Should I Visit the ER, Urgent Care, or Use MyChart?
I am a 30-year-old female, standing at 5 feet 10 inches tall and weighing 250 pounds. I am experiencing intermittent pain rated at an 8 out of 10 in my left rib area, accompanied by shortness of breath. The discomfort feels like a stabbing sensation beneath my last rib, and I also have soreness in my shoulder and collarbone. Last night was particularly difficult because I struggled to breathe, and using my inhaler did not provide relief. Today, I feel fatigued. Additionally, I am currently menstruating. I have a diagnosis of stage 4 deep infiltrating endometriosis, although examinations have only been conducted on my pelvis. I have a history of adult granulosa cell tumor in my ovary, but I have been disease-free for over a year now. I recently underwent an abdominal ultrasound, and the results indicated everything is normal. I do not consume alcohol, use drugs, or smoke. My concern lies in not wanting to inconvenience anyone or utilize medical resources unnecessarily.
Answers (1)
7/9/2025, 4:31:14 PM
OpenHealth AI
Given your symptoms of severe pain in the left rib area, shortness of breath, and fatigue, it’s important to prioritize your health and seek appropriate medical attention. These signs could indicate a serious condition, and it's not an inconvenience to seek help when you are experiencing such discomfort.
Explanation:
The combination of stabbing rib pain and shortness of breath may potentially signal issues such as a respiratory condition, musculoskeletal pain, or even complications related to your history of endometriosis or granulosa cell tumor. It’s important to take these symptoms seriously, especially since you've noted that your inhaler hasn't helped and you are feeling quite fatigued.
Next Steps:
-
Seek Urgent Care or an Emergency Room (ER): Given the intensity of your pain (rated 8/10) and accompanying shortness of breath, it is advisable to go to the ER or an urgent care facility immediately. Do not delay this step, as it is better to be evaluated than to risk any serious health issues.
-
Monitor Symptoms: While getting ready to seek care, take note of any other symptoms you might experience, such as changes in breathing, onset of fever, or worsening pain, to share with the healthcare professionals.
-
Communicate Your Medical History: When being seen, inform the medical team about your stage 4 endometriosis and history of granulosa cell tumor, as this is pertinent information that could influence their assessment.
-
Avoid Self-Diagnosis: While you may have access to MyChart or other digital health resources, given the potential severity of your symptoms, prioritize in-person assessment rather than self-monitored care or online consultations for now.
Reassurance:
It’s completely understandable to be concerned about using medical resources; however, your health is the priority. It is always better to err on the side of caution when faced with persistent and severe symptoms. Take care and get the help you need!
Related Questions
Resources for Safe Mouse Cleanup
While it may not be a typical inquiry for a healthcare professional, I find myself in need of guidance. Recently, we had an uninvited mouse visitor in our home, and unfortunately, it left droppings in my children's toy storage and on the changing table. I am seeking advice on how to effectively disinfect all affected items or determine if disposal is necessary to prevent any health risks. My children are quite young, at 2.5 years and just 4 months old. If they’ve potentially been exposed to mouse droppings, should I reach out to their pediatrician? For reference, I’m a 32-year-old female, standing at 5'6" and weighing 140 pounds, not currently on any medications.
Excessive Electrical Shocks Encountered
Hello everyone! This is my inaugural post here since I don't frequently use Reddit. I'm a 15-year-old male, and I've recently been experiencing an unusual frequency of electrical shocks. Whenever I come into contact with anything that is either highly charged or conductive, I receive a sharp, irritating jolt. This situation has become increasingly bothersome. For instance, I can only grasp my Mac charger by the cord and not the plug itself. I'm curious if anyone has insights into why this is happening. Please let me know; I hope it's nothing serious! 💕
Urinalysis Inquiry
Subject: Urinalysis Results Review Age: 23 Height: 5'2" Weight: 101 lbs Greetings! I would appreciate it if you could review my urinalysis findings. The test was conducted yesterday, just one day prior to the start of my menstrual cycle, and I am now currently on my period. Below are the details of my results, as I need this information to fulfill a prerequisite for my employment. Additionally, I would like to know whether my menstrual cycle may have influenced the outcome of the test. I typically experience frequent urination, yet I do not have any discomfort or pain while urinating.
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!