Seeking Support with Complex Medication Sensitivities
I’m a 30-year-old woman facing a series of significant health challenges. I have been diagnosed with endometriosis, fibromyalgia, ADHD, cluster migraines, and interstitial cystitis. Over the past year, I've experienced two kidney infections, the latter of which occurred without the typical upper urinary tract infection symptoms. Earlier this year, I encountered a severe episode of serotonin syndrome, which resulted in a two-night stay in a medical facility under the close watch of five physicians. During this time, I suffered from hypothermia, muscle rigidity, seizure-like symptoms, and an elevated heart rate that surged to between 120 and 160 BPM. I had been gradually increasing my dosage of rubifen, taking it three times a day, along with a higher dose of amitriptyline at 30mg. Additionally, a triptan migraine wafer was involved, which may have contributed to this critical situation. A similar but less intense episode occurred weeks before. Since that incident, I’ve been left with lingering effects. One of the most challenging aspects has been the inconsistent advice from various doctors, leading me to stop taking amitriptyline while continuing with rubifen, which I have been tolerating remarkably well. Three years back, I had an adverse reaction to sertraline that resulted in facial numbness, a swollen lip, an eye twitch, a migraine, and a minor rash. Codeine triggered widespread hives, and Epilim, when prescribed, caused me to experience dilated pupils, dizziness, and a rapid heart rate. Recently, after taking my usual antibiotic for a suspected UTI, I developed a rash similar to hives. Certain alcoholic beverages are no longer tolerable due to similar reactions. Since discontinuing amitriptyline, I have been plagued by chronic widespread pain, which I’m diligently working to manage. While sleep is beneficial, the pain makes it difficult to rest adequately. My doctor has been hesitant to prescribe any pain management medication. However, I have been using CBD oil, along with magnesium, vitamin D, and a blend of Nigella sativa with honey, which seem to help. On occasion, I've experienced mild asthma-like symptoms triggered by dust in my home. I'm truly dedicated to healing my body, yet I feel a significant lack of control over my situation, which has been exacerbated by my experience with serotonin syndrome and the resulting anxiety. Healthcare professionals who have observed my reactions seem baffled by the severity and unpredictability of my symptoms. I’ve been conducting my own research and trying to concentrate on alternative treatments and lifestyle changes, but I often find myself feeling overwhelmed by the numerous options available. When I catch a common illness, it tends to throw me off considerably, although my blood counts usually appear normal. Thank you for taking the time to read my situation. If there’s anything else you need from me for clarification or additional context, please let me know.
Answers (1)
7/19/2025, 5:40:37 AM
OpenHealth AI
Thank you for sharing your detailed and complex medical history. It sounds like you are facing significant challenges with managing your various health conditions, especially following the serious episode of serotonin syndrome. Your concerns about medication sensitivities and the unpredictability of your symptoms are valid and understandable. Let’s focus on the essential next steps that could help you regain a sense of control and improve your quality of life.
Main Points:
- Tailored approach to managing your symptoms through non-pharmaceutical means.
- Importance of keeping track of potential triggers and symptoms.
- Fostering effective communication with healthcare providers.
Explanation:
Given your history of medication sensitivities and the severe reaction you experienced, it’s crucial to be cautious with any new treatments. The symptoms you describe indicate a complex interplay between your conditions, and the reactions you’ve had to various medications require careful management. Since you’ve found some relief with alternative treatments, it may be beneficial to continue exploring these while maintaining a structured approach that focuses on symptom tracking and lifestyle adjustments.
Next Steps:
-
Symptom Tracking Diary: Start a daily symptom diary where you record your pain levels, emotional state, triggers (e.g., certain foods, environments), and any new symptoms. This can help you and your healthcare providers identify patterns and potential common triggers for your reactions and discomfort.
-
Lifestyle Modifications:
- Diet: Consider working with a dietitian experienced in chronic pain and other sensitivities to identify foods that may alleviate or exacerbate your symptoms. Simplifying your diet may help in pinpointing triggers.
- Physical Activity: Engage in gentle exercises, such as stretching, yoga, or walking, which can help manage pain and improve mood. Always listen to your body to avoid exacerbating your symptoms.
- Stress Management: Explore mindfulness techniques like meditation or breathing exercises that may help mitigate anxiety and improve your overall well-being.
