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Struggles with Eating Habits Leading to Digestive Issues

Hello, I'm truly at a loss and desperately seeking guidance. I’m a 16-year-old female who has been engaging in restrictive eating for around five months. Over the last couple of months, my situation has deteriorated, leading me to consume very few calories daily—between 200 and 600. As a result, my BMI has dropped from 18.6 to 15.8, and I've begun to experience concerning health issues. I've noticed symptoms such as bradycardia with occasional irregular heartbeats, low blood pressure, a decreased white blood cell count, unexpected bruising, constant feelings of coldness, and persistent fatigue that makes even walking up stairs feel exhausting. Additionally, my skin and knuckles are particularly dry, I've missed my period for a month, and I've faced challenges with my bowel movements. Typically, there’s a six-day interval between my trips to the bathroom, but this week, things seemed to improve until today. I found myself in an embarrassing situation—I had to step out of a show halfway through because I experienced diarrhea. When I confided in my mother about these bowel irregularities, she suggested that my eating habits might be the culprit for both my weight loss and the absence of my period. She inquired if I had weighed myself recently, and although I had just checked this morning, I said no. My mind is constantly telling me that I’m not sick enough, yet this experience left me feeling humiliated and frightened. I feel uncertain about what it would mean to admit that I’m struggling and worry about losing the control I have over my eating habits. What are the consequences of revealing to my mother how little I’ve been consuming? Currently, I’m receiving support from CAMHS for depression—maybe this context is useful. At the moment, my diarrhea has subsided (I think), but my stomach still feels off. I’m left questioning whether this is something that requires urgent medical attention or if it will resolve itself.

TremorsNumbnessENT
Male • 25-34
7 minutes ago

Encountering a Disturbing Situation with an Unusual Individual

Earlier today, while I was at my job, an individual who appeared to be under the influence approached the counter wanting to purchase coffee. She was quite erratic, engaged in a conversation with herself, mentioning something about knowing a pharmacist and expressing concerns about her boyfriend leaving her. After we asked her to exit the premises, she became quite agitated and unexpectedly lifted her shirt to reveal several blue ECG/EKG electrodes affixed to her chest—there were approximately six of them. Once she departed, I was outside sweeping when I inadvertently stepped on one of the electrodes that had been left behind. Without realizing what it was, I picked it up, only to quickly drop it once I recognized its nature. I reached out to my friend's mother, who is a nurse, for advice and she assured me that it would be fine. However, I’m still seeking further confirmation on Reddit just to be safe.

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

Experiences with Patellofemoral Pain Syndrome Linked to an Overactive VMO

Two weeks ago, I embarked on a hiking trip, and afterward, I began to notice symptoms indicative of Patellofemoral Pain Syndrome (PFPS) in my left knee. The pain is localized on the inside of my kneecap and becomes particularly pronounced when I walk or descend stairs. Despite following standard recommendations to avoid excessive activity and applying ice, I haven’t seen any improvement in my condition. In my quest for answers, I stumbled upon the possibility that my case may be atypical. I have concerns that my Vastus Medialis Oblique (VMO) muscle might be overly developed, causing my kneecap to shift laterally, which corresponds with the location of my discomfort. Has anyone else experienced similar issues or encountered comparable cases? If so, I would greatly appreciate any advice on how to proceed. (Age: 22, Male)

ArthritisInternal Medicine
Male • 25-34
7 minutes ago

Is My Extreme Adherence to Optimization Protocols Hazardous?

Hello professionals, This past year, I have completely reorganized my life based on various neuroscience and optimization strategies, primarily inspired by Andrew Huberman's podcast and supporting research. My choices include abstaining from alcohol, avoiding processed foods, maintaining a strict bedtime routine, and meticulously tracking nearly every aspect of my life. Here’s a look at my daily regimen: - Rise at 5:32 AM to ensure consistent light exposure - Spend 12 minutes outside soaking up sunlight before checking my phone - Engage in a cold shower to boost dopamine levels - Hold off on caffeine for the first 90 minutes - Commit to 45 minutes of zone 2 cardio - Have a protein-rich breakfast aligned with my cortisol levels - Work in focused 90-minute blocks with Non-Sleep Deep Rest (NSDR) breaks - Avoid overhead lighting post 7:30 PM, switching to only red lights - Use blue light blocking glasses as sunset approaches - Supplement with magnesium threonate, apigenin, and theanine before bed - Sleep in a room kept at 64°F, with my mouth taped to promote nasal breathing only I monitor: - Heart Rate Variability (HRV) - Resting Heart Rate (HR) - Different sleep stages - Glucose fluctuance via Continuous Glucose Monitors (CGM) - Light exposure - Daily step count - Fluid intake measured in milliliters - Precise macronutrient breakdown I even carry my own light bulbs when I travel! My productivity has skyrocketed. I am enrolled in numerous courses, maintain a work schedule, exercise daily, and feel incredibly driven. However, during my recent visit to the doctor, they expressed concern over this rigorous “optimization” approach, suggesting that it might not be sustainable. They inquired if I take moments to unwind, indicating that I appear tense despite my belief that these practices should be contributing to my health and relaxation. I found this surprising. As someone assigned female at birth and with a healthy body mass index, I seek your insights on this matter. Am I unintentionally harming myself?

