Reaching My Breaking Point: Seeking Help for Persistent Symptoms During Pregnancy
At 25 years old and 18 weeks and 4 days into my pregnancy with di/di boy/girl twins, I find myself overwhelmed and at a loss. I have a history of asthma, which does not typically interfere with my pregnancies. However, this time seems different. My last menstrual cycle occurred on September 26, with conception on October 3. I began to experience unusual symptoms fairly early on and confirmed my pregnancy with a positive test on October 14. Despite my previous pregnancies being manageable with asthma, I am currently grappling with unexplained respiratory issues. Although I don't believe my asthma is directly to blame, I do find any breathing difficulty exacerbating the situation. My only asthma management tools are a nebulizer and a rescue inhaler. After testing positive for pregnancy, I developed an intense dry cough that worsened over time. While I could manage my breathing initially, each cough took its toll, straining my lungs. Initially, I only found this situation frustrating, yet as the months went by, particularly in December, the severity escalated. Seeking help, I visited urgent care and consulted my primary care physician, but their response was dismissive, attributing my coughing to pregnancy without offering any substantial relief. By early January, my symptoms intensified, prompting an ER visit when neither my inhaler nor nebulizer provided adequate relief. A CT scan revealed irritated airways, but otherwise, my lungs were clear. When I discussed my condition with my OBGYN during my January appointment, she echoed the prior sentiment that my symptoms were likely pregnancy-related, again failing to provide constructive guidance. Since December, I have gone through two inhalers, utilizing my nebulizer regularly before work and at bedtime, often using my inhaler several times during shifts, though results have been disheartening. On particularly challenging days, I rely on these medications four to eight times, which I know isn’t optimal, yet doctors continue to encourage this approach. I’ve past tried numerous over-the-counter medications deemed safe during pregnancy, but none have alleviated my symptoms. Today, as my cough worsens, I feel an intense pain in my ribs, back, and abdominal area, making simple actions like breathing and talking excruciating. The thought of leaving the comfort of my bed to get food or water is unbearable. The discomfort is compounded by the challenges I face during coughing fits; when I attempt to cough, it becomes painful enough that my vision sometimes blurs, and I have a tendency to gag or vomit. In a desperate bid for relief, I reached out to my doctor's assistant, who reiterated the same information I have already encountered from multiple healthcare providers, suggesting only limited safe options for treatment. After stressing the futility of my current medications, I learned that my concerns were taken into account, and they decided to prescribe amoxicillin-clavulanate and azithromycin in hopes of addressing potential underlying causes. If no improvement is observed, I am advised to follow up. There’s also a growing concern about numbness in my hands and face, which I’ve experienced intermittently throughout my pregnancy—though I can’t recall if it corresponds directly with my coughing episodes. It resembles the sensations I encounter during panic attacks or asthma episodes, yet my oxygen levels remain stable. If these new medications fail to provide any relief, I’m unsure of my next steps. Is there truly a lack of alternative treatments available? The possibility of running tests feels out of reach, and with a constant, debilitating dry cough that defies explanation, I find myself wishing for sedation until after my delivery. Alone and overwhelmed, I worry about my ability to care for my impending twins, all while struggling to manage day-to-day responsibilities. My work hours have dwindled significantly due to my condition, and I face the prospect of further absences as I navigate similar challenges moving forward. The thought of returning to the ER feels daunting, especially when I anticipate a lack of actionable help. I am left feeling famished and parched, longing for relief as I endure this exhausting experience.
Answers (1)
2/4/2026, 1:20:55 AM
OpenHealth AI
I'm truly sorry to hear about the significant discomfort and challenges you're facing during your pregnancy, especially while anticipating the arrival of your twins. Your concerns are valid, and it's crucial to address your symptoms thoughtfully and comprehensively.
First, it's essential to recognize that your current situation is both physically and emotionally taxing. The combination of a persistent cough, pain, and the stress of managing your asthma in pregnancy can feel overwhelming. Here’s how we can approach your symptoms and concerns systematically:
Summary of Main Points:
- You are experiencing a severe dry cough, rib and abdominal pain, and intermittent numbness during your pregnancy, which has severely affected your daily life.
- While your healthcare providers have tried treatments, relief has been elusive, leading to feelings of frustration and helplessness.
- New medications (amoxicillin-clavulanate and azithromycin) have been prescribed, but you're feeling unsure about next steps if they don't work.
Explanation:
Your ongoing cough could be due to a range of possible causes, including pregnancy-related changes affecting your airways, allergy triggers, or even a viral infection, which may be exacerbating your already-existing asthma. The rib and abdominal pain you experience could stem from the strain of coughing fits, leading to muscle soreness or even a temporary respiratory issue.
