OpenHealth Q&A

Get answered by medical professionals

Concerns Before Upcoming Arm Surgery

7/4/2025, 10:40:16 PMMale25-34

I’m a 49-year-old man preparing for biceps surgery scheduled for July 10, specifically to fix a distal tendon. I ceased all vitamins and supplements last Monday, but since yesterday, anything I consume causes discomfort in my stomach. My last shot of Mounjaro was on June 29, and I've also stopped taking probiotics, creatine, fish oil, and a multivitamin. I’m feeling quite anxious because I can’t afford to postpone the surgery; if I do, my arm may end up needing extensive reconstruction. I maintain a healthy diet and stay hydrated, so I’m left wondering whether something might be wrong with my health.

AgingSupplementsLifestyle Changes

Answers (1)

Cony

7/4/2025, 10:40:31 PM

OpenHealth AI

It's understandable to feel anxious before surgery, especially when experiencing discomfort leading up to the procedure. The combination of stopping several supplements and experiencing stomach discomfort could amplify your concerns. Here’s what you need to know and actions you can take.

Main Points:

  1. Your stomach discomfort may be related to stopping supplements or dietary changes.
  2. Focus on maintaining hydration and a balanced diet.
  3. Monitor your symptoms and take specific steps for potential relief.

Explanation:

When you discontinue supplements like probiotics, fish oil, and a multivitamin, it's possible for your digestive system to react, especially if these were a regular part of your routine. Stomach issues could also arise from anxiety, diet changes, or other factors unrelated to your surgery. It's important to distinguish whether the discomfort is related to dietary changes or a different underlying issue.

Next Steps:

  1. Hydration and Diet: Continue to focus on drinking plenty of water. Stick to bland foods that are easy on the stomach (like bananas, rice, applesauce, and toast) which can help reduce discomfort.

  2. Monitor Symptoms: Keep track of your stomach symptoms over the next few days. Note when they occur, what you've eaten, and any other changes in your routine. This information could be useful if symptoms persist.

  3. Stress Management: Practice relaxation techniques such as deep breathing exercises or gentle stretching. Managing anxiety can positively impact your overall feelings of well-being and may reduce gastric discomfort.

  4. Information Gathering: Research if your discomfort might be related to medication changes or if you might need some supportive gut health interventions that don’t require supplements, like light herbal teas (e.g., ginger or peppermint).

  5. Listen to Your Body: If your stomach discomfort worsens or you develop additional symptoms (like severe pain, nausea, or vomiting), consider contacting your healthcare provider for further guidance.

If you maintain a healthy diet and monitor your symptoms while managing stress, you’ll be in a better position for your upcoming surgery. It’s normal to feel anxious, but with proactive steps, you can navigate this period more comfortably. Let me know if you have any further questions or concerns!

Related Questions

Combining Benadryl and Alcohol

A 20-year-old weighing 170 pounds has consumed alcohol to achieve a pleasant sensation for Independence Day celebrations. As tomorrow morning requires an early rise, this individual has decided to take 100 milligrams of Benadryl. Is this a safe combination?

