Concerns About Throat Health
At 29 years old, I have been overlooking persistent discomfort on the right side of my tongue for the last three to four years. I can’t pinpoint exactly why I’ve neglected it, aside from feeling anxious about making medical appointments. Recently, I've noticed a white bump forming under the skin in my throat. Initially, I thought it could be a tonsil stone, but two weeks later, I have my doubts. Swallowing often gives me a clicking sensation, and I constantly feel discomfort in my throat and mouth. Fatigue has become a major issue; I feel worn out all the time, even after a full night's sleep. Despite resting, I lack energy and feel as though my muscle mass is diminishing. I have a past history with HPV, having had cervical biopsies done eight years ago. Additionally, I have a habit of heavy smoking, which is a source of great embarrassment for me. I went through a significant alcohol dependency phase but managed to achieve sobriety a year and a half ago, although I do still drink lightly during social events or at restaurants. Throughout my struggles, I've also faced challenges with disordered eating, particularly during my drinking days when I hardly ate. Although I'm working on improving my diet, I’ve been losing weight unexpectedly, shedding over 40 pounds overall, including 12 pounds recently. Currently, I stand at 5'10" and weigh 160 pounds, a drop from around 215 at my heaviest. While I may seem healthy at first glance, I felt my best when I weighed about 175 pounds in my early twenties, especially when I was more energetic. Presently, I lack health insurance, but my husband is assisting me in scheduling an appointment at a doctor’s office that doesn’t require insurance, as I understand the urgency of having a professional evaluation. My last visit to a physician was two years ago due to a miscarriage, which was a very distressing experience as my health concerns were dismissed at that time. I can't shake the anxiety that comes with ignoring these warning signs, especially as I have a 4-year-old child who I want to raise and care for. The thought of possibly having cancer is terrifying, and I fear I may have waited too long to seek help. I apologize for the lengthy and somewhat chaotic nature of this post, but I feel I've shared the essential details of my situation.
Answers (1)
8/28/2025, 7:11:51 PM
OpenHealth AI
It's understandable to feel anxious about your health, especially with the concerning symptoms you've described, such as persistent discomfort in your throat, a white bump, clicking sensations when swallowing, fatigue, and significant weight loss. Acknowledging and addressing these issues is crucial for your well-being, especially considering your responsibilities as a parent.
Explanation:
Your symptoms could stem from several factors, including potential infections, irritation from smoking, or other underlying conditions that may require evaluation. The white bump you mentioned could indeed be a tonsil stone or something else, and the discomfort, fatigue, and weight loss are important signs that the body is signaling a need for attention. Your past history with HPV, while relevant, doesn’t necessarily directly correlate with your current symptoms, but it does heighten your awareness of health risks, which is completely valid.
Next Steps:
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Prioritize Your Doctor's Appointment: Since you’re already in the process of scheduling an appointment, aim to go as soon as possible. Explain all of your symptoms thoroughly to the healthcare provider, as this comprehensive view will help them assess your situation more effectively.
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Keep a Symptom Diary: Document your symptoms, including when they occur, their severity, and any triggers you notice. This will provide valuable information to your healthcare provider.
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Focus on Hydration and Nutrition: Since you’ve experienced weight loss and fatigue, prioritize staying hydrated and try to eat a balanced diet, including protein, fruits, and vegetables. If regular meals feel overwhelming, consider smaller, more frequent snacks.
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Limit Smoking and Alcohol: If possible, reducing or abstaining from smoking and limiting alcohol consumption can significantly improve your throat health and overall energy levels. If quitting smoking is challenging, look into support resources or programs that can assist you.
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Plan for Mental Health Support: Considering your anxiety and past experiences with healthcare, seeking support for your mental health might also be beneficial. Finding a local support group or speaking to a counselor can provide reassurance and coping strategies.
Overall, acknowledging your symptoms and seeking care is an important step towards better health. Remember, you’re taking positive action by reaching out for help. Focus on these prioritized steps, and don’t hesitate to lean on your support system in these challenging times.
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7 Months Old) - **Weight:** 9 kg (good growth rate in spite of condition) - **Jaundice:** Continues to be present (yellow skin) - **Stools:** Remain pale/clay-colored - **Development:** Achieving appropriate milestones - **Energy:** Appears to have a good energy level - **Feeding:** Normal appetite --- ## QUESTIONS FOR r/AskDocs We have been informed this is **Type 2 Abernethy malformation** (portal vein present). **Three treatment avenues have been proposed:** ### Option 1: **Endovascular Coil Embolization** (minimally invasive approach) - A catheter is inserted via the leg vein to access the shunt and deploy coils/plugs to close the abnormal vessels - Pros: No surgical incision, minimal discomfort, short hospital stay (2-4 days), no scars, enhanced safety - Duration: 1-2 hours - Recovery: 2-4 weeks for jaundice to show improvement ### Option 2: **Open Surgical Intervention** - An incision in the abdomen to ligate abnormal vessels and redirect blood to the liver - Pros: Direct visualization, effective results - Cons: Surgical scar, longer recovery time (7-14 days in hospital) - Duration: 2-4 hours ### Option 3: **Liver Transplantation** - We have been advised this is not necessary as the portal vein is functional and liver health is improving. --- ## SPECIFIC QUESTIONS TO CONSIDER: 1. **With a functional portal vein (6.1 mm) and improving liver function (ALT normalized), is it advisable to pursue endovascular closure as the preferred treatment?** 2. **Despite ALT levels improving, the bilirubin remains consistently high (242). Should this be a cause for concern? Is there a prospect for it to normalize post shunt closure?** 3. **Are the hemangiomas/nodules (11.6×20.7 mm) linked to the shunt? Will they likely resolve following shunt repair?** 4. **How urgent is the proposed intervention? Is immediate action required, or is there flexibility to wait a few months?** 5. **What complications should we be vigilant for during the waiting period?** 6. **Regarding endovascular closure - what is the average success rate for infants aged 7 months? Are there concerns regarding the shunt size (9.9 mm)?** 7. **The measurement of the portal vein has shown improvement from 6.1 mm to 3.9 mm; should this be perceived as a positive sign or a reason for concern?** 8. **Are there special directives (diet modifications, medications) we should consider while awaiting the procedure?** 9. **Post-procedure, how long should we expect it might take for:** - Normalization of bilirubin levels? - Return of stool color to normal? - Resolution of jaundice? - Regression of hemangiomas? 10. **Can you recommend any specialized centers for pediatric Abernethy malformation treatments? We are located in Uzbekistan but are prepared to travel (to Turkey, Russia, South Korea, etc.)** --- ## ADDITIONAL INFORMATION - No family history of hepatic diseases - Pregnancy and delivery were normal - No additional congenital defects identified - Immunizations up to date - No history of bleeding disorders - No signs indicative of encephalopathy - Child is alert and engaged --- **I can supply actual MSCT images and comprehensive lab reports if they would be of assistance.** We sincerely appreciate any insights you can provide. We are striving to make the most informed decision regarding our daughter’s care and highly value expert medical opinions. **TL;DR:** 7-month-old diagnosed with Abernethy Type 2 malformation (9.9 mm portocaval shunt, patent portal vein). Liver functionality is improving (normalized ALT) while bilirubin remains elevated (242). Evaluating options between endovascular coil embolization and open surgery. Seeking expert advice on optimal treatment strategy and timing.