Considering a Return to the Emergency Room
This month, I've already visited the emergency room three times, the latest visit triggered by sudden paralysis in my right leg. The previous two occasions were due to anaphylaxis and a double kidney infection, which is presently being addressed. The paralysis I’m experiencing stems from multiple bulging discs in my spine, and unfortunately, the situation is worsening. I’m aware that further scans are unlikely to reveal any new information, yet the pain continues to escalate. The pain relief options available at home are inadequate; I am in severe distress. It feels foolish to contemplate another ER visit, yet I truly feel cornered with no alternatives and am unsure of how to cope. My recent interactions with healthcare providers have been disappointing. They indicated that my paralysis might not improve until surgery, an option that is months away. Three days have passed since the onset of my paralysis, yet I still lack the ability to move. I was reassured that my condition was normal and discharged on the same day, but none of this feels right. I’m even contemplating seeking care at a different hospital due to the intensity of my suffering, which can easily be rated at a 9 out of 10. This ordeal has stripped away much of my independence. All I crave is a brief respite from this overwhelming agony. I currently experience complete loss of sensation, reflexes, sensory perception, and movement starting from my upper hip area, though I can still feel a pulse in my foot. I retain control over my bladder functions, thankfully. Regarding medications, I’m prescribed the following: - Toradol three times daily, either orally or via intramuscular injection - Baclofen or tizanidine three times a day - Cyclobenzaprine every night - Ipratropium three times daily - Famotidine once daily - Testosterone once weekly As for my medical conditions, they include: - Degenerative disc disease - Bulges at L3-4 and L4-5 - Bilateral occipital neuralgia - Levoscoliosis - Complex regional pain syndrome - Functional neurological disorder - Chronic multilevel facet hypertrophy in the lumbar region - Post-surgical pain from my open hip surgery in November 2024 (currently masked by paralysis)
Answers (1)
7/13/2025, 7:40:40 PM
OpenHealth AI
I'm really sorry to hear about the pain and distress you're experiencing. Your current situation sounds incredibly challenging and frustrating, especially after multiple visits to the emergency room. It's apparent that you're seeking relief from severe pain and paralysis, and I want to help guide you through some steps.
Main Points:
- Severe Distress and Pain: Your pain level of 9 out of 10 and the sudden paralysis are serious concerns.
- Current Medication Management: Your current medications may not be providing the relief you need.
- Consideration of ER Visit: Another visit to the emergency room might be a valid option given your acute symptoms and the impact on your independence.
Explanation:
The paralysis in your leg, coupled with the pain and other neurological symptoms you're facing, is understandably distressing. Chronic conditions like degenerative disc disease and complex regional pain syndrome can lead to episodes of severe pain and functional impairment. Since you’ve already seen healthcare providers and felt disappointed with the outcomes, it’s important to focus on immediate steps you can take to address your distress.
Prioritized Next Steps:
-
Consider an ER Visit:
- Given the severity of your symptoms, especially the paralysis and significant pain, another visit to the ER could allow for immediate evaluation and perhaps different management options.
- When you go, clearly communicate your level of pain and the impact it’s having on your mobility and quality of life. This may help prioritize your care.
-
Pain Management:
- Discuss with the ER staff or your healthcare provider about increasing pain relief options. This may include adjusting dosages, considering alternative medications, or exploring effective interventions like nerve blocks or other pain management therapies.
-
Symptom Documentation:
- Keep a detailed log of your symptoms, pain levels, and any triggers or changes, which can help your healthcare team understand the severity of your condition better. This log can be presented during your next visit.
-
Explore Alternate Healthcare Providers:
- If you feel that your needs aren't being met, it may be beneficial to seek a second opinion from other specialists, such as a pain management specialist or neurologist, who may provide additional treatment avenues or insights.
-
Emotional Support:
- Consider reaching out for support, whether through mental health professionals, support groups for chronic pain, or even close friends or family. Managing chronic pain can take an emotional toll, and support is crucial.
Reassurance:
Your feelings of frustration and the desire for relief are completely valid. It's not foolish to seek help when you're in such distress; it shows you are advocating for your health and well-being. Remember, your needs are essential, and no one should endure this level of pain without seeking relief. Please take care, and don’t hesitate to pursue the immediate help you deserve.
