Navigating My Medical Journey: An Overview
Greetings, everyone! This is 25FTM, standing at 5'7" and weighing approximately 190 lbs. Currently, my medication regimen includes vibryyd, adderall, androgel, valtrex, lamotrigine, seroquel, mirtazipine, omeprazole, and I recently added keppra in late June. Here's a rundown of my health situation from head to toe: **Neurological Issues:** - Detected a vascular malformation measuring about 10mm in the right mesial temporal lobe (April). - Experiencing persistent floaters in my eyes. - Occasionally, I find lesions on my tongue and inside my mouth. - I've noticed clenching of my jaw. **Spine and Musculoskeletal Health:** - Recently diagnosed with mild thoracic endplate changes (June). - I’ve been dealing with bone pain, particularly in my legs since March. - My joints frequently crack and feel stiff and painful. **Cardiovascular Symptoms:** - Diagnosed with sinus tachycardia exhibiting borderline left axis deviation (June). - My heartbeat often feels like a throbbing sensation, perceptible throughout my entire body. **Digestive Health:** - Identified sclerosing mesenteritis (April). - Mild diverticulosis noted in my colon (June). - Experiencing bleeding during bowel movements. - My abdomen often feels uncomfortably bloated. **Dermatological Concerns:** - Developed a sore on my inner thigh (October 2024) alongside intermittent rashes. - Similar rashes have appeared as raised welts under my armpits and seem to flare up with heat/sweating (May/June). - Noticed an increase in petechiae across my body. - I frequently experience itching and a crawling sensation on my skin. - Occasionally, I observe dark red spots on my face and dark red streaks on my inner leg after taking a shower. **General Health Updates:** - Diagnosed with reticulocytosis (April) and mild anisocytosis (May). - I’ve found it challenging to achieve orgasm, with sensations feeling diminished. - Seizures seem to initiate in my abdomen while I remain conscious and continent (11 episodes recorded between May 21st and June 27th, ceased after starting keppra). *An EEG did capture a seizure during light stimulation, which rendered me momentarily speechless but was classified as non-epileptic.* **Medical History:** I've struggled with GERD, syphilis, and have had two concussions in the past. There’s a family history of Lynch Syndrome and gastrointestinal cancers, although my mother does not carry the gene. A CT scan from 2020 identified enlarged lymph nodes on my mesentery, but it wasn’t until March of this year when I became aware of their existence. The ER staff informed me that their size had not changed since 2020, which caught me off guard. Since October 2024, I’ve felt a general decline in my health, with significant weight loss—going from around 215 lbs to fluctuating between 175 lbs and 190 lbs depending on my gastrointestinal situation. I attribute some of the weight change to starting Adderall in March 2024, which might have affected my appetite, but there's an unsettling feeling that something more serious is at play. I expressed these concerns to my primary care physician back in March, sensing a strong indication that something is amiss with my body. Recently, I've shifted to feeling a pressing urgency regarding my health. **Healthcare Engagement:** Since October 2024, I have made a total of 19 visits, not counting specialist appointments. **Consultations with Specialists:** - **Neurologist:** After diagnosing me with PNES, he referred me to a clinic in the city and recommended against pursuing further evaluation for my vascular malformation, deeming my seizure control through keppra as coincidental. - **Gastroenterologist:** Met with a gastro nurse practitioner for the first consultation last week; I’m now set for my first upper endoscopy and colonoscopy on August 5th. - **Hematology:** My primary care provider submitted my referral incorrectly, so I'm still waiting for my first appointment on August 1st regarding potential internal bleeding. - **Ophthalmology:** An uveitis expert diagnosed my dry eyes, advising artificial tears, but discouraged any further investigation. **Planned Treatments:** - Follow up with the PNES clinic in the city. - Attend upcoming endoscopy and colonoscopy, followed by a follow-up consultation in two weeks. - Hematology appointment on August 1st. So, what are your thoughts? Do you think I'm in a precarious position? Are you as eager to hear the results from these tests as I am? The thought that my story might one day contribute to medical literature is the motivation that keeps me going, so I hope you find this journey as perplexing as I do! Take care of yourselves. 🫂 If I can manage ten minutes of gentle yoga in my current state, you can certainly increase your water intake. I believe in our abilities!
