Seeking Help: Overwhelmed by Unexplained Symptoms
I’m a 25-year-old female seeking some guidance. Lately, I’ve been experiencing discomfort between my shoulder blades. Although it’s not excruciating, it’s persistent enough that I notice it. Additionally, I’ve had some chest pains, pain radiating in my forearms, and mild discomfort in my jaw. Occasionally, I experience shortness of breath, irregular heart sensations, and fluctuations in my blood pressure which are quite low. After visiting the emergency room, they conducted several tests including a CT scan, chest X-ray, D-Dimer test, and various blood tests. Fortunately, the results did not indicate any immediate dangers such as a heart attack or pulmonary embolism. Despite the reassuring news, I can’t shake the unsettling thought that I might be facing a serious heart condition. This persistent worry is really weighing me down. Surprisingly, the doctors suggested that I might have carpal tunnel syndrome, but I’m not fully convinced by that diagnosis.
Answers (1)
7/20/2025, 10:40:35 PM
OpenHealth AI
It sounds like you're dealing with a complex mix of symptoms that can understandably make you feel anxious. You've had thorough testing that ruled out immediate dangers like heart attack, which is reassuring. It’s important to focus on understanding what you're experiencing and how to manage it moving forward.
Explanation: Your symptoms, including discomfort between the shoulder blades, chest pains, pain radiating in your forearms, discomfort in the jaw, shortness of breath, and fluctuations in blood pressure, can be linked to several conditions. While carpal tunnel syndrome was suggested, the combination of symptoms might also indicate issues related to muscle tension, anxiety, or even something like thoracic outlet syndrome. Anxiety itself can exacerbate these sensations, making it feel overwhelming.
Next Steps:
-
Symptom Tracking: Start a journal to document when your symptoms occur, their intensity, and any potential triggers or patterns. Note how you're feeling both physically and emotionally. This can help identify if anxiety is contributing to your symptoms.
-
Relaxation Techniques: Practice stress management techniques, such as deep breathing exercises, mindfulness, or yoga. These can help alleviate muscle tension and promote relaxation, which may reduce your symptoms.
-
Physical Activity: Engage in gentle exercises like walking or stretching. Avoid activities that seem to worsen your discomfort, but maintaining movement is important for overall health.
-
Ergonomic Adjustments: If you’re doing repetitive tasks or spend a lot of time on the computer, ensure your workspace is ergonomically friendly to avoid stress on your arms and shoulders.
-
Follow Up on Carpal Tunnel Syndrome: If you have not already, consult with a specialist (such as a neurologist or orthopedist) about the possibility of carpal tunnel syndrome and other potential diagnoses that might explain your symptoms more thoroughly.
-
Monitor Your Mental Health: Consider speaking to a mental health professional if feelings of anxiety or worry persist. They can work with you on strategies to manage your anxiety regarding your health.
This approach can help you regain a sense of control and potentially lessen your symptoms. Remember to be kind to yourself during this process; finding the right diagnosis and treatment can take time.
Related Questions
Recurring Injury in the Shoulder and Rib Area
I’m a 34-year-old female, standing at 5'4" and weighing 165 pounds. My only prescriptions are for mental health issues, specifically bipolar disorder type 2 and complex post-traumatic stress disorder. Professionally, I work as a bartender and maintain a fairly active lifestyle. I don’t smoke, use marijuana very occasionally, and abstain from alcohol altogether. Back in February, I experienced a strain in my left chest wall. This occurred when my dog, who weighs 75 pounds, unexpectedly bolted on her leash, causing me to twist suddenly. I had her leash held tightly in one hand and was caught off guard by her quick movement. Then, in April, while joking around in my kitchen, I decided to leap into the air. Although I didn’t perceive a hard landing, I distinctly felt a pop in my ribs during the jump. After a visit to my doctor and an X-ray, I was diagnosed with costochondritis. They recommended treatment with lidocaine patches and naproxen to alleviate the discomfort. Recently, precisely one week ago, I fell from my paddle board while attempting to stand up, landing predominantly on my left side in the water. Since that incident, I have been experiencing persistent pain in my ribs, particularly on the left side, along with severe pain in the back of my shoulder. Engaging in activities like deep breathing, sniffling, blowing my nose, or coughing triggers extreme sharp pain. While I can raise my arm over my head without discomfort, most other motions exacerbate the pain, sometimes giving the sensation that something is lodged in that area. I am making efforts to schedule an appointment with my primary care physician as soon as possible, hoping to get more clarity on my condition. I find that urgent care may not be beneficial since they typically only perform X-rays and offer little additional help. To manage my symptoms, I’ve resorted to methods like KT tape, lidocaine patches again, and CBD balm. Additionally, I still have some naproxen left from my earlier prescription that I’ve begun to take again. Thank you for taking the time to read my situation; I hope I have shared sufficient information!