Related Questions
Experiencing Heart Palpitations Following Chest Impact
I'm a 17-year-old female who has struggled with tachycardia for several years, having been diagnosed with postural tachycardia syndrome (POTS) about five years ago, although I haven't pursued further testing because I haven't completely lost consciousness. Recently, over the past month or two, I've started to experience sensations of my heart skipping beats, accompanied by difficulty in breathing during these episodes. These occurrences have become significantly more frequent, even when I'm at rest. Five years ago, I underwent a Holter monitor test, which indicated primarily tachycardia with occasional premature ventricular contractions (PVCs), but nothing alarming was found. In early December, I was struck hard in the chest by an elbow while in a mosh pit, which resulted in some pain when taking deep breaths for a few days. My sternum became bruised and slightly swollen, and it remained tender to touch for about two weeks, but this discomfort was manageable. I still feel some soreness when stretching, although it’s not severe. Additionally, I have diagnoses of Crohn’s disease and hypermobile Ehlers-Danlos syndrome (HEDS), and I am currently on immunosuppressants. Given these circumstances, would it be advisable for me to seek medical evaluation, or could these symptoms be considered typical?
Post-Gallbladder Surgery Concerns: Potential Infection Three Weeks Later?
Subject's Age: 35 Gender: Female Height: 5 feet 4 inches Weight: 160 pounds Ethnicity: Asian Duration of Symptoms: Last Three Weeks Geographic Location: United States Relevant Medical History: Almost three weeks ago, I underwent gallbladder removal surgery. In the last few days, I have observed a small amount of cloudy discharge emerging from my incision site. Recently, I noticed what appears to be pus leaking from the area. While there is no significant pain, I do feel a mild soreness when I touch or move the site. I have not experienced any fever or chills, and there’s no unpleasant odor coming from the wound. Should I continue to clean the area with soap and water, or is it advisable to seek medical attention at the emergency room for further evaluation?
Understanding My Experiences with Dissociation and Physical Symptoms
Hello everyone! I'm 15 years old and I’ve been grappling with intense feelings of dissociation recently. About two years back, I experienced what I now refer to as a "silent seizure" for the first time. It happened around 2 PM while I was at school in the band hall. Suddenly, I found myself zoning out completely; I was just sitting there, disassociated from reality, until it dawned on me that I couldn’t seem to reconnect with my surroundings. Feeling lost, I turned to a friend and anxiously asked, "Where am I?" She chuckled, unaware of the seriousness of my situation, but I stood up and wandered out of the classroom, aimlessly walking towards the bathrooms. The sensation was akin to being in a dream—you know you’re somewhere, yet you can’t fully engage with the moment for what felt like 5 to 10 minutes. Strangely, I even had the feeling of observing myself from above as I moved through the halls, like a scene from a dream. In a state of panic, I contacted my mom. By the time I managed to leave school, my mind was clearing. She took me to her workplace where a colleague checked my blood sugar levels, revealing it was low. I had eaten that day, so this was unexpected (especially since my mother also faces issues with low blood sugar). This occurrence was unprecedented for me; thankfully, I haven’t faced such low levels since then. In the following weeks, I experienced intermittent dissociative episodes, prompting me to visit a doctor. I underwent blood tests, an electrocardiogram (EKG), and a routine examination. Everything appeared normal, except I was diagnosed with anemia—something my mother and sister also deal with. I walked away from that appointment without any real explanations, and after a while, the episodes subsided—thankfully, a relief. FAST FORWARD TO NOW: (15 years old) (Potentially relevant context) Recently, I’ve been enduring severe heart and chest discomfort. I’ve been noticing irregular heartbeats, sporadic strong pulsations, and sharp pain localized in my heart region and upper right chest. Lying on my side can be quite painful, and sometimes I struggle to take deep breaths. I make it a priority to get a full eight hours of sleep each night, I take daily vitamins, and I’m actively involved in competitive cheerleading, maintaining a healthy fitness level for my height and weight. We sought medical advice again, underwent numerous tests, and, once more, everything checked out fine. My heart was deemed healthy, and all other measurements were satisfactory. Initially, we suspected anxiety might be a factor, but my mom is hesitant to consider antidepressants, believing that my age may limit treatment options. She has recommended that I hydrate more and practice breathing exercises (which is somewhat ironic since I struggle to breathe when these pains occur, yet I don’t argue). UPDATE: During practice today, I unexpectedly experienced my first "silent seizure" episode in two years. It was more disconcerting than I recalled. I lost track of my location again and couldn’t re-engage with reality. It felt as if I was observing those around me from a dream-like vantage point. This realization frightened me, thinking that I had moved past these episodes. It took about ten minutes for me to regain my awareness of my environment. Additionally, this week, I noticed moments of dissociation, albeit not as intense as previous episodes. I found myself vacantly staring, and my vision felt oddly lazy, frequently. It's worth noting that I do not have a lazy eye. I plan to document these occurrences meticulously, and if they persist, I will consult my doctor again. Meanwhile, if anyone has suggestions about what might be happening to me, I would greatly appreciate it. Is this potentially linked to anxiety? I’m genuinely confused about my condition!
