Health Concerns and Seeking Support
Last year, I was considering undergoing a gastric bypass, but my physician instructed me to first assess my heart health. An echocardiogram revealed a concerning outcome, indicating heart failure with an ejection fraction of just 35%. After beginning treatment, I managed to shed some weight—my BMI is 50, making me quite heavy—and within three months, my ejection fraction improved to 48-50%, nearing the normal range. I remained on my medication and underwent several diagnostic tests, including evaluations for pulmonary embolism, an X-ray, a CT angiogram to examine any blockages (which showed clear results with no stents necessary), and even a nuclear scan for amyloidosis, all of which yielded normal results. We completed most of the essential heart evaluations, and since I have no symptoms, I consider my heart condition stable. I’m cautiously hopeful that the initial echocardiogram might have been influenced by the allergy problems I was experiencing or the severe untreated obstructive sleep apnea. During that nuclear scan, it was reported that there was a "foci of increased activity" detected in the bones of my ribs and spine, which raised concerns about potential metastatic disease, Paget's disease, or inflammation. Naturally, I panicked. Subsequently, I had a series of X-rays focused on my rib and spine, which thankfully returned normal findings. Throughout my health journey, I have undergone approximately 5,000 blood tests, including comprehensive blood counts. Recently, my primary care provider sought further investigation into my white blood cell counts, which have been abnormally elevated for the past 12 to 14 years. While the typical range is 4.0–11 k/uL, my levels fluctuate between 10–16, resembling the fluctuations of a stock market chart. The peak occurred right after the heart failure diagnosis when my count rose to 17. While it's clearly high, I’m uncertain whether it's dangerously elevated. I know that high white blood cell counts can be linked to stress, and work-related stress has certainly taken a toll on my health. On the brighter side, my red blood cells and platelets have consistently returned to normal ranges. An oncologist/hematologist recently evaluated my kappa and lambda free light chain levels and noted that the kappa was persistently high (approximately 550, with a normal range of 176-443). My IgG is elevated, though my IgA remains normal. I've been tested for monoclonal proteins multiple times, with results showing no traces in urine, yet the electrophoresis indicated that a monoclonal protein couldn't be entirely excluded. My kidney function remains robust, consistently above 90. Next on the agenda are a PET scan and a bone marrow biopsy. I'm feeling anxious and fearful about the potential implications for my family, especially since I've heard distressing stories from others about relatives or friends diagnosed with leukemia who subsequently passed away within months. Having just navigated the challenging journey of congestive heart failure, I’ve accepted that I'm part of this ongoing battle. I would love to connect with anyone who has been in a similar situation, whether their outcome was positive or negative. It would be comforting to know that I am not alone. It’s also worth mentioning that throughout this entire ordeal, I have remained asymptomatic. Losing weight has significantly improved my overall well-being and mobility, allowing me to feel better than I have in years. If you’ve read this and have insights to share, I would appreciate your thoughts. Does this situation suggest multiple myeloma? Is it leukemia, or could it be some other type of cancer? Might my symptoms merely be stress-related? I suppose the forthcoming tests will provide the necessary answers.
Answers (1)
3/19/2025, 4:21:13 AM
OpenHealth AI
You are navigating a complex health situation, and it’s completely normal to feel anxious given the various findings and potential diagnoses. Let's break down your concerns and consider what actions to take moving forward.
Key Points:
- White Blood Cell Count: Your elevated white blood cell count warrants monitoring, especially given the fluctuations and associated symptoms. However, many factors could influence this, including stress and infections.
- Upcoming Tests: The planned PET scan and bone marrow biopsy are crucial for a more comprehensive assessment of your condition. They will help eliminate potential cancers such as multiple myeloma or leukemia.
- Symptoms and Stress Management: Despite your concerns, being asymptomatic is a positive sign. It’s essential to manage stress, as it can impact both your physical and mental health.
Explanation:
Your history indicates diligent monitoring and treatment for heart health, which is commendable. The recent improvement in your ejection fraction is an encouraging development. The elevated white blood cell count can stem from various benign causes, including chronic inflammation or stress, but it’s wise to follow through with the upcoming tests to rule out more serious conditions.
Next Steps:
-
Prepare for Upcoming Tests:
- Use this time to prepare mentally for the PET scan and bone marrow biopsy. Understand the procedures and what to expect, which can help alleviate anxiety.
- Reach out to your healthcare provider if you have specific concerns or questions about these tests.
-
Monitor Your Health:
- Keep a log of any new symptoms or changes in your health. If you notice anything unusual, document it and discuss it with your provider.
-
Manage Stress and Anxiety:
- Consider practicing stress-relief techniques such as mindfulness, meditation, or gentle exercise, which can help improve your overall wellbeing and may positively influence your health outcomes.
