Posts by vividsailor7

Hannah James76 said:Yesterday, I noticed some bruising on her arms and legs, along with these tiny little blue spots. 1.Could this be an even sharper drop in platelets?

So far, nobody has even brought up dialysis. Sure, things might get a bit dehydrated, but let's be real—that isn't solving the actual problem.

1. It absolutely could be.
2. In my opinion, they aren't going to start dialysis unless things hit a breaking point—like pulmonary edema, heart failure, azotemia (urea >30mmol/L), or hyperkalemia (K >6mmol/L).

dustymarlin10 said:The chaos of the last few weeks pretty much forced my hand to start this thread.

My dad has a heart condition and lives with a pacemaker. He had the device swapped out earlier this year, which went smoothly enough, until about six weeks ago when the edge of the unit actually pierced through his skin, leaving this little 4-5 mm "spike" poking out.

This whole mess coincided perfectly with his routine checkup at the local Mayo Clinic.

And wouldn't you know it, they admitted him on the spot.

During that first week of being stuck there, they put him through an absolute marathon of tests—everything from daily blood and urine work to heart and abdominal scans, gastroscopies (?), X-rays of his heart and lungs, pyelography, brain and lung CT scans, and even a colonoscopy (!).... If you ask me, half of that felt like total overkill.
Everything came back normal, except for his creatinine levels, but we've known about that for a while now.
Now he’s been sitting in a hospital bed for two weeks straight without a single actual procedure being done, just waiting for the doctors to finally "reach a consensus" on how to handle the pacemaker—whether they fix the damage or just swap the whole unit out. They told us nothing would happen before the end of the week, maybe Friday if a surgeon actually shows up.(!)

So, here’s what I’m wondering:

Is it actually necessary to burn through this much money on tests that seem completely illogical?
And is it really essential to keep someone hospitalized for this long just so the staff can finish their "consultations" regarding what to do with him?

We all see it happening constantly—how people are left waiting forever for basic tests, therapy, or surgery, yet on the flip side, money and resources are being wasted on seemingly pointless things, just like in this situation.

I'd love to hear your thoughts or any experiences you've had...

I can't give you a definitive answer because I don't know the full medical history or the specific test results.

Roger Ruiz2 said:For the last month or so, I’ve been dealing with these intense bouts of dizziness. Every time I lie down in bed and rest my head on the pillow to one side,
it feels like something is pouring from my brain straight into my eyes. The spinning gets so violent I can't even focus my vision
and my stomach churns like I'm about to throw up. It doesn't matter if my eyes are open or closed; it's just as bad. My sister couldn't believe what she was seeing when I laid down next to her earlier;
my eyes were darting left and right, desperately trying to find a focal point. I should mention this all started after I wiped out on my bike,
though I didn't hit my head or anything major.
I shredded my left palm pretty bad, and it took me forever just to get back home. Once I arrived, I soaked some cotton in rubbing alcohol and pressed it hard against the open wound until I nearly blacked out.
My sister told me later that was a terrible idea, but whatever. Is it possible that what I did actually caused this?

Are you experiencing any tinnitus or ringing in your ears?
Any other visual issues?
How old are you?
You really need to go see a neurologist immediately.

silenttrucker16 said:@ vividsailor7

Alright, let's try this... 🙂
Since you actually seem to be a real doctor, 😁 I wanted to throw this question your way:

Is it possible that all these symptoms—like chest pressure, shortness of breath, and dizziness (I'm pretty sure the numbness in my back and arms, plus the sharp pains in my chest, are just part of a panic attack...?)—could actually be caused by those "nervous gut" issues or Irritable Bowel Syndrome?

flyingappletree replied to you.
Everything you just described sounds exactly like a panic attack.

