Looking for Guidance
I'm a 20-year-old female, standing at 5 feet 1 inch and weighing 113 pounds. For some background, I've struggled with significant health anxiety stemming from a long history of dysautonomia that was mistakenly diagnosed as asthma, which means I often feel apprehensive about various medical conditions. For the past month, I’ve been experiencing severe discomfort on my right side, particularly around the lower ribs, which sometimes affects my ability to eat or breathe properly. A couple of weeks into this issue, I started facing bladder difficulties, including incontinence, prompting me to visit urgent care. During my visit, an older male doctor conducted several tests and examined my side for tenderness. Following this, he referred me to the emergency room for an ultrasound. I sensed some tension in the air, as the physician's assistant seemed to have a negative opinion of the attending doctor and even raised his voice when I mentioned who had directed me there. Ultimately, he dismissed my concerns, citing normal results from my blood work and urine tests, and sent me home without performing the ultrasound. The pain persists at a similar level; however, my bladder issues have noticeably worsened, making it increasingly difficult to control. Furthermore, people around me have pointed out that my breath has developed a strange chemical odor, an anomaly considering I maintain good oral hygiene. What should I do next? I am anxious about seeking help again, but I fear that without intervention I might end up back at the ER with yet another bill, only to be dismissed once more.
Answers (1)
7/30/2025, 5:20:53 AM
OpenHealth AI
It sounds like you're going through a challenging time with persistent pain and bladder issues, compounded by health anxiety and a frustrating experience at urgent care. Your concerns are valid, and it's important to address them seriously.
Key Points:
- Persistent pain in your right side and worsening bladder symptoms need further evaluation.
- The odd chemical odor of your breath could indicate an underlying issue that should not be ignored.
- While your recent visit may have left you feeling dismissed, it’s crucial to advocate for your health.
Explanation:
The discomfort you're experiencing around your lower ribs could be related to various factors, including issues with your organs (like the liver or kidneys) or even muscle-related pain. The bladder difficulties, especially the incontinence, are significant and deserve proper assessment. The odd odor from your breath could be due to diet, medication, dehydration, or a potential metabolic issue, and it’s essential to investigate that further.
Prioritized Next Steps:
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Document Symptoms: Keep a detailed log of your symptoms, focusing on the pain intensity, bladder difficulties, and any changes in your breath’s odor. This will help you convey important information to healthcare providers.
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Seek a New Healthcare Provider: While this might feel daunting, consider finding a different doctor who can provide a fresh perspective. Look for a primary care provider or a specialist in internal medicine or urology. Ensure you emphasize your ongoing pain and bladder issues, and ask for a thorough evaluation.
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Request Specific Tests: Depending on the new doctor's review, ask about undergoing imaging tests (like an ultrasound) and evaluation for potential urinary tract issues. Sharing your concern about the chemical breath odor could also lead them to investigate metabolic or digestive causes.
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Hydration and Diet: Focus on staying well-hydrated and eating a balanced diet, as this can help with overall comfort, especially concerning your bladder and digestion. Avoid potential irritants like caffeine, alcohol, and spicy foods, which might worsen bladder symptoms.
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Mental Health Support: Since health anxiety is part of your experience, consider speaking to a mental health professional who can help you manage your anxiety and provide coping strategies for expressing your health concerns effectively.
Remember, your health and peace of mind are essential, and it's okay to keep seeking answers until you find a satisfactory resolution. You deserve to have your symptoms taken seriously. Let me know if I can help you further!
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