PsychiatryAnxietyDepression
Male • 25-34
17 minutes ago

Concerns About Pain Management for a Father with Liver Failure Post-Chemotherapy

Greetings, I’m seeking your insights regarding my father, who is 59 years old and has a history of alcohol use. He has recently been diagnosed with stage 4 colorectal cancer, a determination made back in August. His chemotherapy regimen commenced in October, alongside the placement of a colostomy to provide him with some comfort, as there is a significant tumor located near his rectum. Currently, he is receiving additional chemotherapy and radiation, with the hope that he may eventually qualify for surgical intervention to address the tumor. Despite his condition, he continues to consume gin—his intake has decreased; previously, he was drinking around 750 ml daily, but due to excessive sleep, he has since reduced his consumption, although he has not ceased entirely, nor did we expect him to do so. Recently, I came across a discussion online that deeply troubled me. Someone shared a harrowing account of their parent suffering from liver failure, which resulted in a distressing situation. They noted that, due to the liver’s inability to metabolize pain medication, their loved one had to endure the experience of organ failure while remaining aware of it. The individual recounted pleading with the nursing staff for sedation, only to be informed that they were already administering quantities of medication that would typically be lethal to a healthy person. The physicians have informed us that they are closely monitoring the harmful impact of chemotherapy on his liver, noting the emergence of new non-cancerous lesions with each MRI scan. I am now left wondering if, in the event of liver failure, he might be unable to receive adequate sedation since his organs would not be functioning properly to process opiates. What might this mean for his comfort during this time?

AddictionPsychiatryDepression
Male • 25-34
17 minutes ago

Is it Safe to Reintroduce Birth Control After a Smoking Break?

A 45-year-old woman has recently quit smoking after a 7-month period during which she also took Effexor. Due to the combination of medication and smoking, she decided to halt her hormonal birth control along with Effexor. Now, with a month of being smoke-free and currently taking Wellbutrin and Vyvanse, she feels confident about her progress and is contemplating resuming her birth control pills, specifically Seasonale. Her medical history reveals no complications such as blood clots, and her doctor initially approved her to restart the medication. However, after further consideration, the physician sought the opinion of an ObGyn for confirmation. The woman is eagerly awaiting feedback from the specialist, ideally before she intends to begin her birth control again this coming Sunday, which coincides with the start of her menstrual cycle. Since Seasonale is designed for extended use, this will already lead to postponing her period by three months, and any delay in resuming the pill could extend that timeline further by another 3.5 months. She notes that the mini-pill may not effectively assist with managing her PMS cravings, making it an unfavorable choice. The woman is reaching out for guidance on the appropriate course of action. Any insights would be greatly appreciated!

ObstetricsGynecologyReproductive Medicine
Male • 25-34
17 minutes ago

Right Flank Discomfort Inquiry

Hello, I am a 28-year-old woman experiencing intermittent mild to moderate discomfort in my right flank for the past two weeks. There are days when I feel perfectly fine, while on other days, the pain is more pronounced. With a long flight lasting 18 hours scheduled for tomorrow, I'm concerned about my ability to travel. Although pain relief medication does help, I fear I might experience sudden severe pain at any moment. What would your course of action be? Unfortunately, there are no urgent care facilities available in my vicinity.

