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MRI Brain: A Retrospective and Current Perspective

At the age of 56, following menopause in 2016 and currently undergoing hormone replacement therapy, I’m in a relatively stable state of health. However, my experience with a breast MRI involving contrast last October left me feeling quite ill for several weeks, though I've since recovered. This occurred due to gadolinium toxicity. Reflecting back to 2017, when I was 47, an MRI taken due to a head injury revealed some notable findings: - There were indications of advanced atrophy for my age, along with microvascular changes. The physician was investigating possible concussion symptoms, but at that point, my concerns about the "advanced for age" observations didn’t seem to resonate with anyone else. I chose to brush it off. Fast forward to now, at 56, and while I have noticed minor age-related changes, many parallel what my peers experience—some slight shifts in vision and occasional lapses in memory—nothing alarming enough to cause distress. Recently, however, I’ve felt a more pronounced decline, as if my body and mind have aged a decade in just a year. My coordination isn’t quite what it used to be; occasionally, I find myself tripping over nothing or reaching incorrectly for objects, leading to an increased wariness of my environment to avoid falls. I catch myself misreading simple captions or headlines, only to realize my mistake after several attempts. My ability to recall words has significantly deteriorated. Known for my extensive vocabulary and writing skills, I now struggle to concentrate. Watching films or television requires frequent breaks for me to process and retain the content. Reading has become a challenge; even transitioning from one page to another necessitates backtracking. Once an avid creative writer, I can no longer seem to structure my thoughts for journaling. My handwriting has drastically declined, and texting has become a puzzle for my friends, who interpret my messages despite the errors. When it comes to my vision, I experience fleeting disturbances that are difficult to articulate; they last just a millisecond but are disconcerting nonetheless. After discussing these changes with my primary physician, a new MRI was ordered. The findings appear unremarkable when compared to the previous one. The stark difference between the two reports raises questions, but I recognize I am not a medical expert. My doctor has yet to review the latest MRI, which I attribute to his busy schedule; I believe he is an excellent healthcare provider, though perhaps I am feeling somewhat anxious about the wait. The unsettling nature of my previous MRI findings in 2017 was not shared by others, but there's a familial history to consider: my father was diagnosed with early-onset dementia at 60 and passed away from pulmonary fibrosis two years later without manifesting significant cognitive decline. I find myself increasingly concerned, yet the MRI from 2025 hasn’t indicated any alarming issues. Any thoughts or insights on my situation? (Reports are available in the comments section.)

Multiple SclerosisLupusThyroid Disorders
Male • 25-34
1 minute ago

19-Year-Old's Experience with Crohn's and Elevated Heart Rate

At nearly 20 years old, weighing 124 pounds and standing 5'1", I am grappling with severe Crohn’s disease. Lately, I've been troubled by my heart rate, which seems excessively elevated for minimal activity, and it's genuinely alarming me. While at rest, my heart rate hovers around 60 to 90 beats per minute. However, as soon as I rise to my feet, it escalates sharply, typically reaching between 130 to 140 beats per minute. Engaging in any form of physical activity can push it dangerously close to 200 beats per minute. Initially, my physician suspected Postural Orthostatic Tachycardia Syndrome (POTS), but after monitoring my heart for some time, they concluded it resembles Inappropriate Sinus Tachycardia (IST) since my heart rate remains elevated frequently, not solely influenced by changes in position. Equally concerning to me is the sensation that accompanies these numbers. My heart thumps robustly, making me acutely aware of its rhythm in my chest. Occasionally, I also experience episodes of unusual fluttering or irregular beats, which are quite unsettling. I'm not sure if these sensations stem from actual arrhythmias or are simply a result of the tachycardia, but they feel distinctly uncomfortable. Given my Crohn’s and anemia, I find myself questioning whether factors such as inflammation, low iron levels, dehydration, or general health issues might be exacerbating this situation. I'm also perplexed about the fine line between POTS and IST, especially since my heart rate surges significantly upon standing or moving yet isn't consistently elevated during complete rest. I'm actively consulting with healthcare professionals, but I would greatly appreciate any external medical perspectives on whether my symptoms align more with IST or if there are additional conditions that might need investigation. Thank you for your time and any recommendations you might provide.

PTSDPsychiatryDepression
Male • 25-34
1 minute ago

Question About Evening Epilepsy Medication After a Dosing Mistake

My husband, a 56-year-old weighing 230 pounds, is diagnosed with epilepsy. Typically, he follows a regimen that includes 2000 mg of Levetiracetam and 400 mg of Carbamazepine ER each morning, and in the evenings, he takes 2000 mg of Levetiracetam, 400 mg of Carbamazepine ER, along with 300 mg of Xcopri. This morning, however, he accidentally consumed 4000 mg of Levetiracetam, 800 mg of Carbamazepine ER, and 150 mg of Xcopri since one Xcopri pill remained in his medication container. It's been nearly six hours since this incident, and he reports feeling well. He plans to take the last Xcopri pill, but should he proceed with his usual doses of Levetiracetam and Carbamazepine tonight, or should he skip them and resume his normal schedule in the morning? Beyond these medications, he also takes 1000 mg of Calcium, 1000 IU of Vitamin D, 30 ml of Lactulose, a B Complex supplement, and 0.125 mg of Levothyroxine daily. We have reached out to his neurologist but are anxious that we might not receive feedback before the office closes today.

