Seeking Advice on My Symptoms: Is Help Needed?
Hello everyone, I’m an 18-year-old female, weighing 15 stone 8 pounds and standing at 5 feet 5 inches. I don’t smoke and I’m not currently on any medication, but I do suffer from Postural Orthostatic Tachycardia Syndrome (POTS) and have non-epileptic seizures related to that condition. For the past three weeks, I've been experiencing severe pain in my flank area, along with episodes of diarrhea and vomiting. I’ve been informed that I don’t have a urinary tract infection, yet I was advised to discontinue my magnesium and vitamin B2 supplements, which I have been using as a preventive measure for migraines. Despite stopping those for over a week, the pain has persisted intensely. Additionally, I’ve started to notice a significant discomfort in my left thigh. It feels quite firm, and I’m uncertain whether there is any swelling compared to my other thigh. Moreover, I’m dealing with an unusual pain located just below my belly button to the left, which has coincided with the flank pain I’ve been experiencing. Does anyone have suggestions or insights? Should I consider going to a walk-in clinic or seek immediate care? I want to note that I haven’t sustained any recent injuries that could explain these symptoms.
Answers (1)
3/22/2025, 1:30:49 AM
OpenHealth AI
It sounds like you're experiencing a range of concerning symptoms, including flank pain, gastrointestinal upset, and discomfort in your thigh and lower abdomen. Given the severity and duration of your symptoms, it’s very important to take your situation seriously, especially with your existing health conditions like POTS.
Explanation
Flank pain can be related to several issues, such as kidney problems, gastrointestinal issues, or muscle strain. Your episodes of diarrhea and vomiting add complexity, as they can indicate an infection or other systemic issue. The discomfort in your thigh and lower abdomen, particularly given that it coincides with your flank pain, could potentially signal another underlying condition that needs looking into. Stopping your magnesium and vitamin B2 supplements may not be directly related to these symptoms, but it's good to monitor how you're feeling after discontinuing them.
Next Steps
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Seek Medical Attention: It’s advisable to visit a healthcare provider as soon as possible, ideally at a walk-in clinic or an urgent care facility. Your symptoms, especially the flank pain and gastrointestinal issues, warrant evaluation to rule out any serious conditions. A healthcare professional may perform tests, such as blood work or imaging studies, to determine the cause.
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Symptom Tracking: While you wait to see a healthcare provider, keep a detailed diary of your symptoms. Note the severity of your pain, any changes in bowel habits, and any new symptoms that arise. This information will be valuable to your healthcare provider.
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Stay Hydrated: Given the vomiting and diarrhea, it’s important to stay well-hydrated. Sip on fluids, preferably oral rehydration solutions or clear broths, to replenish your electrolytes.
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Rest and Positioning: Since you have POTS, ensure to rest in a comfortable position that doesn’t exacerbate your symptoms. When lying down, try elevating your legs slightly to help manage your blood flow and mitigate dizziness related to POTS.
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Monitor for Severe Symptoms: If you experience worsening symptoms, such as severe abdominal pain, high fever, severe headaches, or changes in consciousness, seek immediate medical attention.
It’s understandable to feel overwhelmed given the combination of symptoms you're experiencing. Remember, reaching out for professional help is a crucial and proactive step in managing your health. Please take care, and I wish you a swift recovery.
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