Seeking Urgent Assistance
I am a 33-year-old woman residing in Kentucky and I urgently need help with my ongoing health issues. Medical History: - Underwent surgeries for gallbladder and appendix removal as well as a hysterectomy. Current Medications: - Vyvanse 70 mg - Adderall 5 mg - Zoloft 100 mg - Metformin 500 mg - Mounjaro 5 mg (initiated two months ago) - Metoprolol 25 mg - Pregabalin 100 mg - Vitamin D: 1 tablet per week Allergic Reactions: - Allergic to Toradol and Compazine For the past two years, I've been battling severe health challenges, yet I've often been dismissed as a drug seeker. Finding help has been nearly impossible, as referrals to specialists often involve long waits of six months or more. I am pleading for anyone to truly listen and assist me. Over the last two years, I've experienced the following symptoms: - Persistent pain in my left upper abdomen radiating to my back—similar to the sensations of kidney stones or gallbladder discomfort. I can describe it as a feeling akin to something growing beneath my right rib cage. - Debilitating body pain, as if an electric current is coursing through every part of me. - Sudden onset of redness on my cheeks and neck, which appears to worsen my abdominal discomfort. - Frequent headaches, a symptom that I was never prone to experiencing. - Episodes of nausea, vomiting, and diarrhea. While the nerve pain is almost a daily occurrence, the other symptoms seem to come in unpredictable bursts. I can feel fine for weeks, only to be hit with a wave of symptoms again. Notably, this is not linked to my diet. Furthermore, none of my medications were initiated when these issues arose. The troubling element in all this is that a multitude of blood tests and imaging studies have returned normal results—everything looks healthy and clear, including AMA tests. This situation has unfortunately led many healthcare providers to not take my concerns seriously. I've even been ridiculed for mentioning that Toradol triggers severe panic attacks in me. Despite being generally sensitive to pain, I possess a high tolerance for pain medications. I do not misuse drugs or alcohol, and although I smoke half a pack of cigarettes daily, I had quit for several months with no change in my condition. Adjusting my diet has also proven ineffective. I feel utterly hopeless and am at my breaking point. The distressing physical issues are profoundly ruining my life, and I am desperately seeking answers or assistance. I have undergone extensive evaluations, including consultations with two gastroenterologists, two cardiologists, and a hematologist. I am still waiting to see a rheumatologist, but that appointment is not scheduled for another five months.
Answers (1)
3/28/2025, 12:40:43 AM
OpenHealth AI
I'm truly sorry to hear about the ongoing challenges you're facing with your health. It’s understandable to feel distressed when symptoms are persistent and evaluations haven’t provided clear answers. Your experiences with pain and discomfort are valid, and I want to help you find a clear path forward.
Main Points
- You have a range of troubling physical symptoms that are impacting your quality of life.
- It's important to consider pain management and monitoring your symptoms while waiting for specialist appointments.
Explanation
Your history of multiple surgeries and the variety of medications you're on, along with the symptoms you've described (abdominal pain, body pain, redness, headaches, nausea, and gastrointestinal issues), can be complex to navigate. The absence of findings in tests can be frustrating; however, some conditions may not show in standard tests yet can still cause significant symptoms.
Given your situation, it sounds like you're experiencing a mix of potential issues that could be related to nerve sensitivity, possible gastrointestinal discomfort, or even systemic conditions that need more specific evaluation from a rheumatologist or similar specialist.
Next Steps
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Keep a Symptom Diary: Document when each symptom occurs, its duration, intensity, potential triggers, and anything that seems to improve or worsen the symptoms. This can provide valuable information when you see specialists again.
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Manage Pain: While waiting for more specialized care, consider strategies for pain management such as:
- Gentle stretching or physical therapy, if accessible, to help with body pain.
- Mindfulness and relaxation techniques to help with overall discomfort and anxiety.
- Over-the-counter pain relief (like acetaminophen) if allowed considering your current medications, but please verify with your prescriber.
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Hydration and Nutrition: Even if dietary changes have not helped in the past, maintaining hydration and a balanced diet can support overall health. You might want to consult a nutritionist if that becomes feasible.
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Follow-Up on Referrals: Since you’re waiting for a rheumatologist, regularly check in with the office to see if there are any cancellations that could allow for an earlier appointment.
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Assess Smoking: While you've noted that quitting smoking didn’t change your condition, continuing to reduce or quit smoking can have overall health benefits and may help your body’s healing processes.
Emotional Support
It’s crucial to seek support during this challenging time. Consider reaching out to friends, family, or support groups for people facing similar health issues. Finding someone who listens can also be therapeutic.
Your resilience in facing these health challenges is commendable. While it may feel overwhelming now, there are paths to finding answers and relief, and I hope these steps offer some clarity and direction. Please feel free to ask further questions or seek more specific advice on any of the mentioned areas.
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