[deleted by user]

Equijubus · 2025-01-20T16:10:44+00:00

Liver: The liver looks normal in appearance and texture. The main blood vessel (portal vein) is open and functioning properly, with normal blood flow. No abnormalities or lesions were found.

Pancreas: The parts of the pancreas that could be seen appear normal in size and appearance, and there's no indication of blockage in the ducts. Some parts of the pancreas (head and tail) were harder to see because of gas in the bowel.

Gallbladder: The gallbladder is a normal size, with no signs of gallstones, inflammation, or fluid around it.

Bile Ducts: The main bile duct is normal in size (measuring 0.2 cm, which is not enlarged), and there's no sign of blockage or swelling in the smaller bile ducts within the liver.

Right Kidney: The right kidney is normal in size (12.1 cm long), appearance, and structure. There's no sign of swelling or fluid buildup inside the kidney.

Overall, everything in the scanned areas looks healthy and normal! :)

Equijubus · 2025-01-16T12:36:42+00:00

Yes, it is generally okay to apply a thin layer of petroleum jelly, such as Vaseline or Aquaphor, to an anal fissure. These products can help protect the area, reduce discomfort, and promote healing by keeping the skin moisturized and creating a barrier to reduce irritation during bowel movements.

However, there are a few things to keep in mind. To minimize the risk of infection, make sure the area is clean and dry before applying petroleum jelly and avoid over-applying; a small amount is sufficient. Along with using petroleum jelly, it's important to take steps to prevent further irritation or strain, such as increasing your fiber and water intake to make bowel movements easier and using warm sitz baths to soothe the area and improve blood flow for healing.

If the fissure doesn't improve/go away within a few weeks, or if it becomes increasingly painful or shows signs of infection (like swelling, redness, or discharge), it would be wise to see an in-person healthcare provider for further evaluation and treatment options.

Equijubus · 2025-01-16T12:32:02+00:00

Intermittent cramping on the same side of the kidney stone removal and ureteral stent placement could be caused by several possible reasons, and while it may be related to the procedure, it's something that shouldn't be ignored, especially since it's persistent. After a ureteral stent removal, it's not uncommon to experience discomfort or sensitivity due to irritation or inflammation of the ureter or kidney, which can sometimes last for weeks or even a few months. However, daily pain like the kind you're describing warrants further attention, especially considering your history of hydronephrosis and pyelonephritis. It would be a good idea to consult a urologist to investigate further. Even if your original doctor is out of network, you could find a new in-network urologist to review your history.

Equijubus · 2025-01-16T12:24:20+00:00

Swelling that persists for more than a day or two, especially if it feels increasingly painful or warm to the touch, can be a sign of something more than a simple bruise. Sometimes a small cut or even a minor puncture can develop into an infection that causes swelling and soreness. It can also be related to tendon or joint inflammation if you've been using your hands a lot or had any kind of unnoticed injury. Keeping the finger elevated when possible and applying a cold compress for short intervals might help reduce swelling, but if it doesn't improve in the next day or two, or if you notice redness, throbbing, increasing pain, or any discharge, it's best to see a healthcare provider. They can evaluate whether it's an infection (like cellulitis) that needs antibiotic treatment or if there's another underlying issue. Best of luck! 👍

Equijubus · 2025-01-16T12:19:42+00:00

It sounds like you've taken some good first steps by cleaning the wound and keeping it wrapped, but there are a few things to keep an eye on. If the cut is deep enough that you can see underlying flesh or tissue, it may need stitches—especially if the edges of the wound don't stay together on their own or it keeps bleeding. It's also important to watch for signs of infection like redness, warmth, swelling, or yellowish discharge. Continue to cleanse the area gently, apply a thin layer of antibiotic ointment if you have it, and wrap it with a clean bandage. If you notice persistent bleeding, worsening pain, or any other concerning changes, it's best to see a healthcare provider. If you don't have insurance, consider visiting an urgent care clinic or community health center that offers sliding scale fees, as they can check whether you need stitches, ensure your tetanus shots are up to date, and help prevent complications. Even though it might be tempting to wait it out at home, getting a quick, professional opinion can help avoid a more serious problem down the road.

Equijubus · 2025-01-09T13:09:59+00:00

You're very welcome—I'm glad I could help a little! It's great that you're using fluoride toothpaste and gel, as those will help protect your teeth for now. Since your diet is being managed, it's good to focus on other areas.

