Severe Pain, Swollen Veins, and Life Disruptions at Age 23
At just 23 years old, I've been grappling with a slew of debilitating symptoms that have manifested unexpectedly. I have verified nerve damage in my right shoulder and left wrist, conditions for which I've been prescribed Lyrica and naproxen. Despite being on various medications, every visit to the emergency room seems to end with a morphine injection, which I would prefer to avoid. Over the past month, the nerve discomfort in my shoulder has radiated up my neck, spread down my ribs, and traveled through my arm, accompanied by intense headaches that leave me dizzy and prone to blackouts. Living alone, I rely on my seizure alert dog, as I often experience seizures when I become overly stressed or fall. Recently, I've noticed pronounced bulging veins above my rib cage extending across my abdomen and into my arms and hands. Breathing has become a challenge; each inhale feels accompanied by an electric jolt. My legs sometimes swell to a painful degree, necessitating assistance from my dog when I walk. These alarming symptoms seemed to appear overnight a year ago, abruptly cutting off my active lifestyle, which once included vigorous workouts and lengthy runs with my companion. The persistence of this agony is wearing me down; I've consulted numerous doctors without finding a solution. An additional concern is my absence of menstruation for six months, despite undergoing both blood and urine tests to rule out pregnancy, which is impossible in my case. I’ve noticed that the vein in my neck has enlarged, and my sleep is frequently disrupted, often every couple of hours due to pain. I feel as though my life is slipping away from me, and the lack of responsiveness from medical professionals is profoundly frustrating. Referral processes can take a year, leaving me bewildered about my situation. With the burden of maintaining my home, caring for my dog, and forcing myself to eat, I struggle to cope under the constant disturbance of my condition. It feels as though my health improvements are momentary, with only one round of tests performed, leaving many questions unanswered. I've experienced alarming hot rashes on my face, have undergone lupus tests that were not revisited, and have concerns about my likelihood of facing a serious health crisis in my sleep. The pain from old injuries has become insufferable, and despite being inquisitive with doctors and undergoing frequent blood and urine examinations, nothing substantive changes. On top of this, I am battling significant anemia without any effective intervention. Should my condition continue to deteriorate, I fear for my will to live. My attempts to gain weight have failed, and typical remedies like stretching or temperature therapies haven’t alleviated my discomfort. Additionally, swallowing food feels like a struggle as it irritates my throat, and I've observed alarming clots in my nostrils each morning that make deep breaths feel shocking. I have tried compression stockings but found them intolerable. I continue to seek advice and remain cooperative, yearning for answers. I long for my mobility and, most of all, to rediscover life at 23 rather than enduring this agony, which makes me feel ancient and irritable. I truly need assistance in overcoming these challenges.
Answers (1)
2/8/2026, 2:20:29 AM
OpenHealth AI
I'm genuinely sorry to hear about the overwhelming challenges you're facing at such a young age. Your widespread symptoms, including pain, swelling, and significant changes in well-being, indicate that your situation needs careful attention. Let's break this down step-by-step to help you find immediate relief and a path forward.
Key Points:
- Multiple Symptoms: You have nerve damage, severe pain, breathing difficulties, and other concerning signs like bulging veins and potential swelling.
- Medical History: Your history of seeking help and feeling unheard is frustrating. The absence of menstruation and anemia adds complexity to your symptoms.
- Immediate Concerns: Breathing issues, significant pain, and daily challenges indicate a need for focused management.
Explanation:
The combination of nerve pain, breathing difficulties, and changes in circulation can arise from several sources, sometimes interrelated. Chronic conditions, whether neurological or circulatory, can significantly affect your quality of life and require a multidisciplinary approach for effective management. It's worth considering both physical and psychosocial factors in treating these symptoms.
Next Steps:
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Track Your Symptoms: Keep a detailed symptom diary, noting when each symptom occurs, its intensity, and any triggers or patterns. This information will be crucial for healthcare providers to understand your condition better.
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Consult a Specialist: If you haven’t already, consider asking for a referral to a specialist who focuses on pain management, neurology, or vascular health. While waiting for appointments can be frustrating, getting in touch with a pain clinic or seeking telehealth services may expedite care.
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Pain Management Techniques:
- Start incorporating low-impact activities, such as gentle stretching or yoga, as tolerated.
- Explore mindfulness techniques or breathing exercises, which can help manage pain and anxiety.
- Inquire about physical therapy options that may help with mobility and muscle support without exacerbating pain.
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Nutritional Support: Since you've noted challenges with eating and weight gain, prioritize small, frequent meals that are easy to swallow. Foods that are soft, high in protein, and nutrients (like smoothies with added protein powder) may help you gain weight safely. Consulting a nutritionist might also provide tailored support.
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Address Anemia & Hormonal Concerns: Persistent anemia should be addressed beyond just dietary changes. Stay in touch with your healthcare provider about further investigations or supplementation needs. The absence of menstruation is also significant; hormone levels, along with other relevant tests, should be re-evaluated to investigate underlying issues.
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Emergency Plan: Given your experience with seizures and blackouts, it’s crucial to have a plan in place. Make sure your seizure alert dog is trained to assist during episodes and keep contact information for emergency services easily accessible.
Final Notes:
Your feelings of frustration and helplessness are completely understandable, given the weight of your symptoms. It's important to advocate for your health actively and persistently seek the support you deserve. I encourage you to stay hopeful and know that many people can find relief and regain a sense of normalcy, even in complex situations like yours. You deserve to rediscover the joys of life at 23.
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