What Should I Do Next? Deciding Between Primary Care, Urgent Care, or the ER
I’m looking for guidance on where to seek care following my recent health screening results. My situation is a bit complicated as I do have health insurance, but my finances aren't great. To provide some background, I am a 33-year-old woman who has been on various mood stabilizers and antidepressants for approximately 15 years, and I have been taking ADHD medication for the past five years. Over time, I transitioned from being a social drinker to someone who drinks heavily, but I have recently made the decision to stop drinking for multiple reasons. Additionally, I discovered a tooth abscess that my dentist barely addressed during an emergency visit in December, leaving me unsure of how long it might have been there—possibly 5 to 6 months. Based on the symptoms I've researched, I’m worried about the potential for sepsis or liver disease. ### Test Results That Are Worrying Me: - LDH: 274 (Last year: 234) - AST (SGOT): 90 (Last year: 122) - ALT (SGPT): 62 (Last year: 98) - GGT: 143 (Last year: 74) - LDL Chol Cal (NIH): 128 (Last year: 89) - MCV: 101 (Last year: 93) I’m not seeking a diagnosis; I simply want to understand the seriousness of these results and to which healthcare provider I should turn next. Should I be waiting for an appointment with my primary care physician, seeking help from urgent care, or is a trip to the emergency room warranted? The varying information I’ve found complicates my ability to determine if these signs point to liver disease, sepsis, or are just indicators of being unhealthy. I’m more than willing to provide additional test results if that would help clarify my situation further.
Answers (1)
3/20/2025, 1:50:41 AM
OpenHealth AI
It sounds like you're feeling quite overwhelmed with your health concerns and the recent test results. Let's break this down to help you decide where to seek care based on your symptoms and test results.
Key Points:
- Health Concerns: Your test results indicate elevated liver enzymes (AST, ALT, and GGT) which can be a sign of liver stress or damage, especially in the context of heavy drinking and a dental abscess.
- Where to Seek Care: Given your symptoms and test results, prioritizing care is important. An appointment with your primary care physician (PCP) is ideal for routine follow-up and comprehensive care. However, if you're experiencing worrisome symptoms like severe pain, fever, or chills, consider urgent care or the ER.
Explanation:
- Liver Enzymes: Elevated liver enzymes (like AST and ALT) may suggest liver irritation or damage and could be linked to alcohol use. GGT is also an indicator often associated with liver health.
- Tooth Abscess and Risk of Infection: If the abscess is causing pain, swelling, or has any signs of spreading infection (like fever), this can potentially lead to serious complications such as sepsis, therefore needing prompt evaluation.
- Financial Concerns: Since you mentioned worries about finances, it may be more feasible to start with your primary care physician, who can guide your next steps. They often provide a more holistic evaluation and manage care more cost-effectively if you do have ongoing health issues.
Next Steps:
- Contact Your Primary Care Provider: Schedule an appointment to discuss your symptoms and test results as soon as possible, explaining the urgency due to your concerns about liver health and the tooth abscess.
- Monitor Symptoms: Keep an eye on any new or worsening symptoms, especially fever, increased pain, or any signs of jaundice (yellowing of skin/eyes).
- Consider Urgent Care Only if Necessary: If you develop severe symptoms like high fever, significant abdominal pain, or if the tooth abscess becomes extremely painful, visit urgent care or the ER.
You're taking a positive step by deciding to stop drinking and addressing your health proactively. Prioritizing communication with your healthcare provider will help you get the support you need to understand and address your health situation. If you have any more questions or need further clarification, feel free to ask!
Related Questions
When Can I Expect to Drive Again?
I’m a 35-year-old who suffered a spiral fracture in my right leg affecting both the fibula and tibia. Five weeks post-surgery, I've begun my rehabilitation journey, having undergone physical therapy for three weeks now. I’ve noticed that my leg is beginning to regain sensation, with improved control over my ankle and feeling returning to the sole of my foot. Given this progress, what is a realistic timeframe for when I might be able to drive safely once more?