-
Collaborative Care: It’s crucial to have a reliable healthcare support system. Share your symptom diary with your doctor to facilitate more informed discussions about your treatment options. If you feel they're unable to provide the care you need, consider seeking a second opinion, particularly from a specialist in pain management or fibromyalgia.
-
Avoid Overwhelming Choices: Since you’re researching alternative treatments, focus on a few methods at a time. Prioritize those that have proven effective for others with similar conditions. Regularly review and adjust based on what seems to work best for you.
-
Monitoring and Safety: Given your past reactions, consider carrying an alert card that details your sensitivities and experiences with medications, to share with any healthcare provider you encounter.
Remember, recovery is a journey, and it’s okay to feel overwhelmed at times. By taking these structured steps, you can manage your conditions with more confidence and clarity. Please reach out if you need further support or clarity on any specific aspect. I’m here to help you navigate this complex situation.
Related Questions
Persistent Pain in Right Shoulder and Arm After Lifting
Hello, everyone! I’m a 23-year-old male and have been engaged in weightlifting for several years now. Recently, I’ve been struggling with ongoing discomfort in my right shoulder and arm, which I haven’t been able to accurately identify. The pain manifests during particular movements, especially with lateral raises or when my arm is raised to shoulder level while rotating my wrist. Certain pressing and pulling activities can also provoke this discomfort. Rather than feeling sharp, it’s a deep, nagging sensation that sometimes seems localized in the front area of the shoulder or at the biceps tendon, and at other times it feels more like it’s situated between the shoulder and upper arm. Fortunately, there’s no numbness or tingling involved. This issue began while I was working out. I decided to take a break for around two months, but when I returned, the pain persisted. After consulting a physician, I was diagnosed with bicipital tendinitis. Since then, I’ve reduced my upper-body workouts, completely steering clear of shoulder exercises and heavy lifting, and have begun a gentle rehabilitation regimen focusing on external rotations, pendulum movements, and scapular exercises. Despite adhering to this routine for about a week, I haven’t experienced any noticeable improvement. Is it typical for this type of tendon injury to require an extended period for recovery? At what point should I consider diagnostic imaging, such as an ultrasound or MRI? Additionally, are there frequent rehabilitation errors that might impede the healing process? I appreciate your insights in advance!
INTENSE Spine Discomfort, Breathing Difficulties, Muscle Twitches, and Sweating
To elaborate on the situation mentioned in the title, I’ve been experiencing unusual muscle twitches and spasms for the past few days, along with some discomfort in my back. However, today, I felt an unexpected sharp pain shoot through my spine, which has left my legs feeling numb and made it impossible for me to sit up straight. Additionally, I’ve been dealing with cold sweats for the last hour and struggling to breathe properly. Perhaps I’m just overanalyzing things and it’s a common occurrence, but the intensity of the pain is overwhelming—it's truly unbearable. I’m shaking quite a bit, and unfortunately, my parents aren’t responding to my attempts to reach them for help. I have a history of a chronic heart condition and arthritis, yet I’ve never experienced pain this severe, especially in my spine. For context, I am nearly 15 years old and female. My current medications include pain relievers, anxiety medication, beta blockers, and some vitamins, though those specifics may not be particularly relevant. I don’t smoke; however, I have tried vaping a few times, which might not matter much, but I thought it was worth mentioning as it was requested.
Concerns About My Toes
Age: 30, Female Currently, I am on the lookout for a reputable podiatrist in my vicinity. However, I've encountered a perplexing issue with my foot. Just last night, I noticed a growth on the side of my toe, something entirely new to me. I maintain a nutritious diet and have a demanding job that requires me to be on my feet quite often. My footwear includes brands such as Brooks Ghost Runners, Hoka Bondi 9’s, and Nike Motiva’s, and I don’t opt for restrictive socks. I also apply Vick’s Vaporub to my feet, a practice handed down from my family, and stick with simple, non-fragrant lotions like Vanicream and CeraVe SA Cream for my skin. In addition, I am curious about the my big toenail's change in color. What might be the underlying reasons for this? Also, I have these persistent dark spots on my toes that I've struggled with since my days on the runway. Despite my efforts, nothing has succeeded in lightening or diminishing their appearance. I'm just looking to determine if there might have been a factor from the past that could have contributed to these issues. I’m not sure what else to include, but I’m open to answering any questions you might have. Thank you for your attention! Best wishes from a worried soul!
