Seeking Clarity on Persistent Symptoms and Possible Conditions
Greetings, medical professionals, I am a 19-year-old female struggling with ongoing physical discomfort and emotional challenges, and I am in need of your insights. Back in December last year, I underwent a thyroid ultrasound which detected five TI-RADS 5 nodules, each under 1 cm in size. Two of these nodules were located in the right lobe (measuring 0.2 × 0.1 cm and 0.9 × 0.1 cm) while the left lobe housed three smaller ones, the largest being 0.2 × 0.2 cm. Due to their diminutive dimensions, a repeat ultrasound was suggested for six months later instead of a biopsy. My thyroid hormone levels came back normal during this assessment. The imaging also indicated the presence of a submental lymph node, which has persisted for close to three years and initially prompted me to seek out imaging. It is both visible and can be felt. The report characterized it as unchanged, with a fatty hilum and an irregular shape, measuring 1.1 × 0.6 cm, and indicated that it seemed to be reactive in nature. Prior to discovering the nodules, I started experiencing back issues in May 2025. Initially, the discomfort was mild and localized to the left side, considered to be mechanical. However, the pain progressively worsened, spreading to both sides with the upper back predominantly affected on the left side, occasionally radiating to my neck. I also suffer from constant shoulder discomfort and my arms become sore easily, even from light activities. In subsequent months, I began to develop rashes, which I have documented in previous posts. The skin issues were initially misdiagnosed as scabies, but they worsened post-treatment. Although vasculitis was contemplated, my laboratory tests yielded normal results. A biopsy of the skin revealed psoriasiform spongiotic dermatitis and psoriasiform/nummular dermatitis. While the initial rashes responded to topical steroids, new ones are appearing on my legs, which I perceive as resembling petechiae—flat, tiny red spots that do not fade when pressed. In December of last year, I also became aware of swollen lymph nodes and widespread pain. The lymph nodes in question include: - Two nodes near the left lower back by the hip — these are painful and remain palpable after several weeks. - A node in the right groin/lower abdomen — initially painful, it has shrunk but still causes discomfort in the area. - A painless node in the left parotid area (cheek). - A painless node in the left axilla (armpit), which was first identified approximately eight months ago through a breast ultrasound, measuring 1.3 × 0.7 cm as a solid nodule, though the breast ultrasound returned negative results, and the lymph node size has remained stable. Additional symptoms include: - Radiating shoulder pain into the collarbone, - Intermittent pain in the calves and upper legs, - Unpredictable soreness and pain throughout my limbs (similar to post-exercise discomfort), - Random aches in my forearms, - Tingling sensations in my fingers, - An area in my left thigh that feels firmer than surrounding muscle, slightly elevated and noticeable to the touch. Pressing on it yields normal muscle sensation. My right thigh does not have this issue, leaving me uncertain if this is typical or concerning. My growing concerns revolve around potential serious conditions such as lymphoma or thyroid cancer due to the nodules observed. This situation has been incredibly taxing—I am lost on what symptoms should take priority or which specialists to approach. Additionally, I often feel brushed off by medical practitioners; whenever my symptoms are brought up, it appears they deem them insignificant and seem rushed. I am worried that there could be a significant underlying issue developing, especially as I've been experiencing increasing symptoms and a decline in my overall well-being in recent months. I understand that no diagnosis can be rendered over the internet, but I would greatly value your advice regarding: - The seriousness of my symptoms, - Potential tests or evaluations I should pursue, - The appropriateness of waiting six months for follow-up imaging. I appreciate your consideration and look forward to your guidance.
Answers (1)
2/8/2026, 9:50:37 AM
OpenHealth AI
Main Points: You are experiencing a complex combination of symptoms, including thyroid nodules, persistent lymphadenopathy, pain, and skin rashes. It's understandable to feel concerned about potential serious conditions. Here’s how to approach this situation methodically.
Explanation:
- Your thyroid nodules, although classified as TI-RADS 5, are small and were deemed low-risk for immediate concern, hence the recommendation for follow-up in six months. Monitoring is standard practice unless new alarming symptoms arise.
- The persistent lymph nodes and various physical symptoms (pain, rashes, tingling) warrant attention and could point to multiple underlying issues, including autoimmune conditions.
- The emotional toll of ongoing discomfort and uncertainty can be significant; seeking validation and thorough investigation into your symptoms is vital.
Next Steps:
-
Document Symptoms: Keep a detailed diary of all symptoms, noting their frequency, intensity, and any patterns. This will help convey the full picture to healthcare providers.
-
Prioritize Symptoms: Focus on the newly developed symptoms that could indicate worsening conditions, such as:
- Any changes in the size or character of lymph nodes,
- New skin rashes,
- Worsening pain or tingling sensations.