- Connecting with support groups—either in-person or online—can provide comfort and shared experiences with others facing similar health challenges.
-
Stay Informed but Balanced:
- While it’s natural to search for information, try to strike a balance. Avoid excessive self-diagnosis or scrutiny of medical conditions online, which can lead to increased anxiety. Instead, trust the process with your care team.
-
Focus on Healthy Habits:
- Continue with weight management and dietary changes that have improved your overall health. Prioritize nutrition and hydration as you navigate these challenges.
Remember, your healthcare team is there to support you, and they will guide you based on the results of your upcoming tests. You’re not alone in this journey; reaching out for support from friends, family, or community groups can be very reassuring. If you have specific concerns about your health, always voice them with your provider. Let me know if you need further clarification or support!
Related Questions
Navigating Alcohol Consumption While on Antidepressants
I am currently prescribed Escitalopram at a dosage of 10mg and Trazodone 50mg, which I take before bed for my mental health. Additionally, I use Clonazepam to help manage my anxiety. Earlier today, I joined a few friends for a social gathering where we had some drinks. I informed them that due to my medication, I usually avoid alcohol; however, I opted to have a single beer so I could participate in the festivities without feeling out of place. Now, approximately three hours later, I do not sense any lingering effects of alcohol. If there were any, they are quite subtle. My question is: Is it safe for me to take my medications in light of this?
Concerns About Potential Brain Damage at 16
To begin, I’d like to clarify that I’m currently located in Europe, where I observe that many individuals in my environment engage in more extreme behaviors than I do, even as I strive to partake in social activities without crossing the line into recklessness. My journey with alcohol commenced at the age of 14, albeit in a very mild manner. By the time I turned 15, I started drinking more regularly, making sure to space out my experiences approximately weekly to monthly, totaling around ten instances of intoxication. Notably, I noticed I had an adverse physical reaction to alcohol—specifically, skin flush the following day—which prompted me to transition to cannabis as it felt easier on my body. I limited my cannabis use to weekends while adhering to similar spacing, with one exception. At 16, I found myself smoking almost every day for a week after a particular incident, but I was able to regain control thereafter. When I was 15, I also experimented with psilocybin mushrooms on two occasions, which proved to be positive experiences and made me realize I needed to cut back on alcohol consumption. Recently, I had a successful experience with 150 micrograms of LSD after careful preparation. This evening, I intend to consume half an edible instead of resorting to drinking or smoking, aiming to increase my intervals between substances to once a month at a minimum while maintaining a healthy lifestyle as an athlete. Despite my efforts, my naturally anxious disposition makes me concerned about anything that may cause irreversible damage to my brain, including, for instance, excessive screen time. I would greatly value insights from professionals regarding these worries. For context: I’m 16 years old, assigned female at birth but have been on testosterone for seven months, standing at 5'4" and weighing 125 pounds.
Concerns about HSV Transmission During Nasal Suctioning for My Baby
Recently, I experienced my first cold sore at the age of 29, appearing at the edge of my lower lip. With a three-month-old infant, I have been particularly cautious, believing that the herpes simplex virus (HSV) is transmitted solely through direct contact. I made sure to avoid kissing my baby and kept my distance. On her three-month birthday, she woke in the early morning with significant nasal congestion. Feeling exhausted, I instinctively reached for the Frida nasal suction, my usual go-to in such situations. While using the device, I made sure my cold sore was not in contact with it. Typically, I only use the suction in her nostrils, afterward blowing air onto my hand to check for any mucus and then continuing the process. However, as I performed this task, I began to question whether I was potentially spreading the virus; my research revealed that HSV can indeed be transmitted through saliva. Although most of my usage was suctioning, I realized I had occasionally blown into the tube to assess its effectiveness before resuming suction. Naturally, I'm feeling anxious and regretful for not thoroughly considering the risks involved. Additionally, I learned that my illness may have contributed to my cold sore, and now I suspect my baby may also be coming down with something—her first cold has me quite worried. I took precautions by wearing a mask, and throughout the week, she seemed unaffected. Being a breastfeeding mother, I hope she has received ample antibodies to help her. I would greatly appreciate any insights on whether I need to be alarmed or if there are specific signs I should monitor. Thank you for your assistance!
