Can I ask a quick question? What are the odds that I’m dealing with Lymphoma if my blood work comes back totally normal (CBC, ESR, CRP, liver enzymes, alkaline phosphatase)? Basically, for about two weeks now—I just happened to check, so it might have been going on longer, but definitely no earlier than mid-November—I've been running a low-grade fever. It’s gone by the morning and evening, but during the day, it hits around 99 degrees. Last night I woke up drenched in sweat, and now my skin is suddenly itching like crazy. I don't know if it's just nerves (I'm currently being treated for anxiety), but I keep reading that these are classic Lymphoma symptoms. I definitely don't have any swollen lymph nodes in my neck or armpits, and I'm not even sure if that thing in my groin is actually swollen or if it's just how I normally feel.
Hey there! So, I’ve had this hard lump on the back of my hand for about 10 years now. My doctor told me not to sweat it unless it starts hurting. It used to ache every once in a while, then it would settle down... but this summer, the lump actually grew a bit, which really spooked me. And yeah, it does hurt occasionally. I went in for an X-ray, and everything looked fine. The report basically said: X-ray images of the left hand show normal mineralization of the visible bones. No signs of bone trauma, joint surfaces look congruent, and there are no signs of inflammatory or degenerative processes in the joints. As for the soft tissue, there’s no thickening that correlates with that bump. After that, I had an ultrasound done, and the results showed the RC joint with no effusion or synovial proliferation. All six compartments of the extensor tendons at the level of the RC joint look good—no fluid around them, and they seem intact. However, right where you can feel the lump, the ultrasound showed some irregularity on the bone surface of the CMC III joint, along with a small anechoic oval cyst sitting above the bone, measuring about 0.42x0.20 cm, with no inflammatory blood flow detected via PDL. The recommendation was to get an MRI of the hand if things change (like if it keeps growing or the pain gets worse). My question is: does anyone know what this could actually be? Is it even possible for something like chondrosarcoma to show up on an X-ray or an ultrasound?
Can someone help me make sense of these results before I head to my appointment with the neurologist? The whole scan was ordered just to rule out any kind of aneurysm.
The 3D MR angiography shows that the vertebral arteries have a normal width and look consistent in caliber. The basilar artery also looks totally fine. Everything is clearly visible, including the upper parts of the extracranial (neck) segments of both internal carotid arteries, as well as the entire intracranial portion, the Circle of Willis, and the A1 and M1 segments of the cerebral arteries. There aren't any pathological changes—meaning no signs of aneurysmal dilation or narrowing. CONCLUSION: Cranial MRA shows no evidence of stenosis, obstruction, or dilation in the vessels described.
Grace Davis77 said:Does anyone here have firsthand experience working with Dr. Cutij? I have an appointment scheduled with him regarding some issues with my knee.
The guy deserves all the credit. He’s actually my friend's husband, and honestly, he really knows his stuff and is super easy to talk to.
Can someone help me make sense of these blood clotting results? PV ( ratio ) 0.99 ref.interval. greater than 0.70 ) PV INR 1 L Therapeutic range 2.00-3.5 PV ratio 0.97 ref. interval up to 1.12
Thanks
I ordered these tests because I've been noticing bruises popping up on my legs.
So, I just realized I totally messed up my transfers today. I accidentally sent a payment meant for my Diners Club account (which is through JPMorgan Chase) straight into my Bank of America account instead. Basically, I used the wrong template—I opened up my American Express info and typed in the reference number from my Diners Club statement. Total rookie move. Do you think Bank of America is going to give me my money back, and if so, how long does that usually take?!!
Angela Wright said:Anyone else dealing with heartburn? Does it seem to flare up more specifically at night? Basically, poor posture can actually weaken your esophageal sphincter. When that happens, stomach acid travels back up into the esophagus, which triggers that burning sensation and pain you’re describing. It sounds like GERD—gastroesophageal reflux disease. Aside from seeing a physical therapist, I’d definitely recommend booking an appointment with a gastroenterologist.
I have reflux, but it hasn't progressed to GERD. I had a full GI workup about two years ago because of some stomach pains. I don't have any issues at night. But look, right now I've got this burning sensation in my back just below my neck, sort of between my shoulder blades, and the pain radiates toward the front. Since I'm a total hypochondriac, I am completely hyper-focused on it.
Matthew Fox4 said:I can definitely help with that. You should probably head straight to a physiatrist so they can map out a specific exercise routine just for you. Plus, once they look over your results, they'll be able to tell if you need to see any other specialists.
