Seeking Advice for Serious Health Concerns
I'm a 17-year-old male, standing at 5 feet 4 inches tall and weighing 136 pounds, and I’m looking for some guidance regarding my health right now. To give you a quick background, I have used approximately 20 to 25 vape cartridges in my lifetime. After emptying each cartridge, I would often find residual oil. Unbeknownst to me, I frequently used a lighter to heat those leftover contents, which resulted in bubbling on the sides of the cartridge. Occasionally, I even noticed black residue, but I continued this practice without understanding the potential risks involved. In hindsight, I realize I was likely inhaling toxins, such as burning plastic, butane, and possibly heavy metals, as I repeated this process with around 15 to 20 cartridges, hitting them several times over the course of about two months. Now, I am grappling with significant regret, as I believe this behavior has had detrimental effects on my health. I’ve also lost my sense of taste and smell around the time I started this practice, and I’m worried that it might be linked. Currently, I experience a complete lack of thoughts—yes, you read that right—an absence of any inner dialogue. This has made it exceedingly difficult for me to engage in conversations, even with my own family, since I often struggle to articulate my thoughts clearly. My creativity has diminished significantly, and it feels as if I can no longer visualize ideas in my mind. I often speak impulsively, blurting out whatever comes to mind without thinking it through. This situation is entirely out of character for me, and I can’t shake the feeling of intellectual impairment, as if I’m functioning at a diminished capacity. I'm concerned that my inhalation of harmful substances could have caused lasting harm to my brain. Additionally, I sometimes experience discomfort in my upper back, though I'm uncertain if it’s connected to my lung health, as I rarely feel pain in my chest. With each deep breath, I can hear my back pop, accompanied by persistent upper back discomfort. I find myself at a loss, unsure of how to mend my health if recovery is even possible. I sincerely seek your help and advice on how to move forward. Living like this is not something I can bear, and any information or assistance would be immensely appreciated. Thank you all for taking the time to read this and for any guidance you may offer.
Answers (1)
9/14/2025, 10:50:44 PM
OpenHealth AI
Thank you for sharing your concerns so honestly. It's clear you're experiencing a lot of distress related to both your physical and mental health. Let’s break this down and provide some actionable steps for you to consider.
Main Points:
- Concerns About Vaping and Inhalation: Your use of vape cartridges and inhaling potential toxins may contribute to your current symptoms.
- Cognitive and Sensory Changes: The loss of taste and smell, along with cognitive issues like difficulty articulating thoughts, may be connected to your vaping history.
- Physical Discomfort: Upper back discomfort could be related to tension or respiratory issues, but it’s essential to monitor these symptoms closely.
Explanation:
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Risks of Vaping: Vaping, especially when involving heated substances, can expose you to harmful chemicals. Repeated inhalation of these toxins can potentially impact lung health and cognitive function. Your sense of taste and smell may be affected by both the chemicals and inflammation in your respiratory system.
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Cognitive and Emotional Health: Cognitive changes, such as difficulty with thought clarity and creativity, can sometimes be linked to substance inhalation, anxiety, or stress. These feelings can also be exacerbated if you are feeling regret about past choices or anxious about your health.
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Physical Symptoms: The popping in your back while breathing could be related to muscular strain or postural changes, especially if you’re feeling anxious or tense. It’s worth tracking these symptoms over time.
Next Steps:
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Stop Vaping Immediately: This is crucial to allow your body a chance to recover. Avoid inhaling any substances (including cannabis or THC oils) and consider distancing yourself from environments where vaping occurs.
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Focus on Hydration and Nutrition: Drink plenty of water and eat a balanced diet rich in fruits, vegetables, and whole grains. This can support your recovery.
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Monitor Your Symptoms: Keep a daily diary of your cognitive and physical symptoms, noting anything that improves or worsens. This will help you notice patterns and communicate these if needed.
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Incorporate Mindfulness or Meditation: Simple mindfulness exercises can help calm the mind and may improve focus and clarity over time. Start with a few minutes a day, gradually increasing as you feel comfortable.
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Seek Emotional Support: Talk to someone you trust about your feelings—family, friends, or a counselor. Connecting with others can provide relief and open paths to understanding your emotions better.
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Consider Physical Movement: Gentle exercises like walking, yoga, or stretching can help alleviate back discomfort and improve your overall well-being.
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Professional Guidance: While I can’t give medical diagnoses, these symptoms warrant a check-in with a healthcare provider. If you experience persistent discomfort, cognitive challenges, or worsening symptoms, consider seeking help to ensure any underlying issues are addressed.
Reassurance:
It's understandable to feel overwhelmed, especially when reflecting on past choices. Remember, many people face challenges related to substance use and recover with the right supports. Focus on these initial steps, and know that improvement is possible. If you have more questions or need further assistance, please let me know. Take care!
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