Seeking Guidance on Health Concerns while Abroad
Greetings! I hail from the UK but am currently preparing to relocate to Australia to pursue a career in nursing. I've spent the last two months traveling through Asia, and I'm presently in Thailand. About six months ago, I began experiencing intermittent discomfort in my upper right side. After visiting the emergency department, I was advised that it might be endometriosis, but unfortunately, I received very little support from healthcare providers aside from an ultrasound, which showed no abnormalities. The pain I experience is a dull ache that varies in intensity; sometimes, it subsides for a few days. There are instances where I feel a sense of numbness, and occasionally, the discomfort radiates towards my back or pelvis. Yesterday, while in Thailand, the pain suddenly intensified, prompting me to seek medical attention again. They conducted comprehensive tests, including a CT scan, and suggested that I might have a kidney infection. I am skeptical about this diagnosis as I don’t present any typical symptoms and considering my ongoing issues over such a prolonged period. During the CT scan, doctors discovered a 3.5 cm mass on my liver and indicated that it requires further examination. This news has understandably left me quite anxious, and I can’t help but wonder if this is related to the pain I've been feeling. I plan to share the details from my medical report for further insights. I find myself quite distressed being away from home, exacerbated by my history of health anxiety, especially after losing my mother to cancer when I was just 18. Additionally, I've dealt with rheumatoid arthritis since I was six years old and developed SIBO/PI-IBS following a bout of norovirus last year, with the flank pain starting roughly a month afterward. I appreciate your time in reading this, and any advice or insights would be immensely valuable. Thank you!
Answers (1)
7/9/2025, 4:01:28 AM
OpenHealth AI
It’s understandable to feel anxious about your health, especially given your complex medical history and recent findings. The intermittent pain you've been experiencing, coupled with the discovery of a mass on your liver, deserves careful attention. Here's a summary of the main points followed by some actionable guidance.
Key Points:
- Current Pain and Discomfort: You’ve been experiencing intermittent upper right-side pain, possibly related to the mass on your liver.
- Discovery of Mass: A 3.5 cm mass on your liver needs further examination, which is crucial for determining any potential concerns.
- Health Anxiety Influence: Your anxiety about health, especially due to past experiences, is significant and should be factored into your overall care.
Explanation:
Your ongoing discomfort and the recent diagnosis of a liver mass can understandably heighten anxiety. The fact that a kidney infection was also suggested may complicate matters, especially when you feel it might not match your symptoms. It’s important to address both the physical aspects and the emotional impacts of what you’re experiencing.
Next Steps:
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Follow-Up on Liver Mass: It is crucial to have further evaluation on the 3.5 cm liver mass. This may include additional imaging studies or a biopsy to understand its nature. Prioritize scheduling this examination as soon as possible, even if you have to manage it while abroad.
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Monitor Symptoms: Keep a detailed log of your symptoms, including any changes in pain, intensity, or location of discomfort. Note any triggers or changes in bowel habits as well.
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Stay Hydrated and Rested: Ensure you are drinking enough water, especially if you suspect any infection or ongoing gastrointestinal issues. Rest is also important to support your body through illness.
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Practice Anxiety Management: Given your history of health anxiety, consider integrating stress-reduction techniques such as deep breathing, meditation, or gentle yoga. Finding someone to talk to, like a counselor or therapist, even if it’s online, can also be helpful in managing anxiety during this challenging time.
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Seek Support Networks: Whether online or within the expatriate community in Australia, connecting with others in similar situations can provide emotional support and practical advice as you transition.
If you notice any new, severe symptoms such as rapid weight loss, fever, or significant changes in appetite, prioritize medical care in addition to follow-ups related to the liver mass.
Please remember, you are not alone in this, and taking these proactive steps can help you manage your health concerns effectively while navigating your current situation.
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