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Concerns About Microcephaly: Awaiting MRI Results

I am 25 years old, standing at 5’4” and weighing 180 pounds, currently at 26 weeks into my pregnancy. Feeling overwhelmed, I’m anxiously counting down to an MRI that won’t happen for another two weeks. I've been trying to make sense of all the ultrasound images and reports that show my partner and I's facial profiles alongside the baby’s development. Could it simply be that her head is just small? My partner has a noticeably slanted head shape, and the previous ultrasounds labeled our baby’s profile as normal, which makes me question whether that assessment was accurate. Since her 20-week scan, she has remained in the same position, curled up in my pelvis and facing my back; despite that, she moves around a lot, which is both comforting and disheartening. I’ve stumbled upon numerous accounts from parents who were informed that their babies’ head sizes were below average, only to later find out that everything turned out alright. I understand that a conclusive diagnosis can't be made from the ultrasounds alone; the MRI will help determine whether her brain's development is within the normal range. I had a consultation with my Maternal-Fetal Medicine (MFM) specialist two days ago, and it all felt like a blur. Reflecting on my past ultrasound reports, it appeared her head was in the 3rd percentile at the 20-week scan, which was never mentioned to me. The medical team indicated that her positioning made it challenging to complete the anatomy scan, suggesting I return in four weeks. Upon my return, the measurements revealed her head circumference had dropped below the 1st percentile, and likewise for the biparietal diameter (BPD), which also fell below 1%. Her weight had decreased from the 32nd percentile to the 12th percentile. My regular obstetrician expressed that there was nothing alarming and referred me solely to MFM to finalize the anatomy scan. After the scan, I was initially reassured until the doctor mentioned the term microcephaly—now her head, BPD, and several other related measurements are all below the 1st percentile. Her weight is currently at the 16th percentile, and it was also noted that her forehead has a sloped appearance. The measurements indicated she is 3 to 4 standard deviations below the normal range. A genetic counselor met with me, and samples from both my fiancé and I were collected for testing. They performed an amniocentesis on the same day, and now I'm waiting to hear back from them regarding the MRI scheduling. I feel like I wasn’t given sufficient information other than the fact that microcephaly can lead to potential developmental delays, seizures, and possibly lifelong difficulties with walking and talking. The uncertainty is frightening, especially with the results not expected for about three weeks following the amniocentesis. By then, I will be around 30 weeks along. The purpose of the MRI remains unclear, and I am not scheduled to have another growth scan for a month. I assume the MRI is meant to assess whether her brain is developing normally, yet thus far, everything appears to be typical except for the mention of the CSP (cavum septum pellucidum) being described as "sub-optimally visualized," whatever that means. The worry is consuming me to the point of losing my appetite and experiencing nausea, which I know is unhealthy for me and my baby girl. Fortunately, tests for infectious diseases such as Toxoplasmosis and CMV have come back negative. However, I still have two weeks to wait for the results from the genetic testing.

LupusCrohn's DiseaseThyroid Disorders
Male • 25-34
14 hours ago

Seeking Help for Recurring Pinworm Infection

At the age of 28, I encountered pinworms for the very first time last year while working as a teacher. Although I successfully treated the infection, the experience left me emotionally drained, particularly because I have a diagnosis of OCD. My anxiety about potential reinfection was so severe that I ultimately decided to leave my job, prioritizing my mental health and well-being over my career. During my treatment, I took albendazole numerous times, far too many to remember, and was meticulous about maintaining hygiene in my daily life. Fortunately, my efforts paid off, and I believed the problem was resolved. However, remarkably, exactly one year later, I started feeling that unmistakable, unsettling itch around my anal area—a reminder of my previous ordeal. Panic set in immediately. Rushing to the restroom, I was horrified to discover the pinworms present in my stool. Despite my vigilance since my last infection, with regular checks on my stool, it had been an entire year without any signs, and I hadn’t experienced any itching until now. Could it be possible that I contracted the pinworms from a new source, or is it conceivable that they were lurking in my body unnoticed for a year? I took every precaution; I insisted that my family, boyfriend, and friends all take the medication as well, adhering strictly to the treatment regimen. Moreover, I was so careful with hygiene that I discarded my clothing and bed linens daily and meticulously disinfected every surface in my home. My fear is consuming me, and the trauma of this repeated experience is overwhelming. I desperately need reassurance that I haven't been harboring these worms for a year and that I can effectively eliminate them. This stress is affecting my upcoming wedding and my postgraduate studies, pushing me to the brink of despair. Will this ever come to an end?