Thomas Wells5 said:I’ve honestly never had actual stomach pain before, just those occasional bouts of nausea depending on what I eat. If the food is heavy, it hits me; if it's light, I'm fine. But right now? I'm miserable because I just demolished a massive deli platter—sausage, cured ham, cheese, the works. I knew better, but I couldn't help myself; I just devoured it 😁. I might give that Pepto-Bismol a shot , but first, I'm going to try mixing up my grandma's old herbal remedy . 😁

That's basically what Pepto-Bismol does.

Thomas Wells5 said:Look, I just had this gut feeling that they’re going to shove something down my throat, and honestly, it makes me nauseous just thinking about it. And yeah, I know, I can be pretty difficult to deal with! Plus, I’ve heard some horror stories from other people—especially regarding those run-of-the-mill local hospitals. Down here at our hospital in Indianapolis, the staff can be total butchers, so I’m terrified. I’d rather just stay away! Anyway, since I just turned 18, I have to get my supplemental insurance sorted out by Monday. I might try using some herbal stuff first to see if it helps; if that fails, I guess I’ll have to face the doctor. But I don't even know what I'm supposed to say to him. They always just lecture you, "you know this, you know that," and it's exhausting. 😁

The psychological aspect plays such a massive role when it comes to a gastroscopy.
If you're dealing with nausea and pain, you could try taking Pepto-Bismol (which has a herbal base) to see if it helps.

Thomas Wells5 said:😢Look, I get the logic here, but this whole endoscopy thing? It absolutely terrifies me. I’m pretty sure my heart would just give out right then and there from pure anxiety. Honestly, I can barely handle a little bit of acid reflux, so I can't even imagine what happens when they shove a tube down your throat. God help me.
And regarding those thyroid hormone tests—is that some kind of specialized blood work? Can my primary care doctor just send me for that? Also, for the record, I've never had any issues with blood in my stool.

I honestly don't understand why everyone acts like an endoscopy is such a nightmare.🤷
What's the worst that could happen? Absolutely nothing.
Besides, your GP can handle the referrals.
And that blood you're worried about? You wouldn't even be able to see it with the naked eye.
The standard protocol would involve checking your lipids, T3, T4, TSH, and CRP through blood work, plus a fecal occult blood test.
Once you have those results, you should take them to a gastroenterologist, and you'll go in for the endoscopy based on their specific recommendation.

Chris Howard3 said:I know someone who fits this perfectly. She’s in her 40s and her liver enzyme tests were all over the place. It wasn't until she went in to get tested for celiac disease that they actually confirmed she had it. Once she cut out gluten entirely, she felt like a completely different person.

Where on earth does it say the transaminases are elevated?🤷🤷 🤷
2. Every single case is unique. There's no one-size-fits-all here.
3. Even though celiac testing is getting more precise and sophisticated without needing invasive procedures, a diagnosis can still be incredibly shaky.

Thomas Wells5 said:So what else could be causing this weight loss?

Look, you can't just sit there guessing. You need to get a gastroscopy, run tests for occult blood in your stool, and honestly, you should probably have your thyroid levels checked too.

Hannah James76 said:If he hadn't made it in yesterday, he would have been dead. Seriously. He had so much fluid buildup it was almost reaching his heart. They didn't perform a procedure to drain it, but he managed to flush a lot of it out himself. It’s exactly what you all suspected—kidney failure. They gave him an enema today too. He's doing better now; he isn't vomiting, he's actually eating, and even walking on his own. As for how long this lasts... I honestly don't know.
Thanks for everything.

Don't mention it.
I am so incredibly sorry you're going through this.
If there is anything else at all you need, please don't hesitate to ask.

silenttrucker16 said:I’ve been on Controloc for several months now, and honestly, I think I’m stuck with it for the long haul. I tried doing a two-month course and then just stopped, but the heartburn came roaring back within two or three days.
As for the Salmonella, my doctor put me on a strict two-month diet. She explained that while the antibiotic I took should clear the Salmonella, that bacteria leaves your intestines absolutely trashed. Apparently, the inner lining looks like a "lawn," covered in these tiny little protrusions that the Salmonella basically "mows down," leaving it vulnerable. Because of that, I have to be incredibly careful about what I eat for a while. The diarrhea keeps coming back every so often—even though I finished the antibiotic course about three weeks ago—and I was running a low-grade fever until about ten days ago (staying right around 99.5°F during the day, though it dropped at night). Now, I’ve started getting these pains in my back, right where my stomach is located. I’m really wondering if there's a connection there...

