Seeking Guidance on Medical Consultation
Hello, my name is Hannah. I’m 24 years old, standing at 5’4” and weighing 117 pounds. Over the past year, I have faced numerous health challenges and am struggling to find answers. My experiences have left me uncertain about which type of medical professional I should consult next, as my previous visits have not provided the help I’m looking for—many have disregarded my symptoms or simply suggested that I keep an eye on my condition. As I approach a full year of monitoring, my symptoms only seem to be worsening. **Medical Timeline & History** - **April 2024**: Discovered two small lumps on my neck. Initial blood tests revealed a low-normal white blood cell count (2.6) and high-normal lymphocyte levels. I was advised to observe the situation. - **April to November 2024**: The lumps remained unchanged, and I started experiencing monthly illnesses characterized by fatigue, congestion, earaches, and persistent sinus infections. - **June 2024**: Diagnosed with chronic sinusitis through CT scan confirmation. Treatments included antibiotics and steroids, yet the lymph node swelling continued. - **November 2024**: After a neck ultrasound, results were deemed normal. Blood tests (including WBC count, CRP, TSH, etc.) also returned normal. A bald spot appeared behind my left ear, which may be alopecia areata, while the lymph nodes have not subsided. - **March 2025**: A follow-up neck ultrasound revealed seven enlarged lymph nodes in bilateral level V, but no additional blood tests were performed. - **Current**: The lumps are still present, and I continue to experience sickness approximately once a month. After taking antibiotics in January 2025, I became unwell again in March with symptoms like a sore throat, headache, and weakness in my hands. **Symptoms I'm Experiencing** - Swollen lymph nodes lasting one year - Ongoing fatigue - Frequent mouth ulcers - Increased sensitivity to cold (somewhat embarrassing, but over the past year, I’ve gone from enjoying cool weather to feeling my body tense and my teeth chattering in 60-degree temperatures.) - Newly developed circular bald patch (suspected alopecia areata) - Recurring infections every month since April 2024 - Numbness in my hands and feet (originally thought it was normal, but I now realize that it’s not.) - Tingling sensations in the groin area when seated for extended periods (this began about six months ago; the first episode lasted a week and was extremely alarming to me. I have experienced similar sensations since, though never as intense. I hadn’t sustained any injuries prior to the initial occurrence. I haven’t yet mentioned this to any healthcare provider due to embarrassment about discussing such a personal issue.) - Previously diagnosed with carpal tunnel syndrome at age 19 after consulting a hand specialist. With all of this information, which type of specialist should I consult for proper guidance? During my last visit to the ENT in March, I was told my issues were related to stress and sleep, which was surprising to me. I have delayed seeking further help, but I am feeling quite miserable and truly need direction.
Answers (1)
3/26/2025, 4:10:49 PM
OpenHealth AI
Summary Statement: Given your complex and persistent symptoms, consulting a rheumatologist and a neurologist would be beneficial for comprehensive evaluation and management.
Explanation: Your health challenges—including swollen lymph nodes, recurrent infections, extreme fatigue, numbness, and recent symptoms like hair loss and tingling—suggest multiple possible underlying conditions. These symptoms warrant further examination beyond what has been previously done. A rheumatologist specializes in autoimmune diseases (like lupus) and can evaluate issues related to your immune system and persistent inflammation. A neurologist would help assess the tingling and numbness you've experienced, which are concerning and could point to a neurological issue.
Next Steps:
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Schedule an Appointment with a Rheumatologist:
- Bring a detailed symptom diary documenting your symptoms, their frequency, durations, and any potential triggers. This information will aid your rheumatologist in understanding your condition.
- Ask about comprehensive testing for autoimmune conditions, including tests for lupus or other rheumatological disorders.
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Follow-Up with a Neurologist:
- Discuss your numbness and tingling sensations, along with any changes in sensitivity or strength in your hands. Mention the past diagnosis of carpal tunnel syndrome as well.
- Request a thorough neurological examination to rule out conditions affecting nerve function.
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Prepare for the Visits:
- Write down your medical history, including all previous tests, diagnoses, and treatments received. This will be helpful for both specialists.
- Don’t hesitate to mention any concerning symptoms, even those that feel embarrassing; all of your symptoms are important for diagnosing your condition.
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Consider Mental Health Support:
- Given the stress and sleep issues noted by your ENT specialist, it might be worthwhile to consult with a mental health professional. Stress can exacerbate physical symptoms and exploring this could further aid in your overall well-being.
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Monitor Symptoms:
- Keep track of any new symptoms or changes to existing symptoms. If symptoms worsen or new concerning ones arise, don't hesitate to contact your healthcare providers.
Taking these steps can help you receive the comprehensive care you need and ensure that your physical health issues aren't overlooked. You're taking a strong and important step toward feeling better, and it's okay to seek out the right support.
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