ArthritisInternal MedicineRheumatology
Male • 25-34
14 hours ago

Concern Over Potential Microcephaly Diagnosis: Waiting for MRI Results

Age 25, Female, standing at 5'4" and weighing 180 pounds, currently at 26 weeks of pregnancy. I've shared images of my ultrasounds along with some reports and a profile picture of both my partner and myself. Could it be that my baby's head is simply smaller than average? My boyfriend has a naturally slanted skull, and during previous ultrasounds, my baby's facial profile was noted to be normal, though now I find myself questioning that assessment. Since my 20-week ultrasound, she has remained in the same position, curled up against my pelvis with her back facing me. Her movements are constant and quite emotional for me to witness. I've come across numerous accounts of parents who were initially told their babies had smaller head measurements, only to later have healthy children. I realize that a proper diagnosis cannot be solely based on these measures, as we will need the MRI to assess the condition of her brain. My Maternal-Fetal Medicine (MFM) appointment two days ago was overwhelming. Looking back at the ultrasound reports, I noticed that at 20 weeks, her head size was at the 3rd percentile, but this wasn't communicated to me at the time. The physicians noted that her position rendered it difficult to complete the anatomy scan, advising me to return in 4 weeks. However, upon my return, her head circumference had fallen to below the 1st percentile, along with the BPD also measuring under 1%. Additionally, her estimated weight decreased from the 32nd to the 12th percentile. My primary care OB reassured me that there was nothing to worry about and merely referred me to MFM to complete the anatomy scan. I initially felt optimistic after the scan, but then the doctor mentioned the term microcephaly, indicating that her head size and other measurements had all dropped to below the 1st percentile. Furthermore, her weight is now at the 16th percentile, and they noted a sloped forehead as a concern. They confirmed that she is measuring between -3 and -4 standard deviations from the norm. After discussing with the genetic counselor, my fiancé and I had our blood drawn. They performed the amniocentesis on the same day, and I am now waiting for a call to set a date for the MRI. Unfortunately, they did not provide much information, only mentioning that microcephaly could lead to developmental challenges, risk of seizures, and potential difficulties with walking or speaking. The anxiety of waiting for results is excruciating, especially as I approach 30 weeks, and the results from the amniocentesis won’t be available for another three weeks. Additionally, my next growth scan is not scheduled for another month. I assume that the MRI is meant to check the brain's condition, yet thus far, everything appears to be normal with the exception of a note indicating "sub-optimally visualized" regarding the CSP, whatever that implies. This situation has caused me so much distress that I find it hard to eat, and I've been experiencing nausea. I understand this is detrimental not only to my own health but also to my baby. Fortunately, tests for infectious diseases like Toxoplasmosis and CMV have come back negative. However, I have to wait an additional two weeks for the genetic test results.

