Ongoing Nausea, Chills, and Head Discomfort for Weeks
I am a 24-year-old female, standing at 4'11" and weighing roughly 105 pounds. I am not expecting a child. I have a doctor's visit scheduled for this Friday, but I am seeking some reassurance in the meantime. For the past few weeks, I’ve been experiencing intense nausea that worsens when I lie down or make quick movements, including turning my head. The nausea has become a constant issue that escalates with certain actions. Although I haven't actually vomited, I often feel like I might, accompanied by bouts of dizziness. Additionally, I've had a persistent dull headache that comes and goes, and ibuprofen isn’t always effective, even though it usually helps alleviate my headaches. Chills plague me as well; I feel cold almost all the time, with my hands particularly chilly and sporadic hot flashes occurring. My temperature has remained steady around 98 degrees, without any fever. These symptoms have been present for several weeks now. Prior to this, I had a viral infection that I initially suspected was norovirus; however, my longer-lasting symptoms began only after the short-term effects subsided. I have tested negative for pregnancy on two occasions. I live with bipolar disorder and ADHD, for which I take lamictal, lithium, and adderall—all medications I’ve been on for several years. I also suffer from Raynaud's phenomenon, which might explain my cold hands and persistent chills, though these symptoms have intensified beyond my usual experience. Additionally, I have a Skyla IUD that I’ve had for about five years (and was replaced after three years), with no complications up to this point. While my appointment is just a few days away, I find myself feeling anxious about my situation and would appreciate any insights or opinions on whether I should seek immediate attention rather than waiting.
Answers (1)
3/26/2025, 3:20:41 PM
OpenHealth AI
You are experiencing a combination of persistent nausea, chills, headaches, and dizziness, which have been troubling for several weeks. Given your history of a recent viral infection, existing health conditions, and medication regimen, it's understandable to feel anxious about your symptoms while waiting for your doctor's appointment.
Explanation:
The combination of your symptoms, including constant nausea, dizziness, chills, and headaches, could be attributed to several factors, including post-viral syndrome, medication side effects, or an exacerbation of existing conditions like Raynaud’s phenomenon. It’s important to note that the sensations of cold hands and chills may be related to your Raynaud’s, but the increased severity you’re feeling could also indicate something new that needs attention.
Next Steps:
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Monitor Your Symptoms: Keep a daily log of your symptoms (nausea intensity, headache frequency, chills, and any triggers). This will be helpful for your doctor.
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Hydrate and Eat Small Meals: Try to stay hydrated and eat small, light meals. This may help alleviate nausea and prevent it from worsening, especially when lying down.
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Avoid Irritants: If specific movements or activities worsen your nausea or dizziness (like quick head turns), try to avoid those actions where possible to reduce discomfort until your appointment.
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Managing Anxiety: Engage in relaxation techniques such as deep breathing or mindfulness, which can help manage anxiety as you wait for your doctor's visit.
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Urgency for Immediate Attention: If you experience any severe symptoms such as extreme dizziness, vomiting, confusion, or significant changes in body temperature or consciousness, please seek medical care immediately, rather than waiting for your appointment.
Your upcoming appointment is crucial to pinpointing the cause of your ongoing symptoms, so prepare any notes or questions to ensure all concerns are addressed. Your feelings of anxiety are natural, and focusing on symptom management can help in the meantime.
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