Is it okay to wait three days?
A 32-year-old female with a history of one pregnancy via C-section is currently navigating multiple health concerns including Celiac disease, Irritable Bowel Syndrome (IBS), and a potential diagnosis of Polycystic Ovary Syndrome (PCOS). Presently, I am preparing for a doctor's visit to discuss the results of various integrative health tests. Notably, one of these tests has revealed significantly elevated free testosterone levels for a woman. Over the past three weeks, my bowel movements have been severely limited, with only two occurring, both of which required the use of strong laxatives. Last week, I ingested an entire bottle of magnesium citrate, yet only managed to pass a minimal amount. Just yesterday, I experienced intense pain localized in my left hip and back, prompting me to undertake most of a colonoscopy preparation routine—four doses of Dulcolax and half a bottle of Miralax mixed with 32 ounces of Gatorade. This did lead to significant movement in my bowels, but today I find myself back to struggling with gas and no proper evacuation. I suspect that I might have an ovarian cyst obstructing my sigmoid colon since, upon examining the area between my pubic bone and left hip, I can feel something unusual that isn't present on the right side. My query is: Can this wait until my scheduled appointment on Friday afternoon, or should I seek immediate care for an ultrasound instead? Thank you in advance for your guidance!
Answers (1)
7/29/2025, 8:20:43 PM
OpenHealth AI
It sounds like you’re facing some distressing symptoms and uncertainties with your health. Given the information you've shared, particularly your history of significant digestive issues and localized pain, it’s understandable to question whether to wait until your appointment on Friday.
Main Points:
- Severe constipation and abdominal pain: These symptoms can indicate a need for more immediate evaluation.
- Possible complications: Conditions like ovarian cysts can cause pain and may require urgent attention, especially with your gastrointestinal symptoms.
- Monitor your symptoms closely: It’s crucial to assess whether your condition is worsening before your appointment.
Explanation:
Your ongoing bowel issues combined with the localized pain in your hip and back are concerning, especially since you’ve had limited success in resolving constipation despite aggressive measures. Elevated testosterone levels and potential PCOS can sometimes contribute to various health challenges, but your acute symptoms demand attention.
Next Steps:
-
Seek immediate care: Given your severe symptoms and the potential risk of complications, I recommend contacting a healthcare provider or visiting an urgent care facility right away. It's better to err on the side of caution, especially if an ovarian cyst is affecting your colon.
-
Documentation: Prepare to describe your recent symptoms, including your severe pain and the laxative use, as this will help healthcare providers understand your condition.
-
Keep an eye on severe symptoms: If you experience worsening pain, nausea, vomiting, fever, or any signs of an emergency (like dizziness or fainting), seek emergency medical attention immediately.
Your health is a priority, and waiting could lead to more complications, so it’s best to get checked out as soon as possible. Take care, and I hope you find relief soon!
Related Questions
Concerns About Changes in Partner's Semen Consistency
At 19 years old, I’m seeking some insights regarding a situation. My girlfriend, who is also 19, has experienced a noteworthy change in her semen consistency during our intimate encounters over the last two to three weeks. To provide some background, she stands at 5 feet 5.5 inches tall and weighs approximately 130 pounds. Her ethnicity is Caucasian, and she is from Canada. Historically, my girlfriend has been in good health without any significant medical conditions. Currently, she is not taking any medications. Previously, she had a history of frequent vaping, but that was about a year ago, and now she limits it to occasional use. The change in her semen is quite striking; it appears very thick, white, and somewhat chunky, rather than being mostly liquid. There are some liquid components, but the thick texture predominates. Throughout this period, she has maintained her regular diet, and importantly, there are no signs of a urinary tract infection or sexually transmitted disease. Neither does she experience any pain or unusual odors. This alteration has raised some concerns for her, and while I am trying to be supportive, I am uncertain about the potential causes. We searched online for explanations, but the reactions we found mostly related to digital sources that discussed various infections or medical conditions, none of which seemed to match her symptoms. Does anyone have insights or similar experiences regarding this matter? It would be appreciated in easing her worries and determining the best course of action.
Three Weeks Post Gallbladder Surgery - Is It Infected?
Patient Profile: - Age: 35 - Gender: Female - Height: 5 feet 4 inches - Weight: 160 pounds - Ethnicity: Asian Issue Duration: 3 weeks Location: United States Relevant Medical History: Approximately three weeks ago, I underwent gallbladder removal surgery. Recently, I have observed a slight amount of cloudy fluid emerging from the surgical site over the past few days. Just moments ago, I noticed a possible pus discharge from the incision. While there is no significant pain, I do feel mild soreness when shifting my position. I have not experienced any fever or chills, and there is no unpleasant odor coming from the wound. Should I continue to clean the area with soap and water, or would it be prudent to seek immediate medical attention at the ER for a professional evaluation?
