Struggling with a Pinched Nerve and Ulcer Concerns: Seeking Guidance
I’m a 21-year-old female weighing approximately 130 lbs and standing at 4’10”. Currently, I'm on birth control, vitamin D, allergy medications, and famotidine. For the past three months, I've been taking between 1200 to 2400 mg of ibuprofen daily. My health challenges have persisted the entire time. To help with sleep, I vape and use cannabis every night. Unfortunately, a year ago, I discovered that H. pylori infection had left my stomach too sensitive for any NSAIDs, following an incident where two doses of naproxen led to the development of four ulcers. I was advised against using NSAIDs entirely. After battling with my insurance which incorrectly denied my Medicaid application, I finally obtained coverage just as I started experiencing a pinched nerve in my neck. This condition has caused me pain, weakness, and tremors on my dominant side for about three months. Once I secured insurance, I promptly scheduled an appointment; however, I was directed to visit the ER after work. They administered muscle relaxants and steroids. Although the injection did not yield much relief, the medication regimen proved beneficial for a short time. Unfortunately, once the treatment ended, my pain returned to its previous intensity. I consulted with my primary care physician, who declined to conduct any scans but prescribed diclofenac cream and recommended that I use Tylenol instead of ibuprofen. I also began physical therapy, but I’ve discovered that Tylenol barely makes a dent in alleviating my pain; it feels almost ineffective. Recently, I’ve experienced multiple episodes of vomiting, culminating in dry heaves and stomach cramps. Just tonight, I felt exceptionally dizzy, sweaty, and confused, and I noticed a metallic taste in my burps, which I fear may signal bleeding ulcers—something I've dealt with before, where my iron saturation dropped to 5% due to the ulcers. I feel at a loss regarding how to proceed. I can’t wait months for physical therapy to show results; one of my jobs is very cognitively demanding, and I don’t feel safe performing it while in significant discomfort. Earlier today, I made errors because my ulcer began bleeding, which tends to leave me feeling faint. At times, the pain is so overwhelming that I must pull over while driving, as it becomes a dangerous distraction. I also find the tremors and weakness in my dominant hand alarming. If anyone has suggestions or strategies to address my situation, I would greatly appreciate it. For pain relief, I’ve been taking liquid gel capsules to reduce the duration they linger in my stomach, alongside famotidine and ensuring I eat meals beforehand. Despite these efforts, I still can’t seem to manage the ulcers effectively, yet I desperately need ibuprofen for pain relief to function properly. In addition, I perform the stretches recommended to me daily and sleep with a soft neck brace, lying on my back since that position causes me the least discomfort. I'm truly at a crossroads and unsure about my next steps.
Answers (1)
8/17/2025, 2:01:50 AM
OpenHealth AI
It sounds like you’re facing multiple challenging health issues, including a pinched nerve causing intense pain and concerns regarding your stomach ulcers. Additionally, the use of NSAIDs has created complications due to your previous ulcer history. I understand this can feel overwhelming, especially with the added stress of managing symptoms while working.
Main Points:
- Addressing Pain Management: NSAIDs are not a viable option for you due to your ulcers, and it’s important to find alternative pain relief strategies.
- Monitoring Your Ulcer Symptoms: Your symptoms of vomiting, confusion, and dizziness may indicate worsening ulcers, requiring prompt attention.
- Effective Communication with Healthcare Providers: Ensure clear dialogue with your healthcare team about what is and isn’t working for you.
Explanation:
Your experience highlights a concerning cycle where managing pain is complicated by the potential for gastrointestinal bleeding. The metallic taste in your burps, combined with your ulcer history and current symptoms, suggests that further assessment of your ulcers is crucial.
It's good that you have already consulted with your primary care physician and started physical therapy; however, the severity of your symptoms, especially with dizziness and confusion, should not be ignored. These could be signs of complications related to your ulcers or issues linked to your pinched nerve.
Next Steps:
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Seek Urgent Medical Attention:
- Given your recent symptoms of vomiting, dizziness, and the history of bleeding, consider visiting an urgent care or ER to evaluate your ulcers and determine if any bleeding is occurring. It's better to err on the side of caution, especially given your history of low iron levels.
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Pain Management Alternatives:
- Discuss potential alternatives for pain relief with your physician. Since Tylenol is ineffective for you, options like topical treatments (like lidocaine patches) or adjusting your physical therapy regimen might help. There are also non-medication techniques to discuss, such as acupuncture or cognitive behavioral therapy for pain management.
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Review Your Dietary Intake:
- Ensure you are eating a bland diet that does not irritate your stomach lining. Avoid spicy, acidic, or high-fat foods which could exacerbate your ulcer symptoms. Some people find that ginger or other soothing teas can help with gastrointestinal discomfort.
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Monitor Symptoms Closely:
- Keep a detailed log of your symptoms—pain levels, episodes of vomiting, and any changes in your bodily functions. This record can be helpful when discussing your situation with healthcare providers.
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Communicate with Your Employer:
- With the cognitive demands of your job affecting your performance due to pain, consider discussing your situation with your employer if you haven't done so. They may offer accommodations that could support you while you're managing these health concerns.
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Utilize Support Resources:
- Reach out to support groups for individuals dealing with similar issues. You may find valuable coping strategies and emotional support from others who've navigated similar paths.
It's understandable to feel lost when you face multiple health challenges, but taking small, actionable steps can lead to improvements. Please keep me updated on how you progress, and take care of yourself.
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