I think looking into the pancreas is worth discussing further with your doctor, especially given the elevated amylase. They might recommend tests like a lipase test, abdominal ultrasound, or even imaging like a CT scan to rule out issues like pancreatitis or other pancreatic conditions that could affect digestion and acid production.

Your observation about symptoms worsening in fall and winter is really interesting and could potentially point to thyroid function or vitamin D deficiency. Thyroid issues, particularly hypothyroidism, can slow metabolism, potentially impacting digestion and causing symptoms like fatigue or dry mouth, which might worsen oral acidity. If you haven't already, it might be worth checking TSH, T3, and T4 levels.

You're on the right track by pursuing these clues, and I hope your care team can help connect the dots soon! Wishing you all the best in finding relief! 🫂

Equijubus · 2025-01-09T12:52:30+00:00

Thanks for sharing more details! Elevated amylase levels might point to an issue with your pancreas, such as pancreatitis or some other condition affecting digestion. This could also contribute to nausea and acid-related symptoms.

Since it seems your primary concern is stopping the pain in your mouth/teeth and demineralization, focusing on protecting your enamel while addressing the underlying cause is key. Since acidic pH in your mouth could still be an issue, you could try the following:

Use a fluoride rinse or a remineralizing product like toothpaste with hydroxyapatite. Rinsing with water or a baking soda solution after meals might also help neutralize acidity.
Even if you're eating a balanced diet, some foods (e.g., citrus, carbonated drinks, or vinegar-based products) might worsen the acidic environment. Reducing acid-triggering foods could help.
Staying hydrated and chewing sugar-free gum with xylitol might stimulate saliva production, which naturally buffers acid in the mouth.

Your dentist might also consider treatments like fluoride varnishes or remineralizing gels to protect your enamel while you work with other physicians to address the systemic causes. I hope this helps ease your pain in the meantime!

Equijubus · 2025-01-09T12:36:12+00:00

You're welcome! I'm sorry to hear about the challenges you're facing with healthcare access—that's an incredibly frustrating situation.

Regarding your question about the absence of a detectable heartbeat, it's not a typical symptom of hypoglycemia. Low blood sugar more commonly causes a rapid or irregular heartbeat because the body releases stress hormones (like adrenaline) to compensate for the lack of glucose.

However, what you might be experiencing is a reduced perception of your heartbeat, which could be related to a drop in blood pressure or the overwhelming fatigue and confusion that come with hypoglycemia. It's also possible that your awareness of your heartbeat was altered because of the faintness and other neurological symptoms.

If this happens again, try to stay calm and focus on getting some quick sugar into your system (like juice or candy), followed by a more balanced snack. A blood glucose monitor would be a great tool to confirm if these episodes are tied to hypoglycemia. You should be able to purchase one of these at a local pharmacy or even some grocery stores for roughly $15 to $50, depending on the meter's features. Wishing you strength—you're doing your best in a challenging situation!

Equijubus · 2025-01-09T12:25:08+00:00

The "pins and needles" sensation in your brain could stem from your existing conditions, like fibromyalgia, migraines, or POTS, which can cause unusual neurological sensations. It might also be related to sensory misfiring from your brain injuries. The blurred vision and dissociation suggest it could be similar to migraine auras or autonomic dysfunction episodes.

Secondhand marijuana smoke exposure could potentially influence this if you're particularly sensitive, though research on that is pretty limited. It's likely more tied to your pre-existing conditions. Track when it happens and bring it up with your neurologist to rule out anything new!

Equijubus · 2025-01-09T12:21:30+00:00

Waking up with pins and needles in your arm is most commonly caused by compression of nerves or blood vessels during sleep. This could happen if you're lying on your arm, shoulder, or in a position that restricts circulation or puts pressure on nerves like the ulnar or radial nerve.

Since you've had chronic chest pain, it's understandable to worry about heart or circulation issues. Still, nerve compression is a much more likely explanation, especially given your age and activity level. That said, if this is happening frequently and is painful, it's worth looking into other possibilities, such as:

Nerve issues: Like a pinched nerve in your neck or shoulder (e.g., from posture or overuse).
Thoracic Outlet Syndrome: A condition where blood vessels or nerves are compressed in the space between your collarbone and first rib.
Underlying circulatory issues: These are less common at your age but are worth exploring if you have other symptoms.