Seriously though, you’ve got to change up how you work—or honestly, just change up your workout routine too—if you’re going to keep sitting there without breaks or proper ergonomics at your desk. It's not just your joints, either; it really messes with your circulation. I learned that the hard way when I was working a desk job back in Chicago. It would be a lifesaver if you could just get up from your desk every hour. Even just a quick five-minute stroll to stretch out your arms and shoulders makes such a huge difference.
Thanks for the reply. I’m feeling pretty rough right now. I’m actually just heading out the door for physical therapy because my knee is acting up again—that meniscus tear from back in 2013 is still haunting me—plus I've been dealing with this inflamed tendon in my foot for a few months now. Just a total mess. 😵
Is it just me, or is nobody else dealing with this?! I’m getting this intense pressure right at the front of my thoracic spine, which then shoots straight through to my back, plus major tension in my neck and this constant feeling of being suffocated...
Hey everyone, I’m 42, and lately, I’ve been dealing with this pain in my left upper arm (mostly on the outer side), some occasional shoulder issues, numbness in my hand, and sometimes even chest pain. My posture is pretty terrible since I work an office job staring at a computer all day, so there’s constant tension in my neck and through my shoulders. To make things more complicated, my last set of scans dates all the way back to 2012. The MRI of my spine showed signs of osteophytes along with minor degenerative changes at the C5 and C7 levels. X-rays of the cervical and thoracic spine. Looking at all the bone structures shown, there aren't any pathological bone barriers, osteolytic changes, or potential expansive infiltrates. Bone mineralization looks normal with standard lamellar structure. There are no signs of recent or old bone trauma, nor any congenital malformations. The spinal canal configuration is normal. In the cervical segment, the physiological curvature is maintained. Vertebral bodies have normal height, though there are early moderate degenerative changes along the limbus of the endplates, including some osteochondrosis. The small facet joints show congruent relationships with early osteoarthritis and initial uncarrosis formation. The intervertebral spaces are generally normal, except for the C5/C6 segment, which is narrowed—meaning there could be radicular impingement. There’s more significant involvement at the C7 transverse processes—more pronounced on the right—though no rib visible on X-ray rules out a cervical rib, but doesn't rule out fibrous formation. In the thoracic segment, the physiological curvature is fine. The spinal canal is standard and appropriate. Vertebral bodies have normal height with degenerative changes along the limbus and moderate osteochondrosis of the endplates. In the mid-thoracic segment (from T3 to T8), there is narrowing of the intervertebral spaces, which could cause radicular conflicts. The small joints show congruent relationships with early stages of degenerative changes.
Do you think these findings could be causing the specific pain and symptoms I'm going through?
Rachel Davis81 said:Chloe Garcia10, don't take my word as gospel here because I’m definitely not a doctor. From what I understand, though, it actually makes sense that your calcium levels are low given the thyroid treatment you're on. My mom takes 125mcg a day and she has to supplement with calcium to compensate. So, it might turn out to be the same deal for you..
My mom is 65. She’s been dealing with hypothyroidism for years now and takes Synthroid. She gets her labs done every single year. Can someone make sense of these results for me? Creatinine 80 (63-107), Calcium 2.44 (2.14-2.53), Phosphate 1.06 (0.79-1.42), Urine Calcium 1.2 (2.5-6.2), Urine Phosphate 13.2 (12.9-42), 24h urine volume 1540 (600-1600), Ionized serum calcium 1.25 (1.15-1.35). TSH 1.4 (0.4-4) What could be causing such low calcium in her urine?
I didn't feel like I was suffocating last night—or rather, I just couldn't feel anything at all. But that constant lump in my throat? It’s definitely still there. And honestly, I have no clue why my arm is hurting, too.
I get this weird tightness in my left arm every once in a while—it’s almost always in the exact same spot on my upper arm. It also makes me feel like I'm being choked, and sometimes my grip in my hand just feels weak. I'm right-handed.
Of course, my brain immediately goes into full panic mode thinking it's a heart issue, but all my medical tests have come back totally fine.
The thing is, my neck and shoulder muscles are incredibly tense right now—they're rock hard and super knotty...
Hey everyone. I need to get an X-ray done on my left foot, and I’ve already got the referral in hand. Does anyone know if there's any Health Insurance provider where I can just show up and wait without having to schedule an appointment first?
So, I went back for a follow-up today because this pain just won't quit on me. I've got an X-ray scheduled for tomorrow, though the doctors aren't leaning towards anything being broken; they're thinking it might just be some nasty tendon inflammation instead.
Angela Wright said:It’s probably just a mechanical injury from working out that you didn't catch because you were already warmed up. Did they take an X-ray of your foot? Ibuprofen should help ease the pain, regardless.
They didn't X-ray my foot... maybe I should head over to Trauma?