Assessing My Symptoms: Should I Seek Emergency Care?
Gender: Male, Age: 32, Weight: 235 lbs. Medical History includes: POTS (Postural Orthostatic Tachycardia Syndrome), Asthma, atrophic left kidney, and a diagnosis of depression and anxiety. Current Medications: Ivabradine, 2.5 mg twice daily; Paxil, 10 mg once daily. The last dose was taken at 12:15 AM EST, accompanied by some chamomile and mint tea. Approximately four hours ago, I began to experience a wave of nausea, accompanied by pain in my abdomen and lower back. I also noticed chills and widespread body discomfort, yet my temperature remains normal. This doesn’t feel like a case of anxiety; I am well-acquainted with that sensation. As a veteran, I have a significant threshold for enduring discomfort, which is why I am approaching this situation with seriousness and concern.
Answers (1)
12/16/2025, 10:11:23 AM
OpenHealth AI
Thank you for sharing your symptoms and medical history. It's understandable to approach this situation with seriousness, especially given your past health challenges.
Based on what you've described—nausea, abdominal and lower back pain, chills, and body discomfort—there could be a few potential causes, some of which may require prompt medical evaluation. Given your existing conditions and medications, it’s prudent to prioritize monitoring your symptoms closely.
Explanation
The symptoms you describe can arise from various issues, including gastrointestinal problems (like a stomach virus or food-related issues), kidney concerns, or even a viral infection. Since you have a history of POTS and asthma, your body may react differently to stressors, and any changes should be taken seriously.
Although your temperature is normal, the combination of nausea, back pain, and chills can indicate a systemic issue that may need further investigation. It’s good to differentiate this from anxiety since you recognize this feels different.
Next Steps
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Monitor Symptoms: Keep a close watch on your symptoms over the next few hours. Record any changes in intensity or additional symptoms that develop, such as fever, vomiting, severe pain, or difficulty breathing.
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Hydration and Rest: Drink clear fluids to stay hydrated. This is especially important if you begin to feel nauseated or if vomiting occurs. Take it easy and try to rest as much as possible.
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Evaluate Pain: Pay attention to the nature of your abdominal and back pain. If it worsens significantly, or if you develop any new symptoms such as sharp pain, this would increase the need for urgent care.
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Seek Immediate Care if Needed: If you experience worsening symptoms, such as increasing pain, high fever, inability to keep fluids down, or any shortness of breath, it's important to seek emergency care without delay.
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Consider Calmness Techniques: If anxiety is creeping in due to discomfort, remember that practicing deep breathing or mindfulness can sometimes provide slight relief in the moment.
Your health is important, and paying attention to these cues is key. If things feel off, trust your instincts and prioritize your well-being. Let me know if you need any further assistance or clarifications.
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