Should I Be Concerned or Wait for My Appointment?
I am a 28-year-old female, standing at 164 cm and weighing 74 kg. - I underwent a surgical repair for Atrial Septal Defect (ASD) in January 2024. - I have a history of a Rakthes cleft cyst along with several small brain hemorrhages. - Recently, I’ve been experiencing sporadic pain in the middle right side of my abdomen. After my last neurological consultation, the doctor recommended additional testing to rule out any significant issues related to the brain bleeds. I had several blood tests done last Wednesday, with most results still forthcoming. However, my Erythrocyte Sedimentation Rate (ESR) was noted as 47 mm/hr, the Anti-nuclear Antibody (ANA) level was at a ratio of 0.38, and my Anti-dsDNA was under 10. My prothrombin time was measured at 10.2 seconds, with an INR of 0.9. While undergoing these blood tests, I also noticed a lump behind my right knee, which is awaiting a referral to a vascular expert. This lump is between 3 to 5 cm in size and has a flatter shape compared to a round lump. It emerged about one and a half months ago, originally resembling a lymph node (approximately 1 cm). According to my doctor, this lump is deep within the tissue, feeling somewhat rigid and rough, and it is immobile, with the surrounding area appearing to have fluid accumulation. I've also been experiencing random tingling in my right foot and numbness in my right leg. Could this be related to my elevated ESR levels? My doctor had previously prescribed various medications, including Anarex and Arcoxia to help alleviate the surrounding fluid, as well as Celecoxib, Naproxen, and Gabapentin (which I plan to try tonight). Unfortunately, none of these treatments have been effective for me. Although the lump itself isn't painful, I do experience discomfort in the surrounding area when bending my knee either slightly or fully, and during full extension in the morning, I encounter some nerve pain that radiates to the outer parts of my calf. The inner regions of my calf tend to feel tender when touched. Most concerning is my recent experience of unusual fatigue coupled with cold sweats; I'm uncertain whether it’s connected to my other symptoms. I haven't observed any signs of swelling, redness, or bruising, but I do have a low-grade fever. I have been taking approximately two Naproxen tablets nearly twice daily. Should I bide my time until the referral, or is this a cause for immediate concern? Thank you in advance for your advice.
Answers (1)
3/31/2025, 3:31:00 PM
OpenHealth AI
Thank you for sharing your concerns. Given the details you've provided, there are several important factors to consider regarding your symptoms and health history. Here's a breakdown of the situation and what actions to prioritize:
Main Points:
- Recent Health Concerns: Your abdominal pain, lump behind the knee, high ESR, and unusual fatigue with cold sweats may indicate inflammation or another significant issue that should be assessed.
- Underlying Conditions: With a history of brain hemorrhages and ASD repair, careful monitoring is essential, especially with the new symptoms you're experiencing.
- Immediate Actions: There are specific signs that warrant more immediate attention rather than waiting for your appointment.
Explanation:
- Elevated ESR: A high ESR (47 mm/hr) often indicates inflammation or infection in the body. Combined with your symptoms, this can be a sign of an underlying condition that needs further exploration.
- Lump Characteristics: The lump behind your knee, with its size and description, coupled with your symptoms of pain and discomfort, suggests that it should be evaluated further, especially given it's growing and causing difficulties.
- Fatigue and Cold Sweats: These can indicate that your body is under some stress or fighting something, and together with your low-grade fever, it’s essential to understand what may be causing these symptoms.
Next Steps:
-
Seek Medical Attention Promptly: Given the symptoms of unusual fatigue, fever, and the change in your lump, I recommend reaching out to your healthcare provider to discuss these symptoms. These changes can sometimes be urgent, and timely evaluation is important.
-
Monitor Symptoms: While you await your follow-up, keep a close watch on your symptoms:
- Track any changes in your abdominal pain or lump.
- Note any new symptoms, such as increased numbness or tingling, fever spikes, or changes in your legs.
-
Manage Pain and Discomfort: Continue using prescribed medications as directed, but if they are not helping, inform your doctor. Seek advice on pain management options or alternatives to your current regimen—do not exceed the recommended doses on your current medications.
-
Hydration and Rest: Ensure you stay hydrated and rest as needed, especially if you're feeling fatigued. This will help your body cope with any underlying issues while you wait for further medical evaluation.