The numbness in your hands and face could be linked to stress, panic, or could be a physical symptom related to your breathing difficulties. It's important to monitor these sensations closely.
Next Steps:
-
Monitor your Symptoms: Keep a detailed diary of your symptoms, noting their frequency, severity, and any triggers you can identify. This can be valuable for your healthcare team when discussing treatment options.
-
Work Through the New Medications: If you haven’t started the antibiotics yet, do so as prescribed. Monitor your response over the next few days, and keep track of any improvement or side effects.
-
Hydration and Humidification: Staying hydrated can help soothe your throat and make coughing easier. Consider using a humidifier in your room at night; this can help keep your airways moist and alleviate some cough irritation.
-
Breathing Techniques: Incorporate gentle breathing exercises to help manage your asthma and reduce panic. Techniques like diaphragmatic breathing can often be calming.
-
Seek Specialized Care: If your symptoms do not improve with the antibiotics, it may be beneficial to consult a pulmonologist, preferably one familiar with managing respiratory issues during pregnancy. They can perform targeted assessments and may offer treatments that align better with your needs.
-
Mental Health Support: Given the emotional toll this experience has taken, consider connecting with a mental health professional who can assist you in managing anxiety or depression during this challenging time. This support can be incredibly valuable as you navigate your physical health issues.
-
Plan for Support: Reach out to friends, family, or community resources for help with daily tasks while you manage your symptoms. This can ease your burden and allow you to focus on feeling better.
Remember, it's okay to feel overwhelmed. You're taking the right steps by seeking help and advocating for yourself. Don't hesitate to reach out for support from your healthcare providers if your symptoms worsen or if you feel the need for further investigation. Your well-being is crucial, especially as you prepare for your twins.
Related Questions
Overcoming Anxiety Linked to Allergic Reactions
I am a 31-year-old woman who has experienced significant anxiety over the past year. This began after I had an unexpected skin rash response to clindamycin, which has since left me fearful of potentially suffering severe allergic reactions to foods or medications, despite never having had such experiences. Now, whenever I eat or take medication, even familiar ones that I’ve consumed multiple times, I face panic attacks that feel akin to allergic reactions. Currently, I am prescribed Zepbound for polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS) and, although I have taken it 13 times without any allergic issues, I still find myself undergoing panic attacks frequently after each injection. For a brief period, I felt a gradual improvement, but I have recently found myself slipping back into anxiety. After injecting, I often experience a sudden wave of dizziness, followed by a racing heartbeat and tingling sensations in my throat and mouth. Thankfully, these symptoms subside after approximately five minutes, allowing me to regain my composure. I have been attending therapy for six months in an effort to manage this anxiety, but I continue to find it difficult to escape this mental loop. Each week, my thoughts trick me into believing that a panic attack was actually an allergic reaction, which causes me to fear that the next episode will be even more severe. I’m reaching out for guidance because I’m unsure of the best steps to take next.
Knee Injury Update from MMA Training
**I sustained an injury to my right knee during my MMA training, specifically while grappling. My leg ended up in an extended position, and as I turned awkwardly, I heard several pops, akin to stretching, felt in the front left side and directly behind my knee on the right.** **The pain shocked me, yet I managed to flex my leg fully, albeit cautiously, allowing me to sit back onto my heels.** **For about a week, I experienced a limp, but soon after, I regained normal walking and noticed a swift improvement. There was only slight swelling around the kneecap, and thankfully, I did not observe any bruising.** **Now, I'm able to walk at a good pace and have resumed hitting pads, focusing only on punches for now. I can execute full twists and knee rotations with power, though I've noticed only mild discomfort in certain positions. While I can still bounce around in my stance, my movements aren’t as vigorous as they were before the injury.** **Involuntary twists or locking my leg straight while tensing my muscles seem to aggravate the situation. Despite this, I sometimes feel almost completely normal, to the point where I forget about the injury. I attempted to kick with my left leg while anchoring with that same leg, but I’ve found that this method often leads to my knee buckling. During those moments, I experience a brief shooting pain, which feels more unsettling than anything else, almost as if my knee bulges momentarily. In one instance, while light sparring, I took a deep step and received a soft punch to the face that caused my weight to shift, resulting in sharp pain radiating from behind my right knee down to my calf.** **Besides the occasional buckling and sudden pain, I can navigate stairs quickly, walk without issues, and even tackle a stair stepper at full resistance. As previously mentioned, I can strike on the pads with maximum strength and speed, but I’m currently avoiding any kicking or grappling. I haven’t tested running because I’m apprehensive about what could happen at that pace.** **I apologize for the lengthy account! I'm seeking advice since this injury occurred on New Year’s Day. Currently, I cannot afford health insurance after losing my ACA tax credits this year, limiting my options for a professional assessment. Any insights would be greatly appreciated! Thank you!**
Experiencing Intense Physical Anxiety and Gut Discomfort: Which Specialist to Consult?
