Feeling Overlooked by Doctors Amidst My Struggles
It feels as though my doctors aren't taking my newly emerged symptoms seriously, yet the reality is that I'm experiencing considerable discomfort. At the end of this message, I've detailed my existing health issues and the medications I am currently using. About three weeks ago, I began to notice a sudden onset of symptoms, starting with neuropathic pain that has since been joined by additional complaints, which have persisted for approximately four weeks. * The neuropathic pain in my feet has intensified, a symptom of my polyneuropathy. The discomfort radiates along the outer part of my foot, making it painful for me to apply any pressure. With every step I take, the ache increases, and there is a numbness that has begun to travel up my leg. This situation resembles what I experienced prior to starting Gabapentin. I'm also encountering mild cramping beneath my foot that affects my big toe, and occasionally my pinky. This cramping frequently occurs during rest, but not consistently. * Extreme fatigue has set in to such an extent that it hinders my ability to sleep. Additionally, there are days when I find myself sleeping continuously for an entire 24-hour period. I am utterly devoid of energy, with my limbs feeling utterly heavy. This fatigue is the most debilitating symptom of all. I often find myself in tears, unable to drift off to sleep despite feeling drained. * I’ve been grappling with joint pain located in my wrists, fingers, and knees. * Muscle pain has also emerged in my arms, legs, and along my upper back. * I am experiencing tenderness in my breasts, particularly the right one, which houses a painful gland without any observable irregularities. * Nausea seems to be a constant companion. My body temperature fluctuates between 37.1°C and 38.2°C. * My bowel habits have become erratic. I now frequently produce softer stools that require flushing multiple times, and I find myself needing to visit the bathroom daily. This issue began about a year ago; although tests done back then yielded no significant findings, the healthcare team seemed to lose interest. Now, my bowel movements are unpredictable and can suddenly shift toward constipation. Despite blood tests returning normal results, they neglected to check my ferritin levels, which I have since requested. I’ve had to reach out multiple times and secured an appointment, but it’s not until FOUR WEEKS from now. This waiting period is increasingly painful for me. Am I being too sensitive about their apparent lack of urgency and engagement? How would you have handled a situation like mine if you were in my place? Other health conditions I manage include bipolar disorder, polyneuropathy, restless legs syndrome, and chronic pain affecting my pelvic area, jaws, neck, shoulders, and lower back. Current medications include Lamotrigine, Gabapentin, B12 supplements, birth control, omeprazole, slow-release morphine, and folic acid. Occasionally, I take Zolpidem, Diazepam, Paracetamol, Klonopin, and stool softeners.
Answers (1)
6/20/2025, 4:50:52 AM
OpenHealth AI
I'm sorry to hear that you're feeling overlooked and are experiencing significant discomfort with your symptoms. Your concerns are valid, and it's important that your experiences are addressed seriously. Here’s a breakdown of your symptoms and some actionable steps you can take while you wait for your upcoming appointment.
Overview of Symptoms:
- Neuropathic Pain: Intensifying pain and numbness in your feet and legs.
- Extreme Fatigue: Severe tiredness affecting sleep and functionality.
- Joint and Muscle Pain: Pain in various joints and muscles.
- Breast Tenderness: Specific soreness without visible issues.
- Nausea and Temperature Fluctuations: Frequent nausea and mild fever.
- Bowel Issues: Alternating between consistency issues with stools.
Explanation:
Your symptoms, particularly the combination of neuropathic pain, extreme fatigue, joint and muscle discomfort, and irregular bowel habits, could stem from a range of causes including potential autoimmune conditions, medication side effects, or other underlying health issues. It’s notable that you’ve previously had normal blood tests but want a second look at your ferritin levels, which is a wise decision as low ferritin can contribute to fatigue and other symptoms.
Given your complex medical history, there may be interactions or symptoms related to your medications that need further exploration.
Immediate Steps to Take:
-
Symptom Diary: Keep a detailed log of your symptoms, including their severity, duration, and any patterns you notice. This can help bring clarity during your next appointment.
-
Hydration and Nutrition: Ensure you are well-hydrated and consider maintaining a balanced diet. Regular meals might help with energy levels and nausea management.
-
Gentle Movement: While it may be difficult, try to incorporate gentle stretches or short walks. This can help manage muscle and joint pain.
-
Pain Management: Besides your current medications, explore non-medical pain relief methods (such as heat packs or cold compresses) for acute pain.
-
Sleep Hygiene: To address your fatigue and sleep issues, practice a calming bedtime routine. Consider limiting screen time before bed, ensuring a comfortable sleep environment, and perhaps trying relaxation techniques such as deep breathing or mindfulness exercises.
-
Follow-Up on Appointments: Continue to advocate for yourself. If your symptoms worsen before your four-week appointment, reach out to see if an earlier visit is possible or if you can conduct a telehealth consultation.
Addressing Feelings of Overlooked Care:
It's completely natural to feel sensitive in this situation, especially when your quality of life is affected. If you feel persistently unheard, consider seeking a second opinion or discussing your feelings directly with your healthcare provider at your next appointment. Clear communication about how these symptoms are impacting your life can help them understand the urgency from your perspective.
Reassurance:
You are not alone in your struggles, and it’s important to keep pushing for the care you deserve. If any new symptoms arise or if you experience severe changes (like significant pain, difficulty breathing, or changes in consciousness), seek immediate care.
Your priority is getting effective management for your symptoms, so continue to express your needs and gather information while waiting for further evaluations.
