6 feet 1 inch tall. For as long as I can recall, I have been experiencing discomfort in my lower abdomen, particularly around and just beneath my waist. I have consulted with several physicians who examined the region, and although we discussed the possibility of a hernia, they found no signs to support that diagnosis. This pain occurs sporadically, approximately every two weeks to a month, and typically lasts from 2 to 5 hours, characterized by a sharp sensation. One of my doctors suggested it might be linked to irritable bowel syndrome (IBS).

Crohn's DiseaseThyroid DisordersEndocrinology

Debating the Diagnosis: A Three-Month Struggle with Head Pain

I’m a 30-year-old woman, standing at 5 feet 4 inches and weighing around 60 kilograms. I don’t smoke and only indulge in alcohol on rare occasions. I’m currently not taking any medications and have no significant prior health issues, aside from having experienced labyrinthitis earlier last year (2025). For the past three months, I've been plagued by persistent head pressure and blurred visual clarity, and I'm seeking to understand my symptoms better. Any insights would be greatly appreciated! ### Symptoms Overview: - **Continuous Head Pressure:** I’m experiencing a dull headache around the clock, generally fluctuating between a pain level of 3 or 4 out of 10. On the rare occasion, the pain creeps higher, but it rarely dips below that threshold. - **Blurry Vision:** Although I can discern objects clearly, there's a disconcerting sensation as if I’m viewing everything in a daze. - **Ears Popping:** My left ear can pop at will, especially when I yawn or stretch my jaw. - **Mild Weakness in Arms:** Occasionally, my arms feel slightly weakened and heavy, reminiscent of the sensation during a blood pressure check, though this doesn't hinder my activities. - **Frequent Lightheadedness:** I often feel a sense of near fainting, requiring me to steady myself against objects, though the room itself doesn’t spin. - **Nausea:** Thankfully, I haven’t been sick, but the accumulation of symptoms leaves me feeling constantly queasy. ### Recap of Events: The situation took a turn on November 17, 2025, when I began experiencing headaches without any clear triggers. On November 22, I performed a pole dancing routine, during which I accidentally struck my head against a ceiling pipe. I completed the performance without noticing any immediate issues and enjoyed the festivities. The following day, I felt fatigued and a bit groggy from the late night but attributed it to the lively environment. After a short work shift that afternoon (I’m a laser hair removal therapist), I experienced a migraine with aura for the first time in my life and retreated to a dark room to recover. I visited my doctor the next day, who suggested that I might be dealing with tension headaches. They prescribed sumatriptan and recommended a follow-up in four weeks if symptoms persisted. On December 8, I sought the input of an optometrist, who found no serious vision problems apart from needing minor corrective lenses, which included blue light filtering options. Concerned about the pole incident, I returned to the doctor on December 9, where it was suggested that I might be facing post-concussion symptoms. Although I attempted to ease up a bit during the holiday season, I still maintain an active lifestyle, but I did take a two-week break from pole dancing. By January 6, 2026, I consulted a private neurologist who suggested chronic migraines, noting a family history of migraines with my mother and brother. To alleviate my fears of a brain tumor, he recommended an MRI, resulting from my ongoing distress over uninterrupted symptoms. The MRI took place on January 7, and by January 11, I received my results indicating an incidental finding of an arachnoid cyst on my frontal lobe, marked as likely insignificant. After experiencing another distressing episode on January 17— when I felt nauseous and migraine-like after having just coffee on an empty stomach — I took sumatriptan, but it was too late to provide relief, forcing me to spend the evening in a dark room. By January 30, after discussing my situation again, the doctor noted a pattern of migraines attributed to an underlying headache. I was prescribed a nasal spray and an anti-nausea medication, which provided little relief. On February 3, I expressed my concerns during yet another doctor’s visit and requested further investigations to rule out issues related to my inner ear or sinuses. A blood test was scheduled for February 23 due to unavailability. As I sought various treatments, including acupuncture on February 9 to potentially address tension, progress remained elusive. I also underwent a sports massage to manage muscular tension without decisive improvement. Since my MRI results on January 11, I have been in limbo, awaiting follow-up communication from the neurologist. My attempts to reach out via phone and email have been met with frustrating delays. It’s disheartening to have waited so long for a consultation when I exist in a state of discomfort. ### Final Thoughts: While I recognize my frequent doctor visits and feel guilty about potentially burdening the NHS, my panic, pain, and fear compel me to seek answers. Despite being diagnosed with chronic migraines, I struggle to reconcile my ongoing head pressure and persistent visual disturbances with typical migraine symptoms. Over the last three months, I have only experienced a handful of migraines, leading me to believe that my ongoing symptoms might stem from a separate issue. I want to regain my former self and understand the nature of my condition. Is it indeed migraines? A lingering effect of concussion? Or perhaps something that remains unidentified? I would genuinely appreciate any thoughts or shared experiences on this matter. Thank you for your time and support.

