Concerns Regarding Granuloma Findings Post-PEME
Hello, I'm seeking some guidance regarding my recent medical evaluation. I underwent a PEME, and the x-ray results indicated the presence of a granuloma. I'm worried this might impact my onboarding process. Although I have already signed the Job Offer, the company has a strict policy concerning PEME results. To provide more context, back in 2023, there were some abnormalities detected on my x-ray, but my doctor mentioned it was likely due to a persistent cough I had at the time. In 2024, I tested negative on both the Genexpert and the x-ray tests. I'm feeling extremely anxious about this situation. I have already resigned from my previous job, and losing this opportunity would be financially distressing for me. Please advise me on what steps I could take or what to expect moving forward. Thank you!
Answers (1)
6/17/2025, 12:01:41 PM
OpenHealth AI
It's understandable to feel anxious about the granuloma finding and how it might affect your job onboarding process. Let's break down the situation and identify practical steps you can take.
Key Points:
- Granulomas are often benign (non-cancerous) and can be caused by past infections, inflammation, or other factors.
- Your previous negative tests suggest there may be no significant health issues, but it's important to manage the anxiety surrounding this.
Explanation:
A granuloma is a small area of inflammation in tissue and is usually identified through imaging tests like an x-ray. In many cases, granulomas do not indicate a serious condition and might stem from past infections or irritations that have resolved, especially since you tested negative previously.
Your anxiety about the potential impact on your employment is completely understandable. It's important to focus on what you can control and how to prepare for any discussions with your employer.
Next Steps:
-
Educate Yourself: Understand that granulomas often do not pose health threats, especially if previous tests have returned negative. Familiarizing yourself with this information can help alleviate some anxiety.
-
Reach Out for Clarification:
- If possible, contact the HR department of your potential employer to discuss how they evaluate PEME results. This can give you a clearer picture of what to expect.
-
Manage Your Anxiety:
- Practice Relaxation Techniques: Engage in stress-reducing activities such as deep breathing, meditation, or light exercise. These can help manage anxiety levels.
- Stay Connected: Talk with friends or family about your feelings. Sharing your concerns can provide emotional support and alleviate feelings of isolation.
-
Maintain a Positive Outlook:
- Try to focus on the positives, such as the offer you've already received. Keep in mind that your qualifications led to this opportunity.
-
Prepare for the Future:
- If necessary, consider documenting your medical history and any prior negative results in case you need to provide more context during your onboarding process.
It's perfectly normal to feel anxious about health implications, especially in relation to job security. Remember, taking proactive steps to understand your situation can help empower you and alleviate some stress. If your symptoms of anxiety persist or worsen, consider seeking professional support. Let me know if you need more information or want to discuss further!
Related Questions
Feeling Overwhelmed by OCD: Seeking Help, But Unsure What It Will Achieve
I’m a woman in my late 20s residing in Canada. I regularly consume cannabis and take a daily dose of sertraline (100mg) along with over-the-counter allergy medications such as Blexten. Occasionally, I use generic XR Adderall. My medical background includes a diagnosis of ADHD and several allergies, plus physical health issues like endometriosis and having one kidney, but those specifics are not central to this discussion. I genuinely feel that I’m exerting every effort possible in managing my situation, which makes me hesitant to approach a doctor for assistance, fearing I might merely be wasting their time. I currently rely on walk-in clinics since I don’t have a family physician, and I'm on the waiting list for outpatient treatment related to an eating disorder. Having been diagnosed with OCD at the age of 16, it's been over a decade since I’ve navigated this condition. Throughout these years, I've engaged in therapy, tried antidepressants, and even participated in a clinical trial that initially yielded great results. Unfortunately, once the trial was extended, I could no longer attend due to transportation issues, and I’ve been off that medication for over two years now. A personal tragedy in 2024 led me to stop taking sertraline for most of the year, as I lost sight of the importance of my health. However, since the start of 2025, I’ve been diligent about my medication intake, having only occasionally skipped doses, ensuring I adhere to the prescribed routine 98% of the time. Reflecting on my journey with OCD fills me with a mixture of absurdity and shame—not about having the disorder itself, which I am open to discussing and educating others about, but rather regarding the extent to which it has influenced my life. My OCD manifestations have spanned a wide range, from an aversion to bleach due to fear, incessantly checking locks and lights, health-related obsessions, to perfectionism and