Concerning Symptoms: Increased Bleeding and Throat Ulcers – Am I Overthinking?
I'm a 24-year-old female, generally in good health, currently taking Wellbutrin and experiencing anxiety. My medical background includes an appendectomy and a tonsillectomy. Recently, I encountered severe abdominal pain and persistent nausea and vomiting, which led to a diagnosis of pelvic inflammatory disease after the removal of my IUD; tests for sexually transmitted infections came back negative. Shortly after that episode, I developed a sore throat which has since escalated over four days, resulting in painful sores that have taken over a significant area of my throat. The pain is intense and there is slight bleeding, but I have no fever, and a strep throat test returned negative. Importantly, I’ve consistently tested negative for STDs, HIV, and syphilis within the last year, while having the same partner. Additionally, I've noticed an increase in bruising and bleeding. After my IUD was removed, I experienced heavy bleeding, requiring tranexamic acid to manage it. Furthermore, in the past two months, every intravenous or intramuscular injection I received resulted in unusually large hematomas, even though the injections were administered without complications. These bruises remain visible for 2-4 weeks. I've also experienced nosebleeds and throat ulcers that are bleeding. I also have some sizable, hard, and non-tender lymph nodes in my neck. They’ve been present for about a year and are gradually growing; an investigation is currently underway. My lab results have been mostly normal, with the exception of a minor increase in white blood cells, low lymphocytes, and elevated bilirubin during the period of illness. My INR is within normal limits. I can’t shake the feeling of being paranoid or overreacting. I’m uncertain about whether these symptoms warrant further discussion with a doctor or if I’m simply overthinking the situation. I certainly don’t want to bother anyone unnecessarily.
Answers (1)
4/4/2025, 4:11:08 AM
OpenHealth AI
It’s understandable to feel concerned given your symptoms, especially since they seem to significantly affect your well-being. You have experienced a range of issues, including painful throat ulcers, increased bruising, and bleeding, alongside existing health conditions. It's essential to clarify your concerns and give you actionable steps to take.
Overview of Your Situation:
- Throat ulcers: These can be very painful and are often related to viral infections, medication side effects, or other conditions like autoimmune disorders.
- Increased bleeding and easy bruising: This can stem from various causes, including clotting disorders or side effects of medications.
- Lymph nodes: Persistent swollen lymph nodes could indicate an underlying issue, so it's good that investigations are ongoing.
Next Steps to Consider:
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Immediate Monitoring:
- Track Your Symptoms: Keep a detailed log of your symptoms, including when the ulcers appear, any new bruising, and frequency/amount of bleeding. Note triggers if they seem to correlate with certain activities or foods.
- Look for Patterns: Are the symptoms worsening? Is there a clear time they seem to improve? This information will be valuable for your healthcare provider.
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Self-Care for Throat Sores:
- Hydration and Diet: Stay well-hydrated and consider soothing foods like smoothies or yogurt to avoid further irritation. Avoid spicy or acidic foods that may exacerbate pain.
- Saltwater Gargle: Gargling with warm saltwater can help alleviate some pain and possibly aid healing.
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Assessment of Bleeding:
- Avoid Blood Thinners: If you're on any medication that can thin the blood (like Wellbutrin or others), speak to your doctor about whether these need adjustment.
- Limit Activities that Cause Bruising: Try to minimize activities where you could injure yourself further while investigating the bleeding issue.
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Follow-Up with Healthcare Providers:
- Ongoing Investigations: It's critical to follow up on the growing lymph nodes and the lab results you've noted. Share your log of symptoms with your healthcare provider to guide them in your assessment.
- Consult on Anxiety: Given your current medications and anxiety, consider discussing how your mental health might be impacting your perception of physical symptoms.
It’s important to address your feelings of paranoia regarding your health; you're not bothering anyone by seeking help. If your throat pain becomes unbearable, you experience worsening bleeding or head any new symptoms, reach out to a healthcare provider sooner.
You're doing the right thing by tracking your symptoms and seeking guidance. Prioritize your health and don’t hesitate to take action based on changes you observe. Let me know if you need more detailed strategies or support.
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