Related Questions
Understanding the Increased Pain in My Foot While Reclining
At 30 years old, I am nearing the five-week mark since undergoing surgery on my metatarsals. I've encountered a troubling issue: I can’t seem to find comfort when lying down, whether it’s with my foot raised or lying flat. My pain level escalates to a severe 10 out of 10, unless my foot is making contact with the floor or I dangle my leg off the side of the bed so that my toes touch the ground. Is this situation typical for someone in my circumstances? Are there any suggestions that might assist me in getting a better night's sleep?
Understanding Possible Seizure Triggers and Recurrence Risks
Health Background: I am a 21-year-old female, standing at 169 cm and weighing 65 kg. Over the past three years, I have been using oral contraceptives. As of this morning, I started taking 25 mcg of levothyroxine along with a weekly vitamin D supplement of 0.266 mg. Recently, I was diagnosed with hypothyroidism and found to have a vitamin D deficiency that I suspect has existed for the last three years. I do not consume alcohol or smoke, and I can confirm I am not pregnant. Two years ago, I experienced a mild concussion. I currently reside in Spain. A couple of months back, in mid-December, I blacked out twice. The second occurrence took place while I was at the doctor’s office after seeking urgent medical care for the initial incident. Following the second episode, I underwent a CT scan and an EKG, both of which returned normal results. Further tests, as directed by my physician, revealed a critical vitamin D deficiency and hypothyroidism; however, he expressed doubt that either of these conditions led to my loss of consciousness. I was then referred to a neurologist, and I am presently awaiting an appointment. Although the waiting period is lengthy, my doctor indicated that I should receive priority for scheduling, although the exact timeframe remains uncertain. The referral document summarized my events, labeling the second episode (which the physician witnessed) as a potential seizure devoid of tonic-clonic movements—a revelation that took me by surprise. After regaining consciousness, I felt extremely disoriented and terrified, struggling to process what was happening. I have no prior history of seizures, epilepsy, or any related conditions, and there is no known family history of these issues. If this indeed was a seizure, what might have triggered it? Additionally, what is the likelihood of experiencing another one? Since that time, I have not had any further incidents, but I have experienced moments where I felt a sense of impending doom, which I managed to overcome. I intend to wait for the neurologist's evaluation, but the uncertainty surrounding a possible neurological condition is quite distressing. Thank you for any insight you can provide!
Persistent Pain in Right Shoulder and Arm After Lifting
Hello, everyone! I’m a 23-year-old male and have been engaged in weightlifting for several years now. Recently, I’ve been struggling with ongoing discomfort in my right shoulder and arm, which I haven’t been able to accurately identify. The pain manifests during particular movements, especially with lateral raises or when my arm is raised to shoulder level while rotating my wrist. Certain pressing and pulling activities can also provoke this discomfort. Rather than feeling sharp, it’s a deep, nagging sensation that sometimes seems localized in the front area of the shoulder or at the biceps tendon, and at other times it feels more like it’s situated between the shoulder and upper arm. Fortunately, there’s no numbness or tingling involved. This issue began while I was working out. I decided to take a break for around two months, but when I returned, the pain persisted. After consulting a physician, I was diagnosed with bicipital tendinitis. Since then, I’ve reduced my upper-body workouts, completely steering clear of shoulder exercises and heavy lifting, and have begun a gentle rehabilitation regimen focusing on external rotations, pendulum movements, and scapular exercises. Despite adhering to this routine for about a week, I haven’t experienced any noticeable improvement. Is it typical for this type of tendon injury to require an extended period for recovery? At what point should I consider diagnostic imaging, such as an ultrasound or MRI? Additionally, are there frequent rehabilitation errors that might impede the healing process? I appreciate your insights in advance!
INTENSE Spine Discomfort, Breathing Difficulties, Muscle Twitches, and Sweating
To elaborate on the situation mentioned in the title, I’ve been experiencing unusual muscle twitches and spasms for the past few days, along with some discomfort in my back. However, today, I felt an unexpected sharp pain shoot through my spine, which has left my legs feeling numb and made it impossible for me to sit up straight. Additionally, I’ve been dealing with cold sweats for the last hour and struggling to breathe properly. Perhaps I’m just overanalyzing things and it’s a common occurrence, but the intensity of the pain is overwhelming—it's truly unbearable. I’m shaking quite a bit, and unfortunately, my parents aren’t responding to my attempts to reach them for help. I have a history of a chronic heart condition and arthritis, yet I’ve never experienced pain this severe, especially in my spine. For context, I am nearly 15 years old and female. My current medications include pain relievers, anxiety medication, beta blockers, and some vitamins, though those specifics may not be particularly relevant. I don’t smoke; however, I have tried vaping a few times, which might not matter much, but I thought it was worth mentioning as it was requested.
Concerns About My Toes
Age: 30, Female Currently, I am on the lookout for a reputable podiatrist in my vicinity. However, I've encountered a perplexing issue with my foot. Just last night, I noticed a growth on the side of my toe, something entirely new to me. I maintain a nutritious diet and have a demanding job that requires me to be on my feet quite often. My footwear includes brands such as Brooks Ghost Runners, Hoka Bondi 9’s, and Nike Motiva’s, and I don’t opt for restrictive socks. I also apply Vick’s Vaporub to my feet, a practice handed down from my family, and stick with simple, non-fragrant lotions like Vanicream and CeraVe SA Cream for my skin. In addition, I am curious about the my big toenail's change in color. What might be the underlying reasons for this? Also, I have these persistent dark spots on my toes that I've struggled with since my days on the runway. Despite my efforts, nothing has succeeded in lightening or diminishing their appearance. I'm just looking to determine if there might have been a factor from the past that could have contributed to these issues. I’m not sure what else to include, but I’m open to answering any questions you might have. Thank you for your attention! Best wishes from a worried soul!