DiabetesThyroid DisordersEndocrinology
Male • 25-34
1 minute ago

Understanding Why My Gynecologist Called After a Normal Mammogram

At the age of 38 and with no noteworthy health issues, I am keenly aware of my family's history with breast cancer, which presents me with a 21% chance of developing it. Additionally, I have an extremely dense breast tissue. To ensure I remain proactive about my health, I've been diligent about scheduling screenings every six months, alternating between a 3D mammogram and an Automated Breast Ultrasound (ABUS) based on my gynecologist's recommendation. Last year's results from both the mammogram and ABUS came back clear. Recently, I underwent this year's mammogram and received a call from the radiologist this morning confirming that everything was normal. However, a few hours later, I received a phone call from my gynecologist's office, indicating that my new doctor wanted to see me to discuss the results of my mammogram. When I inquired about the necessity of this discussion, given that the radiologist had already told me my results were normal, the receptionist could only say that the doctor wanted to talk. I've scheduled an appointment for next week, but I can't shake off my anxiety. Why does he want to talk to me, particularly about my mammogram, when I received reassurance just hours earlier? It’s worth noting that my previous gynecologist retired not long ago—my annual check-up was in October, and January marked her departure—making way for this new physician. Initially, I thought perhaps he wanted to introduce himself and establish a rapport. However, it seems puzzling that the receptionist couldn't elaborate more when I asked for details. Additionally, my understanding is that the radiologist is responsible for interpreting the mammogram images, while the gynecologist typically wouldn't review the images themselves. Could it be that my gynecologist spotted something concerning that the radiologist missed?

TherapyAnxietyDepression
Male • 25-34
2 minutes ago

Unexplained Breathing Halts

Throughout my life, both my previous and current partners have observed that I occasionally pause my breathing, both during the day and night, particularly when I am at ease. This happens without my intention, and I remain completely oblivious to it until they bring it to my attention. What might be causing this strange phenomenon? To provide a bit of context, I am a 26-year-old male with a generally healthy lifestyle. However, I've experienced some residual issues from battling fires at sea in the past, which may play a role. I am curious about the potential implications of these unexpected breath interruptions and what could be the underlying cause.

Chronic FatigueDehydrationEndocrinology
Male • 25-34
2 minutes ago

Prescription of Levofloxacin for Possible Ear Infection

I have been struggling with Eustachian Tube Dysfunction (ETD) for several years. It's quite common for me to have fluid buildup, particularly after recovering from an illness. Thankfully, I am not experiencing a fever or any additional symptoms, and I have a known allergy to Penicillin. Today, I visited my doctor due to an earache that has persisted for three days. While it's not severe, it has become quite bothersome. The doctor noted the presence of some fluid in my ear and suggested the possibility of an infection. He offered to prescribe a medication for my condition. After my appointment, I went to the pharmacy where I picked up a prescription for 750 mg of Levofloxacin along with 40 mg of Prednisone. Is this treatment excessive? Should I consider requesting an alternative? If I choose not to take the antibiotic, what are the chances of this condition resolving on its own?

Crohn's DiseaseCOPDInternal Medicine
Male • 25-34
2 minutes ago

Is it worrisome that green pus emerged from my nail?

I’m a 22-year-old female, and I recently pressed on the side of one of my nails to examine them more closely when I noticed green pus oozing from the lateral nail fold. Should I be worried about this? There’s no swelling, and I’m not experiencing any discomfort. The reason for my concern stems from a similar incident three years ago when I had an infection in the same area, but on a different finger of the same hand. At that time, I required a trip to the hospital. Interestingly, even in that case, I didn’t feel any pain, not even when I was at the emergency room. This makes me anxious that I might be facing a similar situation again without realizing it, lol.

