Seeking Understanding
I’m a 24-year-old African American woman, and I’m at my wit’s end regarding my health. Since December 2024, I have been feeling incredibly unwell. I used to play rugby at a semi-professional level, but now there are days when simply walking or breathing feels like a struggle. I’ve been experiencing pain in various areas, including my hands, arms, legs, and neck. There’s a peculiar sensation in my hands that makes it difficult to touch objects, and my ability to walk feels compromised. Extending my hands completely feels tight, and my fingertips are often red and wrinkled. Additionally, I suffer from extreme dryness in my mouth that sometimes leads to waking up in the middle of the night, along with issues related to swallowing and heartburn—though my recent dietary changes have provided a bit of relief. In April, I consulted a neurologist who conducted MRI scans of my cervical spine and lower back. An orthopedic physician diagnosed me with cervical radiculopathy and a protruding disc in my lower back, which has not improved despite undergoing physical therapy. I constantly feel pins and needles throughout my body, accompanied by a sensation of blood rushing in my chest and hands. There is also a dark patch with irritation on both of my forearms. My blood work returned a positive ANA result at a titer of 1:80 with a speckled pattern, along with a positive SCL-70 that changed to negative upon retesting via IFA. I have retained these results and was advised to have another test in three months, which is approaching at the end of this month. Meanwhile, I am in severe pain in my arm, to the extent that it disrupts my sleep. Any insights into my symptoms would be greatly appreciated. It’s also worth mentioning that my hemoglobin and other related counts like MCV, MCH, and MCHC were reported low in my blood tests.
Answers (1)
7/7/2025, 12:50:52 PM
OpenHealth AI
I'm truly sorry to hear about the ongoing health issues you've been experiencing. Your symptoms seem complex and challenging, but it’s clear you’re looking for understanding and support as you navigate this. Here are the main points and some actionable advice based on your situation:
Main Points:
- Your symptoms suggest a range of issues affecting your joints, nerves, and potentially your overall immune system.
- Positive ANA and other blood test results may indicate the need for further evaluation of autoimmune conditions.
- Pain management and symptom relief strategies are crucial while you await further testing.
Explanation:
You’ve described a constellation of symptoms including pain, weakness, and neurological sensations, which can all affect your daily life significantly. The positive ANA and presence of symptoms related to inflammation or autoimmune conditions warrant serious consideration. Conditions like systemic lupus erythematosus (SLE) or fibromyalgia can sometimes lead to overlapping symptoms.
Low hemoglobin and counts indicate a possible underlying issue impacting your red blood cell production or chronic inflammation, which could contribute to fatigue and pain. Given your neurological assessment already indicating cervical radiculopathy and herniated disc issues, it's understandable to feel frustrated, especially since physical therapy has not led to significant improvement.
Next Steps:
-
Symptom Tracking: Start a detailed symptom diary. Record your pain levels, sensations, sleep disturbances, and any triggers you identify. This can provide crucial information for your healthcare providers.
-
Pain Management: Use over-the-counter pain relief (like ibuprofen or acetaminophen) as needed, and always follow the instructions on the label. Heat packs or gentle stretching may help relax tight muscles.
-
Hydration and Soothing Oral Care: Since you mentioned dryness in your mouth, consider increasing your fluid intake and using saliva substitutes or oral moisturizers to alleviate discomfort. Limiting caffeine and alcohol may help reduce dryness.
-
Follow Up on Blood Work: As your repeat tests are approaching, make sure to discuss all your current symptoms with your healthcare provider. A multi-disciplinary approach, involving rheumatology for autoimmune evaluation, may be beneficial.
-
Gentle Activity: Despite the pain, try to engage in light activity as tolerated. Activities like gentle yoga or water exercises can improve mobility and reduce stiffness without straining yourself.
-
Sleep Hygiene: Establish a calming bedtime routine to help improve sleep quality. Consider relaxing activities before bed and maintaining a comfortable sleep environment.
Conclusion:
I encourage you to remain proactive in your health journey, and it's important to advocate for yourself during medical appointments. Documenting your experiences will allow for more informed discussions with your healthcare team. Also, always talk to your healthcare provider before making any significant changes to your treatment plan. I’m here to help you navigate any further questions or concerns you may have.