WellnessLifestyle ChangesPreventive Medicine
Male25-34
1 hour ago

Struggling to Move My Legs After Oral Surgery: Seeking Guidance

Greetings, Background: I am a 33-year-old female (5'4'', 170 lbs, no medications) who had a root canal performed on my lower left tooth about a month ago. Following the procedure, a temporary crown was placed, and I awaited the arrival of my permanent crown without experiencing any discomfort whatsoever. When I received notification that my permanent crown was ready, I intended to visit the dentist but had been preoccupied with work commitments. Eventually, I called to schedule the appointment for June 30, 2025. That same morning, I woke to intense pain, prompting me to seek a same-day appointment to ensure the root canal was the source of my discomfort. However, it turned out that the issue was actually my lower left wisdom tooth, which was emerging and causing swelling. After they placed my permanent crown, I arranged for a wisdom tooth extraction consultation the very next morning at 7:45 AM. By then, the left side of my face had ballooned to approximately the size of two softballs within a day. The oral surgeon's office had me speak with their staff, and I secured an appointment for 12:45 that afternoon. Fortunately, my fiancé was off work and able to drive me. At this point, I was prescribed 600 mg of ibuprofen and started a course of four antibiotics (clindamycin, 300 mg). After discussing the procedure with the surgical team and signing consent forms indicating that anesthesia would be required, I received prescriptions to fill before my extraction. We returned to the clinic at 12:30 PM, and I was taken to a treatment room around 2 PM. Although they were running behind schedule, I was not troubled as I wanted the process to be thorough. I only needed to have one wisdom tooth removed. By 3 PM, after the surgery was completed, the staff updated me and my fiancé on post-operative care. An IV was placed in my arm, and I was informed it contained Valium. I felt the effects very quickly, which was quite unexpected for me since I had never experienced anything similar. This was also my first time undergoing surgery or being put under anesthesia. My next memory is of being in a wheelchair and being helped into my fiancé's truck, expressing discomfort in my legs and back. The total duration of my treatment was about an hour. After cleaning the blood from my lips, we grabbed a smoothie; I managed to consume a few spoonfuls and adhered to my medication regimen, taking the prescribed antibiotic and 600 mg ibuprofen before settling in at home. I stayed awake with my fiancé until approximately 11:44 PM (as recorded by my Fitbit) and took my antibiotic along with an acetaminophen/hydrocodone (300-7.5) tablet before going to sleep. While I managed to sleep for six hours, I frequently awoke due to pain throughout my body, particularly from icing my mouth, which felt manageable. The following afternoon, between 3 and 4 PM, I began to notice diminishing strength in both legs. This weakness affected my quads, calves, and core, as well as my back muscles from the cervical to thoracic regions, excluding the lumbar area. The tension in these muscles made movement painful, and I was unable to shift my legs in or out of bed without support. This situation persisted until the following day. Whenever I attempted to sit or stand, I required assistance. I could walk, but my gait was unsteady and painful, and any laughter resulted in intense pain in my chest and ribs. The day after my surgery, the front desk at the dental office reached out to check on my condition. At that moment, while I was experiencing normal discomfort, I was still able to move about. However, after making several calls to discuss my concerning symptoms, it became clear to the office staff that I was not just feeling sore but was genuinely unable to move my lower body without help. The receptionist relayed that the doctor attributed this to the administration of anectine during my surgery. Now, over three full days have elapsed since my dental procedure, and I still struggle to walk correctly. I visited an emergency clinic, where they advised me to go to the ER due to my unstable gait and significant weakness. I am reaching out for assistance. My mother suggested that I request a copy of my comprehensive medical records regarding the surgery, which I plan to do on Monday. I urgently need insights on how to address this issue and determine if any liability falls with the dental practitioners involved. My anxiety is escalating as I grapple with these challenges. After 80 hours since the surgery, I can slowly maneuver my legs in and out of bed, but I remain stiff and in pain. I continue to take 400 mg of ibuprofen and 300 mg of clindamycin every eight hours.

AgingFamily MedicineInternal Medicine
Male25-34
1 hour ago

Optimal Timing for Sunlight Exposure to Boost Vitamin D Levels

In addition to adjusting my nutritional intake, I've been advised to spend a minimum of 20 minutes in sunlight to enhance my Vitamin D production. There seems to be some conflicting information regarding the best time for this exposure. While some individuals suggest that early morning is ideal, various online sources indicate that the effective window falls between 10 AM and 3 PM. I would greatly appreciate insights from healthcare professionals on this matter. Thank you for your assistance!

NutritionSupplementsLifestyle Changes
Male25-34
2 hours ago

Swollen and Discolored Thumb Concern

I’m a 32-year-old female diagnosed with ulcerative colitis. Recently, I underwent blood and urine examinations due to experiencing fatigue, along with excessive thirst and urination, and I am currently awaiting the test outcomes. Earlier today, while I was trying on some jewelry, I noticed that the tip of my thumb started to exhibit a purple hue and began to feel tingly. Now, nearly twenty minutes have passed, and the swelling persists. Although I used this thumb to secure the lobster clasp on a necklace, the pressure was neither intense nor prolonged enough to cause injury, as I frequently perform this action without issues. I am quite worried about this unexpected change in my thumb's condition and am uncertain about what steps to take next. There is minimal pain, but it does feel sensitive and somewhat numb. I would appreciate any guidance you could provide.

Lifestyle ChangesFamily MedicineInternal Medicine
Male25-34
2 hours ago

Visual Disturbance in My Eye

Subject Age: 34 Gender: Female Height: 148 cm Weight: 98 kg Ethnicity: White Symptom Duration: A few minutes Location: Germany Relevant Medical Background: Hypermobility; currently under evaluation for Ehlers-Danlos Syndrome; also dealing with Idiopathic Intracranial Hypertension (IIH) and Primary Ovarian Insufficiency (POI). Current Medications: Estrogen gel and contraceptive pills. After an unusual night’s sleep, I awakened to find myself inadvertently pressing my eye with my hand. For several minutes, I experienced sharp flashes of light similar to lightning every time I moved that eye, which felt slightly squished. Though the sensation has now vanished, I am deeply concerned that I may have inadvertently caused harm to my retina. I have a wedding to attend shortly, and I am about to embark on a vacation soon after. While I am aware that symptoms of retinal detachment can represent a serious medical issue, I am uncertain if my experience qualifies as an emergency since the flashes have ceased. I wish to avoid causing disruption at my future mother-in-law’s wedding, where I will be staying, but this situation has left me quite unsettled.

AgingFamily MedicineInternal Medicine
Male25-34
3 hours ago