Answers (1)
7/27/2025, 4:50:51 PM
OpenHealth AI
Thank you for sharing your comprehensive health update. It sounds like you’re navigating a complex health situation with multiple concerns, and it's understandable to feel urgency about your health. Here are some key points and suggestions regarding your current medical journey:
Key Points
- Multiple Health Concerns: You have several diagnosed conditions affecting different systems in your body, including neurological, musculoskeletal, cardiovascular, gastrointestinal, and dermatological issues.
- Recent Weight Loss: Fluctuating weight, particularly weight loss, is concerning and could be related to your gastrointestinal health issues or medication side effects.
- Engagement with Specialists: You are actively seeking care from specialists in various fields, which is crucial.
Explanation
Your health status involves a variety of symptoms that can result from complex interactions between your conditions and medications. The weight loss and gastrointestinal symptoms, especially the bleeding during bowel movements, should be closely monitored, as they may indicate underlying issues that need immediate attention. Your commitment to follow-ups and testing is essential, as those will help clarify your health status and guide treatment options.
Next Steps
-
Keep Track of Your Symptoms: Maintain a detailed diary of your symptoms, noting any changes, triggers (like food or stress), and the timing of your gastrointestinal issues. This information can be invaluable for your specialists.
-
Prioritize Upcoming Tests: Make sure you attend your scheduled upper endoscopy and colonoscopy on August 5th and prepare for them as advised by your healthcare provider. These tests are crucial for diagnosing potential issues like sclerosing mesenteritis and diverticulosis complications.
-
Stay Engaged with Specialists: Continue to advocate for your health during your appointments, including the upcoming hematology appointment on August 1st. It might help to prepare questions or concerns you wish to address regarding internal bleeding or reticulocytosis.
-
Monitor Medication Effects: Since you noted significant weight loss potentially related to Adderall, consider discussing this with your primary care provider or psychiatrist during your next appointment. Adjusting your medication might help improve your appetite if this is an issue.
-
Health Education & Support: Seek out patient support groups that share experiences with similar conditions. Connecting with others can provide emotional support and valuable insights into managing chronic conditions.
Empathetic Note
It’s clear you’re facing a challenging journey with many complexities. Your proactive approach and ability to keep pushing forward is commendable. Stay focused on your health priorities and remember to reach out for support from healthcare professionals and your community. You're not alone, and every step you take towards understanding and managing your health matters. Take care of yourself!
Related Questions
Should I Seek Further Attention After This Episode?
Age: 23, Weight: 190 lbs, Height: 5’2" Currently taking 50 mg of Vyvanse. Recently, while at work, I began experiencing discomfort on my left side, which gradually intensified over the course of the day to the point where moving became quite challenging. The aching spread from my side to my lower back on the same side. Each time I used the restroom, the pain escalated, becoming sharp and almost stabbing. We didn’t have access to a thermometer, but a coworker assessed my temperature by touch, remarking that I felt extremely warm and clammy—akin to one of our heat lamps. While this wasn't a precise measurement, it gave me some sense of how I was feeling. Despite the discomfort, I chose to stay at work instead of leaving early. By the conclusion of my shift at 10 PM, I noticed a decrease in pain and a reduction in body heat. Initially, I had planned to visit the ER post-shift, but since I felt some relief, I decided against it. Once home, I checked my temperature a few times, and it consistently registered around 96.5°F. The next day, I experienced slight soreness in my back, but ultimately the pain has been mild, and I’m no longer feeling overheated. I’m aware that there could be several underlying causes for this episode, but I am unsure if it warrants further medical attention. I lack any prior issues of this nature or recent injuries. I appreciate any insights you can provide!
Concerns About VP Shunt Functionality
A 64-year-old female has a medical background of subarachnoid hemorrhage (SAH) and has undergone the placement of a ventricular-peritoneal (VP) shunt due to non-pressure hydrocephalus. I wanted to share my mother’s experience. After suffering from a ruptured brain aneurysm, she had a VP shunt inserted. For the past seven months, however, we've noticed fluctuations in the shunt's drainage, at times it appears to be under-draining while at others it seems to over-drain. I've come across individuals who had VP shunts for hydrocephalus without needing any adjustments to their settings. I'm reaching out for insights on why her ventricle swelling persists despite the placement of the shunt. Additionally, how long does it usually take to achieve the optimal setting for proper drainage? Moreover, if a hygroma with a bleed is present due to the over-draining issue, should this be something that requires ongoing monitoring? The hospital is preparing to discharge her soon, which raises my concerns.