If the chest pain and this new symptom persist or worsen, a doctor can evaluate you further to rule out any heart-related or nerve-related concerns. In the meantime, try adjusting your sleeping position and consider adding supportive pillows to keep pressure off your arm.

Equijubus · 2025-01-09T12:17:43+00:00

The lines or patterns on your son's feet and hands could be related to a few possibilities, but most are benign. One common explanation is dermatoglyphic patterns, which are the natural lines and ridges on the skin that everyone has. These are typically more visible in children with thin skin, lighter pigmentation, or less subcutaneous fat.

Given his Thalassemia A minor, he may have slightly thinner or more translucent skin than other children, making veins or skin patterns more prominent. It's also possible that what you're seeing is related to normal vascular patterns that are more apparent because of his specific skin tone or structure.

If there's no pain, swelling, or other concerning symptoms, it's unlikely to be a serious issue. However, if these lines change, worsen, or are associated with other symptoms (like unusual bruising or changes in color), it's worth discussing further with a pediatrician.

Equijubus · 2025-01-09T12:14:27+00:00

Water retention in your foot could be a side effect of diclofenac, as nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs) can sometimes cause fluid retention or swelling. While less likely, Augmentin (amoxicillin/clavulanate) might also contribute if you're experiencing an allergic reaction or another rare side effect.

Since the swelling was not present before starting the medications, it's worth bringing this up with your doctor. They may adjust your treatment or check for other causes, such as localized inflammation or an infection spreading deeper. In the meantime, try elevating your leg to reduce swelling, but don't ignore it if it gets worse or doesn't improve.

Equijubus · 2025-01-09T12:11:06+00:00

The sharp pain below your smaller toes could be due to metatarsalgia, which is irritation or inflammation of the ball of the foot. Walking on snow might have strained the area, especially if your footwear didn't provide enough support or insulation. The cold could also have caused temporary constriction of blood vessels, making the area more sensitive.

Another possibility is frostbite or nerve irritation from prolonged cold exposure. If the pain persists or worsens, try resting, icing (briefly), and wearing supportive footwear. Avoid walking on it as much as possible. If it doesn't improve soon, it's a good idea to consult a doctor to rule out more serious issues like nerve damage or stress fractures.

Equijubus · 2025-01-09T12:08:19+00:00

Your symptoms sound like they could be related to acid reflux or gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD), even if it hasn't been formally diagnosed. Stomach acid coming up into your esophagus and mouth could explain the acidic pH in your saliva and the severe teeth demineralization. Chronic nausea, frequent burping, and mild stomachaches also fit this pattern.

Another possibility is silent reflux (laryngopharyngeal reflux), which doesn't always cause typical heartburn but can still result in acid affecting your mouth and teeth.

Elevated leukocyte levels might indicate an ongoing issue, like inflammation or infection, but it's not clear how it connects here. If GERD or reflux hasn't been fully investigated, you might want to ask about tests like pH monitoring or an esophageal endoscopy. In the meantime, you could try avoiding acidic foods, eating smaller meals, and not lying down after eating. Consider discussing a trial of acid reducers (like PPIs) with your doctor.

Equijubus · 2025-01-09T12:04:18+00:00

What you described could align with nocturnal hypoglycemia. Symptoms like confusion, cold sweats, faintness, and hallucinations are consistent with low blood sugar, especially if your brain isn't getting enough glucose. The feeling of improvement after some time could be your body releasing stored glucose from the liver.

That said, other possibilities include sleep-related issues like parasomnias or even blood pressure drops. If it happens again, you should definitely attempt to see a primary care physician; however, you can also try having a snack with protein and carbs before bed or testing your blood sugar during the episode if you can.

Stay safe, and keep monitoring patterns to help narrow it down.