Related Questions
Concerns After Gallbladder Surgery (Three Weeks Post-Op) - Is It an Infection?
Profile: - Age: 35 - Gender: Female - Height: 5 feet 4 inches - Weight: 160 pounds - Ethnicity: Asian Duration of Symptoms: Last Three Weeks Location: United States Recent Medical History: Nearly three weeks have passed since my gallbladder removal surgery. Over the last few days, I've noticed a small amount of unclear fluid coming from the incision. I just observed what seems to be pus oozing from the surgical site. Although there is slight tenderness when I move or touch the area, it isn't painful. Thankfully, I haven’t experienced any fever or chills, and there’s no unpleasant odor emanating from the wound. Should I continue to clean it with soap and water, or is it necessary for me to visit the emergency room for further evaluation?
Navigating Ear Infections While Traveling in Thailand
**Age:** 23 **Height:** 6'3" **Weight:** 88 kg **Medication Taken:** 1000mg Bactoclav - Amoxicillin with Potassium Clavulanate, along with pain relief and antihistamines. **Summary:** I’m hesitant to consult a doctor overseas only to receive a prescription for the same antibiotics available at a local pharmacy for a fraction of the price. What strategies can I employ to effectively manage this persistent ear infection? Am I being too hasty in my expectations? I have a long history of ear infections, often triggered by exposure to water or any activity impacting my ears. I regularly use a specialized oil before showering to prevent water from entering my ears. While backpacking in Thailand, I've developed a particularly severe ear infection over the last several days. Initially, a course of 500mg amoxicillin seemed effective, but significantly, just yesterday my condition took a downturn, shifting from nearly healed to painfully inflamed. Now, my ear is not only swollen but also incredibly sore. In an attempt to combat this, I’ve been taking 1000mg Bactoclav - Amoxicillin and Potassium Clavulanate, having consumed seven tablets in the last two days; unfortunately, there's been no noticeable improvement. I’m reluctant to seek medical attention, fearing I would be prescribed the same medication I could acquire from a pharmacy, albeit at a much higher cost. Yet, I’m also starting to question the efficacy of the pharmacy’s medication. I’ve only recently begun the stronger treatment since my symptoms returned. Any advice would be greatly valued! In addition, I’d like to share that just a week into my four-month journey, I feel as though my ongoing ear issues are gradually dominating my life. I am incredibly grateful for this travel opportunity, and while my health isn’t at risk in a serious way, these ear complications are becoming quite overwhelming. Could there be surgical options available? Might there be an underlying health concern that I’m unaware of? It doesn’t seem normal to be plagued by constant ringing, popping sounds, and wax buildup in my ears. Moreover, it feels excessive to have to apply products in my ears every time I shower.
Navigating Health Concerns: A Young Woman's Plight with Chronic Migraines and Stress
To summarize a very complex situation, last spring in 2025 was exceptionally challenging for me. I faced overwhelming stressors, including family deaths, eviction, and my parents splitting up. This turmoil led to chest pains so severe that I had to visit the emergency room because I couldn’t breathe deeply without experiencing intense pain. The doctors attributed the issue to psychological causes, but I continued to suffer from pain and instances of fainting due to the stress, which worsened as yet another family member was diagnosed with cancer. My psychiatrist suggested medication, and I started on Lexapro and Concerta, which improved my condition somewhat, even though I remained fatigued and felt like I was merely surviving. By the end of August, I contracted a severe case of bronchitis that caused me to experience fevers even while doing laundry. It seemed I was verging on pneumonia, prompting the prescription of prednisone and other steroid medications. Thankfully, I began to recover quickly, but soon after, I was plagued by persistent headaches and an overwhelming sense of paranoia that someone was out to get me. After another emergency room visit, the physicians informed me that, although my symptoms—such as fever, intense pain, night sweats, sensitivity to light, ear pressure, and a stiff neck—were alarming, they were likely just severe migraines that should eventually fade. Unfortunately, they didn’t. I returned to urgent care for further treatment, received antibiotics, and was advised to consult a neurologist. While the antibiotics provided some relief, my symptoms intensified. My primary care physician eventually prescribed sumatriptan, a medication intended to alleviate migraine pain, but instead, it exacerbated the headache. For the next two to four weeks, I endured an exceptionally difficult time, facing numerous