Seeking Insights on Managing DVT and Eliquis Treatment
Hello everyone! Recently, I found myself at the emergency room on Wednesday, July 23rd. Earlier that day, I visited my primary care physician due to concerns about redness and warmth in my inner elbow. Unfortunately, her ultrasound machine couldn’t provide a clear image, prompting a referral to the ER for a venous ultrasound. Just a little over a week prior, on July 15th, I had a brief surgical biopsy on my nose, during which the IV for general anesthesia was inserted into my left hand—the same side where the clot was detected. Additionally, I have been on birth control pills for the last 25 years, save for a year-long hiatus from 2018 to 2019 for pregnancy, which resulted in the birth of my daughter. At the ER, the doctor initiated treatment with Eliquis and instructed me to see a hematologist, specifying that I must do so within the month, as he prescribed the medication for just 30 days. Although I understand this protocol, the earliest available appointment for me is at the end of September. Now, it's been four days since I started taking Eliquis, with a regimen of two 5mg tablets twice daily, as part of a starter dose. I’ve noticed some headaches—nothing overly intense, but they are present—and I occasionally feel slightly dizzy, though it’s not severe enough to be concerning. I’m eager to hear from others about their experiences when commencing this medication and what I should anticipate in the months ahead. Additionally, I am uncertain whether my condition is classified as a provoked or unprovoked deep vein thrombosis since I haven’t met with the hematologist yet. What is life like on this medication and afterward? Thank you all, I truly appreciate any insights. I’ve been feeling quite anxious and down lately.
Medical Mystery: Ongoing UTI Symptoms
I am a 28-year-old female who has been struggling with what I initially thought was a persistent UTI since early May. After consulting with a urologist, she expressed that she was quite baffled by my case. While I am not seeking medical advice here, I am interested in hearing others' perspectives. **Background Details:** I am currently on immunosuppressants and undergo pap smears twice a year due to a diagnosis of CIN1 (low-grade dysplasia). My sexual activity is limited to one monogamous partner, and we always use protection. I also have an IUD for contraception. Since July 7, I have faced considerable stress due to medical problems affecting my family members. **UTI Timeline:** On May 5, I experienced what was undoubtedly a UTI. Unfortunately, I was prescribed medication through a telehealth consultation without having a urine test or culture. The symptoms arose after sexual activity and included typical signs such as burning, frequent urination, and bladder spasms. In response, I received a **5-day prescription of Macrobid**, which managed to alleviate my symptoms within three days. However, after completing the medication on May 15, I encountered another episode, albeit milder than the first—featuring some burning sensation but no spasms, just frequent urges to urinate. Following this, I was given a **5-day course of Bactrim**, and a culture was taken. This test revealed **normal levels of red and white blood cells along with bacteria, but high nitrite levels**. After finishing the Bactrim, I returned to feeling normal and began incorporating D-Mannose into my routine, along with diligent post-coital urination to ward off further issues. A couple of weeks passed without incident until June 8, when I sensed something wasn't right again. This time, the symptoms were even more subdued—a soreness located near my belly button, which I later discovered is where my bladder resides. Seeking clarity, I visited my primary care physician for further evaluation. Another urine analysis and culture were conducted, which surprisingly tested **negative for nitrites but positive for leukocytes at a count of 15**. I was also informed that my bacterial count was around **20,000-29,000 cfu/ml with multiple contaminants** present. I came to know later that the urine sample was improperly collected, impacting the results. My doctor prescribed a **3-day Bactrim regimen along with Macrodantin to use post-sex**. Despite treatment, I did not regain my previous sense of normalcy. The soreness persisted, I began experiencing irritation and dryness in my vulva, and my discharge became unusual. Instead of being clear and minimal, it turned into a more mucousy, sticky consistency with a faint yellow tint. On July 2, after engaging in sexual intercourse, I followed my usual routine but woke up early on July 3 with mild **left-sided mid-back pain** and noticed spotting when wiping post-urination. While I suspected the spotting might be due to rough intimacy, I still opted to go to the emergency room due to alarm over the bleeding and discomfort. Subsequent urine analysis yielded **entirely normal results** and tested negative for various infections, including BV and yeast. A few days later, feeling unwell despite the ER visit, I contacted my primary care provider while awaiting a urologist appointment. The inflammation felt as if it affected my entire urethra. My physician prescribed a **10-day course of doxycycline** to treat suspected urethritis, and I began to notice an improvement within two days. As the inflammation subsided, I observed an increase in discharge and perceived possible crystal formations in my urine. By the end of the course, the soreness diminished significantly, but some discomfort behind my belly button lingered, and my vulva remained somewhat irritated and dry. I saw the urologist on July 23, and she expressed confusion regarding my ongoing symptoms. She noted that aside from the initial instance where I didn't have any urine test done, it appeared I had not truly experienced a UTI. She ordered a **comprehensive STI screening**, which included tests for mycoplasma and ureaplasma, with preliminary results showing me negative for common infections such as syphilis, HIV, hepatitis, gonorrhea, and chlamydia. If all tests return negative, her next step will be to conduct an ultrasound of my kidneys and bladder, and she mentioned the possibility of cancer screenings, which added a layer of anxiety, although she seemed uncertain about the effectiveness of that approach given my symptoms, particularly the discharge. Has anyone had similar experiences or could share insights into what might be occurring?