AsthmaFibromyalgiaThyroid Disorders

Understanding Heart Issues and Long-term Effects After Salbutamol Overdose: Seeking Insight

**A longer read, but your input would mean a lot.** I’m a 28-year-old man. My upbringing was quite challenging, marked by instances of **domestic violence** and other hardships. However, I managed to overcome these obstacles and was excelling in sports and academics. I have lived with **asthma** since childhood. In 2019, upon returning from university, I felt the onset of an **asthma attack**. I opted to use my nebulizer for relief. Unfortunately, I mistakenly filled the nebulizer entirely with **salbutamol** instead of combining it with the necessary **saline solution**. This led to a significant overdose as I used it for almost **twenty minutes**. Shortly after, I experienced intense **palpitations** as if my heart was on the verge of bursting out of my chest. I also suffered from severe **dizziness**, a **throbbing headache**, and my **blood pressure** spiked, to the point of nearly collapsing. This panic episode lasted for about two hours before I was able to rest. Initially, the incident faded from my memory, but over the following days, I continued to endure **vertigo** and palpitations. Within a few months, these symptoms persisted, coupled with chronic high blood pressure. Gradually, I began to face stomach issues as well. I developed **severe GERD**, excessive **burping**, and a constant feeling of **fullness**. My weight plummeted from **75 kg** to **54 kg**, leaving me looking gaunt and unhealthy. Despite my efforts to treat these stomach problems with a **gastroenterologist**, the root cause was attributed to **anxiety**. While I accepted this diagnosis, multiple treatment regimens aimed at anxiety yielded little improvement. I consulted various specialists, including **cardiologists**, **gastroenterologists**, and **psychiatrists**, but none have effectively addressed my concerns. I suspect that the symptoms I’m experiencing are linked to the **overdose of salbutamol**, but this perspective has not been supported by medical professionals. Numerous assessments have been conducted, including **blood tests**, **ECG**, **EKG**, a **24-hour Holter monitor**, and **MRI** of the heart, yet results have revealed only minor T wave anomalies. Some doctors have suggested a diagnosis of **fibromyalgia**, while others have indicated it may be a **fight-or-flight** reaction from my body. Each physician seems to have a different theory. I struggle to understand the sudden emergence of these issues: **heart pain**, palpitations, fluctuating blood pressure, extreme fatigue, unwanted weight loss, and feelings of dizziness. Could this all stem from anxiety, or is my concern about the salbutamol overdose valid? Here are the ongoing symptoms I’ve dealt with daily for the past seven years: * **Persistent GERD-like symptoms** * **Severe palpitations during light exercise or walking** * **Elevated blood pressure sensations** * **Chest pain** * **Quick onset of fatigue** * **Inability to focus** * **Chronic headaches** * **Overall weakness, lethargy, noticeable weight loss** * **Muscle fatigue and tiredness** I genuinely seek clarity on this situation and hope for some guidance.

Unable to Consume Solid Food for Six Weeks Due to Breathing Issues

At 40 years old and weighing 228 pounds, I have faced persistent breathing difficulties for nearly two years. Despite numerous visits to emergency rooms and consultations with various physicians, many of whom merely offered reassurance and benzodiazepines, I finally received a diagnosis from one ER doctor suggesting my symptoms were linked to reflux. This led me to investigate a condition known as Roemheld syndrome, which seemed to align with what I was experiencing. Initially, my breathing issues would only manifest after I consumed large meals, particularly if I laid down afterwards or indulged in highly acidic foods. Gradually, I restricted my diet further until I began to experience these symptoms even after just a few bites of crackers. When the symptoms arise, they can linger for hours or even days, easily triggered by any type of food or drink. Additionally, it is worth noting that I had undergone bariatric surgery a decade ago. For the last six weeks, I have completely avoided solid foods, subsisting solely on smoothies primarily composed of bananas, yogurt, almond milk, and protein shakes. This drastic change has led to a significant drop in my mood, and I have lost approximately 35 pounds over the past six weeks. I have undergone several medical tests: an upper endoscopy, manometry, and most recently, a fluoroscopy. Although I haven't yet discussed these results with my physician, the report indicates: - Rapid sequence imaging in the right lateral position shows no signs of laryngeal penetration or tracheal aspiration. - The esophagus appears normal in shape, size, and flexibility with adequate motility. - There are no indications of stricture, ulceration, or blockage. - Notable postsurgical changes from my Roux-en-Y gastric bypass are present. - A reducible hiatal hernia is associated with the surgical gastric pouch, but no gastroesophageal reflux was observed during the procedure. The findings state: 1. Changes consistent with past Roux-en-Y gastric bypass surgery. 2. A reducible hiatal hernia linked to postoperative changes of the gastric pouch. 3. No signs of esophageal stricture, obstruction, or reflux on today's investigation. I desperately hope this means that a solution is possible. Currently, I feel breathless, and the last time I attempted to eat solid food was three days ago when I managed three Ritz crackers. I cannot continue living this way.