LupusThyroid DisordersEndocrinology
Male • 25-34
14 hours ago

Concerns Regarding Microcephaly Diagnosis and Waiting for MRI

I’m a 25-year-old woman, standing at 5’4” and weighing 180 pounds, currently 26 weeks into my pregnancy. I've attached some images from my ultrasound along with reports and a profile photo of my boyfriend and me. Could it be that her head is simply smaller than average? My boyfriend has a rather slanted head shape, and the ultrasounds labeled the "profile" as normal; I wonder if that was an error. Since the 20-week ultrasound, my baby has consistently been in the same position, curled up against my pelvis and facing my back. She moves around a lot, and it’s truly heart-wrenching. I have come across numerous accounts of parents who were told their child’s head was measuring small yet delivered healthy babies. Naturally, I understand that the diagnosis cannot rely solely on those measurements — the MRI will ultimately clarify whether her brain is developing normally. Just two days ago, I attended my Maternal-Fetal Medicine (MFM) appointment, and everything felt like a haze. At 26 weeks, I reviewed previous ultrasound reports, which indicated her head was in the 3rd percentile during the 20-week scan, a detail that was never communicated to me. They noted that her position hindered a complete anatomy scan and instructed me to return in four weeks. Upon returning, I learned that her head circumference had dropped to below the 1st percentile, along with her biparietal diameter (BPD), also falling under 1%. Additionally, her weight declined from the 32nd percentile to the 12th. My regular obstetrician assured me there were no concerns and referred me to MFM merely to conclude the anatomy scan. I initially felt reassured after the scan, but the doctor then introduced the term microcephaly, revealing her head size, BPD, and several other measurements are below the 1st percentile, with her weight now at the 16th percentile. I also learned that her forehead appears sloped and that she's measuring around -3 to -4 standard deviations below the norm. A genetic counselor met with me afterward, and they drew blood from both my fiancé and me. They were able to conduct the amniocentesis on the same day, and now I’m awaiting a call to schedule the MRI. They briefed me on how microcephaly could lead to developmental challenges, seizures, and potentially impact her ability to walk or talk, which is utterly frightening at this stage, knowing it will take roughly three weeks to receive results from the amnio. By that time, I will be around 30 weeks pregnant. They hardly explained the purpose of the MRI, and my next growth scan isn’t until a month from now. I suspect the MRI is intended to assess whether her brain development is on track, although so far, everything appears typical aside from some areas described as “sub-optimally visualized.” I'm consumed with anxiety, to the point where it has affected my appetite, leading to nausea and vomiting, which isn't healthy since I’m still nurturing my little girl. So far, tests for infectious diseases like Toxoplasmosis and Cytomegalovirus (CMV) have returned negative, but I face another two-week wait for the genetic results.

DiabetesLupusRheumatology
Male • 25-34
14 hours ago

Seeking Help for Recurring Pinworm Infection

At the age of 28, I experienced my very first case of a pinworm infection while teaching at my school. After treating it, I found it mentally exhausting, particularly because I also struggle with OCD, which has been diagnosed. The situation escalated to the point where I made the difficult decision to leave my job to avoid the risk of reinfection in that environment; it felt necessary to protect myself. Despite following a strict regimen of hygiene and taking albendazole multiple times—so many, in fact, that I lost track—I thought I had successfully eliminated the problem. However, exactly one year later, I felt that familiar discomfort and itchiness around my anal area. Panic set in right away, as I rushed to the bathroom only to find, much to my horror, that there they were—wiggling in my stool. For nearly an entire year, I had consistently checked my stool each month, and always it had been clear, without any signs of infection or itching. I am left wondering—could I have caught it from a different source, or is it possible I had it for an entire year without noticing? I took all the necessary precautions and even had my family, boyfriend, and friends take the medication to ensure everyone was treated; we all completed both doses. In my attempts to manage the situation, I disposed of my clothes and bedding daily and diligently disinfected surfaces. Yet, the fear has become overwhelming, and the ordeal has turned traumatic for me. I desperately seek reassurance that I haven’t been battling this for a whole year and that I can indeed free myself from it. With my upcoming marriage and current pursuit of a master's degree, the stress has escalated to a point where I feel utterly helpless. Will this ever come to an end?

Multiple SclerosisLupusInternal Medicine
Male • 25-34
14 hours ago

Confusing Symptoms with No Clear Connection

At 19 years old and transitioning from female to male, I have been receiving subcutaneous testosterone injections for the past year, starting with a dosage of 0.25 ml and recently increasing to 0.3 ml over the last three weeks. My health history has been quite complex even prior to beginning testosterone therapy. Additionally, I just commenced a new treatment of Cymbalta at a dose of 40 mg as of yesterday, following a previous regimen that involved 18 mg. It seems like I’m experiencing a wide array of symptoms, but I’m struggling to link them to any specific condition or cause.