-
Prepare for Your Next Appointment: Collect all the details about your symptoms, including when they started, their severity, and any changes, so you can provide your healthcare provider with comprehensive information during your next consultation.
If you experience severe symptoms like significant pain escalation, difficulty breathing, or severe weakness in your leg, seek urgent medical care immediately. Your health and safety are paramount, and addressing these issues promptly is crucial. Let me know if you have any more questions or need further assistance.
Related Questions
28-Year-Old Male Experiencing Scalp Sensations Post-Amitriptyline Treatment
I am a 28-year-old man in generally good health, without any cardiac concerns. Approximately a month ago, I encountered intense pain localized to one side of my head, which was unresponsive to paracetamol. However, a single dose of a migraine treatment provided substantial relief. Following that, I began a regimen of amitriptyline, starting at a nightly dose of 10 to 25 mg. While my head pain has diminished significantly—by about 90 to 95%—I now experience occasional uncomfortable sensations on my scalp. These feelings include pins and needles, a cooling sensation, and some crawling feelings near my hairline and ears. There are fleeting moments where I feel brief throbs lasting a second, but I do not have any persistent headaches. To clarify, I do not experience any of the following: - Nausea - Weakness in my limbs - Numbness - Changes in my vision - Coordination difficulties - Seizures The symptoms I have are transient, shifting around and often intensifying when I become conscious of them or as the day progresses. I would like to know: Is it common to experience these sensations during the recovery stage following episodes of neuralgia or migraine-like discomfort? Additionally, could the amitriptyline potentially be causing these temporary paresthetic sensations? I am seeking some reassurance or advice on what is typically observed during this healing process. Thank you.
Concerns About My Toes
Age: 30, Female Currently, I am on the lookout for a reputable podiatrist in my vicinity. However, I've encountered a perplexing issue with my foot. Just last night, I noticed a growth on the side of my toe, something entirely new to me. I maintain a nutritious diet and have a demanding job that requires me to be on my feet quite often. My footwear includes brands such as Brooks Ghost Runners, Hoka Bondi 9’s, and Nike Motiva’s, and I don’t opt for restrictive socks. I also apply Vick’s Vaporub to my feet, a practice handed down from my family, and stick with simple, non-fragrant lotions like Vanicream and CeraVe SA Cream for my skin. In addition, I am curious about the my big toenail's change in color. What might be the underlying reasons for this? Also, I have these persistent dark spots on my toes that I've struggled with since my days on the runway. Despite my efforts, nothing has succeeded in lightening or diminishing their appearance. I'm just looking to determine if there might have been a factor from the past that could have contributed to these issues. I’m not sure what else to include, but I’m open to answering any questions you might have. Thank you for your attention! Best wishes from a worried soul!
Strange Jelly-Like Substance Observed from Wound
I’m a 21-year-old female living with an auto-inflammatory condition known as hidradenitis suppurativa (HS). Recently, I've experienced a concerning issue with one of my wounds. This particular wound causes significant pain and excessive bleeding. However, whenever I attend to it, I tend to find this unusual jelly-like substance present within it. Interestingly, this phenomenon has only occurred with this one wound and not any of the others I have. The bleeding seems to persist until I manage to remove this jelly substance, after which it typically slows down and comes to a halt completely. I’m seeking insights into what this might signify so that I can effectively discuss it with my healthcare provider.
