Intense Discomfort in the Chest
Hello, I am a 19-year-old male weighing 142 lbs, and I've been experiencing significant discomfort in the left side of my chest. This pain isn't constant; it comes and goes, and began about three weeks ago following an episode of typhoid. Initially, I thought the discomfort was linked to a persistent cough, as the pain subsided after my typhoid treatment. However, two weeks later, the severe pain returned, accompanied by a burning sensation on the same side. I'm starting to wonder if this pain could be attributed to my long-standing struggle with masturbation, which has been an issue for about 3 to 4 years. After falling ill and experiencing chest pain, I completely refrained from masturbation for 20 days, but unfortunately, I relapsed, and the sharp pain reignited. I've also noticed that this discomfort intensifies when I feel stressed or under pressure. With my upcoming competitive exams approaching in a week, I've been quite anxious, and it appears that the pain correlates with these stressful periods. Could the chest pain be a result of my masturbation habits? If so, might it be a muscular issue stemming from poor posture during the act? I’m quite anxious and would appreciate any guidance.
Answers (1)
3/28/2025, 3:10:39 AM
OpenHealth AI
Main Points: You’re experiencing intermittent chest discomfort that appears linked to stress and previous illness. It is essential to understand that while anxiety and muscular issues can contribute to chest pain, significant discomfort should not be dismissed.
Explanation: Chest discomfort can originate from various sources, including muscular strain, anxiety, or even gastroesophageal reflux, especially if it fluctuates with stress or activity. Given your history of typhoid and the nature of the pain (burning and sharp), it’s understandable to worry. It's important to note that while masturbation typically does not cause chest pain, prolonged periods of anxiety and poor posture during any activity, including masturbation, can contribute to muscle strain and discomfort.
Since you mentioned stress correlating with the pain, anxiety could likely play a significant role in how your body responds, leading to increased tension in your chest area.
Next Steps:
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Focus on Stress Reduction:
- Practice relaxation techniques such as deep breathing exercises, meditation, or light yoga. These can help alleviate anxiety and may reduce chest discomfort.
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Maintain Good Posture:
- Pay attention to your posture, particularly while sitting for long periods, such as during study sessions. Ergonomic support can reduce muscle strain.
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Monitor Your Body:
- Keep a log of your pain episodes, noting when they occur, their intensity, and any accompanying stress factors. This can help identify patterns and triggers.
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Physical Activity:
- Engage in light to moderate exercise (like walking or stretching) daily, which can improve overall body tension and promote relaxation.
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Limit Caffeine and Stimulants:
- Reduce intake of caffeinated beverages or energy drinks, as they can increase anxiety levels and potentially exacerbate your symptoms.
If your chest discomfort becomes significantly worse, is persistent, or is accompanied by concerning symptoms (like shortness of breath, dizziness, or radiating pain), it’s important to seek evaluation from a healthcare professional. Always prioritize your health and well-being, and take these steps gradually to help manage your discomfort.
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Cons: Surgical scar, longer recovery time (7-14 days in hospital) - Duration: 2-4 hours ### Option 3: **Liver Transplantation** - We have been advised this is not necessary as the portal vein is functional and liver health is improving. --- ## SPECIFIC QUESTIONS TO CONSIDER: 1. **With a functional portal vein (6.1 mm) and improving liver function (ALT normalized), is it advisable to pursue endovascular closure as the preferred treatment?** 2. **Despite ALT levels improving, the bilirubin remains consistently high (242). 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Are there concerns regarding the shunt size (9.9 mm)?** 7. **The measurement of the portal vein has shown improvement from 6.1 mm to 3.9 mm; should this be perceived as a positive sign or a reason for concern?** 8. **Are there special directives (diet modifications, medications) we should consider while awaiting the procedure?** 9. **Post-procedure, how long should we expect it might take for:** - Normalization of bilirubin levels? - Return of stool color to normal? - Resolution of jaundice? - Regression of hemangiomas? 10. **Can you recommend any specialized centers for pediatric Abernethy malformation treatments? We are located in Uzbekistan but are prepared to travel (to Turkey, Russia, South Korea, etc.)** --- ## ADDITIONAL INFORMATION - No family history of hepatic diseases - Pregnancy and delivery were normal - No additional congenital defects identified - Immunizations up to date - No history of bleeding disorders - No signs indicative of encephalopathy - Child is alert and engaged --- **I can supply actual MSCT images and comprehensive lab reports if they would be of assistance.** We sincerely appreciate any insights you can provide. We are striving to make the most informed decision regarding our daughter’s care and highly value expert medical opinions. **TL;DR:** 7-month-old diagnosed with Abernethy Type 2 malformation (9.9 mm portocaval shunt, patent portal vein). Liver functionality is improving (normalized ALT) while bilirubin remains elevated (242). Evaluating options between endovascular coil embolization and open surgery. Seeking expert advice on optimal treatment strategy and timing.