A Range of Concerning Symptoms
I’m a 24-year-old female weighing 120 lbs., and I have a manageable case of gastroparesis. My current medications include Lamictal, Reglan, Omeprazole, Deplin, and Vyvanse. Over the last month, I've experienced a series of unusual symptoms that have progressively intensified. - Profound, penetrating pain in my bones, particularly in my lower legs, knees, and forearms. - Mysterious small bruises appearing across my arms and legs without clear cause. - Night sweats that occur despite chilly room temperatures. - Cramps in my lower legs. - Severe fatigue, accompanied by migraines, nausea, and occasional vomiting. - Recurrent skin infections from minor cuts, coupled with notably sluggish wound recovery. - Numbness in my fingertips. - Sudden episodes of intense heat in my face; while I don’t believe I have a fever, I often feel feverish. - Difficulty breathing when engaging in physical activity. I have an appointment with my primary care physician in two weeks. Should I wait to discuss these issues with them, or would it be advisable to seek urgent care? The symptoms have lingered for some time now, and their worsening has made walking or biking increasingly challenging due to the pain and fatigue.
Answers (1)

6/17/2025, 8:10:39 PM
OpenHealth AI
It’s understandable to feel overwhelmed given the variety and intensity of your symptoms. The combination of pain, fatigue, unusual bruising, and other systemic symptoms can be quite concerning. While it's good to have a primary care appointment scheduled, it may be wise to seek urgent care sooner if you are experiencing significant discomfort or limitations in your daily activities.
Explanation
Given your symptoms, there could be multiple factors at play that we would want to investigate further. Some symptoms like profound bone pain, unexplained bruising, night sweats, and persistent fatigue may suggest issues such as hematological disorders, autoimmune conditions, or other systemic issues. The numbness in your fingertips and difficulty breathing are also important signs that should be evaluated medically.
Next Steps
-
Seek Urgent Care:
- Given the severity and range of your symptoms, especially the profound pain and difficulty breathing, it’s important to seek immediate medical attention. This is particularly crucial if you feel your symptoms are worsening or if they cause significant impairment in your mobility.
-
Prepare for Your Visit:
- Take notes on your symptoms, including when they started, their severity, and any triggers you’ve noticed.
- Make a list of all medications you are taking and any recent changes in your health or lifestyle.
-
Monitor Your Symptoms:
- Keep track of any new symptoms or changes in your existing ones. This information can help healthcare providers in determining the underlying issues.
-
Manage Pain and Discomfort:
- While waiting for your medical visit, consider using over-the-counter pain relief medications, such as acetaminophen or ibuprofen, as long as they are compatible with your current medications (check with your pharmacist if unsure). Applying heat or cold to painful areas may also provide some relief.
-
Stay Hydrated and Nourished:
- Focus on staying hydrated and, if possible, eat small, nutritious meals that are easier on your stomach, especially due to your gastroparesis.
Your health and well-being are the priority, and addressing these symptoms promptly will help in managing your condition more effectively. Please take care and seek care soon.
Related Questions
Three-Year Struggle with Persistent Rash: Seeking Answers for My Family
A 33-year-old woman residing in the United States is dealing with a challenging skin condition that has persisted for almost three years. Currently breastfeeding and avoiding medication other than vitamins, she describes her experiences with an intensely itchy rash that comes and goes. While there are days when it seems to diminish, there are nights when its severity prevents her from sleeping altogether. Unfortunately, her encounters with multiple doctors have resulted in no consensus on a diagnosis or appropriate treatment, leading to her growing frustration. Initially triggered while working in a nursing home during the COVID-19 pandemic, the rash has spread across her body, affecting her scalp, face, ears, and even the soles of her feet, starting from a single area on one shin. Despite consultations with various dermatologists, opinions have varied, with a few suggesting scabies but most dismissing that possibility. After attempting treatment with permethrin cream, she is uncertain whether it has effectively improved her condition or if any perceived benefits are merely psychological, as the underlying issue remains unresolved following multiple treatments. In addition to her ongoing struggle, she has been managing folliculitis, for which she has recently used mupirocin. Surprisingly, the discomfort she experiences—characterized by sharp stinging, burning, and itching—has been severe enough to disrupt her sleep, making the situation even more distressing. The current dermatologist's diagnosis of atopic dermatitis and acne feels perplexing given that she has not dealt with such severe skin problems before this episode and finds the abrupt transition to a chronic, full-body rash troubling. Only one tiny insect bite-like bump sparked the situation, yet she is now told that a body-wide rash and relentless itching have become an unfortunate norm in her life, and relying on corticosteroids indefinitely is suggested. With a two-month-old baby, the breastfeeding mother faces additional constraints as the dermatologist advises against effective medication until her breastfeeding journey concludes. Although she has considered stopping early due to her discomfort, she remains committed for her baby's well-being. Her husband experiences minor spots of itchiness but not to the extent she does, and although her baby developed a mild rash after several weeks, the pediatrician has only recommended unscented moisturizers without strong intervention. This has led both parents to suspect a connection between the mother's condition and their newborn's skin issues. Now, amidst this ongoing struggle, she feels lost and is pondering her next move. Should she wait and continue corticosteroids only to possibly return to her dermatologist for the same outcome? Should she revisit the doctor who initially suspected scabies for a more aggressive approach? Perhaps it's necessary to involve a psychiatrist who is familiar with her plight, or even consider consulting a neurologist? Comprehensive blood work and allergy testing might also provide insight. Feeling increasingly miserable, she worries about her baby's condition as well, and is contemplating finding a general practitioner who can coordinate her care and devise a cohesive plan, as she feels overwhelmed from frequent visits to various specialists. Despite checking for bedbugs—no evidence was found by an exterminator—and staying temporarily with her parents without emerging issues on their part, an underlying worry still looms. Her father has experienced an itchy rash previously, which he claims has resolved, but the authenticity of his claims is doubtful due to his religious beliefs against medical intervention. This complicated family dynamic only adds to her anxiety as she seeks clarity and relief in her long-fought battle against her mysterious skin condition.