scrupulosity. While many of these symptoms have become manageable, a resurgence of obsessive thoughts, particularly around moral scrupulosity, has surfaced recently, leading me to dark places where I feel an overwhelming sense of worthlessness. For instance, I might accidentally nudge a family member's belongings while vacuuming, which triggers an immediate spiral of self-loathing where I convince myself I am disrespectful and unworthy. It’s shocking how such minor incidents can plunge me into feelings of despair, even if I rectify the situation immediately and know rationally that my family wouldn’t mind. The fear that my perceived imperfections reflect on my value as a person looms large. At times, the intensity of these feelings immobilizes me, leaving me to sit in anguish, where I might reach out to friends in tears. However, I often find myself feeling guilty for burdening them with my struggles, feeling like I’m an inconvenience with all the challenges they face in their own lives. Expressing my fears to a busy doctor seems daunting, especially when they may be unaware of the nuance behind these seemingly trivial experiences that, in my mind, amount to emotional catastrophes. I have a supportive therapist, but I cannot afford to attend sessions at this time, especially as I search for employment following my recent college graduation. The job market is particularly challenging in my area right now. I have no interest in trying benzodiazepines; I'm already using marijuana to cope, and I’d prefer to avoid adding another dependency. One of my family members has struggled with benzodiazepine dependency, and I have witnessed the impact of addiction through my parent’s issues with crack cocaine, making me wary of creating further dependency. I often worry that medical professionals might expect me to seek quick-fix medications like benzos, which I consciously avoid. I have always been cautious with medications, not having taken anything stronger than Tylenol until I turned 20, and even hesitated with certain childhood vaccinations. I prefer exploring sustainable coping mechanisms; quick fixes like reassurance from others only create additional hurdles in managing my OCD. Given all this, I question whether visiting a doctor is beneficial, especially with a clinic physician I've seen only a couple of times regarding my antidepressant. I tend to be quite emotional, and the prospect of breaking down in front of a doctor is daunting. I feel I am doing all I can with the resources available to me, and if that’s insufficient, I am at a loss for what more could be done. There’s an ongoing confusion about the workings of my mind, especially when my life appears stable—I’m in a loving relationship, actively preparing for an exciting career with an upcoming licensing exam, and although money is tight, I'm managing my basic needs. An important aspect to note is that these intrusive thoughts echo my experiences growing up from ages 5 to 19, though not from the family with whom I currently reside. While I do share a home with a passive-aggressive individual who can trigger my anxiety, I mostly enjoy a peaceful living environment and have distanced myself from toxic dialogue for nearly eight years, bolstered by extensive therapy. To clarify, I cultivate my own cannabis, so my financial investment in it is minimal.
Seeking Guidance on Health Issues
I am a 24-year-old female weighing 125 pounds. Over the last year, I have encountered various troubling symptoms, including unintentional weight loss, persistent fatigue, changes in my bowel movements, and an unexplained case of thyroiditis. Additionally, I have experienced a reduced appetite and a peculiar, strong odor in my urine that resembles chicken broth. Recently, I've noticed that sometimes when I use the restroom, hard, brown, scab-like fragments appear in my stool. Disturbingly, today I observed similar pieces in my urine as well. This ongoing situation is quite concerning, and I have an unsettling feeling that my health is deteriorating. I would greatly appreciate any insights or suggestions on what might be going on and how I should proceed. Thank you for any help you can offer.
Transitioning from Fluoxetine to Sertraline: A Concerned Inquiry
As someone with a background in medicine, I invite you to be as technical as you wish. I'm reaching out about a case involving an 18-year-old male patient who is currently prescribed 40mg of fluoxetine. Due to complex circumstances, he needs to transition from fluoxetine to sertraline at a dosage of 50mg. I understand that because of fluoxetine's prolonged half-life, it is generally advisable to implement a tapering schedule followed by a washout period before initiating treatment with another SSRI such as sertraline. This approach is crucial in minimizing the risk of serotonin syndrome. Conversely, the psychiatrist has proposed an immediate cessation of the fluoxetine 40mg, suggesting a start on sertraline at 25mg, with the aim of gradually increasing to 50mg. Although I have not had an opportunity to discuss this directly with the psychiatrist, I feel apprehensive about this plan, especially since there has been no mention of serotonin syndrome risks or any precautionary measures discussed. My concerns are significant, and to be honest, I feel quite anxious about the situation. Thank you in advance for your insights.