By PPI, you mean proton pump inhibitors...?

Yes.
I completely agree with your doctor—you really need to watch your diet following enterocolitis.

Chris Howard3 said:Did they run a test for Celiac disease? I know that can sometimes cause elevated liver enzymes.

Forget about "severe Celiac" for a second.🙂 🤣 😲Aside from where it actually states that the transaminases are high...👎 🤦I honestly don't get why, in 90% of these cases, someone jumps straight to a terrifying diagnosis. Nobody ever just says, "Hey, it's probably nothing, maybe just stress," right?🙂

Olivia Anderson10 said:Brain MRI report: Based on the standard imaging techniques used across three planes, the organization of the gyri and sulci, along with the relationship between gray and white matter, appears normal. There are no signs of ischemic lesions or hemorrhage within the brain parenchyma. No focal expansive processes were detected. On FLAIR sequences, there are no signs of demyelinating lesions. The ventricular system is appropriately positioned and sized. The optic nerve chiasm, cavernous sinuses, pontocerebellar angles, and the craniocervical junction all appear morphologically normal. Within the pituitary gland, a discrete hyperintense signal is visible on T1 and T2 imaging, measuring up to 3 mm, which is primarily suspicious for a pituitary adenoma. Endocrine evaluation is recommended, along with a dedicated pituitary MRI.
Here is the report, vividsailor7. That’s the finding. Please, I need your take on this pituitary adenoma. Is this actually a tumor? Could this be what’s causing my issues? Just to remind you, my problems consist of abnormal, uncontrolled jerking of my body and limbs out of nowhere. Or was this adenoma just an incidental finding during the scan? What does it even mean for my health?

My apologies for the delay in getting back to you—it completely slipped my mind. I know my colleagues have already walked you through everything, but I want to add some specifics regarding the endocrine workup.
Basically, you need to see an endocrinologist as mentioned. They will likely order tests for ACTH, cortisol (both morning/afternoon levels and a 24-hour urine test), prolactin, T3, T4, TSH, and sex hormones like E2, LH, and FSH. You'll also need to check electrolytes, glucose, potentially more electrolytes in a 24-hour urine sample, and possibly some specific tests for adrenal gland function.

Thomas Wells5 said:My doctor kept pushing for a gastroscopy, but I flat-out refused because the thought of it scares the hell out of me. So, he sent me for blood work instead to check for that H. pylori bacteria. Turns out, I don't have it. After those tests, I actually started following some ground rules and felt better. I quit smoking, cut out coffee entirely, stuck to a regular diet—everything was fine. The only issue was if I overdid it with something really spicy, then the acid reflux would kick in. But then, predictably, I slipped up, started smoking and drinking coffee again, and the problems came crawling back. Now, I've cut out the caffeine again and I'm barely touching tobacco. I don't drink alcohol at all; I'm strictly sober. 🙂
I deal with a lot of stress, which I honestly think is the main culprit here.
I've also noticed my symptoms tend to flare up whenever I catch a cold during this winter season.
I have a question about nutrition: how should I eat to gain a little weight healthily without wrecking my stomach?

Just because you tested negative for H. pylori on a blood test doesn't mean squat, especially when it comes to why you're so thin.

Hannah James76 said:Dad is back in the ER again. This time, they’re admitting him to the hospital—things aren't looking good. We’re still sitting here waiting for them to tell us exactly what's going on... 🙂

Unfortunately, I saw this coming. I fully expected them to end up hospitalized.