Seeking Guidance: How Would You Approach a Patient with These Concerns?
Presenting a host of troubling symptoms that might suggest an underlying infection, the patient reports the following: - **Cognitive Issues:** Experiences of brain fog accompanied by disconcerting "brain zaps." - **Sinus Discomfort:** Notable pressure in the sinuses leading to a potential obstruction on the right nostril. - **Confusion and Dissociation:** Increasing feelings of perplexity and derealization. - **Memory Problems:** Short-term memory challenges that have emerged recently. - **Pain Symptoms:** Episodes of sharp, lancinating pains in the legs along with joint and bone discomfort. - **Breathing Difficulties:** Occasional shortness of breath and inconsistent chest pain. - **Muscle Concerns:** Possible atrophy in the neck region alongside persistent headaches resistant to over-the-counter medications like Tylenol and ibuprofen. - **Reactive Arthritis and Stiffness:** Ongoing neck pain since February has coincided with other symptoms. - **Tremors:** Noting muscle spasms that have become troublesome. - **Anomalies in the Genital Area:** A small spot observed on the right side of the penis has been dismissed as harmless by a previous provider. - **Skeletal Concerns:** A protruding left collarbone prompts uncertainty about the diagnosis (Gumma or osteitis). - **Impotence:** Significant difficulty in achieving and maintaining an erection. - **Gastrointestinal Issues:** Includes early satiety, mucus in stool, and a prolonged history of diarrhea which has partially resolved recently. - **Emotional Fluctuations:** Noticeable mood swings and a dull response to anxiety. - **Dermatological Changes:** Unexplained scalp discomfort classified as seborrheic dermatitis, with concerns regarding scalps lesions. - **Renal Symptoms:** Increased urination, particularly nocturnal, alongside renal aspects like proteinuria. - **Neck and Head Concerns:** Build-up of fluid in the head and neck region, swollen lymph nodes, and a maculopapular rash with flaking skin on extremities. - **Oral Health Issues:** Presence of condyloma lata on the tongue, persistent white coating despite hygiene, minor ulcers, and ongoing fatigue with notable weight fluctuations. - **Neurological Symptoms:** Instances of vivid dreams, sleep pattern disruptions, heart palpitations, excessive sweating, tinnitus, and loss of sensitivity in the feet. - **Cardiac Concerns:** Resting heart rate fluctuations between 74 and 110 bpm, with elevated rates during activity. - **Neurological Damage Query:** Suspected cerebral implications leading to emotional blunting and cognitive decline. The patient expresses frustration as their primary healthcare provider dismisses these concerns, labeling them as hypochondriacal, despite the patient’s attempts to advocate for themselves, including suggesting more appropriate tests for syphilis such as the VDRL, TPPA, or CSF-VDRL. After being inadequately assessed in an emergency setting, including the refusal of a lumbar puncture and treatment, the patient is left with uncertainty and a referral to a neurologist that is not available until later. Describing a complex medical history that includes premature birth, potential congenital risks, and familial health issues, the patient also shares personal struggles with mental health from a young age, including ADHD, depression, and experiences of abuse. In light of this, they are pondering possible diagnoses such as tertiary/ neurosyphilis or cardiovascular syphilis, advocating for extensive assessments including infectious disease experts and treatment plans involving prolonged antibiotic therapy. They question the adequacy of medical responses they have received, contemplating the possibility of legal recourse due to perceived malpractice. Overall, the narrative illustrates a profound need for empathy, understanding, and a thorough medical evaluation. The patient seeks support and guidance, feeling alone in their challenges and overwhelmed by the complexity of their health situation.