Head Discomfort and Pressure
Greetings, Reddit community! I appreciate any insights you can offer! **Personal Background** I am a 29-year-old Caucasian male, standing at 6 feet tall and weighing 192 pounds. **Medical History** I have been diagnosed with Crohn’s disease and underwent Functional Endoscopic Sinus Surgery (FESS) in early March 2025 to address a cyst and mucous obstruction in my left maxillary sinus. Additionally, my tonsils and wisdom teeth have been surgically removed. I have undergone two colonoscopies related to my Crohn’s condition. **Current Medications** I receive Entyvion infusions every six weeks and take Losartan (25mg each morning) along with Metoprolol (50mg each evening). I also take Claritin daily to manage seasonal allergies. **Symptoms Experienced** - **Head Area**: Experiencing pain, pressure, and itchiness localized to the left side of my forehead, the left top of my head, and the back left side. I feel increased discomfort while lying down, along with pain and swelling in my left jaw. - **Ears**: Noticeable popping sensation when swallowing, along with pain in my left ear (possibly involving the eardrum?), persistent ringing in both ears, and occasional swooshing sounds in my left ear. - **Vision**: Difficulty with blurry vision and heightened light sensitivity in both eyes. - **Nasal Issues**: I deal with thick mucus that can be white or clear and have bouts of post-nasal drip. - **Dental Region**: I feel pressure and pain in my upper left teeth, mainly affecting the far back left molar, where my wisdom teeth were previously extracted. - **Neck, Back, and Throat Pain**: Experiencing a dull, severe ache and pressure in my neck and across my shoulder blades, along with a sore throat; no fever present. My neck feels stiff, and I have overall body soreness. - **Cardiovascular Symptoms**: My health concerns began with episodes of increased blood pressure and heart rate. While my medication appears to stabilize these factors, I still experience occasional spikes in heart rate. I sometimes feel left-sided chest pain and have occasional palpitations. - **Hand Symptoms**: I occasionally experience tingling sensations in my left hand. - **Other Symptoms**: I frequently wake up in the morning drenched in cold sweat, feeling hot, particularly on my face, even though my body temperature consistently reads 98.6°F. **Medical Consultations** - **Emergency Department**: I have visited three times due to elevated blood pressure readings (190/110). I underwent a chest X-ray and an EKG, which showed no significant anomalies, and I was discharged with prescriptions for migraine and tension headache relief. Blood tests returned normal results. - **Blood Tests**: Comprehensive blood analyses including CBC, thyroid, and metabolic panels showed no issues. - **Dental Check-Up**: No notable issues detected. - **Neurologist Visit**: The MRI, MRA, and CT scans (with and without contrast) indicated a complete effusion in the left sinus and mastoid area. - **ENT Consultation**: The ENT performed FESS surgery for the complete blockage of the left maxillary sinus due to cysts but declined to provide prescriptions for ear drops or comment on the mastoid effusion. - **Cardiologist Appointment**: An ultrasound of the neck yielded no findings, with an upcoming stress test and heart ultrasound scheduled. - **Eye Examination**: Diagnosed with a mild astigmatism in my left eye and prescribed reading glasses, with no other complications identified. - **Orthopedic Assessment**: X-rays and MRI of the neck showed no significant results. - **Gastroenterology Review**: Blood tests, stool samples, and additional stool examinations showed no significant abnormalities.
Answers (1)
3/26/2025, 8:20:49 PM
OpenHealth AI
It sounds like you're experiencing a complex array of symptoms that may be interconnected, especially in light of your medical history and recent health challenges. Here’s a breakdown of the main concerns and some actionable steps you can take.
Main Points:
- Your symptoms, including head pressure, facial pain, and ear issues, could be related to sinus complications post-surgery or possibly linked to tension headaches.
- Your cardiovascular symptoms, including fluctuations in blood pressure and heart rate, need careful monitoring, especially given your complex medical history.
Explanation: The combination of head discomfort, facial pain, ear issues, and educational symptoms such as blurry vision and neck pain suggests multiple potential causes, possibly including:
- Sinusitis: After your sinus surgery, you could still have residual sinus inflammation or complications like effusion contributing to your head and ear symptoms.
- Tension or Migraine Headaches: Headaches commonly cause pressure and discomfort, particularly if you’re experiencing stress or tension in your neck and shoulders.
- Dental Issues: Pain around your molar area can refer discomfort to the head, particularly if there was any residual sensitivity after your wisdom teeth were removed.
- Nerve-related Symptoms: The tingling in your left hand, along with left-sided chest pain and pressure, could relate to nerve compression or tension in your neck.
Next Steps:
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Symptom Diary: Keep track of your symptoms including when they occur, their severity, and any triggers. This could help in identifying patterns or connections.
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Nasal Hygiene: Use saline nasal sprays or a neti pot to help keep your sinuses clear and reduce discomfort. This can be particularly useful given the residual issues after your surgery.
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Pain Management: Use over-the-counter pain relievers (like ibuprofen or acetaminophen) as needed, ensuring they do not conflict with your current medications. Always follow the dosage guidelines provided on the packaging.
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Relaxation Techniques: Consider incorporating relaxation techniques such as deep breathing exercises, meditation, or gentle yoga to help manage stress and potentially alleviate some of the physical symptoms related to tension.
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Monitor Cardiovascular Symptoms: Continue to monitor your heart rate and blood pressure; ensure you have clear emergency protocols in place for any concerning symptoms. Report any significant changes to your healthcare provider promptly.
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Follow-Up Appointments: Stay on top of follow-ups with your specialists (ENT, cardiologist, neurologist) and be proactive in communicating changes or concerns. If symptoms worsen or new symptoms arise, seek further evaluation.
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Light Sensitivity & Blurry Vision: Use appropriate eyewear when reading or in bright light and consider adjusting your work environment to minimize eye strain.
If you find that symptoms persist or worsen despite these actions, it would be essential to revisit your healthcare provider for a more thorough evaluation and perhaps a comprehensive review of your current treatment plan. Your health concerns are valid, and addressing them systematically can help you find relief.
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