Strange Jelly-Like Substance Observed from Wound
I’m a 21-year-old female living with an auto-inflammatory condition known as hidradenitis suppurativa (HS). Recently, I've experienced a concerning issue with one of my wounds. This particular wound causes significant pain and excessive bleeding. However, whenever I attend to it, I tend to find this unusual jelly-like substance present within it. Interestingly, this phenomenon has only occurred with this one wound and not any of the others I have. The bleeding seems to persist until I manage to remove this jelly substance, after which it typically slows down and comes to a halt completely. I’m seeking insights into what this might signify so that I can effectively discuss it with my healthcare provider.
Battling Chronic Nausea and Vomiting for Over Two Years
For the past two years, I (age 26, female) have been enduring an incredibly challenging health situation. I experience intense nausea daily and find myself vomiting numerous times, with almost nothing providing relief. To provide some background, I’m from West Texas and I currently weigh around 190 pounds, standing at 5’7”. Initially, my weight was about 211 pounds when these symptoms began, and it fluctuates frequently between 190 and 225 pounds. I engage in vaping and consume THC. Previously diagnosed with hypothyroidism, my condition seemingly resolved, according to my healthcare providers. Additionally, I have polycystic ovarian syndrome (PCOS). I have consistently faced irregular bowel movements, with stools that are loose and sometimes appear to have mucus. Compounding my struggles, I've also suffered from migraines. I have had an IUD for over five years, experiencing two insertions of the Kyleena device. In December 2022, my battle with health took a severe turn when I was diagnosed with stage 4 Hodgkin’s Lymphoma, requiring chemotherapy treatment, specifically AVBD (Apologies for not recalling the exact medication names). By July 2023, I had fortunately achieved remission. However, after reaching remission, my vomiting worsened, transforming from primarily white foam to a mixture of 80% bile, any food I attempt to consume, and still white foam. This intense vomiting, accompanied by significant pain in my upper back, escalated to more than eight episodes daily by November 2023. At that time, THC seemed to be the only avenue for me to retain any food. During this tumultuous period, I consulted various doctors who, after confirming I wasn’t pregnant, attributed my symptoms to Cannabinoid Hyperemesis Syndrome (CHS). Immediately, I ceased THC consumption for over six months, yet the vomiting continued unabated. Each time, doctors would prescribe ondansetron, regardless of my claims that it provided no relief. I experimented with various diets recommended by medical professionals, but there were no improvements in my condition. Eventually, I obtained a referral to a gastroenterologist who intended to perform an endoscopy. However, the procedure was prohibitively expensive even with insurance, and thus was never conducted. This doctor also ordered blood tests to rule out several gastrointestinal disorders, such as Crohn's disease, Irritable Bowel Syndrome (IBS), and gluten sensitivity, but all results came back normal. Afterward, I had another appointment with a different gastroenterologist, but the doctor failed to meet with me. Instead, a nurse informed me that the doctor had merely recommended promethazine without conducting any tests or scheduling further visits. When I mentioned the possibility of gallbladder issues, the doctor laughed dismissively at my suggestion. Discussing my situation with my oncologist, he suggested that my heightened sensitivity to food odors stemmed from my chemotherapy experiences while I was working in fast food. While food smells indeed affect me, I'm primarily triggered by medical scents such as rubbing alcohol and cleaning agents. This ongoing ordeal has been overwhelmingly distressing. I now experience episodes of vomiting accompanied by bright red blood, presumably due to a throat tear. When I first encountered this troubling symptom, I consulted a doctor who appeared unfazed and prescribed a promethazine suppository, which does help but makes me extremely drowsy. My nausea persists nearly around the clock, often feeling as if there’s a heaviness in the upper part of my abdomen. I frequent urgent care facilities when my symptoms intensify, only to be met with minimal assistance since this is a chronic issue. Currently, I lack a primary care physician. Whenever I sought one, I encountered skepticism regarding my condition, with some healthcare professionals implying that I was exaggerating my symptoms. Though many physicians who do take my situation seriously seem baffled, I've lost count of the diverse medical experts I've consulted about these ongoing issues. If anyone has insight or suggestions, I would genuinely appreciate it. I can share my latest bloodwork results if that would be helpful—just let me know!