Family MedicineInternal MedicinePreventive Medicine
Male • 25-34
2 minutes ago

Experiencing a Sudden Dislike for Food

Age: 44, Female. I have been diagnosed with Complex PTSD, Major Depressive Disorder, and Generalized Anxiety Disorder. There are no recent health issues I can mention or significant stressors on my mind. Presently, I am on my menstrual cycle. I have had moments where I abruptly lose interest in specific foods only to eventually regain my taste for them after a hiatus. For instance, I enjoy eggs, yet occasionally they make me feel uneasy, leading me to avoid them for several months. Unlike individuals with Avoidant/Restrictive Food Intake Disorder (ARFID), I don't have any particular foods I can count on as "safe." There have been hints that I might be autistic, but given my age and gender, I feel there’s little value in seeking a formal diagnosis. Unfortunately, I lack a family doctor due to a shortage of physicians in my area. Today, I felt hunger pangs but couldn’t find any foods that seemed appealing. I reluctantly consumed a plain turkey sandwich comprising two slices of turkey, a bit of mayo, mustard, and plain white bread. It was quite challenging to swallow. Despite that, the hunger didn’t fade. It’s now about four hours after my sandwich, and I am overwhelmingly hungry. I understand I’m safe for now—I've eaten today, I'm not underweight, nor do I have diabetes—so skipping a meal isn’t a danger for me, yet the thought of any food makes me feel nauseous. My kitchen and pantry are fairly well stocked, but nothing seems tolerable, much less appealing. What could be the reason behind this? How is it possible to feel hungry yet have a strong aversion to food? Even the thought of chewing makes me uncomfortable. The idea of consuming a smoothie is utterly off-putting; just imagining it makes me feel queasy. What can I do about this? What’s causing this situation, and how might I resolve it?

AgingSupplementsLifestyle Changes
Male • 25-34
11 minutes ago

Persistent Cough After Six Months: Seeking Insights

A 22-year-old male here. I have undergone two misdiagnoses: first bronchitis, and later severe allergies. I’ve taken an overwhelming number of medications and antibiotics—so many that I can hardly recall them. The only one that seemed somewhat effective was a cough syrup, but even its efficacy diminished over time, ultimately losing its effect altogether. Currently, I’m using a cough DM syrup that offers some relief, albeit limited. Approximately six months ago, I had a wild night of drinking, and the next day I woke up feeling extremely ill; I presumed it was simply a hangover. However, once the other symptoms faded away, I was left with a relentless cough. I consulted with a doctor who attributed it to bronchitis, prescribing an antibiotic along with a cough suppressant—neither of which I can name. Unfortunately, those treatments yielded minimal results, prompting a follow-up visit. The physician suggested a possible resistance to the antibiotic and recommended a second round of treatment, but that too failed to alleviate my symptoms. On my third visit, they shifted focus to allergies, providing me with four different anti-allergy medications. Yet, as I completed the last one, I found myself still coughing. An ex-partner speculated that a significant vitamin deficiency could be the cause, leading me to start a multivitamin regimen, but that produced no changes either. Months have passed with my cough oscillating between worsening spells and slight reprieves. At present, I’m experiencing a particularly difficult phase, feeling as if I’m constantly dealing with something lodged in my throat, leading to continuous coughing bouts. Aside from this cough, I have minimal additional symptoms. I don’t feel fatigued or weak; in fact, I’ve maintained a consistent gym schedule and am pleased with my progress. I haven't run a fever, nor is my allergic congestion particularly troubling. Occasionally, I experience mild headaches. However, the constant cough is quite bothersome, especially since I’m working on developing my singing abilities. I haven’t returned to the doctor yet, as I dread spending another $200 on yet another unhelpful diagnosis. Now that I have insurance, a covered visit may be possible in the near future, but I’m eager to hear if anyone has experienced something similar or has insights into what might be going on with me.

AsthmaCOPDInternal Medicine
Male • 25-34
11 minutes ago

Limited Elbow Movement Following Surgical Repair

Two years ago, I experienced a skateboarding mishap where I suffered a fracture that dislodged small fragments from the inner part of my elbow joint. This incident warranted surgical intervention, during which three tiny screws were employed to secure the fragments back in place and a torn ligament was repaired. The operation itself was conducted without complications; however, despite the successful procedure, I have struggled to regain the full functionality of my elbow. Now, more than two years later, this limitation is becoming increasingly frustrating. Throughout this period, I have moderately engaged in stretching exercises aimed at improving my joint’s mobility, but my commitment has been rather lackluster—an oversight I now regret. Recently, I acquired health insurance through my employment, which has prompted me to consider seeking professional evaluation of my elbow to understand possible treatment options. That said, I am somewhat hesitant, fearing that a prescription for physical therapy might only prolong my recovery, leading me to contemplate whether I should continue my home stretching regimen instead. A few details worth mentioning: - My most recent X-ray results indicated no underlying bone issues, according to my physician. - On a daily basis, I can flex my elbow fully, but I can only extend it to about 15 to 20 degrees from completely straight. - Experiencing discomfort when attempting full extension, the sensation is more akin to a stretching discomfort rather than sharp pain. This discomfort intensifies as I reach a hard stop approximately 10 degrees shy of total extension. - Additionally, my elbow joint produces a crackling noise during movement, which my physical therapist attributed to potential scar tissue buildup two years ago. I have a suspicion that the challenges I face may stem from tendon issues or scar tissue formations, but I am not a medical expert! What are your thoughts on this matter?

Back InjuryBruisingOrthopedics
Male • 25-34
11 minutes ago
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