Questions Regarding My Gastritis Diagnosis
Hello! I received a gastritis diagnosis on Friday after a rather unpleasant emergency room visit, and I have a couple of questions I'd like to ask. I'll share my experience leading up to this point, my symptoms, and then pose my concerns. About a week ago on Monday, I took ibuprofen for some back discomfort at bedtime. Over the years, I've frequently used ibuprofen for mild chronic pain, generally around 400 mg every other day, particularly since I also suffer from migraines and endometriosis, which intensify during my menstrual cycle. I am a 29-year-old woman, weighing 230 pounds, smoking a pack of cigarettes every day, and consuming six cans of dark soda daily. After taking the ibuprofen that night, I experienced a severe episode of pain that I now realize was related to gastritis. It felt as though my stomach's protective mucus layer was being destroyed, leading to vomiting due to the intense discomfort. Concerned by the appearance of my vomit, I went to the emergency room, where they performed several tests, including bloodwork and X-rays. The first physician I consulted suspected classic gastritis based on my symptoms and stated she would return after reviewing the X-rays. Upon her shift change, the next doctor assessed my condition and suggested there was a 90% chance it was gastritis, but raised the possibility of it being related to my gallbladder as well. They administered a dose of Mylanta, IV Zofran, and potentially Pepcid, which significantly alleviated my discomfort, though I was not entirely symptom-free. The doctor seemed to think my improvement indicated a gallbladder issue, so they proceeded with an ultrasound and later discharged me, noting the presence of gallstones. They scheduled a high-resolution ultrasound and an appointment with a surgeon for the following Friday. However, about an hour after leaving, my pain returned, despite eating a diet considered safe for gallbladder issues. The night before my surgery consult, I prepared a homemade chicken soup suitable for gallbladder patients, but afterward, my stomach reacted intensely—essentially like pouring salt onto a wound. During my visit, the surgeon explained that she believed my gallstones were asymptomatic and confirmed I was indeed experiencing gastritis. She elaborated on what this means and remarked that I fell within the typical profile for such a diagnosis. She prescribed a six-week regimen of Carafate, 40 mg Pepcid, and proton pump inhibitors, alongside instructions for an additional stomach shot. Once I got my prescription for Carafate, I took it alongside a peach smoothie, which was soothing to my stomach, providing immediate relief. At home, I followed the directions and took my other medications after waiting for an hour post-Carafate, leading to a feeling of overall improvement. However, I'm struggling with some issues I hope to address: How can I manage this persistent insomnia? I occasionally use Trazodone for severe nights, but I'm quite hesitant about taking any medication regularly. Additionally, I am experiencing constant hunger. I'm attempting to focus on easy-to-digest, protein-rich foods, yet my stomach still feels bloated, and I can only consume small portions before finding myself hungry again within two hours. Will this situation improve as the bloating subsides? I've taken a week off work for recovery, but my sleep has been severely disrupted since the day of my appointment—prior to that, I had trouble sleeping due to pain, and as soon as the pain lessened, I found myself feeling extremely fatigued. During my healing phase, should I expect to feel a high level of fatigue? With my menstrual period approaching, which typically brings additional discomfort, how should I cope with the pain considering my gastritis? Would it be safest to manage without medication? I apologize for the lengthy message and the multitude of questions, but I have many concerns regarding my situation. I appreciate your time and assistance!