HeartburnIBSAcid Reflux

Back PainHeadacheAbdominal Pain

Persistent Nasal Mucus and Sinus Discomfort with No Improvement

At 26 years old, I am a 105-pound woman standing 5 feet 3 inches tall and currently around 11 weeks pregnant. For approximately 18 months, if not longer, I have been experiencing chronic nasal drainage and excessive clear mucus production. My sense of smell has diminished significantly; it occasionally returns briefly, only to disappear again. I’ve consulted an ENT specialist on two occasions. During my first appointment, I was given a prescription for general allergy medication—advice to choose whichever one I preferred—but it provided no relief. On my second visit, a different doctor recommended using a NeilMed nasal rinse along with Flonase. After a week of adhering to this regimen, I have seen no noticeable improvement and, in fact, the problem seems to intensify during the night. The constant mucus production leads to discomfort, especially when I have to swallow it while sleeping, and I am exhausted from frequent nose blowing and inadequate rest. I seldom sneeze and do not experience other allergy-related symptoms like itchy or red eyes. We've owned a dog for three years, so I don’t suspect any new pet allergies. Occasionally, I also experience wheezing in my chest—not in my throat—which worsens in colder weather. Breathing often feels restricted, as though I'm inhaling through a coffee straw, and at least one nostril is typically blocked, even after rinsing. The only instances when I can breathe easily seem to coincide with adrenaline spikes. Symptoms are more pronounced indoors, regardless of the environment—whether I’m at home, in a car, or shopping. I can recall a few potential triggers: 1. In late summer of '24, I endured walking pneumonia, which resulted from an antibiotic taken during my trip to Poland. 2. That winter, I lived in an extremely cold region with temperatures dropping to -20°F at night, characterized by damp, slightly moldy conditions. 3. We relocated to coastal Georgia in spring '25, yet the nasal issue predates this move. During my ENT evaluation, a nasal scope revealed only mild inflammation. My only known allergy is shellfish, which affects me only through direct contact or consumption; I do not react to live shellfish.

WellnessLifestyle ChangesFamily Medicine

Strange Bump on My Finger: What's Going On?

To provide some background, I am a 14-year-old male. Recently, I've noticed a peculiar bump on my finger that appears to be a patch of skin. It feels like extra-thick skin, yet it looks similar to normal skin. It doesn't seem to fit the description of a wart to me. I am curious about what this could indicate and if there's need for concern.

COPDInternal MedicineRheumatology

Understanding Chronic Ear Pressure with Normal Test Results

Hello everyone, I’m a 22-year-old male experiencing ongoing pressure in my ears and head for nearly a year, and I’m seeking some clarity on the situation. **Manifestations of My Condition:** - There is a persistent feeling of pressure in my head and ears, either constant or recurring. - I experience significant discomfort, particularly in elevators, subway tunnels, and airplanes, especially during landing. - When I perform the Valsalva maneuver, my ears seem blocked, and sounds become muted rather than clearing up. - Even without the maneuver, exerting a slight force while exhaling can create a sensation of partial blockage in my ears. - Symptoms intensify during colds or flu, with some improvement afterward, but they never completely resolve. **Evaluations & Treatments Undertaken:** - Hearing assessment: results were normal, with an average near 15 dB, which is actually above the typical hearing level. - Tympanometry test: results fell within the normal parameters, although there was a slight indication of negative pressure, regarded as normal by the ENT specialist. - I tried using **Flusort nasal spray** daily for three months without any noticeable improvement. - Antihistamines were also attempted over a period, but did not yield any positive results. **Additional Context:** - The onset of my symptoms coincided with a period where I slept with a fan blowing directly on my face for an extended time (not certain if this is connected). - I don’t experience vertigo, hearing loss, or tinnitus. - I have mostly adjusted to this feeling as my new routine, yet any fluctuation in pressure remains bothersome. I’m curious: what could be causing this, and what options are available for relief? Any advice or stories of similar experiences would be greatly appreciated. Thank you!