Concerns for My Girlfriend's Health: Frequent ER Visits
Hello r/askdocs, I'm reaching out in hopes of gaining some insight regarding my girlfriend's health issues, which have really been impacting her daily life, leaving us both feeling quite confused. We've found ourselves visiting the emergency room several times due to various pains in her chest, head, and back; however, each visit has led to a multitude of tests including EKGs, blood analyses, and even a CT scan of her brain, all of which returned normal results. Despite this, she continues to deal with persistent symptoms that aren’t resolving. Here are the symptoms she has been experiencing: - Chest discomfort that intensifies upon touch, particularly around her ribs, collarbone, upper left arm, armpits, and upper back. The sensation varies; at times it feels electric, while other times it’s dull or warm. - Intermittent pain in her legs, including her thighs, knees, and feet, which appears spontaneously and then fades away. - Sudden shooting pain that travels from her chest to her head, coming and going unpredictably. - A recent uptick in severe migraines, despite her brain CT results being normal. The instances prompting our ER visits have typically occurred when her symptoms flare up unexpectedly, leading to feelings of panic. I’m truly at a loss for what to do next. Does anyone have an idea of what might be causing all of this? Summary: My girlfriend experiences unexplained pain that moves throughout her body (chest, back, and legs), along with intermittent episodes of panic due to severe pain that has led us to the ER. All tests (EKG, blood tests, brain CT) have come back clear. Additionally, she has a history of intense migraines. I would greatly appreciate any advice or insights. Thank you!
Answers (1)
3/21/2025, 3:40:56 PM
OpenHealth AI
It sounds like your girlfriend is dealing with complex health issues that are understandably concerning for both of you. Given the variety of symptoms she is experiencing and the normal results from numerous tests, it's important to consider a few potential avenues while also prioritizing her comfort and well-being.
Key Points:
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Symptoms and Panic: The combination of chest discomfort, pain that shifts locations, and severe migraines can be distressing. Each of these symptoms could have various underlying causes, and the panic triggered by pain can further complicate the situation.
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Possible Causes: Since all critical tests have returned normal results, it's essential to consider non-organic issues such as anxiety, muscle strain, or other benign conditions that could manifest as pain. These might be exacerbated by her stress and the anxiety of the ER visits themselves.
Next Steps:
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Symptom Tracking: Start by keeping a detailed symptom diary. Record when symptoms occur, their intensity, duration, and any potential triggers (physical activity, stress, diet, etc.). This information can be very valuable for understanding patterns and discussing them with her healthcare provider.
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Focus on Pain Relief: Consider simple measures to alleviate discomfort, such as:
- Warm compresses for muscle pain in the back and chest.
- Gentle stretching or yoga to relieve tension.
- Over-the-counter pain relief like ibuprofen or acetaminophen. Always check with a healthcare provider first to ensure it's safe for her.
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Explore Non-Emergency Care: Since emergency visits have not yielded answers, it may be beneficial for her to seek care from a primary care physician or a pain specialist who can take a holistic view of her health. They may recommend additional evaluations or therapies, such as physical therapy for her musculoskeletal pain.
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Manage Anxiety and Panic: If her symptoms are linked to anxiety, consider approaches to manage that, such as:
- Deep breathing exercises or mindfulness practices.
- Talking to a mental health professional for techniques to cope with panic attacks related to pain.
- Joining support groups where she can share experiences and coping strategies with others facing similar challenges.
It’s pivotal to emphasize that you and your girlfriend are taking the right step by seeking support and looking for answers. The path to understanding these symptoms can take time, so be patient with each process and encourage her healing through every small step. If her symptoms intensify or if new concerning symptoms arise, more immediate medical assessment may be warranted.
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