LupusEndocrinologyRheumatology
Male • 25-34
14 hours ago

29F, Experiencing a Recurrence of Pinworms After One Year – Seeking Support

About a year ago, I encountered a pinworm infection for the very first time at the age of 28. At that time, I was working as a teacher. Although I sought treatment, the experience had a significant mental impact on me, especially since I have been diagnosed with OCD. In fact, I felt compelled to leave my job to avoid any risk of reinfection in that environment; it was a drastic move that cost me my career. I took albendazole repeatedly, so much so that I lost track of the number of doses, and adhered strictly to hygiene practices, which ultimately led to clearing the infection. However, just a year later—almost to the day!—I experienced a familiar and unsettling sensation of itching around my anal area. Panic set in immediately, and when I went to the bathroom, I was shocked to discover the worms in my stool. Since my initial infection last year, I have been diligently checking my stool monthly, and it was always clear; there had been no signs or itching for the entire year. Is it possible that I contracted this from a new source, or could I have had it for the past year without realizing it? Despite my efforts, which included ensuring my family, boyfriend, and friends took the necessary medication (both doses), I remained vigilant—I regularly discarded my clothes and linens, and disinfected surfaces constantly. I'm filled with fear and anxiety, as this whole situation has been extremely traumatic for me. I am desperately seeking reassurance that I did not harbor this infection for an entire year and that it is possible to eliminate it once again. Upcoming wedding plans with my boyfriend and pursuing my master's degree have amplified my stress levels, leading me to feel completely overwhelmed. Will this nightmare finally come to an end?

Multiple SclerosisLupusInternal Medicine
Male • 25-34
14 hours ago

Seeking Support: Recurrence of Pinworm Infection After One Year

A year ago, I experienced my very first pinworm infection at the age of 28 while working as a teacher. Though I managed to treat the issue, the ordeal significantly impacted my mental health, particularly exacerbating my pre-existing OCD, for which I have been diagnosed. In the end, the anxiety was so overwhelming that I felt compelled to leave my job to avoid the risk of reinfesting myself in such close proximity to my students. I sacrificed my career over this matter. I took albendazole on numerous occasions, keeping track of the number of times became impossible, and adhered strictly to hygiene practices, achieving what I thought was a complete resolution of the problem. Then, just like clockwork, One year later, to the day, I began experiencing that familiar, uncomfortable, and irritating sensation around my rectum. Panic set in immediately, as it often does for me. Rushing to the bathroom, I was horrified to discover pinworms present in my stool. Ever since my previous encounter, I’ve been vigilant about monitoring my stools each month, and until now, I had seen no sign of them for an entire year and had not experienced any itching. Could I have possibly contracted them from a new source, or did I unknowingly carry them for the past year? I genuinely followed all the necessary precautions, even ensuring that my family, friends, and boyfriend all took the treatment (both doses). I didn’t just wash my linens; I discarded my clothing and sheets daily and thoroughly disinfected all surfaces. My fear is consuming me, and the trauma of this experience has been incredibly distressing. I desperately need reassurance that I haven’t been harboring this for a year and that I can eliminate these parasites once and for all. I’m preparing for my wedding soon, while simultaneously pursuing my MSc, but this worry has pushed me to the brink of despair. Will this ever come to an end?

Allergy & ImmunologyDermatologyPulmonology
Male • 25-34
14 hours ago

Uncertainties Surrounding My Symptoms

At 19 years old, and identifying as FTM (female-to-male), I've been receiving subcutaneous testosterone injections for a full year now, starting with a dosage of 0.25 ml and recently increasing to 0.3 ml for the past three weeks. However, my health has been troublesome long before starting this treatment. Just yesterday, I began experimenting with a 40 mg dosage of Cymbalta, while I have also been on an 18 mg dose of...

InsomniaAnxietyDepression
Male • 25-34
14 hours ago

Chest Pain and Headaches: A Dilemma

- Height: 5 feet - Weight: 50 kilograms - Age: 23 years - Medical History: No significant conditions For the past three days, I have been suffering from a severe headache that has reached its peak today. I’ve never experienced migraines before. Upon waking this morning at 6 AM, I was overwhelmed by a sharp, crushing sensation in my chest, almost as if an object were pressing down on it. Hoping that further rest would alleviate my discomfort, I went back to sleep, but to my dismay, the pain persists. The combination of these headaches and ongoing chest pain is hindering my ability to carry out daily tasks. What could be causing these symptoms?

HeadacheMigraineNeurology
Male • 25-34
14 hours ago
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