OpenHealth Q&amp;A

Swollen LegsCardiologyVascular Surgery

Blood in Urine for a Month with No Clear Explanation

I am a 38-year-old female who experienced a concerning episode over a year ago, during which I noticed blood in my urine for an entire month. Remarkably, it was not accompanied by any pain. Throughout this month-long ordeal, I underwent two CT scans examining my kidneys and ureters, in addition to numerous urine and blood analyses, as well as a cystoscopy procedure. All results came back completely normal. An ultrasound did reveal that my renal vein was under pressure, leading a urologist to diagnose me with nutcracker syndrome. I thought I had finally found my answer. However, a subsequent venogram conducted by a vascular surgeon contradicted this, indicating that I do not actually have nutcracker syndrome. Now I'm left back at the starting point, pondering the mystery of what could have led to that situation, especially since it has not recurred since then. My curiosity remains as to what caused such an unusual symptom in the first place.

Learning DisabilitiesChildhood InfectionsChild Psychology

Determining When it's Safe to Resume Nannying After Exposure to Hand, Foot, and Mouth Disease

I'm a 31-year-old woman who takes no medications aside from some supplements. I occasionally assist a family a few times a week, and I was informed this past Tuesday that one of the children has been diagnosed with hand, foot, and mouth disease. Under normal circumstances, I would plan to return next Tuesday, but I feel uneasy about this considering the contagious nature of the illness. Additionally, I've recently recovered from a minor illness and would prefer to avoid further exposure. The family has two toddlers and a special needs child, and I usually handle diaper changes as part of my responsibilities. My primary profession is in real estate, and I have significant work obligations approaching, which adds to my concerns. The mother stays home, so my role is more of an occasional assistant for her children. I'm seeking advice on when it would be appropriate to return to my nannying duties. I’ve received suggestions from a few people to allow for a longer waiting period before coming back.

Chronic FatigueDehydrationEndocrinology

Why Am I Rarely Sick Despite Being a Heavy Smoker, While My Partner Suffers More?

I've been pondering whether environmental factors play a role in health. My surroundings, although not pristine, tend to harbor fewer germs, strangely enough. I live with just one pet and spend most of my time indoors, while my partner's home is bustling with numerous animals, shedding fur, and other allergens. It seems like illnesses circulate frequently between him and his mother, whereas in my place, we take considerable precautions to avoid spreading any germs. They do not neglect cleanliness, but their approach differs from mine. In my household, we prioritize isolation during illness. Everyone looks out for their own health here. So, is it odd that I manage to stay healthy despite being an avid marijuana smoker? I had believed that smoking might increase my chances of falling ill, not the other way around!

Is There Hope for Improvement?

The situation outlined in the title lays the foundation for this inquiry. In 2020, my mother received a diagnosis of Alzheimer's disease, but it has recently come to light that she has actually been dealing with an extensive history of untreated Biermer's disease, also known as pernicious anemia. Now that she is receiving intramuscular injections of 1000mg of Vitamin B12, is there a chance she could experience some level of recovery? Thank you for your insights!

LupusThyroid Disorders

Pulsating Sound in One Ear After Eustachian Tube Issues

At 24 years old, I experienced a blockage in my Eustachian tube caused by a cold. My physician prescribed several medications, including an antibiotic, nasal spray, and a combination of Bilastine and Montelukast. Additionally, he recommended exercises like the Valsalva maneuver and steam inhalation. After a month of medication, I noticed that while the blockage had cleared, an irritating whooshing sound associated with my heartbeat persisted in one ear. This rhythmic sound, which I believe to be pulsatile tinnitus, becomes louder when I swallow and briefly pauses during the Valsalva maneuver. It tends to intensify, especially at night, and remains in sync with my pulse. Interestingly, the whooshing ceases when I lie down flat or when I apply pressure to my throat with my hand. My hearing remains unaffected, and I underwent a Pure Tone Audiometry (PTA) and Tympanometry test for reassurance. My doctor assures me that this condition will resolve over time, but I have yet to see any improvement.