Seeking Insight on Abnormal Neuroimaging Results
A 42-year-old female, standing 6 feet tall and weighing 194 pounds, has been grappling with cognitive challenges for over three years. She has a clinical history that includes a diagnosis of Bipolar II disorder coupled with generalized anxiety, which she manages effectively through a regimen of an antidepressant, a mood stabilizer, and medications for anxiety. Currently, she is under the care of her fifth neurologist in the Boston region. An FDG-PET scan revealed a significant decline in metabolic functions, showing a 30-40% reduction within the left parietal lobe and a 20% decrease in both mesial temporal lobes. As part of her evaluation, a lumbar puncture was performed to assess amyloid and tau protein levels, with results coming back negative. Although a radiologist recommended pursuing an amyloid PET scan to gain further insights, her neurologist has declined this option. Despite the neurologist's suggestion that her indications might fit into the Functional Neurological Disorder (FND) category, she remains unconvinced and believes there must be an identifiable underlying cause for her symptoms and the irregularities observed in her scans. She is seeking advice on the next steps to take in pursuing a clearer diagnosis or understanding of her condition.
Worsening Memory Problems Over Time
Age: 25 Weight: 175 lbs Current Medications: Modafinil (200mg); Lexapro (10 mg); Lamotrigine (100mg in the morning + 100 mg in the evening); Cyproheptadine (4 mg); Vraylar (1.5 mg) Supplements: Iron; Vitamin B12; Vitamin D; Salt tablets Health Background: Long-standing, stubborn migraines (resolved as of May 2025, originally began in April 2016); Depression (currently very stable); Attention Deficit Disorder (ADD) (experimented with various stimulants with no improvement in memory); Chronic fatigue syndrome (developed a few years after memory problems began). I possess a documented medical history concerning my memory challenges. Around 2012, I underwent neurological evaluations that included an IQ assessment. The clinician indicated that my memory performance was particularly low, affecting my overall IQ representation, while I scored at or above average in most other areas. In approximately 2017, a neurologist referred me for a neuropsychological evaluation. Unfortunately, the results were deemed "inconclusive" due to inconsistent findings, with the provider stating my memory levels mirrored the previously reported low scores. Fast forward to 2023, when I underwent another neuropsych evaluation, which indicated my working memory was significantly below the average range. The clinician expressed uncertainty regarding effective treatment options for my memory issues, suggesting avenues such as ADHD medications, stress management, enhancing sleep quality, and mental health support—areas which I have pursued or tried to improve. Here is a summary of the strategies and treatments I've explored: - **Sleep Study**: Diagnosed with mild sleep apnea when lying on my back, although I typically sleep in other positions. - **Antidepressants**: Tried various types repeatedly, yet without noticing any significant changes. - **Occupational Therapy**: Participated but found it more stressful than beneficial. - **Speech Therapy**: Benefitted somewhat, yet it didn't meet my expectations, though I continue to use some of the techniques learned. - **Digital Notes**: Attempted to record important information on my phone, but due to many lists, vital entries often get lost. - **Memantine**: Prescribed by my neurologist as a last resort, based on its reported effectiveness in elderly patients for pain management; however, I did not observe any memory improvements while on this medication. - **Nutritional Supplements**: Regularly take Vitamin B complex, fish oil, flaxseed oil, and various other potential memory enhancers. Additionally, family history reveals that my brother, sister, and paternal grandmother have also faced memory-related issues throughout their lives. Unfortunately, several neurologists have declined to treat me, citing my youth and existing diagnoses of depression and ADD as indicators of instability rather than addressing my memory concerns. Moreover, I am anxious that my past struggles with chronic pain could have exacerbated my memory problems. Any insights or suggestions to tackle these ongoing challenges would be greatly appreciated.