Dismissed as a Patient After 26 Years
For the past 26 years, I’ve been a patient at the same medical office, practically since the moment I entered this world (or rather, since I began my existence). Admittedly, I did transition from a pediatrician to a general practitioner when I turned 18, but I’ve mainly seen the same doctors throughout my life, including a general physician and a sports medicine specialist. During this extensive period, I have only missed a couple of appointments—perhaps just two in total—which seems quite reasonable considering I’ve had numerous check-ups and consultations due to various health issues, largely stemming from accidents and injuries. It’s not uncommon for someone like me, who tends to be accident-prone, to have over a hundred visits in nearly three decades. However, I recently discovered that I’ve reportedly missed three appointments in the span of six months. This unexpected revelation is frustrating, as those missed appointments occurred while I was recovering from orthopedic surgery following a significant work-related accident—I tumbled two stories off a ladder, highlighting my tendency for mishaps. The appointments I failed to attend were routine check-ups with my general practitioner, my sports medicine doctor, and a blood test. Unfortunately, they all coincidentally fell around the same period just after my surgery. I learned about the need for the surgery only a few weeks ahead of these scheduled appointments, and post-surgery, mobility was a challenge. I had asked my husband to cancel them on my behalf, but he neglected to do so—an oversight we share. While I take some responsibility for not ensuring the calls were made, I was heavily medicated with prescribed pain relief at the time. Despite my generally good attendance record, this series of missed appointments led to my dismissal as a patient. Today, when I contacted the office to request a refill for a chronic medication unrelated to the surgery, I was informed that I can no longer receive care there, as I was discharged as a patient back in early January. This came as a shock, especially since they had filled a different prescription for me just weeks ago without any issues. It raises the question: how can they discharge me and then assist with a prescription shortly before? I’ve been on the same medication for over seven years, and I am not asking for anything out of the ordinary. If they want to sever ties after 26 years, I’m willing to find another provider, but it feels absurd to deny me vital medication after such a long-standing relationship. Is this a common practice? When I explained my situation—politely and respectfully—the response was still a firm refusal to refill my prescription. My discussions were limited to administrative personnel, leaving me at a loss about my next steps. I’ve always been a reliable patient, with the exception of these recent three appointments occurring immediately after the surgery. The urgency of my medical needs can’t be understated: I am in need of key prescriptions and follow-up care due to significant health concerns from my recent injury, numerous corticosteroid injections, and a positive result from a cancer screening test. Although statistics suggest the probability of a false positive at my age, it still necessitates thorough follow-up, especially given my family's history of this condition. For the past week, I’ve reached out daily, always with courtesy, yet I’ve received no resolution, just the run-around among various office staff. They mentioned they sent me a letter to inform me of my dismissal, yet I never received a call, email, or any subsequent communication. One single letter does not suffice to terminate a patient’s long-term relationship with their medical practice, especially when it involves critical prescriptions and post-surgery care. Is this standard protocol? I cannot stress enough that I am not embellishing my situation. With an almost flawless attendance record and a recent misstep due to surgical recovery, being abruptly cut off feels excessive. I truly appreciate my general practitioner, need my medication, and face a myriad of concerns—from continuity of care to other pressing health issues—which makes this entire experience deeply troubling and perplexing.
Uncertainty Surrounding My Health Incident
I am a 15-year-old girl currently battling a cold, and I also have a confirmed diagnosis of Ehlers-Danlos syndrome. Additionally, I suspect I may have POTS, although that's not officially confirmed. Earlier today, I got up to visit the bathroom, which requires navigating around twenty steps from the living room. As I stood up, I noticed my vision starting to blur, but that’s a familiar sensation for me, so I didn’t think anything was amiss. Upon reaching the bathroom, my eyesight faded to complete darkness. Losing my sight entirely isn’t unusual for me, and while frustrating, I merely found it bothersome rather than alarming. Once inside, I turned on the light, and although I couldn’t see it illuminating the room, I heard the click of the switch, indicating it was on. I then attempted to locate the sliding door to close it. However, I misjudged the doorway completely on my first try. I felt it was odd, yet I dismissed it and tried again, but I encountered the same issue. After my second attempt, I experienced significant trembling in my limbs, so intense that I realized I was on the verge of falling. To prevent that, I quickly lowered myself to the floor, remaining blind to my surroundings. After about five seconds, my vision began to return, and I noticed my legs were still shaking. A few seconds later, the shaking subsided, and I regained control over my body. I stood up right after, feeling relatively assured that it wouldn’t happen again, but I opted to sit for safety's sake. This event occurred just a couple of hours ago, and thankfully, it hasn't recurred. Although my vision tends to dim when I stand, that is a typical occurrence for me, and I’ve since retained partial sight. I did not lose consciousness during the incident and have clear memories of the entire experience, without confusion or disorientation afterward. Notably, epilepsy runs in my family; my aunt has it, and my mother’s cousin experienced several seizures a few months back, although he hasn’t had any recently. Personally, I have never fainted, though I’ve come close multiple times. It’s important to mention that I’ve never experienced a seizure before, and I remain uncertain whether what transpired was a seizure or something different altogether.