strange symptoms that felt worthy of immediate attention, yet each visit concluded with a migraine diagnosis and a waiting period for my neurology appointment. My frustrations pushed me to contemplate risky alternatives for relief, but I resisted, feeling utterly hopeless and unable to cope. I sought an ear, nose, and throat specialist to rule out sinus issues, which turned out to be fine. A painful spot under my jaw led me to suspect nerve involvement, and I visited the emergency room again due to experiencing stroke-like symptoms (including mild left arm weakness, extreme headache, and minor speech issues). Sadly, I was again told it was merely a headache, and the IV medications were ineffective. During my annual check-up, my primary care provider was unfamiliar with my ongoing issues but discovered an enlarged lymph node in the lower left side of my neck and a cyst on my thymus after conducting a soft tissue scan. She reassured me that there was no need for concern and suggested waiting for my neurology visit or getting my eyesight checked. Despite my yellower complexion, increasing stiffness, and joint pain, I accepted her recommendation. While I mentally adapted to the chronic pain, which was always present, it affected my ability to concentrate and engage in daily life. I tried consuming plenty of lemon juice and engaging in lymphatic drainage massages, which provided transient relief and halted my yellowing skin. Now, in the present, I've noticed a peculiar, raised red bump on the side of my foot. It’s hard, tender, and smaller than a dime, without any accompanying rash. It has persisted for a couple of weeks without causing pain while walking. Additionally, more lymph nodes in my neck have become swollen, I have experienced difficulty swallowing, and I occasionally choke on air. My lungs feel heavier with a diminished sense of smell, though I don't have the thick mucus typical of a cold. The headaches, however, are reemerging, sharper than before, which is a concerning development. Throughout all of this, my blood pressure has remained within a low yet stable range, and my blood tests and CT scans have shown no significant issues. I haven’t consumed anything excessively that might raise concern, including food or drugs. Am I truly facing a serious health crisis? Should I prioritize getting another appointment, or do I need to rush to urgent care? I'm scheduled to see the neurologist in about a month, and I'm wondering if I should ask my primary care provider for some preliminary tests like blood work or an MRI beforehand. If so, what specific questions should I prepare for my neurology visit? I believe the pain has a genuine physical basis, although my anxiety definitely amplifies the experience.
Injury to the Sciatic Nerve
At 25 years old and weighing 135 pounds, I am currently taking naproxen and Lyrica to manage my sciatic nerve injury. The pain in my right leg has made it incredibly difficult for me to remain upright. It’s been two weeks since I first sought treatment; I consulted a physician who advised medication and attended a physiotherapy session. Initially, I experienced some relief after the appointment, but unfortunately, the pain returned the following day—even the prescribed home exercises exacerbated my discomfort. Just yesterday, I attempted the cobra pose, along with the flossing technique, which only heightened my pain. I find it nearly impossible to stand for more than a few seconds before the discomfort becomes intolerable. Additionally, I have an appointment with an osteopath on Tuesday, but I can't shake off my worries— is it normal to still struggle with walking after two weeks? Although I am experiencing some numbness in my toes, I haven’t encountered any loss of bladder or bowel control, worsening numbness, or weakness in my legs, so I feel stable in that regard. Nonetheless, I fear the possibility of never fully recovering and being left with a lasting disability. The pain is overwhelming, adding to my anxiety about the future.
Inquiry Regarding Metronidazole Use for Recurrent Bacterial Vaginosis
I am a 32-year-old female, measuring 5 feet 5 inches tall and weighing 248 pounds. My current medications include Vyvanse at a dosage of 40mg, a medication for asthma, vitamin D, a 325mg iron supplement, and as of now, I am also taking amoxicillin to treat strep throat. I am about to begin using Metronidazole 0.75% Vaginal Gel, with a total of 70 grams available. The instructions indicate that I should administer 5 grams vaginally twice a day for seven days, followed by twice a week for a period of two months. During the initial treatment phase when I will apply the gel twice daily, I anticipate abstaining from sexual activity. However, once I transition to the twice-weekly application, is it permissible to engage in sexual intercourse? I would normally consult my physician about this matter, but she is currently unavailable, and the nurse is also out of the office, which is quite frustrating.