Pain ManagementJoint PainAbdominal Pain
Male • 25-34
17 minutes ago

Living with Unexplained Symptoms at 22

At the age of 22, I find myself grappling with debilitating symptoms that are severely impacting my quality of life. Despite consulting a range of specialists—including immunologists, rheumatologists, psychiatrists, neurologists, and sleep disorder experts—the medical community has yet to provide satisfactory explanations for my condition. As time passes, my symptoms continue to escalate, and I’m reaching out for any advice or insights that might help. **Profile Overview:** - **Gender:** Male - **Height:** 6 feet 3 inches - **Weight:** 206 pounds - **Smoking:** No - **Drugs:** None - **Alcohol:** None - **Location:** United States - **Current Medications:** - Adderall (10 mg) - Gabapentin (2,400 mg) - Cymbalta (40 mg) - Seroquel (200 mg) - Risperidone (2 mg) - Memantine (20 mg) - Spravato (84 mg) - Depakote Sprinkles (750 mg) - Xanax (0.75 mg) - Metformin (750 mg) **Diagnosed Conditions:** - Atopic Dermatitis - Major Depressive Disorder (resistant to treatment) - Generalized Anxiety Disorder (resistant to treatment) - Obsessive-Compulsive Disorder (resistant to treatment) - Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder (resistant to treatment) - Autism Spectrum Disorder (Level 1) - Social Anxiety - Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder (ADHD) **Experiencing the Following Symptoms:** - Atopic Dermatitis - Joint discomfort - Intense nerve and muscle pain—characterized by involuntary nerve firings and muscle overactivity - Muscular weakness and aches, coupled with twitching and jerking - Impaired coordination - Occasional fevers and feelings of overheating - Rapid heart rate and breathing difficulties, including choking sensations - Numbness and tingling in the extremities - Severely distressing anxiety and depression resistant to thirty psychiatric medications - Cognitive fog, diarrhea, persistent nausea (with sporadic vomiting), and constant fatigue regardless of sleep quality - Profuse sweating, especially during rest - Numbness and discoloration in hands under specific conditions - Recurrent throat sores, initially misidentified as tonsillitis by my immunologist - Significant fluctuations in weight, exacerbated by medications contributing to weight gain Each day feels like a struggle; waking up drained is more common than not, and there are times I feel even more fatigued than when I went to bed. My symptoms first surfaced years ago, long before I started any treatments, and they have progressively worsened despite various interventions. **Blood Test Results:** The most significant findings include: - Elevated eosinophil count (Eos) - High IgG subclass 4 levels - Positive antinuclear antibody (ANA) results, speckled pattern 1:80 - Positive ANA IgG - High levels of RNP antibodies and anti-PM/Scl-100 antibodies - Positive Lyme total antibody and equivocal results for Lyme IgM Indicators that approached alarmingly abnormal levels: - Erythrocyte count bordering high - Low levels of MCH and MCHC - A low absolute count of monocytes - A decreased A/G ratio **Imaging Results:** A recent chest X-ray revealed perihilar and peribronchial cuffing along with hyperaeration in my lungs. Additionally, an MRI of my brain and an EEG, conducted approximately four years ago, returned normal findings.

Back InjuryOrthopedicsSports Medicine
Male • 25-34
27 minutes ago

31-Year-Old Woman Experiences Sharp Throbbing Pain in Abdominal Region

Age: 31 Gender: Female Smoking Status: Non-smoker Current Medications: Lexapro, Strattera Height/Weight: 5’1”, 115 lbs General Health: No significant medical concerns Background: At 31 years old and a mother of three, with my youngest child born just 15 months ago, I’ve been managing my health relatively well. I was recently diagnosed with adenomyosis following complaints of severe pelvic discomfort that feels like a hammer striking my pelvic bones during menstruation. Fortunately, my periods aren't particularly heavy. Now, to address my main concern: I occasionally experience an excruciating, throbbing sensation on both sides of my abdomen, located precisely where my hands would rest if I were to place them on my hips, just above the hip bones. These episodes can last anywhere from five to thirty minutes, and the pain is so severe that it genuinely feels as though my organs are being squeezed tightly. When these painful bouts occur, I find myself immobilized by the agony. Even in the intervals between these attacks, I consistently feel a lingering sense of soreness or swelling in that particular area. I’ve tried researching online, but the results often suggest conditions like Irritable Bowel Syndrome (IBS) or endometriosis, none of which resonate with my situation since I do not experience any additional bowel-related issues.

ArthritisFibromyalgiaCrohn's Disease
Male • 25-34
27 minutes ago

Unusual Feelings Beneath the Left Rib Cage

For the past couple of weeks, I've been experiencing some unusual sensations beneath my left rib cage, specifically in the area near my nipple. It's important to note that this feeling is definitely located under the ribs. Describing this sensation is quite challenging since it's not a typical occurrence. One usually doesn't feel anything in that region, making this situation feel rather strange. Given its location, I initially felt quite anxious. However, my heart rhythm and rate appear to be normal. There’s no associated pain, shortness of breath, or anything that would suggest a heart issue, which is a relief. Nonetheless, the sensation remains quite disconcerting, and I'm at a loss for what it might be or how to address it. I'm planning to schedule an appointment with my doctor, but due to the lengthy wait times at my GP, I would appreciate any guidance in the meantime. I have a hunch that it could be related to one of three possibilities: perhaps a gastrointestinal issue, something musculoskeletal, or possibly even a result of anxiety. For context, I’m a 39-year-old male, standing 6 feet 2 inches tall and weighing 16 stone. I also have a history of high blood pressure, which is currently managed with medication.

WellnessLifestyle ChangesPreventive Medicine
Male • 25-34
27 minutes ago
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