Seeking Advice on Vaginal Health Concerns
Greetings everyone. I had unprotected intercourse two weeks ago, and now I'm feeling some discomfort in my anal area despite not engaging in anal sex. There’s a small bump that’s causing me concern, so I’m reaching out for insights. I’m a 29-year-old woman, standing at 5’4”. Recently, I had a sexual encounter with an acquaintance I haven't seen in seven years. Although we had previously used protection, this time we did not. I’ve had STI tests via vaginal swabs, which returned negative results, and I still need to follow up with blood work. During my last menstrual cycle, which occurred about a week ago, I noticed it was lighter than usual, coupled with increased cramps. Could this be linked to my current situation? Additionally, I applied boric acid a couple of times; could that have had an impact on my period? I have not observed any visible warts or unusual changes in my anal region. I received the Gardasil HPV vaccine in middle school and had a positive HPV pap test in 2018, but all subsequent tests have been clear, with my next appointment scheduled for September. I'm curious about the cause of my anal irritation and would appreciate any thoughts or advice on this matter. Thank you for your assistance. Also, I gave birth earlier this year, so could the presence of extra skin possibly be related to hymenal tissue?
Seeking Guidance for Severe Food Aversion in 15-Month-Old on Propranolol
Greetings everyone, we're currently in a difficult situation with our 15-month-old daughter, and we’d like to connect with other parents or professionals who might have faced similar challenges. **Our Situation:** * Our daughter was born with a **medium-grade infantile hemangioma** at the nape of her neck. Although it’s not life-threatening, it is quite visible and slightly elevated. * Our pediatrician initiated a treatment plan with **Propranolol at 20 mg per day** about three months ago when she was around a year old. Apart from this condition, her health was generally good. * As of June 8, and under doctor guidance, we’ve decreased the dosage to **14 mg daily** (7 mg in the morning and 7 mg in the evening) to monitor any shifts in her behavior. **Observations Since Starting Propranolol:** 1. Our daughter has developed a **severe aversion to food**. Although she was somewhat picky prior, her eating habits have deteriorated significantly. 2. She now **completely rejects all solid foods and liquids**, refusing to be fed by anyone. 3. She relies solely on **breastmilk**, turning down water or juices offered by others. 4. During mealtime, she becomes **very irritable or upset**. Even gentle encouragement to try some cereal or soft foods leads to her total refusal and distress. 5. While she **plays with food** on her own, sometimes even bringing tiny bits to her mouth, any attempt by someone else to feed her results in her shutting down or crying. 6. We took a step back from forcing her to eat for over a week (following advice on rebuilding trust), continuing to offer food without pressure. Unfortunately, there’s been no improvement. 7. **Today, we attempted to reintroduce cereal**, and she rejected it just as she had previously. **Developmental Update:** * Born weighing **2.05 kg**, she is now approximately **7 kg** at 15 months, which is on the lighter side. * She is **not walking by herself yet**, but she can: * Stand alone * Walk with assistance (using a walker or while holding onto furniture) * Cognitively, she appears **alert and engaged**: she responds to her name, says Mama and Baba, laughs, and interacts with others, indicating no apparent cognitive delays. **Our Concerns:** * Could her food aversion be a **conditioned response**? Does she have a developed “fear” of being fed by anyone? * Is it possible that this behavior is a **side effect of Propranolol**? We know that appetite suppression and mood shifts can occur, but her response seems quite severe. * Are we in danger of her experiencing **nutritional deficiencies**, given her refusal of solid foods? * If so, what symptoms should we keep an eye on that might suggest underlying issues? * Should we seek the assistance of a **feeding therapist or child psychologist** at this point? * Is this issue something that improves over time, or do we risk entrenching the behavior the longer it continues? We are located in India and are looking for pediatric feeding specialists, although options are limited in our area. We would greatly appreciate: * Insights from parents who have encountered similar situations * Strategies for breaking this cycle of behavior * Any recommended resources or methods similar to Rowena Bennett’s "Bottle Aversion," even if it’s not directly applicable to our case * Guidance on when to consider **nutritional interventions or vitamin supplementation**. Thank you for taking the time to read this. It has been an incredibly stressful experience for us, and we welcome any advice or encouragement you can provide 🙏