Seeking Help for Ongoing Health Issues
I am reaching out in desperation for assistance! I'm wondering if anyone else has encountered similar health concerns or could recommend medications or specialists I should consider consulting. I'm truly at a loss and need guidance. As a 23-year-old male vegetarian weighing around 48 kg and standing at 5’4”, I have struggled with being underweight since my childhood. This condition has left me feeling utterly drained and overwhelmed. I’m eager to make a change but feel lost regarding where to begin or which healthcare professional to consult. In my youth, I was diagnosed with asthma, which has significantly improved; however, I continue to deal with low immunity, as I frequently catch colds and coughs from minor exposure to cold environments. Additionally, I’ve noticed that for the past few years, my body temperature feels abnormally high compared to those around me. I experience heat more acutely than my peers. Previously, I was quite active and could walk 4–5 kilometers daily without difficulty. Nowadays, even a short walk of 1–2 kilometers or climbing a few flights of stairs leaves me out of breath and exhausted. Even on days of little physical exertion, I feel weak and lethargic, as though all my vitality has been drained. My appetite has always been low, despite my efforts to increase it. I struggle to consume what would be considered an average meal for someone my age. Just two chapatis or a small bowl of rice or lentils fills me up completely, and attempting to eat more causes discomfort. I often find it perplexing how others manage to eat such larger portions. Dining out has become a challenge for me since even half a plate feels overwhelmingly full. Being extremely slender has made it difficult to find clothing that fits well and has adversely impacted my confidence over the years. For around 15 years, I have hesitated to take photographs of myself. Social and professional circles often regard me as younger than I am, sometimes even as a child, which has contributed to my feelings of invisibility and insecurity. My sensitivity to heat has intensified over the last few years. In seemingly normal room temperatures, I start sweating profusely while those around me remain comfortable. During cold weather, even in temperatures as low as 8°C, I don’t wear warm clothing, as I sweat excessively and feel anxious about overheating. The discomfort can escalate to a point where I feel faint from the heat. In my workplace, where the air conditioning is set at a standard temperature, I find it challenging. I begin to sweat visibly, leaving my clothes damp and prompting coworkers to inquire about my wellbeing. I often feel breathless and anxious that I might collapse if I remain there too long. This makes it very difficult to stay at the office or use public transportation, as even air-conditioned buses can feel uncomfortably warm to me. Over the past year, my situation has deteriorated further. I can no longer tolerate hot or even mildly spiced home-cooked meals, which I used to enjoy without issues. Now, even mildly spiced foods lead to excessive sweating, reddening of my face, and an intense burning sensation in my mouth, akin to consuming overly spicy dishes. As a result, my food intake has diminished even more. I often face ridicule for my dietary limitations, and I’m growing weary of trying to explain my condition, especially when my own family doesn't fully grasp the depth of my struggles, which adds to my distress. I am sharing my story because I truly need help. I wish to identify the underlying issues with my health and seek proper medical attention. If anyone has experienced similar problems or can recommend a suitable type of medical professional to consult, I would greatly appreciate your guidance and support during this challenging time. Thank you. 😭
Interpretation Request for Recent Spinal NM Bone Scan
Hello, doctors. I'm reaching out for your insights regarding a recent NM bone scan of my spine. I've previously undergone a similar scan in 2022, and I'd like to compare the two. To provide context, I am a 29-year-old female weighing 100 kg, and I've been diagnosed with conditions including endplate sclerosis, spinal stenosis, cervical bone spurs, degenerative disc disease (DDD), and mild scoliosis. My medication regimen consists of several prescriptions. Unfortunately, my next appointment with my general practitioner is still a few weeks away, so I would appreciate your assessments on how the latest scan compares to the previous one. Thank you in advance for your help!
Unexpected Eye Issues: Headache and Double Vision Concerns
A 33-year-old female, measuring 1.67 meters in height and weighing 55 kilograms, residing in the Netherlands, experienced a sudden onset of symptoms. Last evening, shortly after dinner, my partner complained of a slight headache localized at the rear of her head. Along with this discomfort, she encountered double vision and noticed her right eye deviating outward. Interestingly, when she shut either eye, the double vision resolved, enabling her to see without distortion. We rushed her to the emergency room later that night. The medical team conducted a variety of assessments, including physical examinations, neurological evaluations, visual tests, and laboratory analyses. Fortunately, all results were normal. However, the doctors found it peculiar that her right eye exhibited normal movement and accurately tracked a pen in all directions when her left eye was closed. The medical opinion suggested that it may be a migraine-related episode, a condition she has experienced previously. Nonetheless, she insists that this feels unlike any migraine she has had in the past. A teleconsultation with a neurologist is scheduled for Monday to arrange an MRI should the symptoms continue. The doctors advised that if her symptoms worsen, we should return to the hospital immediately. Fortunately, after a night's rest, her vision had returned to normal by morning, the headache had subsided, and her right eye was aligned properly. I am understandably concerned, particularly due to her assertion that this does not resemble a typical migraine. Is it possible that this is indeed a migraine, or could it be indicative of another underlying issue? Thank you for your attention to this matter.
Unusual Wave Patterns in ECG: Potential Artifacts in Lead V6
Upon examining the ECG readings, I've noticed peculiar double wave formations appearing between the QRS complex and the T wave in lead V6. This is new to me, as I have never encountered such patterns before. Could these be classified as artifacts?