Questioning the Effectiveness of Elbow Braces After a UCL Injury
Recently, I experienced a partial tear in my right UCL while participating in a wrestling practice, which was particularly unsettling as I have had issues with my elbow ligaments for almost a year—having previously injured both my right and left elbows. Fortunately, during my visit to the doctor, I encountered an urgent care physician who is also into martial arts! He quickly understood my situation, provided guidance, and outfitted me with a sling along with a prescription to manage pain. My elbow currently feels relatively good; however, I am considering acquiring an elbow brace for additional support, especially during my daily activities. This brings me to my main inquiry: do elbow braces truly provide benefits? I consistently wear the brace, but I still have daily tasks that require both arms. What types of elbow braces would you suggest for someone in my position? The selection available is vast, with a myriad of options varying in quality and price, so I would greatly appreciate any recommendations you could provide! Thanks in advance!
Injury Concerns After Swimming in the Mediterranean
Last night, I injured my foot, and today, I decided to take a dip in the Mediterranean Sea. My swim was brief, after which I dried off and put my socks and sneakers back on. However, I began to notice increasing discomfort in my foot. I chose to wait until I returned to my hotel to clean the wound. Upon inspection, the cut appeared inflamed, with noticeable redness surrounding it, and I observed a faint red line beneath the skin extending from the injury (this has since resolved, just to clarify, I’ll provide an update later tonight). I headed to a local pharmacy to pick up some antiseptic and ointment. Fortunately, the actual wound has started to improve, and the surrounding redness has diminished. However, I can’t shake off a feeling of malaise. I'm unsure if it stems from excessive caffeine consumption or fatigue from the sun, but I am concerned about the possibility of an infection, especially considering I was swimming in the ocean (in the beautiful French Riviera). This all unfolded within a single day, and I’m sharing my experience tonight. Right now, I feel a bit worn out, slightly shaky, and sometimes cold. It's also worth noting that I've never dealt with an infection before. I’m curious to know what symptoms I should be attentive to and whether this situation might escalate or if I'm simply experiencing post-activity recovery.
Feeling Overwhelmed by Unexplained Symptoms: Is There Hope?
At 32 years old, I find myself filled with fear and confusion. My life has long been marked by persistent joint and muscle pain intertwined with extreme fatigue. I've also dealt with symptoms of dysautonomia, such as sudden drops in blood sugar, excessive clamminess, and fainting sensations after physical exertion, as well as heat intolerance. Unfortunately, these issues have often been attributed to depression or anxiety by my healthcare providers. However, things took a serious turn last summer. In August 2024, I encountered alarming symptoms including double vision, facial spasms, and severe brain fog that left me disoriented. By September, my blood pressure soared to 190/110. After spending four days in the hospital, the only unusual finding was a lumbar puncture revealing an opening pressure of 29. Initially diagnosed with Idiopathic Intracranial Hypertension (IIH), that conclusion was eventually discarded due to the lack of papilledema. A neurologist then labeled my condition as chronic migraines, and I have not undergone another lumbar puncture since that first one. Currently, I am grappling with the aforementioned symptoms alongside debilitating neuropathy in my hands and feet, a relentless need to urinate, and feelings of faintness and nausea that only ease when I’m lying down. I also have noticed changes in my nails, muscle weakness, and trembling hands. My breaks at work have become a struggle, as I often need to recline in the break room due to overwhelming nausea from simply sitting up. After testing, my doctor indicated that my kidney function appears normal, with only a slight elevation in creatine kinase levels. However, I feel an unshakeable sense of being overlooked, especially as they insist I see a psychiatrist. Each day, I feel as though I'm dwindling. I have consulted with a rheumatologist as well as my primary doctor and neurologist, but their responses have left me feeling dismissed. Is it advisable to seek further opinions? If so, who should I turn to when my concerns are consistently disregarded? My current medications include Amitriptyline (10mg), Norethindrone (5mg), and Rizatriptan (5mg).
Is it Appendicitis or Just Gas?
Have you ever felt an intense burning sensation in the lower right abdomen? It could hint at appendicitis. I'm a 17-year-old male weighing 60 kilograms, and I first experienced this discomfort about a year and a half ago. At that time, the same symptoms arose but eventually subsided on their own after a popping feeling. However, I'm currently facing the issue again, and the pain has escalated significantly, though it hasn’t reached a level where I can’t walk or stand. Alongside this, there's a sense of nausea, but I'm struggling to pinpoint the exact source of the discomfort. When I apply pressure to the area just below my waist on the right side, it induces pain, but oddly, when I press there again, the sensation disappears. Moreover, I perceive a radiating pain that moves toward my upper left abdomen, which is quite severe.