Do I Need to Rush to the Hospital or Can I Wait for My Appointment?
Subject: Should I head to the ER or hold off until my upcoming appointment? Hello everyone, I'm a 19-year-old AMAB, weighing 145 pounds and standing at 5'8". My current medications are Spironolactone and Estradiol. I've been experiencing some concerning symptoms lately. About a week ago, I felt intense discomfort in the lower right side of my ribcage, but only when I was propped up in bed. This feeling isn’t new; it seems to last for about 15 minutes each time and has occurred twice so far. Additionally, I've noticed a change in my urine recently. It's appeared oily, and after waiting for a cleaner toilet, this morning I observed that it also has a slight frothy texture. Unfortunately, I haven’t had the chance to examine my stool yet. I intended to schedule a doctor's visit, but the earliest I could get is on September 29th. Given these symptoms, should I go to the ER, or would a visit to an Urgent Care facility be more appropriate?
Answers (1)
6/20/2025, 3:40:56 PM
OpenHealth AI
Based on the symptoms you’re experiencing, it’s important to assess the urgency of your situation. The combination of discomfort in your lower right ribcage and changes in urine can indicate potential underlying health issues that may need prompt evaluation.
Explanation:
-
Discomfort in the Ribcage: The pain you describe could be caused by various factors, including muscle strain, gastrointestinal issues, or even problems with your organs in that area such as the kidneys or liver.
-
Changes in Urine: Oily or frothy urine can suggest abnormalities related to your kidneys or liver function, which could be significant. The presence of frothy urine may indicate the presence of protein, which shouldn't normally be present in high amounts in urine.
Next Steps:
-
Consider Urgency: Given that you’re experiencing discomfort along with changes in urine, I recommend going to an Urgent Care facility rather than waiting for your appointment. This will allow for timely assessment of your symptoms and necessary testing.
-
Monitor Symptoms: Keep track of any additional symptoms such as:
- Increased pain or discomfort
- Changes in bowel movements or stool (especially color and consistency)
- Any nausea, vomiting, or changes in appetite
-
Prepare for Your Visit: When you go to Urgent Care, be ready to provide detailed information about:
- The nature and duration of your symptoms
- Your medical history, including your current medications (Spironolactone and Estradiol)
- Any other changes you've noticed in your health recently
Your health is important, and seeking timely care can help address these concerns before they potentially escalate. Please take care, and if you notice any sudden worsening of symptoms (like severe pain, fever, or significant changes in urine/stool), seek immediate medical attention.
Related Questions
Concerns About My Eye Condition
I'm a 19-year-old female, weighing 190 pounds and standing 5'5". Lately, I’ve noticed some troubling changes in my eyes. There are prominent, red veins extending from the inner corners of my eyes into the irises. Additionally, there are bright red streaks and pools forming at the lower part of both eyes beneath the eyelids, bordered by a yellowish hue. When I consulted two different doctors, they were unable to pinpoint the issue and simply recommended lubricating eye drops. Unfortunately, the condition seems to be deteriorating, with the redness spreading further. While there is no significant pain, keeping my eyes open feels like a struggle, and my vision has become increasingly blurry, leading to some headaches. I’ve been unwell recently, but I’m uncertain if this has any relevance to my eye problems. Any advice or insights would be immensely helpful.
Experiencing Numbness in the Right Arm or Leg?
Hello! I’m a 17-year-old assigned female at birth, weighing approximately 110 pounds and standing around 5 feet 2-3 inches tall. At the moment, I’m not taking any medications and I don’t smoke. Recently, I’ve been facing a peculiar issue where my right leg or arm occasionally becomes numb. This sensation only impacts my right side and never the left. It can occur at any time, both during day and night. Typically, the numbness in my leg arises when I’m lying in bed, although I also experience it randomly throughout the day. I’m curious if anyone has any insights or thoughts about whether this could be something more serious than just a problem with my posture, haha!
Concerns About Telemedicine during a Drive
Hello everyone, I'm a 28-year-old woman with a background of thyroid cancer, necessitating routine check-ups every six months. Recently, a question came to my mind regarding the professional conduct of my primary care physician. I was taken aback to learn that she participated in my telemedicine appointment while driving. I've noticed her appearing somewhat distracted during our in-person visits and at times, she forgets the medications we discuss during our reviews, but this situation felt even more inappropriate. It’s challenging for me to comprehend why I’m spending $450 post-insurance for what feels like a casual video call when it’s clear she is multitasking. Although I've been under her care for about two years, I'm eager to find a practitioner who will genuinely take the time to understand my health history and build a long-term relationship. I appreciate any insights you can offer!
Concerns About a Recent Lump on My Shaft: Seeking Guidance
I’m a 20-year-old male with allergies primarily to wood, pollen, and grass, which used to cause me hives, but that issue has resolved. Now, to address the main concern. I found a lump on my shaft while showering yesterday morning, and it caught me off guard. Up until now, I haven’t experienced any discomfort, and I still feel largely fine. The size of the lump is similar to that of a pimple or possibly a cyst, but I'm unsure. I'm contemplating whether it would be wise to consult a doctor about this issue, as I want to be informed on how to proceed. Any advice would be greatly appreciated!
Should We Handle This Ear Issue at Home or Seek Medical Attention?
I’m sharing this on behalf of my husband, a 33-year-old male who is not currently taking any medications and has no known chronic conditions. The only relevant detail is that he has a significant issue with earwax accumulation. At times, this leads to noticeable deposits on his pillow when he sleeps on his side, affecting his hearing. For the past few days, his ear has exhibited symptoms similar to what is often seen in various ear conditions. He reports feeling a sense of discomfort, although there is no pain or itchiness involved. Touching or tugging on the tragus and surrounding areas does not elicit any pain. He’s uncertain why there are scabs around this area. He mentioned experiencing a sensation of fluid inside the ear yesterday, prompting him to use some over-the-counter peroxide drops to help clear it out. He described the output as a thick, opaque discharge resembling earwax, but darker and more liquid in texture. Today, while the fullness sensation seems to have diminished, the discomfort remains. His other ear appears normal, perhaps just slightly dry, but nothing more than what is typical for ears. Given this information, I'd like to know whether this is a situation he can manage at home or one that warrants a visit to urgent care. Additionally, what might be the underlying issue?