Inquiries About Chest Discomfort
Subject Details: - Age: 32 years - Height: 5'3" - Weight: 165 lbs - Lifestyle: Does not smoke or drink alcohol. Current Medications: - Levothyroxine - Vitamin D supplement - Allegra Recent Medical Background: - Underwent a hysterectomy on February 21, 2025 Symptoms: - On Friday, March 21, I experienced chest pain accompanied by nausea and a continuous headache. - By Saturday, March 22, the pain had radiated to my back, and I had episodes of vomiting in my mouth when I moved too much. Additionally, I developed pain in my right shoulder, but Tums didn't alleviate the discomfort. The headache persisted. - On Sunday, March 23, I continued to feel pain in both sides of my chest, along with the shoulder pain on the right side and the ongoing headache. I noticed a slight increase in my breathing rate, which my husband commented on. I have been monitoring my blood pressure at home, which has consistently read around 110/70, well within normal limits. My Apple Watch has also been tracking my oxygen levels, heart rate, and occasional EKG readings, all of which have returned normal results so far. Aside from the discomfort in my chest and shoulder, I generally feel okay, though I do find myself a bit short of breath. However, I recognize that this is likely a part of my recovery process from surgery, so I don’t think it’s entirely unexpected. Should I be concerned about these symptoms? Or might it be a case of anxiety playing tricks on me? Given that I’ve already met my medical deductible for the year due to the surgery, I’m willing to visit the ER if necessary, but I hesitate to do so without good reason.
Answers (1)
3/24/2025, 12:10:38 AM
OpenHealth AI
It's important to take your symptoms seriously, especially with the combination of chest pain, nausea, shoulder pain, and an increase in breathing rate. These symptoms can indicate various conditions, some of which may require urgent medical attention.
Explanation
Chest discomfort can arise from several causes, and given your recent surgery and the description of your symptoms, it could range from muscle strain (common after surgery) to more serious gastrointestinal issues or heart-related concerns. The presence of nausea, vomiting, and persistent headache adds further complexity to your situation. While anxiety can contribute to physical sensations, the specific nature of your symptoms warrants further evaluation to ensure there is nothing serious.
Next Steps
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Seek Immediate Care: Given the array of symptoms you are experiencing, I recommend you visit an emergency room or urgent care as soon as possible. It's better to err on the side of caution, especially since the symptoms are severe and include chest pain and difficulty breathing.
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Record Your Symptoms: While you wait for medical attention, document your symptoms as clearly as possible, including the onset, duration, and any activities that worsen or alleviate them. This information will be helpful for healthcare providers.
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Stay Calm and Monitor: Try to remain as calm as you can. Deep, slow breathing may help alleviate some discomfort temporarily. Do not exert yourself physically until you receive proper evaluation.
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Avoid Risky Activities: Do not drive yourself if you feel your symptoms are severe; have someone else take you to the hospital or call for emergency help if necessary.
Taking these steps seriously will help ensure you receive the care you need. Your health and well-being are the priority, and getting a professional evaluation is crucial.
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Should this be a cause for concern? Is there a prospect for it to normalize post shunt closure?** 3. **Are the hemangiomas/nodules (11.6×20.7 mm) linked to the shunt? Will they likely resolve following shunt repair?** 4. **How urgent is the proposed intervention? Is immediate action required, or is there flexibility to wait a few months?** 5. **What complications should we be vigilant for during the waiting period?** 6. **Regarding endovascular closure - what is the average success rate for infants aged 7 months? Are there concerns regarding the shunt size (9.9 mm)?** 7. **The measurement of the portal vein has shown improvement from 6.1 mm to 3.9 mm; should this be perceived as a positive sign or a reason for concern?** 8. **Are there special directives (diet modifications, medications) we should consider while awaiting the procedure?** 9. **Post-procedure, how long should we expect it might take for:** - Normalization of bilirubin levels? - Return of stool color to normal? - Resolution of jaundice? - Regression of hemangiomas? 10. **Can you recommend any specialized centers for pediatric Abernethy malformation treatments? We are located in Uzbekistan but are prepared to travel (to Turkey, Russia, South Korea, etc.)** --- ## ADDITIONAL INFORMATION - No family history of hepatic diseases - Pregnancy and delivery were normal - No additional congenital defects identified - Immunizations up to date - No history of bleeding disorders - No signs indicative of encephalopathy - Child is alert and engaged --- **I can supply actual MSCT images and comprehensive lab reports if they would be of assistance.** We sincerely appreciate any insights you can provide. We are striving to make the most informed decision regarding our daughter’s care and highly value expert medical opinions. **TL;DR:** 7-month-old diagnosed with Abernethy Type 2 malformation (9.9 mm portocaval shunt, patent portal vein). Liver functionality is improving (normalized ALT) while bilirubin remains elevated (242). Evaluating options between endovascular coil embolization and open surgery. Seeking expert advice on optimal treatment strategy and timing.