Hello everyone, I’m currently 23 years old and grappling with some troubling physical sensations that are proving challenging to articulate. Since my teenage years, I’ve battled anxiety; however, in recent months, I’ve encountered severe physical episodes that predominantly affect my stomach and intestinal region. These episodes strike suddenly and are overwhelmingly intense. During these occurrences, I experience: - Significant discomfort or pain in the upper abdomen - An urgent need for a bowel movement - A deep sense of panic or the feeling that something is seriously wrong - Waves of heat, bodily tension, and a sense of losing control The level of distress can be so severe that it leads my thoughts to very dark places—not from a desire for harm, but due to the extreme physical agony I endure. Sometimes, I find some relief post-bowel movement, although it doesn’t always happen right away. I would appreciate any advice on what type of medical professional I should approach for this issue.
Experiencing Unpredictable Migraine and Flu-like Symptoms?
I apologize if this is not the correct forum for my query, but I’m feeling uncertain about where else to turn. I've reached out to my physician already, but I can't proceed until I can visit the office. Let me do my best to explain my situation: I awoke on Sunday morning feeling extremely dizzy and had a mild headache. The dizziness diminished fairly quickly, although it returned if I made sudden movements while standing or sitting. By Monday, my condition showed improvement until I began my workday, at which point I was hit with a severe headache accompanied by some lightheadedness. Although this feeling lessened a bit after I got home and eventually became almost unnoticeable, it resurfaced today. Although today’s headache is not as severe, the lightheadedness has intensified; I’ve even experienced moments of fear that I might faint. This feeling is intermittent, mainly occurring during strenuous activities or if I make quick bending motions. Additionally, I feel quite fatigued, almost reminiscent of a nasty flu. I want to mention that I’m on a different shift today, which is not only later than my usual hours but also more physically demanding, so it could be contributing to these symptoms. Apart from this, I haven’t faced any other notable issues; there have been no seizures or cognitive disturbances. I do have a slight sore throat, but I don’t think it’s connected to the other symptoms. My appetite and hydration levels remain stable, and I didn't have a fever as of last night. In the past three days, I've vomited twice, but I've induced it myself after feeling nauseous post-meal, following a friend's suggestion to try purging for relief. I'm undergoing male-to-female hormone therapy for about three years, and I’ve been on anti-epileptic medications, specifically Keppra and Lamictal, for the past ten years. I’m not looking for a definitive diagnosis, but I would appreciate some insight into whether my situation is serious or not. My online searches yield everything from "bad migraine" to "potential brain cancer," leaving me confused about what could be the issue. I would greatly value any general perspective on this.
Seeking Insight on Numb Toes and Hormonal Concerns
**Summary**: After consulting numerous specialists, I remain uncertain about the cause of my various unrelated health issues. Recently, I’ve experienced persistent numbness in my toes, a condition that came to light during a dental visit where a doctor suggested possible hormonal problems, a concern I’ve harbored for years. I am a 26-year-old Caucasian female, a non-smoker who rarely consumes alcohol. My medical history includes diagnoses of pelvic floor dysfunction, Postural Orthostatic Tachycardia Syndrome (POTS), Ehlers-Danlos syndrome (type associated with hypermobility, not vascular, confirmed via genetic tests), a TIRADS 4 thyroid nodule, and a BIRADS 3 benign breast mass. I've also been assessed for potential Polycystic Ovary Syndrome (PCOS) and diagnosed with left ventricular diastolic dysfunction through an echocardiogram. Additionally, I have had a history of skin precancer under observation for potential melanoma and previous cervical precancer. I’ve struggled with fluctuating blood sugar levels and previously had low TSH readings. Weighing in at 155 lbs and standing 5'10", I'm quite active in my job. Recently, Florida has experienced a cold spell, and for the past week, I’ve noticed numbness in all of my toes, excluding my big toe. While I have faced similar issues in the past, they were never as severe or long-lasting, and they typically subsided with warmth. This time, however, applying heat hasn’t yielded results; I even struggled to feel the warmth from a hair dryer, which prompted me to stop using it to prevent burns. I’m increasingly anxious about this numbness due to a family history of diabetes. During my dental appointment, it was noted that my gums were unusually inflamed despite maintaining excellent oral hygiene. The dentist suggested that this could be either hereditary or influenced by hormonal fluctuations. The mention of hormonal concerns caught my attention because I’ve suspected for approximately a year that I might have adrenal dysfunction. I’ve