Natural Ways to Alleviate Facial Puffiness
Hello everyone! I’m a 30-year-old man living in Delhi, India, and I’ve been noticing that my face appears quite swollen, particularly when I wake up in the morning. I am not interested in any pharmaceutical solutions; rather, I’m seeking straightforward advice or natural methods to help reduce this facial swelling. I’d appreciate suggestions related to dietary adjustments, lifestyle modifications, or even techniques like facial massages. Additionally, could someone explain what might be contributing to this condition?
Urgent Action Needed for Nail Salon Toe Infection!
At 33, I'm currently on spironolactone and have ceased smoking. I'm also taking doxycycline. During my last visit to the nail salon, the technician attempted to forcibly remove my ingrown toenail. I intervened when I noticed he had created a hangnail by trimming too closely before he could start his aggressive removal process. Although I didn’t notice any bleeding or feel any immediate pain, I went on with my day and even enjoyed a concert without any discomfort. However, now that I’m in bed, the sheets irritate the area. Upon closer examination, it appears he got nail polish in an open wound on the side of my big toe where he had been digging. My instinct urges me to clean out the paint, but I’m worried that using polish remover could exacerbate the situation. I'm concerned about waking up to a worse problem, especially since I have a flight scheduled for tomorrow. I would greatly appreciate any home remedies or guidelines you can suggest. Is it advisable to use a Q-tip with acetone on that area? That sounds painful! Additionally, I'm on doxycycline for a few more days and will then switch to azithromycin for a vaginal infection, but my research indicates these antibiotics may not be effective for treating toe infections. This leaves me quite anxious about my condition!
Understanding My Recent Health Crisis: A Deep Dive
At the age of 53, and being non-binary assigned female at birth (AFAB), I've been dealing with multiple health conditions, including Multiple Sclerosis (MS) and Addison's disease. In April 2024, I underwent gastric bypass surgery. I’m currently on a regimen of medications, which include Prednisone, Estrogen, Armour thyroid, and I receive Tysabri infusions every four weeks. Additionally, I use a scopolamine patch as needed. My height is 5’4” and I weigh 131 pounds. Three nights ago, I had what I thought was a normal evening. After eating some sugary cereal paired with dried fruits, I quickly started to feel unwell. Within just ten minutes, I was struck by nausea that escalated into severe abdominal cramps, diarrhea, cold sweats, and dry heaving. This intense episode lasted about two hours. I eventually fell asleep around 3 a.m., but when I woke up at 6 a.m., I was still exhausted and fell back asleep. I distinctly remembered waking again around 9 a.m., yet I felt an overwhelming inability to get out of bed, and I ended up sleeping for almost 16 hours. When my partner returned home that evening, he found me in a concerning state—disoriented and very weak, struggling to crawl. I experienced what looked like seizure-like movements for roughly ten minutes. He helped me to the couch, provided some water, and gave me my prescribed anti-nausea medications. After about an hour, clarity started to return, although my thoughts remained hazy. That night, I slept soundly, and the next morning, I felt peculiar sensations in my head when I moved around. I managed to hydrate with an electrolyte drink throughout the day while taking intermittent naps. By today, I feel generally better but I still experience a bit of mental fog; the episode lasted approximately 36 hours in total. I’m now questioning whether this could have been an episode of dumping syndrome or possibly a result of low blood pressure—particularly since I had recorded a low reading of 94/52 just before these symptoms began. My partner was quite concerned and wanted me to seek emergency care, given the remote nature of our location in Alaska, which would require a medical flight. I insisted against it at the time, but now I'm left wondering if I should have made a different choice. I've had similar episodes before, but they were never as severe or left me with such memory gaps concerning the incident.