-
Seek Comprehensive Evaluations: Consider asking your healthcare provider about:
- A referral to a rheumatologist, given your pain, rashes, and lymph node issues. They can investigate autoimmune conditions like lupus, which may explain a combination of symptoms.
- A follow-up imaging for your thyroid nodules, especially if you’re experiencing new symptoms or if the nodules change in any way before the six-month mark.
-
Consider Allergy Testing: Since you are having mysterious rashes, testing for allergies or autoimmune markers might provide insights and clarify if something like dermal allergies or a condition like psoriasis is exacerbating your symptoms.
-
Request Thorough Blood Work: Besides routine thyroid function tests, discuss with your doctor the possibility of extended tests, including inflammatory markers (like CRP and ESR), and maybe tests for autoimmune disorders.
-
Mental Health Support: Given the emotional stress of ongoing health issues, seeking support through a counselor or a support group may be beneficial.
-
Advocate for Yourself: When consulting healthcare professionals, express your concerns clearly and soundly. If you feel rushed or dismissed, don’t hesitate to seek a second opinion or request specific tests/examinations based on documented symptoms.
Understanding your health journey can be overwhelming, but these steps can help clarify your situation and prioritize addressing your concerns effectively. Let me know if you need further clarification or have additional questions!
Related Questions
Managing Severe Reactions to Black Henna: Steps to Heal Your Skin
On January 25, I decided to get a dragon design in black henna while in Boracay. Initially, I felt a slight tingling sensation on my skin, which later intensified to a burning feeling especially when exposed to sunlight. Upon returning home, my instinct was to scrub the henna off with soap. Unfortunately, this led to my skin becoming swollen, reddened, itchy, and even blistered. To soothe the irritation, I used a gentle cleanser like Cetaphil to cleanse the area thoroughly, ensuring it was completely dry afterward. Once dried, I applied a thin layer of petroleum jelly. I also began taking antihistamines such as Cetirizine or Loratadine, which provided some relief from the itching. Additionally, I tried to shield the affected area from sun exposure as much as I could. A few days into this routine, I introduced 1% hydrocortisone cream, layering it with petroleum jelly afterward. During my time in the city, I shifted to using Benadryl cream and continued taking antihistamines to diminish the itchiness, but I didn’t have any hydrocortisone cream available. Although the henna stain has nearly faded, the design has left a noticeable imprint on my skin. Once back home, I restarted my treatment by applying 1% hydrocortisone cream followed by a layer of Cetaphil PRO AD Derma Skin Restoring Moisturizer. I’m concerned about potential discoloration on my skin from this reaction. Currently, the skin looks flat and somewhat darker with slight bumps. I would greatly appreciate any advice on how to minimize hyperpigmentation and what treatments I can undertake to support healing. Age: 19 Sex: Female Height: 5’4" Weight: 56 kg Duration of complaint: 2 weeks Location: Shoulder
Throbbing Sound in One Ear
A 31-year-old woman, standing 5 feet 4 inches tall and weighing 112 pounds, has been experiencing a noticeable pulsing sound in her right ear for the past month. This persistent noise, which resembles her heartbeat, has become quite bothersome. She reports that there are no accompanying symptoms, such as ear pain or any other discomfort. What could be the cause of this condition?
Experiencing Unexplained Skin Sensitivity in Social Situations
At 17 years old and standing at 182 centimeters, I've been facing an unusual and troubling condition. My skin feels an intense stinging sensation all over whenever I'm in close proximity to my parents or other people. The discomfort is so overwhelming that it's almost impossible for me to remain seated. Interestingly, there’s no physical manifestation—my skin appears entirely normal without any signs of dryness, rashes, or itchiness. Yet, I endure this sharp, burning pain that seems to be beyond my control. This issue has been intensifying, leading me to isolate myself more, which, in turn, exacerbates my feelings of loneliness. I'm curious if anyone else has encountered a similar experience. Could this potentially relate to a nerve or nervous system issue? I would also like to know what type of healthcare professional or specialist I should consult for further evaluation.
