Understanding My Symptoms: What to Do Next
30 years old Height: 5’6 Weight: 180 pounds This morning, I woke up drenched in sweat, dealing with a fever of 101 degrees. It seems as if I have caught the typical bugs after recently being surrounded by sick children during my daughter's kindergarten graduation. I felt miserable throughout the day, accompanied by dizziness and bloating. I have ongoing back problems, and while preparing my daughter for bed, my back pain intensified, which in turn made me feel dizzier. In response to the escalating discomfort, I began to scream. The harder I screamed, the more saliva I produced, leading to repeated episodes of vomiting. This is a scenario I've never encountered before. Now, after nearly an hour, I am experiencing a sense of pressure in my abdomen. While I'm not feeling acutely dizzy, I still feel somewhat off balance and a bit disoriented, with my vision also slightly impaired. I did take some cold and flu medication earlier today (two capsules) along with Sedaflu (three pills). Currently, I’m on the following medications: Lamotrigine at 400mg, Lithium at 1050mg, Klonopin at 2mg, Adderall XR at 30mg, Adderall IR at 15mg, and Hydrocodone at 7.5/325mg (two times daily). Additionally, I take Tizanidine (half of the lowest dose, though I took a full dose today), Topiramate at 50mg, Phentermine at 37.5mg, and Atrorvastatin (I apologize for the misspelling) at 10mg for cholesterol. I also take a multivitamin from Garden of Life and use Albuterol sulfate and Lidocaine patches as needed, though the patches occasionally cause rashes.
Answers (1)
6/19/2025, 5:31:22 AM
OpenHealth AI
I understand that you're feeling very unwell, with a fever, sweating, dizziness, bloating, and an episode of vomiting after intense pain. These symptoms can be concerning, especially considering your complex medical history. Here’s how you can address your situation.
Key Points
- Monitor Symptoms: Your fever, dizziness, and abdominal pressure are significant; keep a close eye on these symptoms.
- Stay Hydrated: Vomiting can lead to dehydration, so it’s essential to drink fluids.
- Manage Pain and Discomfort: Focus on alleviating your back pain, which may be contributing to your dizziness.
Explanation
Your symptoms suggest that you may be experiencing a viral infection (common after exposure to sick individuals), compounded by potential effects from medication interactions or side effects. The back pain could be causing your dizziness, and the vomiting might relate to a combination of the pain and possibly irritation from the medications you took earlier.
Next Steps
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Hydrate: Drink clear fluids (water, broth, or electrolyte solutions) to prevent dehydration from vomiting. Sip slowly.
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Rest: Ensure you're resting adequately. Avoid strenuous activities and try to find a comfortable position to reduce back pain.
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Pain Management: If safe for you, consider using heat (like a warm compress) on your back to ease discomfort, but be cautious about how much you take with your current medications.
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Monitor Symptoms: Keep track of your fever and other symptoms. Take your temperature regularly and note any changes.
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Avoid Further Medication: Until your symptoms stabilize, it may be wise to stop additional medications unless instructed otherwise by a healthcare professional. Be cautious with sedatives and opioids, especially when you're feeling disoriented.
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Seek Help if Needed: If your fever persists beyond 3 days, if you develop severe headache, persistent vomiting, or shortness of breath, or if you feel significantly more disoriented, consider connecting with a healthcare provider.
Additional Note
Given your history with multiple medications, if symptoms do not improve, it would be beneficial to speak with a healthcare professional who can consider medication interactions or other underlying conditions related to your chronic conditions like fibromyalgia or multiple sclerosis.
Take care and focus on getting some rest. Let me know if you need more information or support as you navigate this.
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