OpenHealth Q&A

Navigating Health Concerns: A Young Woman's Plight with Chronic Migraines and Stress

To summarize a very complex situation, last spring in 2025 was exceptionally challenging for me. I faced overwhelming stressors, including family deaths, eviction, and my parents splitting up. This turmoil led to chest pains so severe that I had to visit the emergency room because I couldn’t breathe deeply without experiencing intense pain. The doctors attributed the issue to psychological causes, but I continued to suffer from pain and instances of fainting due to the stress, which worsened as yet another family member was diagnosed with cancer. My psychiatrist suggested medication, and I started on Lexapro and Concerta, which improved my condition somewhat, even though I remained fatigued and felt like I was merely surviving. By the end of August, I contracted a severe case of bronchitis that caused me to experience fevers even while doing laundry. It seemed I was verging on pneumonia, prompting the prescription of prednisone and other steroid medications. Thankfully, I began to recover quickly, but soon after, I was plagued by persistent headaches and an overwhelming sense of paranoia that someone was out to get me. After another emergency room visit, the physicians informed me that, although my symptoms—such as fever, intense pain, night sweats, sensitivity to light, ear pressure, and a stiff neck—were alarming, they were likely just severe migraines that should eventually fade. Unfortunately, they didn’t. I returned to urgent care for further treatment, received antibiotics, and was advised to consult a neurologist. While the antibiotics provided some relief, my symptoms intensified. My primary care physician eventually prescribed sumatriptan, a medication intended to alleviate migraine pain, but instead, it exacerbated the headache. For the next two to four weeks, I endured an exceptionally difficult time, facing numerous strange symptoms that felt worthy of immediate attention, yet each visit concluded with a migraine diagnosis and a waiting period for my neurology appointment. My frustrations pushed me to contemplate risky alternatives for relief, but I resisted, feeling utterly hopeless and unable to cope. I sought an ear, nose, and throat specialist to rule out sinus issues, which turned out to be fine. A painful spot under my jaw led me to suspect nerve involvement, and I visited the emergency room again due to experiencing stroke-like symptoms (including mild left arm weakness, extreme headache, and minor speech issues). Sadly, I was again told it was merely a headache, and the IV medications were ineffective. During my annual check-up, my primary care provider was unfamiliar with my ongoing issues but discovered an enlarged lymph node in the lower left side of my neck and a cyst on my thymus after conducting a soft tissue scan. She reassured me that there was no need for concern and suggested waiting for my neurology visit or getting my eyesight checked. Despite my yellower complexion, increasing stiffness, and joint pain, I accepted her recommendation. While I mentally adapted to the chronic pain, which was always present, it affected my ability to concentrate and engage in daily life. I tried consuming plenty of lemon juice and engaging in lymphatic drainage massages, which provided transient relief and halted my yellowing skin. Now, in the present, I've noticed a peculiar, raised red bump on the side of my foot. It’s hard, tender, and smaller than a dime, without any accompanying rash. It has persisted for a couple of weeks without causing pain while walking. Additionally, more lymph nodes in my neck have become swollen, I have experienced difficulty swallowing, and I occasionally choke on air. My lungs feel heavier with a diminished sense of smell, though I don't have the thick mucus typical of a cold. The headaches, however, are reemerging, sharper than before, which is a concerning development. Throughout all of this, my blood pressure has remained within a low yet stable range, and my blood tests and CT scans have shown no significant issues. I haven’t consumed anything excessively that might raise concern, including food or drugs. Am I truly facing a serious health crisis? Should I prioritize getting another appointment, or do I need to rush to urgent care? I'm scheduled to see the neurologist in about a month, and I'm wondering if I should ask my primary care provider for some preliminary tests like blood work or an MRI beforehand. If so, what specific questions should I prepare for my neurology visit? I believe the pain has a genuine physical basis, although my anxiety definitely amplifies the experience.

Answers (1)

2/7/2026, 4:00:52 PM

OpenHealth AI

I understand that you are experiencing a complex array of health issues, and it can feel overwhelming. Given your history with chronic migraines, severe stress, and the recent symptoms like swelling lymph nodes, headaches, and a raised bump on your foot, it’s important to approach this carefully to address both your immediate concerns and your overall well-being.

Summary of Key Points:

1. You have ongoing and complex symptoms including migraines, lymph node swelling, and a new bump on your foot.
2. Your current situation requires close monitoring, especially with the new developments in your symptoms.
3. It’s vital to prioritize your health and consider additional evaluations with your healthcare providers.

Explanation:

Your symptoms raise several concerns that are worth discussing with your healthcare providers. The persistent headaches, swelling lymph nodes, difficulty swallowing, and the raised bump on your foot suggest that an underlying issue may be present. While chronic migraines can be debilitating, the accompanying symptoms may indicate that further evaluation is necessary.

Given the ongoing nature of your symptoms, paired with your history of stress and other health complications, it is crucial to communicate your concerns clearly to your medical team. Even though you have a neurology appointment scheduled soon, the new symptoms warrant timely attention.

Actionable Next Steps:

1. Contact Your Primary Care Provider (PCP): Given that you have new symptoms (like the bump on your foot and swollen lymph nodes), request a follow-up appointment as soon as possible. During this appointment, discuss your recent symptoms in detail and express the need for further evaluation or testing.

2. Prepare for Your Neurology Appointment:

   • Questions to Ask:
     • Could my migraines be contributing to the new symptoms, and are there tests that we should conduct to rule out other conditions?
     • Given the enlarged lymph nodes and new raised bump, should we consider imaging studies (like an MRI) to investigate further?
     • What are the potential side effects of the medications I have been prescribed, and are there alternatives we can explore?
   • Symptoms to Highlight: Make a list of all your symptoms, how they have changed over time, any triggers you've noticed, and how they affect your daily life.

3. Monitoring Your Symptoms: Keep a diary of your headaches, any visual disturbances, swelling, or any other changes to share with both your primary care physician and the neurologist. Note the severity, duration, and any factors that relieve or aggravate your symptoms.

4. Immediate Emergency Care: If you experience any worsening of symptoms, such as severe headache changes, sudden vision changes, or new neurological symptoms (e.g., weakness, confusion), do not hesitate to seek urgent care. Your safety and well-being are the top priority.

5. Self-Care Practices: Continue engaging in activities that support your mental and physical health. Practices like mindfulness, hydration, and gentle physical activity (as tolerated) can help mitigate stress. Since you've noticed some relief with lymphatic massages, consider maintaining services that help you feel physically better.

While it’s understandable to feel anxious about your health, being proactive and organized about your care can lead to meaningful improvements. You’re not alone in this journey, and reaching out for support is a crucial step. Please take care and keep me updated on your progress or any developments.