Navigating Symptoms: Is Self-Advocacy Necessary?
At 28 years old, I have a protein S deficiency and a notably large benign cyst in the neck of my right femur, which was last assessed five years ago. I’m not currently on any medications or using substances. Recently, I’ve been experiencing discomfort and pain in my right hip that has persisted for a couple of weeks. My general practitioner has arranged for me to undergo an MRI, which is set for tomorrow, with a follow-up review scheduled for the following week. Just four days ago, the pain intensified, making it challenging to put weight on my leg, likely exacerbating my muscle cramps. On a less related note, last Sunday evening, I started sneezing and developed severe abdominal cramps. After taking some medication, I struggled to sleep as my heart rate and breathing became elevated. Despite my worsening symptoms, I forced myself to work on Monday. Later that evening, I booked an appointment with my GP to discuss my symptoms, which included belly pain, diarrhea, sweating, dizziness, and a heavy chest. She diagnosed me with a stomach bug and recommended that I take two days off work, allowing me to return on Thursday. The only medication prescribed was buscopan. It's worth mentioning that in my country, doctors typically do not prescribe medications frequently, often suggesting rest at home instead. Now, 24 hours later, my leg continues to ache and I feel quite unwell overall. However, I’ve noticed some improvement in my bowel movements as they have returned to solid form, though they are still somewhat painful. Unfortunately, I find it difficult to eat because my stomach is still hurting. My temperature remains stable, yet I continue to experience chills and general discomfort, with a clouded head and no sign of improvement. I'm genuinely feeling quite ill and questioning whether any of these symptoms could be interconnected. I don't usually fall ill to this extent, nor do I believe I'm overreacting. If I still feel unwell by Thursday morning, I feel that returning to my GP would be prudent. However, there’s a language barrier as we communicate in her third language, making me unsure if my symptoms are fully understood. Should I be more proactive in advocating for my health during consultations, and if so, what specific information should I communicate? Are these symptoms linked in any way, or am I simply being overly dramatic?
Answers (1)
4/1/2025, 6:40:48 PM
OpenHealth AI
It's clear that you're experiencing a challenging combination of symptoms, and it's completely understandable to feel concerned about their interconnectedness and how best to communicate with your healthcare provider.
Main Points:
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Persistent Hip Pain: Your right hip pain could relate to your prior cyst or indicate another issue that needs further investigation, especially given your condition of protein S deficiency.
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Abdominal Symptoms: The symptoms you're describing—abdominal cramps, diarrhea, and the recent heart rate and breathing issues—could indeed be connected to a viral infection, but the severity and your pre-existing conditions warrant careful consideration.
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Self-Advocacy: It’s understandable to feel uncertain about whether you’re advocating enough for your health, especially given the language barrier.
Explanation:
Your protein S deficiency can increase blood clot risk, and your hip pain is especially concerning considering your previous cyst. The abdominal symptoms you describe may stem from a viral infection, but they can also lead to dehydration and muscle cramps, which might be why you're feeling generally unwell. Coupling these with your hip pain adds to your discomfort, and it’s good that you’re scheduled for an MRI to explore the hip issue.
Next Steps:
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Monitor Symptoms: Keep a detailed record of your symptoms—note when they worsen, any associated activities (like eating), and any new symptoms. This information can be essential for your GP.
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Hydration and Nutrition: Continue to focus on staying well-hydrated and eat light, easily digestible foods to help with your tummy troubles. If eating is difficult, try fluids like clear broths or electrolyte drinks.
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Prepare for Your GP Visit: When you meet your GP after the MRI:
- Prepare a list of symptoms starting from the most severe to the least, including their duration and any triggers you've noticed.
- Express your concerns about the hip pain in relation to your cyst and your protein S deficiency clearly and directly.
- If there's still difficulty with communication, consider bringing a friend or using a translation app to help convey your symptoms accurately.
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Be Proactive: If you continue to feel unwell as Thursday approaches, don't hesitate to seek further medical attention. Advocate for yourself by asking specific questions about your symptoms, particularly how they might be interconnected, and ensure and emphasize that you need clarity on your condition.
It’s not overreacting to take your symptoms seriously; your health and comfort are the priorities here. Trust your instincts about your body, and continue being an active participant in your healthcare. I wish you a clear and helpful conversation with your GP!
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