Should I Seek Medical Attention?
At 22 years old, I am a female who has been on medications like duloxetine, lamotrigine, and hydroxyzine for several years. I have managed to keep my Graves' disease under control, but I have reasons to believe I may also be experiencing symptoms of POTS (Postural Orthostatic Tachycardia Syndrome). Last year, I was scheduled to consult a neurologist regarding hand tremors and the possibility of fibromyalgia. Unfortunately, I could not continue my treatment after relocating and losing my health insurance. Just 15 minutes ago, I fainted. Prior to that incident, I was feeling unwell—dizzy, my vision was blurry, and I experienced a whooshing sensation along with heat in my ears. My face and arms also felt tingly. After fainting, I experienced a heavy, aching sensation in my head, and I still have a headache now. Additionally, I’ve been waking up with headaches for a couple of days. I want to know if it's advisable to go to the emergency room. It's important to note that this isn’t my first fainting spell; I had one incident years back, which helped me recognize the signs when it started happening. At that time, I was lifting a heavy bed frame, and when I began to feel faint, I tried to sit down but stood back up to assist, and that’s when I lost consciousness. I’m unsure how long I was out, but I initially thought I was just sleeping before realizing what had happened when I regained awareness.
Seeking Guidance for My Mother's Sudden Hearing Loss Case
I am looking for advice regarding my mother's situation with sudden sensorineural hearing loss (SSNHL). **Patient Overview:** - **Age:** 48 years - **Gender:** Female - **Medical Issues:** Hypothyroidism and overweight (approximately 95 kg at the onset) - **Treatment:** Thyroid medication (25 mcg taken daily) **Medical Background:** In November 2025, my mother experienced an abrupt hearing loss in her right ear accompanied by dizziness and nausea. We consulted several ENT specialists within approximately 36 hours following the onset of her symptoms. She received a diagnosis of SSNHL but unfortunately, she did not undergo intratympanic steroid injections during the critical first 24 hours that could have aided her recovery. Despite receiving subsequent treatment, she has not regained hearing in her affected ear. **Examination Results:** - **Audiogram:** Loss of approximately 100 dB in the right ear; left ear shows normal hearing. - **Brain MRI:** A normal scan was conducted previously, ruling out tumors. - **Laboratory Tests:** Recent blood tests (including thyroid function, HbA1c, renal and liver function tests, CBC, etc.) show elevated TSH (6.73) and a HbA1c of 8.5%. We are currently preparing for a contrast MRI to eliminate the possibility of a vestibular schwannoma or nerve issues. **Current Condition:** The hearing loss persists in her right ear. She is feeling anxious about the upcoming contrast MRI, which involves gadolinium injection. However, she has started making positive lifestyle changes and has lost about 4.5 kg over the past two months, adhering to a protein-rich diet and a walking regimen. **My Inquiries:** 1. Is it still beneficial to perform a contrast MRI several months after the initial SSNHL diagnosis, considering that a normal MRI has already been completed? 2. For cases such as this—severe SSNHL with delayed steroid intervention—are there realistic prospects for hearing recovery at a later date? 3. Are there any additional tests or treatments that should be taken into account at this stage? 4. For family gatherings where loud music will be present, would high-quality earplugs or noise-canceling earbuds be a good option to safeguard her healthier ear? 5. Is it advisable for her to continue with whey protein supplementation and the weight-loss plan? 6. What should we prioritize for long-term management: hearing aids, rehabilitation, regular monitoring, etc.? I recognize that the chances of recovery may be slim, but I want to ensure we are covering all bases and that her care plan is appropriate. I appreciate any insights or suggestions you can offer. Thank you for your assistance!
Evaluating the Reliability of Blood Tests for Liver Disease
As a 30-year-old man who has indulged in heavy drinking during weekends for the past decade, I recently sought to understand the health of my liver through a blood test conducted at a laboratory. Initially, I felt a wave of relief when I received my results indicating that all my liver enzyme levels were within normal limits. However, my sense of security was short-lived as I stumbled upon information suggesting that some forms of liver disease might not be detectable through standard blood testing. This has prompted me to question the extent to which I can rely on my test results. Is it possible that underlying issues might still exist despite what the blood work revealed?