Battling Chronic Nausea and Vomiting for Over Two Years
For the past two years, I (age 26, female) have been enduring an incredibly challenging health situation. I experience intense nausea daily and find myself vomiting numerous times, with almost nothing providing relief. To provide some background, I’m from West Texas and I currently weigh around 190 pounds, standing at 5’7”. Initially, my weight was about 211 pounds when these symptoms began, and it fluctuates frequently between 190 and 225 pounds. I engage in vaping and consume THC. Previously diagnosed with hypothyroidism, my condition seemingly resolved, according to my healthcare providers. Additionally, I have polycystic ovarian syndrome (PCOS). I have consistently faced irregular bowel movements, with stools that are loose and sometimes appear to have mucus. Compounding my struggles, I've also suffered from migraines. I have had an IUD for over five years, experiencing two insertions of the Kyleena device. In December 2022, my battle with health took a severe turn when I was diagnosed with stage 4 Hodgkin’s Lymphoma, requiring chemotherapy treatment, specifically AVBD (Apologies for not recalling the exact medication names). By July 2023, I had fortunately achieved remission. However, after reaching remission, my vomiting worsened, transforming from primarily white foam to a mixture of 80% bile, any food I attempt to consume, and still white foam. This intense vomiting, accompanied by significant pain in my upper back, escalated to more than eight episodes daily by November 2023. At that time, THC seemed to be the only avenue for me to retain any food. During this tumultuous period, I consulted various doctors who, after confirming I wasn’t pregnant, attributed my symptoms to Cannabinoid Hyperemesis Syndrome (CHS). Immediately, I ceased THC consumption for over six months, yet the vomiting continued unabated. Each time, doctors would prescribe ondansetron, regardless of my claims that it provided no relief. I experimented with various diets recommended by medical professionals, but there were no improvements in my condition. Eventually, I obtained a referral to a gastroenterologist who intended to perform an endoscopy. However, the procedure was prohibitively expensive even with insurance, and thus was never conducted. This doctor also ordered blood tests to rule out several gastrointestinal disorders, such as Crohn's disease, Irritable Bowel Syndrome (IBS), and gluten sensitivity, but all results came back normal. Afterward, I had another appointment with a different gastroenterologist, but the doctor failed to meet with me. Instead, a nurse informed me that the doctor had merely recommended promethazine without conducting any tests or scheduling further visits. When I mentioned the possibility of gallbladder issues, the doctor laughed dismissively at my suggestion. Discussing my situation with my oncologist, he suggested that my heightened sensitivity to food odors stemmed from my chemotherapy experiences while I was working in fast food. While food smells indeed affect me, I'm primarily triggered by medical scents such as rubbing alcohol and cleaning agents. This ongoing ordeal has been overwhelmingly distressing. I now experience episodes of vomiting accompanied by bright red blood, presumably due to a throat tear. When I first encountered this troubling symptom, I consulted a doctor who appeared unfazed and prescribed a promethazine suppository, which does help but makes me extremely drowsy. My nausea persists nearly around the clock, often feeling as if there’s a heaviness in the upper part of my abdomen. I frequent urgent care facilities when my symptoms intensify, only to be met with minimal assistance since this is a chronic issue. Currently, I lack a primary care physician. Whenever I sought one, I encountered skepticism regarding my condition, with some healthcare professionals implying that I was exaggerating my symptoms. Though many physicians who do take my situation seriously seem baffled, I've lost count of the diverse medical experts I've consulted about these ongoing issues. If anyone has insight or suggestions, I would genuinely appreciate it. I can share my latest bloodwork results if that would be helpful—just let me know!
Strange Stomach Sensation Leading to Waking Up
Greetings. I'm a 36-year-old male, standing at 172 centimeters and weighing 90 kilograms. I don't take any medications, nor do I smoke. I've been living with diastasis recti for several years now, and I may also have irritable bowel syndrome (IBS). Additionally, I deal with fatty liver and kidney stones, though I assume these last two conditions are not related to my current concern. Occasionally, I experience a peculiar sensation that jolts me awake; it feels like a quick pulsing in my stomach. I’ve noticed it tends to affect the left side when I’m lying on my left side and the right side when on my right. Remarkably, it can occur even when I’m on my back. This strange feeling often escalates into a surge that fully rouses me. Alongside this, I sometimes feel prickling sensations throughout my body and fleeting lightheadedness. When this sensation disturbs my sleep while I’m turned to my side, shifting onto my back or the opposite side might alleviate it, but not always. In instances where I awaken while lying on my back, I discovered that gently pressing my hands on either side of my stomach can help, as can rising to a sitting or standing position. However, during my last two episodes—one a couple of weeks ago and another tonight—those techniques weren’t effective right away, which made me feel a bit anxious, prompting me to seek advice. Does anyone have insight into what might be going on? By the way, I’ve undergone routine ultrasound examinations of my abdomen by two different physicians during check-ups, both of whom assured me that everything appears normal, including my abdominal aorta and internal organs. They didn’t identify any issues at that time.