Unusual Symptoms - Which Specialist Should I Consult?
Last year, I visited an orthopedic doctor due to discomfort in my upper back beneath the shoulder blade, particularly when I tried to take a breath. They conducted MRI scans on my spine, neck, and brain after expressing concern about my condition. The results indicated possible early-stage multiple sclerosis, prompting a referral to a neurologist. However, after consulting two different neurologists, I was informed that the MRI showed no evidence supporting an MS diagnosis and was told it was likely related to my migraines. I do experience migraines, so I accepted their assessments. Unfortunately, the pain when breathing persists, especially when I lie on my back; the discomfort sometimes alleviates if I raise my arm. In addition to this, I've noticed that my vision experiences a peculiar zooming effect – where the center remains clear, but the surroundings seem to converge towards it. This symptom occurs whenever I go for walks outdoors, particularly on hikes longer than twenty minutes. Interestingly, it does not happen during volleyball games with my recreational team, nor does it occur while sitting outside; I've never encountered this issue indoors. I have a history of eye surgery due to a cataract diagnosed at birth and regularly visit a specialist. After evaluating my eyes, they assured me that everything appears normal and referred me to a neurologist. The neurologist was unsure about the vision issue, noting it wasn't connected to any other symptoms, but the zooming phenomenon has never occurred in the past 27 years. Now, I've had to limit my hiking activities because of it. I find it concerning that both the vision alterations and the back pain while breathing continue. What type of medical professional should I see next for these lingering issues?
Answers (1)
6/16/2025, 4:00:54 AM
OpenHealth AI
It sounds like you are experiencing significant and concerning symptoms, including persistent back pain while breathing and unusual visual disturbances. Since you've already consulted both an orthopedic specialist and neurologists without a clear resolution, it’s important to take the next step in finding a healthcare professional who can help you make sense of these symptoms.
Main Points Overview:
- Persistent back pain and visual disturbances need further investigation.
- A multidisciplinary approach may be necessary.
- A referral to a different specialist is recommended.
Explanation:
Your ongoing discomfort while breathing, especially when reclining, and the visual zooming effect could suggest a variety of underlying issues, possibly involving your neurological or respiratory system. Given your history and the complexities of your symptoms, it’s essential to have a targeted and comprehensive evaluation.
-
Back Pain and Breathing: The back pain when you breathe deeply may have musculoskeletal origins or could be related to nerve issues, possibly exacerbated by your migraine history or another primary condition.
-
Visual Changes: The zooming effect you've described sounds particularly unique and may warrant a more specialized neurological evaluation, especially as it’s impacting your ability to enjoy outdoor activities.
Next Steps:
-
Consult a Rheumatologist: Given the potential overlap of symptoms (like back pain and neurological concerns), a rheumatologist can assess for autoimmune conditions that can affect the muscles, nerves, or other systems in the body, such as lupus or other connective tissue disorders.
-
Consider an Ophthalmologist with a Neurological Focus: Although you've seen an eye specialist, seeking someone who specializes in ocular neurology might help further evaluate your vision disturbances.
-
Myofascial or Pain Specialist: If your back discomfort is muscular in nature, a specialist trained in myofascial pain syndromes can offer therapies or interventions that may alleviate symptoms related to muscle tension or spasms.
-
Maintain a Symptom Diary: Document your symptoms, including when they occur, duration, severity, and any associated activities or triggers. This can help your next healthcare provider understand your condition better.
-
Limit Strain and Take Breaks: Until you consult a new specialist, try to avoid activities that exacerbate your symptoms, and take regular breaks during physical activities.
Reassure yourself that seeking additional opinions and specialists is a positive step towards understanding and managing your health better. Be proactive in your follow-up care and ensure your concerns are clearly communicated to the new specialists you see.
Related Questions
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.
Understanding Tuberculosis Exposure Risk
A 26-year-old male, who neither drinks alcohol nor smokes, seeks to understand the implications of exposure to tuberculosis (TB). As an anesthesia technician, I became concerned after I encountered a TB-positive patient about a month ago. I had to enter the patient’s room several times to perform blood gas tests. On my first entry, I mistakenly wore my N95 mask incorrectly due to the hectic nature of attending to multiple rooms. From my research, it appears that TB is quite transmissible; direct exposure can pose a serious risk of infection. Transmission usually requires prolonged contact with an infected individual, particularly in a close or face-to-face setting. In this case, the patient was lying face down and appeared to be sleeping when I entered. I have already undergone testing for TB, but I am eager to deepen my understanding of the risks involved in these situations.
24M | Unexplained Fainting Incident
**Note:** I previously shared this story, but it was inexplicably removed. I’m a 24-year-old male without any medical diagnosis or prescription medications. While I do consume alcohol occasionally, I hadn’t been drinking before this happened. Around 3 a.m., I got up from bed to use the restroom. As soon as I began to urinate, I suddenly felt a wave of dizziness. The next moment I was aware of was regaining consciousness in the bathtub, startled awake by the sensation of something dripping on me—only to discover it was my own blood. This was my first experience with fainting. When I came to, confusion set in. I was disoriented and couldn’t comprehend why I was being dripped on while in what I thought was my “bed.” Strangely, I also imagined that I was lying on a collection of marbles (which I actually don’t own)—this turned out to be the shattered glass of my shower door lying around me. I’m uncertain whether I lost consciousness first and then fell, or if the fall caused my brief blackout. It took me a few moments to understand why I was in the bathroom at all. I’m not sure how long I was out; I only remember it was around 3 in the morning when I initially got up, and about the same time when I regained consciousness. I dialed 911, and the ambulance arrived promptly. They checked my vitals, performed an EKG and measured my blood sugar, finding nothing unusual. At the emergency room, they repeated the vital checks, conducted a CT scan, drew blood, and took x-rays—yet still no abnormalities were detected. I had several cuts on my face and left arm (curiously, this is the arm that would have been turned away from the door), along with bruising around my ribs. Since the incident, I’ve been suffering from headaches and pain in my ribs. I received stitches on both my face and arm. The nurse suggested I could have stronger pain relief, but I opted for just Toradol. They eventually discharged me, stating, "We’re unsure what caused this, but return if it happens again." What might have triggered such an incident? How can I safeguard against it reoccurring if they remain uncertain about the cause?
Healing Progress Post-GBS: Toe Concerns
I am a 28-year-old male, measuring 5 feet 10 inches and weighing 131 pounds. My current medications include Fomadatine and Zyrtec, prescribed due to my ongoing battle with Chronic Gastritis and SIBO. I maintain a healthy lifestyle, abstaining from both smoking and alcohol. My health concern revolves around the toe adjacent to my pinky toe on my left foot, as well as my pinky toe on the right foot. Since August of last year, I have been on the mend from Guillain Barre Syndrome. Recently, I've noticed that at night, the skin on my feet tends to turn a reddish pink, although this usually improves after I walk around. However, two of my toes have remained red, with one appearing slightly swollen. Generally, my pinky toes are quite thick, but the condition of my left foot's toe is worrisome for me. It seems that I'm unable to upload an image to illustrate my issue.