Inability to Sneeze: Potential Neural Communication Issues
Hello. I’m seeking assistance to comprehend my situation and explore possible remedies. I’m a 25-year-old male working as a software engineer and currently not taking any medications. For the last two years, I have experienced an inability to sneeze. This issue first arose following two significant incidents involving exposure to neurotoxic substances, which led to a variety of neurological symptoms. 1) **Vitamin B6 Toxicity**: Over a span of 4-6 weeks, I received seven intramuscular injections of a B-complex vitamin, each containing 100mg of Vitamin B6 in the pyridoxine form. Shortly after beginning these injections, my health rapidly declined, and numerous symptoms emerged. Research has identified pyridoxine as potentially neurotoxic, with recent documentaries and studies — particularly from the Australian community — raising awareness about this condition. In response, Australia’s Therapeutic Goods Administration (TGA) has taken steps to restrict the sale of B6 supplements and to lower their permissible amounts. For more insight into the seriousness of this issue, you can find several informative short documentaries on the ABC News YouTube channel. 2) **Insecticide Exposure**: While undergoing the B6 treatment, I also encountered a concerning situation where I inhaled toxic insecticide fumes. Not realizing the danger due to nasal congestion from a minor illness, I sprayed a considerable amount of insecticide in my room. It was only after I started coughing that I realized I had been breathing in these harmful fumes. It occurred late at night when I was already feeling unwell, and I opted to go to sleep shortly afterward. Both incidents occurred in September to October of 2021, after which I began to experience an alarming array of around twenty symptoms affecting my sensory, motor, and autonomic nervous systems. I developed severe numbness and tingling in various parts of my body, involuntary muscle movements, ataxia, facial numbness accompanied by a loss of muscle volume in my face due to nerve damage, and symptoms that resembled diabetes such as excessive thirst and fatigue post-meals. Other issues included rapid heart rate, skin lesions, an inability to sweat, extreme muscle weakness, and significant psychological symptoms, including emotional numbness and anhedonia. Virtually every area involving nerves seemed to be impacted. Now, 18 months later, I’ve made considerable progress, with most of the symptoms easing, but I still struggle with the inability to sneeze. Recently, after experiencing a flu, I noticed that my body failed to sneeze about 90% of the time. I feel the urge to sneeze starting deep in my lungs, traveling to the tip of my nose, yet it rarely culminates in an actual sneeze. Instead, I feel pressure released in alternative ways, sometimes sensed as pressure in my head, and occasionally, I experience tears running from my eyes and nose when the sneezing sensation arises, yet no sneeze follows. Despite waiting a year and a half for recovery and seeing improvements in my larger nerves, these specific bodily functions remain unresolved. A recent electromyography (EMG) and nerve conduction study (NCS) conducted two weeks ago returned normal results, which aligned with my awareness of the recovery in my larger nerves and muscles during this period. Through my research, I’ve discovered that the trigeminal and cranial nerves play a crucial role in initiating a sneeze, suggesting the presence of a signaling issue. I would greatly appreciate guidance on this matter.
Persistent Vomiting and Confounding Endoscopy Findings
I'm struggling to articulate my situation adequately, but I'll share everything and hope not to overlook any details. I'm 16 years old, standing at 5 feet 7 inches tall, and weighing 140 pounds. My blood tests have returned normal results, although I do have slightly low vitamin D levels, and my stool samples have come back clear. My current medication regimen includes 30 mg of Vyvanse, 20 mg of propranolol taken twice daily, 300 mg of gabapentin at night and 150 mg in the morning, and I recently began taking 25 mg of amitriptyline a week ago. Since I was about four or five, I’ve experienced unusual digestive issues, such as diarrhea, stomach cramps, constipation, and acid reflux, with the most alarming symptom being unexplained vomiting. Daily abdominal cramps and constipation are common for me, and surprisingly, these symptoms don’t seem to be influenced by my diet or activities. Around the age of five, I started to vomit inexplicably, particularly during times of excitement like the Super Bowl, birthday celebrations, or, most notably, vacations. When I turned 12, my condition worsened significantly after contracting COVID-19. I started experiencing dry heaves or vomiting almost every morning, which led to frequent school absences, severe migraines concentrated mostly on the left side of my forehead, and worsening stomach troubles. Living in Washington, I consulted numerous specialists at Swedish, including both an allergist and a gastroenterologist. The allergist suspected mast cell disease and prescribed Cromolyn, which unfortunately did not provide any relief. The gastroenterologist suggested that I had an issue related to my "lizard brain" and advised me to “find a hobby.” I also visited a cardiologist due to low blood pressure, where I was diagnosed with neurocardiogenic syncope. Recently, I convinced my general practitioner to refer me to a children’s hospital, where I underwent an endoscopy. To my surprise, the procedure revealed food remnants in my stomach despite having fasted for over 11 hours beforehand. Both the anesthesiologist and gastroenterologist expressed some skepticism regarding my fasting claim. I'm reaching out in search of any recommendations or insights. This ongoing illness has reached a point of frustration for me, and I desperately want to uncover its cause. The gastroenterologist who performed the endoscopy mentioned a possible gut-brain disorder, but this diagnosis is still quite vague. I am preparing for my next consultation and would appreciate any feedback. We have suspect cyclic vomiting syndrome for a while, but now I’m starting to wonder about gastroparesis as well. Honestly, I feel like this situation may have turned me into somewhat of a hypochondriac.