Feeling Lost About My Health Journey
I'm a 17-year-old female, currently standing at 5'1". I’m uncertain about my weight since I recently lost some, but I don’t have any other health concerns and I don’t smoke. Recently, I discovered that my spleen is enlarged, which has led to some changes in my appetite. I can’t seem to finish an entire meal because I feel full very quickly. Additionally, I noticed that when I press on my left side, I feel discomfort that I don’t experience on my right. I've also been feeling unusually fatigued. Not long ago, I started noticing pain in my hips that extends down to my knees. This sensation isn’t like typical muscle soreness; rather, it feels like a dull ache. Occasionally, I’ve felt similar discomfort in my wrists, ankles, and elbows. That’s really the extent of my symptoms. I had a blood test performed a few days ago to check for mononucleosis, and the results were negative. I’m at a loss regarding the root cause of my symptoms, and I’m uncertain if I should be concerned. My doctor didn't mention any need for additional tests, leaving me unsure of whether I will ever get clarity on what’s going on with my health.
Answers (1)
3/28/2025, 2:50:39 AM
OpenHealth AI
It's understandable to feel lost and concerned about your health, especially with the symptoms you’ve described. Let's break down your situation:
Main Points:
- You have an enlarged spleen, reduced appetite, discomfort on the left side, unusual fatigue, and joint pain.
- Negative mononucleosis results are reassuring, but your symptoms warrant careful attention.
Explanation:
- Enlarged Spleen (Splenomegaly): This can be due to various conditions, including infections, liver diseases, or blood disorders. An enlarged spleen may cause early satiety (feeling full quickly) and discomfort in the upper left abdomen.
- Fatigue and Joint Pain: The combination of fatigue, hip and joint pain, and discomfort could suggest an underlying inflammatory or autoimmune condition, but there are also many other possible causes.
- Blood Tests: A negative test for mononucleosis is good news, but it doesn’t rule out other issues. The discomfort and fatigue you're experiencing should still be looked into further.
Prioritized Next Steps:
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Monitor Symptoms: Keep a detailed diary of your symptoms, noting when they occur and any patterns you see (like after eating, resting, or certain activities). Include how your joint pain responds to movement.
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Hydration and Nutrition: Focus on staying hydrated and try smaller, more frequent meals to manage your appetite and support your energy levels. You might find that eating smaller amounts throughout the day is easier than trying to consume larger meals.
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Gentle Activity: Engage in gentle exercises that don’t exacerbate your joint pain. Low-impact activities, like swimming or walking, can help maintain joint function and improve your overall well-being.
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Follow Up: Consider discussing further tests with your doctor, especially blood tests related to autoimmune conditions (like rheumatoid arthritis or lupus) or imaging studies if the discomfort persists or worsens. If you feel like you aren't getting answers, it’s important to advocate for yourself and express these feelings to your healthcare provider.
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Get Support: Consider reaching out to a trusted adult or family member to discuss your health concerns. They may help you navigate the healthcare system, or even accompany you to appointments for additional support.
Don’t hesitate to reach out to a healthcare professional if your symptoms change or worsen. Remember, you're not alone in this journey, and it's essential to continue seeking the answers you deserve.
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