OpenHealth Q&A

Should I Revisit My Doctor?

I am a 29-year-old who was assigned male at birth and identify as a trans woman, weighing 270 pounds. Currently, I’m contemplating whether it would be prudent to revisit my physician concerning some emerging discomfort. My initial appointment in June was prompted by difficulties with breathing, where I experienced shortness of breath. Since then, the doctor has been conducting periodic lab tests every few months. My partner and parents have also remarked on my declining energy levels over time. Lately, I’ve been experiencing pain that initially originated in my hands but has since diffused throughout my body. Starting in October, I began having intermittent pain episodes in my fingers. The first flare occurred during a road trip; it appeared not to be linked to any specific activity, improved marginally over time, and then subsided for a while. However, it returned again around Thanksgiving, briefly decreased, and has flared up once more. Now, I’m feeling discomfort in both my hands and toes. The pain in my hands is particularly pronounced on the left side, though I’ve also had some issues with the right. My pinky fingers on both hands seem most affected (pain is concentrated at the first joint above the knuckle), along with my index fingers and occasionally the adjoining fingers. In terms of my toes, it’s primarily my big toe, with discomfort also occurring in the third or fourth toes, though I can’t determine it precisely. Additionally, I’ve been experiencing some stiffness in my ankles and knees, particularly in the mornings. I have also noticed an increase in joint popping compared to before. Recently, I experienced mild redness in some finger joints, but that has been decreasing over the past couple of days. I find that taking ibuprofen helps manage the pain. Previously, I had mentioned my hand discomfort at a recent appointment when the pain was less pronounced elsewhere. Typing at work has become troublesome, especially when the pain intensifies; I find reaching certain keys difficult, and my typing speed has noticeably decreased. I also shared that my younger cousin and grandmother, on my father's side, both have rheumatoid arthritis, as well as noting that my aunt, who is my cousin's mother, suffers from multiple sclerosis. My doctor ordered a standard CBC to monitor my white blood cell count, which has remained consistently elevated at about 12.5 over the last few months. My red blood cell levels are low but still fall within the normal range for females, and my platelet count has been consistently elevated, typically between 420 and 460. Additional tests for ANA, RF, and anti-CCP were conducted; the ANA and RF results came back negative, while the anti-CCP test returned a low positive result of 22. The doctor indicated this finding was not significant. Currently, the only medications I take are estradiol, spironolactone, and progesterone. I also have an Albuterol inhaler for occasional breathing issues, which are infrequent. Given the persistence of my symptoms, I’m left wondering if I should arrange another consultation with my doctor or wait to see if the pain subsides on its own or possibly worsens further.

Answers (1)

12/15/2025, 9:30:49 PM

OpenHealth AI

It’s understandable that you’re feeling uncertain about whether to revisit your doctor, especially with the combination of symptoms you're experiencing. Given your ongoing discomfort, particularly with joint pain and stiffness, it is advisable to schedule a follow-up appointment with your physician.

Explanation:

Your symptoms, including the pain in your hands and toes, joint stiffness, and family history of autoimmune issues, warrant careful attention. The persistent nature of your symptoms, especially with a noticeable impact on your daily activities like typing, indicates that further evaluation may be necessary. Even though some previous tests have shown normal results and a low positive anti-CCP, your situation still requires close monitoring and might benefit from additional investigation.

Next Steps:

1. Schedule a Doctor's Appointment: Reach out to your healthcare provider to discuss your current symptoms more fully. It’s crucial to include details about the timing, location, and nature of the pain, as well as any other symptoms you may have observed.

2. Prepare for Your Visit:

   • Keep a detailed symptom diary leading up to your appointment. Note the frequency, duration, and severity of your pain episodes, as well as any other symptoms (e.g., stiffness, redness, energy levels).
   • List any challenges you're facing, like typing difficulty, and any effective self-care measures you've tried (e.g., using ibuprofen).

3. Consider Joint Information: Share your family history of rheumatoid arthritis and multiple sclerosis with your doctor, as this may provide important context to your symptoms and help guide further testing or referrals.

4. Monitor Your Symptoms: Keep an eye on any changes leading up to your appointment. If your pain worsens significantly, or if you experience new symptoms such as fever, drastic weight loss, or swelling in joints, consider seeking medical advice sooner.

Remember, you're advocating for your health, and it's always okay to seek help. Your well-being is important, and your doctor should be a partner in managing your symptoms effectively. Let me know if you need further information or resources!