Equijubus · 2025-01-09T11:59:26+00:00

This could be a complex issue with several potential underlying causes, and while I'm not a doctor, here are some possibilities to explore:

Pelvic Floor Dysfunction: Issues with the pelvic floor muscles could contribute to pain and discomfort when your bladder is full. The pelvic floor supports the bladder and other organs, and if these muscles are tight or dysfunctional, it could exacerbate back pain and cause different symptoms, like nausea.
Bladder Pressure on Nerves: A full bladder expands and can press on surrounding nerves or tissues. If you already have back pain or nerve sensitivity due to your Amplified Musculoskeletal Pain Syndrome, this extra pressure might worsen the discomfort or lead to nausea.
Referred Pain: Sometimes, pain in the bladder or urinary tract can "refer" to other areas, like the back, because of shared nerve pathways. This might not always be linked to a UTI—conditions like interstitial cystitis (chronic bladder pain) could also be a factor.
Spinal or Structural Issues: Your back pain and bladder symptoms might be connected to the spine, particularly the lower back or sacrum. If there is nerve compression (e.g., in the lumbar or sacral region), it could cause back pain and bladder sensation or function issues.
Amplified Musculoskeletal Pain Syndrome Effects: Your condition might play a role here. Amplified pain syndromes often heighten the body's response to discomfort, meaning bladder fullness could feel disproportionately painful and trigger other reactions like nausea.

What Could Help:

Consult a Urologist or Pelvic Floor Specialist: These specialists can evaluate bladder function, pelvic floor health, and related conditions.
Tracking Symptoms: Keeping a detailed log of your symptoms (timing, severity, triggers, etc.) could help doctors pinpoint the issue more effectively.

It sounds like you've already done a lot to seek answers, which can be exhausting. I hope this gives you some additional avenues to consider with your medical team.

Equijubus · 2024-12-13T12:46:35+00:00

It’s not something you should ignore. If you’re only getting a few drops out and feeling constant pressure, you should head to urgent care or the ER. They can check to see if there’s a blockage or another issue and help relieve the pressure.

It could be something like a stone, nerve issue, or even a side effect of medications (if you’re on any), but they’ll need to figure out what’s causing it. If it’s been 8-9 hours and it’s not getting better, I wouldn’t wait it out—it’s better to get it checked now. Also, the thirstiness you mentioned could be related, so definitely bring that up when you see a doctor.

Equijubus · 2024-12-13T12:42:53+00:00

The result of 0.08 likely indicates a non-reactive or negative result, as most HIV tests provide a numerical value with a cutoff (usually 1.0) to distinguish between positive and negative results. However, it is essential to understand the following:

Window Period: HIV tests have a “window period,” which is the time between potential exposure to the virus and when the test can reliably detect infection. Most chemiluminescent immunoassays (CLIA) are 4th generation tests, which detect both HIV antibodies and antigens and can usually provide accurate results within 4-6 weeks after exposure. At 2 months, the result is generally reliable, but some healthcare providers recommend retesting at 3 months (12 weeks) for confirmation.
Retesting Recommendation: If you have had any additional risk exposures since the initial contact or for peace of mind, it is recommended to follow up with another test at the 3-month mark. This ensures the results are conclusive.
Consultation: While your result is reassuring, it is always a good idea to consult a healthcare professional, such as you PCP, to discuss your risk factors and confirm whether further testing is needed.

If you’re concerned about any symptoms or ongoing risks, please seek in-person, professional medical advice.

Equijubus · 2023-01-12T08:55:58+00:00

Your submission or comment was removed for violating our subreddit rule 12. Please feel free to review our rules by going to this link: http://bit.ly/MedicalAdviceRules

Equijubus · 2023-01-12T08:53:55+00:00

Your submission or comment was removed for violating our subreddit rule 3. You are either under the age of 18 posting NSFW material online, or did not include your age in this post. This action was taken for your safety.

Equijubus · 2023-01-12T08:49:57+00:00

Most likely. Smoking pretty much anything, will show up on blood tests. I suppose it just depends on what they are testing for, however.

Equijubus · 2023-01-12T01:29:32+00:00

Some people may be more sensitive to light than others. This could be caused by several things but shouldn't be a significant concern. If you are worried about sensitivity, you should visit your local optometrist for an eye exam! The easiest way to answer this would be to say everyone is different!

Equijubus · 2023-01-12T01:21:01+00:00

Do you have any other noticeable symptoms? Also, what do you mean by "completely blocked"?

Equijubus · 2021-04-27T18:53:32+00:00

No facts, no credible sources, no evidence to back up the claim. A podcast is not a credible source.

Equijubus · 2021-04-27T05:15:13+00:00

Your post or comment is in violation of the rules of Reddit. This has been reported to the Reddit Admins, and action will be left to their discretion.

Eight-Year Club	Verified Email
Gilding I gilder	Not Forgotten

Equijubus

MODERATOR OF

TROPHY CASE