ConcussionNeurologyENT

High Blood PressurePalpitationsShortness of Breath

Urgent Change in My Metropolol Prescription

For the past two years, I have been using metropolol 100mg. During the preceding six months, I've successfully shed a significant amount of weight—100 pounds—bringing my total down to 200. I've been actively exercising, yet my physician has not adjusted my medication dosage. Recently, I've experienced alarmingly low blood pressure readings of 105/60 and even 95/50. Just yesterday, my condition worsened, and I had to visit the hospital due to a severe drop to 80/45. At that point, my doctor instructed me to halt the medication immediately, but I discovered online that stopping metropolol abruptly can be quite perilous. I assumed my physician would be the most knowledgeable source regarding my health, wouldn't you?

WellnessFamily MedicineInternal Medicine

Experiencing Numbness in My Toes

I am a 25-year-old female, measuring 170 cm in height and weighing 66 kg. I do not take any medications and have no significant health history. However, I've recently been experiencing persistent numbness in both my index and middle toes for the past two days. This sensation is constant and has not subsided. It feels similar to the discomfort one might get from sitting in one position for an extended period, but that isn’t the case for me. I awoke suddenly in the night with this feeling. Initially, I thought it might be due to wearing heels for approximately three hours, but the numbness has yet to fade away.

HeadacheAbdominal PainMuscle Pain

Could This Be Tonsillitis or Something Different?

Hello, I’ve been experiencing some irritation in my throat. It’s quite painful, and I also feel unusually fatigued, accompanied by a headache. These symptoms have persisted for several days now. Based on the images I've included, do my symptoms align more with tonsillitis, or could they indicate another issue? My tonsils and lymph nodes don’t appear to be enlarged, yet I am suffering from a sore throat and an unpleasant taste in my mouth. Thank you for your insights!

HeadacheJoint PainChronic Pain

At My Wits’ End: Battling Chronic Headaches Since Age 13

Let me preface this by saying I’ve just gone through an emotional breakdown, so I apologize in advance if my thoughts are a bit jumbled. I also realize this might not be the first time I’ve discussed this issue—if you’ve seen a similar post from another account, it was likely me. For the past five to six years, which feels like a lifetime, each time I step outdoors, I’m hit with a headache within minutes—usually between five and ten. It doesn’t make a difference what the weather is like; whether it’s pitch dark, blazing sunshine, icy temps, sweltering heat, or even rainy and snowy conditions, the outcome is always the same. My head throbs regardless of my state—whether I’m hungry, thirsty, well-rested, or sleep-deprived. Adjusting my glasses or contacts doesn't seem to alleviate the pressure, and wearing sunglasses doesn’t make a dent. I’ve tried various hairstyles, from a pixie cut to long locks, and nothing has changed the headache pattern. I’ve run through every conceivable factor, yet I still find myself in pain. The discomfort doesn’t localize to one precise area; it can attack either side of my head along with the related eye, it may affect just my eyes, or encompass my entire head and vision as well. Although my eyesight isn’t great, I’ve trialed wearing contacts and even attempted outdoor walks without any eyewear, but the headaches persist. They tend to intensify in colder and brighter conditions, although I still experience them during nighttime or when the temperature is pleasant. I've visited my doctor on two occasions. During my last visit while I was in high school, around 14 or 15 years old, he handed me a piece of paper and suggested I document when these headaches occur. I diligently logged my experiences for a week but quickly grew frustrated as all I recorded was "headache while walking to school at 8 a.m., headache while walking from school at 3 p.m." I returned with my notes, only for him to dismiss them, saying it wasn’t sufficient for him to draw conclusions. The pain consistently varied from about a 5 to an 8 on a scale of ten. I’ve sought answers far and wide—posting here, asking on Quora, and scouring the internet. I even consulted medical professionals—yet there have been no answers. In summary: I’m experiencing mild to severe headaches each time I’m outdoors without any discernible cause. I’m an 18-year-old female at my wit's end.