inexplicably gained 35 lbs since early 2024 even though my job involves considerable physical activity. Additionally, my thyroid nodule has been growing at an alarming rate, and I have developed a breast mass. Hormonal acne and significant hair loss have necessitated medical treatment as well. I was due for an ultrasound of my left lower and mid back, but due to an administrative error on my doctor’s part and subsequent changes to my insurance, that has yet to occur. Similarly, I was meant to have thyroid function tests re-ordered but could not proceed prior to the year's end. At a brain MRI earlier in 2024, it was noted that I had an enlarged pituitary gland. A test for prolactin showed it was within normal limits, leading my endocrinologist to dismiss my worries. Initially, I thought my symptoms might be linked to Raynaud's phenomenon, a conjecture provided by a rheumatologist years ago. However, during the episodes, my toes appear just as pale as my skin, which complicates that theory. With a multitude of medical appointments ahead, I’m unsure of my priorities. I believe this might connect to issues related to my cardiovascular health, but there's also a potential link to hormonal factors. From 2020 to mid-2021, I underwent drastic weight changes, initially ballooning from 125 lbs to 180 lbs in just six months, which I attributed to inactivity. However, by 2022, I managed to decrease my weight to 130 lbs effortlessly, resulting in a colonoscopy that returned clear results, apart from a small, inconsequential polyp. Now, I am once again experiencing weight gain without any lifestyle modifications. This cascade of health problems raises concerns about cyclical Cushing's syndrome, diabetes, or issues related to my adrenal, pituitary, or thyroid functions. Over the years, I've developed severe cravings for salt, persistent sleep disturbances, TMJ, chronic tonsillitis, and ongoing pain in my neck, back, knees, and hips. I have also faced episodes of trigeminal neuralgia, which I initially attributed to dental issues, but dental examination showed no signs of infection. Amidst all these concerns, it's noteworthy that I suffered recurrent infections from Pseudomonas and Staphylococcus in a post-surgical wound, requiring a near three-day IV antibiotic treatment last year. Despite having Ehlers-Danlos syndrome diagnosed, no other medical professional has provided substantial answers. My health has spiraled, leading to over 300 medical appointments since early 2024, compared to my previous norm of visiting my primary care doctor once every few years for recurrent strep throat symptoms. In 2024, my A1C levels were deemed normal; however, during a hospital admission, an elevated blood sugar reading was recorded, which puzzled me as I hadn't eaten prior to that visit. A glucose monitor offered by my mother confirmed normal readings subsequently, leading me to set the issue aside. Currently, my to-do list includes: 1. Scheduling a cardiac stress test; 2. Arranging thyroid lab work, ultrasound, and a visit with a new endocrinologist; 3. Preparing for repeat excision surgery for two skin lesions; 4. Undergoing a breast ultrasound, pelvic ultrasound, and an annual Pap smear to ensure no recurrence of cervical precancer; 5. Planning a sleep study to investigate suspected narcolepsy; 6. Attending pelvic floor therapy, along with separate physical therapy sessions for my neck and back; 7. Completing a psychiatric evaluation to determine potential psychological contributors to my symptoms; 8. Consulting a maxillofacial surgeon regarding my jaw issues that cause recurrent dislocations. There might be additional concerns, but these represent my most urgent medical challenges over the last six to eight months. I’m overwhelmed by my deteriorating health and have attempted several solutions, including dietary adjustments, ensuring adequate sleep—often exceeding eight hours (leading to excessive sleepiness)—a rigorous dental care routine, and hormone replacement therapy. Nevertheless, my situation appears to be deteriorating, and my symptoms of numbness in my toes continue to disrupt my daily life, adding to my frequent urination, initially believed to be related to pelvic floor dysfunction, although I’ve managed that to a certain extent. If anyone can offer insight into what could be causing these issues for an otherwise healthy 26-year-old, I would greatly appreciate it. I have consulted various specialties, including rheumatology, cardiology, endocrinology, neurology, psychology, psychiatry, genetics, gastroenterology, urology, gynecology, and dermatology and feel increasingly at my wit's end. Moreover, my gynecologist has suggested that I undergo comprehensive hormone panels after discontinuing contraceptive pills for three months. However, upon trying this, I faced a rapid resurgence of pelvic floor dysfunction and urinary discomfort, indicating that such issues likely stem from hormonal disturbances. To prevent medical leave and additional therapy requirements, I had to return to birth control methods. I often feel like I’m living with a disability. All I desire is the vitality and normal functionality typical of individuals my age, without the perpetual cycle of doctor's appointments. It's quite frustrating!