Do These Appear to Be Worms?
• Age: 28 • Gender: Cis Male • Height/Weight: 5'6", 130 lbs • Ethnicity: Caucasian (Danish descent) • Location: San Diego, California, USA • Previous health conditions: Refer to details below (*) • Medications: Zoloft 200mg; Concerta 36mg • Symptoms duration: 2 years ### Presentation of Symptoms: **Potential Helminthiasis with Gastrointestinal, Neurological, and Ocular Symptoms** **Chronic Rectal Bleeding:** For the past two years, the patient has experienced significant rectal bleeding that has intensified over time. Potential causes under consideration include helminth infections, colorectal tumors, inflammatory bowel disorders, or conditions affecting the anorectal region. **Gastrointestinal & Systemic Issues:** The individual reports recurring abdominal pain, decreased appetite, diarrhea, unintentional weight loss, and noted iron deficiency. A CT scan of the abdomen and pelvis conducted in November 2024 (without contrast) indicated substantial stool accumulation in the colon, suggesting persistent constipation. **Neurological and Sensory Symptoms (Paresthesia):** There have been complaints of tingling, crawling sensations in both the scalp and feet. Additionally, cognitive functions appear affected, exhibiting symptoms like confusion, forgetfulness, lightheadedness, headaches, and difficulty articulating speech. **Ocular Issues:** The patient has experienced abrupt blurred vision, spasms, and stinging in the right eye, alongside observing floaters—some resembling worms—which raises concerns regarding potential parasitic infection affecting the eyes. **Cardiopulmonary Symptoms:** There have been notable challenges with increasing shortness of breath, instances of acute left-sided chest pain, and episodes characterized by a rapid heartbeat.
Answers (1)
3/27/2025, 2:10:51 AM
OpenHealth AI
It's important to take your symptoms seriously and understand that they could stem from various underlying health issues. The combination of chronic rectal bleeding, gastrointestinal symptoms, neurological signs, ocular disturbances, and cardiopulmonary difficulties needs careful evaluation to determine the cause and appropriate care.
Explanation:
-
Symptom Overview: Your ongoing rectal bleeding, abdominal pain, unintended weight loss, neurological signs (like tingling and cognitive issues), and vision changes raise concerns. Potential causes could include:
- Helminth infections (worm infections) which can lead to gastrointestinal distress and systemic symptoms.
- Inflammatory bowel disorders (like Crohn's disease or ulcerative colitis) that can cause rectal bleeding and abdominal pain.
- Colorectal tumors or polyps that might cause bleeding and changes in bowel habits.
- Neurological issues potentially linked to nutrient deficiencies (such as iron or vitamin B12), which could be contributing to confusion and impaired cognitive function.
- Ocular symptoms may need further investigation for potential parasitic involvement.
-
Urgency of Assessment: Given the complexity and severity of your symptoms, it's critical to pursue further evaluation, as some symptoms (like rectal bleeding and visual disturbances) need prompt attention to rule out serious conditions.
Prioritized Next Steps:
-
Maintain a Symptom Diary: Track all your symptoms daily, noting the severity, duration, and any specific triggers or patterns. Include details about your bowel movements, rectal bleeding episodes, and any neurological changes.
-
Enhance Nutrition: Focus on a balanced diet rich in iron (like lean meats, leafy greens, and legumes) and other essential nutrients. Consider iron supplements, but only after consulting with a healthcare provider.
-
Hydration: Ensure you’re drinking plenty of fluids, which can help with constipation and general health.
-
Monitor Symptoms Closely: If symptoms worsen (such as increased bleeding, severe abdominal pain, or drastic changes in vision), seek emergency attention immediately.
-
Schedule Comprehensive Testing: When possible, arrange to see a healthcare provider who can conduct thorough investigations, such as:
- Additional imaging or scope examinations (like a colonoscopy).
- Blood tests to assess anemia, nutrient deficiencies, and possible infections.
- Neurological evaluations for your cognitive and sensory symptoms.
It's understandable to feel anxious about these experiences. Addressing them comprehensively with a professional will aid in finding the right diagnosis and treatment plan. Take care, and don’t hesitate to reach out for help.
Related Questions
Interpretation Request for Recent Spinal NM Bone Scan
Hello, doctors. I'm reaching out for your insights regarding a recent NM bone scan of my spine. I've previously undergone a similar scan in 2022, and I'd like to compare the two. To provide context, I am a 29-year-old female weighing 100 kg, and I've been diagnosed with conditions including endplate sclerosis, spinal stenosis, cervical bone spurs, degenerative disc disease (DDD), and mild scoliosis. My medication regimen consists of several prescriptions. Unfortunately, my next appointment with my general practitioner is still a few weeks away, so I would appreciate your assessments on how the latest scan compares to the previous one. Thank you in advance for your help!
Unexpected Eye Issues: Headache and Double Vision Concerns
A 33-year-old female, measuring 1.67 meters in height and weighing 55 kilograms, residing in the Netherlands, experienced a sudden onset of symptoms. Last evening, shortly after dinner, my partner complained of a slight headache localized at the rear of her head. Along with this discomfort, she encountered double vision and noticed her right eye deviating outward. Interestingly, when she shut either eye, the double vision resolved, enabling her to see without distortion. We rushed her to the emergency room later that night. The medical team conducted a variety of assessments, including physical examinations, neurological evaluations, visual tests, and laboratory analyses. Fortunately, all results were normal. However, the doctors found it peculiar that her right eye exhibited normal movement and accurately tracked a pen in all directions when her left eye was closed. The medical opinion suggested that it may be a migraine-related episode, a condition she has experienced previously. Nonetheless, she insists that this feels unlike any migraine she has had in the past. A teleconsultation with a neurologist is scheduled for Monday to arrange an MRI should the symptoms continue. The doctors advised that if her symptoms worsen, we should return to the hospital immediately. Fortunately, after a night's rest, her vision had returned to normal by morning, the headache had subsided, and her right eye was aligned properly. I am understandably concerned, particularly due to her assertion that this does not resemble a typical migraine. Is it possible that this is indeed a migraine, or could it be indicative of another underlying issue? Thank you for your attention to this matter.
Unusual Wave Patterns in ECG: Potential Artifacts in Lead V6
Upon examining the ECG readings, I've noticed peculiar double wave formations appearing between the QRS complex and the T wave in lead V6. This is new to me, as I have never encountered such patterns before. Could these be classified as artifacts?
Unexplained Bruises on My Right Hand – Seeking Advice
I've noticed some unusual bruising on my right hand over the past month. Strangely enough, they don't hurt at all. Should I be concerned about this? It's quite puzzling to see these random marks without any apparent cause.
Intense Pain in Left Thumb
Greetings, I’ve been experiencing a piercing pain at the tip of my left thumb intermittently. This discomfort is situated within the thumb rather than on the outer skin. It primarily affects the underside of the thumb and surrounds the base of the nail. The pain seems to extend only to the first skin fold, specifically around the distal phalanx. When applying pressure, I’ve noticed some red streaks appearing beneath the surface, alongside the white area. I trust this explanation is clear. This issue has persisted for over a year, occurring sporadically but intensifying as time has passed. Could this be a cause for concern? A bit about myself: I am a 25-year-old female with no significant medical issues in my background. I previously smoked cigarettes for three years, transitioned to vaping, and have been vaping for six years now. I maintain an active lifestyle, frequently going to the gym and participating in various sports such as indoor football and pickleball. I don’t have any known allergies.