Sandra Morris47 said:I really need to book my first orthopedic consultation soon too. Does anyone know a clinic where you don't have to wait months just to get seen?

St. Jude Medical Center.

Thomas Wells5 said:Man, I don't even know where to start. I just turned 18, and honestly? I'm way too skinny. I'm sitting at maybe 123-125 lbs at 5'11"... I feel like I'm underweight for my age. Being young, I tend to spiral into all sorts of stupid thoughts—I'm constantly looking at the world through a dark lens. I'm always obsessing, convinced that I'm sick or something. Everything changed about two years ago when my stomach issues started. It began with about a week of constant nausea, and once that passed, I was left with this constant burning sensation—just excess acid in my stomach that I have to manage with Tums whenever it hits. Since then, I’ve become a completely different person. I'm constantly on edge; if someone else gets sick, I immediately freak out. I don't know why this shift happened so fast. Also, ever since this started, I've developed this intense fear of vomiting, and I've become incredibly squeamish. I used to be thin too, but I didn't have these anxieties back then. I was unshakable, if you know what I mean. If I caught a cold or something, I wouldn't even bother seeing a doctor or taking pills; I'd just deal with it. But now? The second I feel off, I'm rushing to the clinic. In the worst cases, I've ended up in the ER because I've convinced myself I'm dying. Usually, the doctor on duty just gives me some Xanax because my heart rate is spiking on the EKG, telling me to stop stressing about everything so much because life is unpredictable. My question is simple: how do I beat these fears and get back to being the person I was three years ago? And how do I put on some weight? It kills me mentally when people tell me I'm too thin. :S
Thanks in advance...

Your BMI is low at 17.3. Given the digestive issues you mentioned, you really ought to see a gastroenterologist for a full workup.

hiddenfalcon27 said:Hey ladies, 🙂
I’m on Loestrin, currently in my second month.
First week was a wash. Second week? Total nightmare—dizziness, nausea, hunger spikes, headaches, just constant misery. Third week felt fine, maybe just a little anxious 😁, and then during my break, my period showed up on day two. Lasted five days, totally normal. Oh, and I smoke. I’ve cut back to about six or seven a day, but I used to go through a whole pack daily.
I’m under 35. ☕
But here’s the thing... the real issue... I started reading up on embolisms, heart issues, venous thrombosis, and honestly, I'm an idiot 🙂 because now I'm absolutely terrified. Look, being on birth control is great—it’s such a relief to finally stop worrying about pregnancy—but I’d rather not drop dead in the process, you know? 😁
Now the panic is setting in. My left shoulder hurts, then I get this sharp stabbing sensation in my chest, and now my left leg is acting up too... 😠

Any smokers out there or women who've been on the pill for a while? Help me out. 😁
Should I actually go to my doctor and ask for tests or bloodwork? Or should I just sit here and shut up about it? Has anyone else felt like this? Has anyone actually gotten sick from the pill? Ugh. 😕

Did they run any tests before you actually started the birth control?

silenttrucker16 said:Hey everyone!

After spending an entire year bouncing from one specialist's office to another, I’ve finally decided to reach out and see if anyone else here is going through something similar. For context, I'm 30 years old.

It might sound completely insane when I list all these symptoms because, to me, they feel totally disconnected, but here goes nothing...:

A year ago, I ended up in the ER with heart palpitations, dizziness, numbness in my back and arms, and shortness of breath. My first thought? Heart attack. I thought I was done for. After running the EKG, X-rays, and everything else, the doctor just looked at me and said, "Son, you're just stressed out. Here's a sedative injection, now go home and relax."
And honestly, the sedative worked. Everything calmed down, and I headed home feeling relieved that it wasn't anything life-threatening.
The next day, my primary care doctor sent me for a battery of tests just to be safe. Here is what I've had done so far:
- Blood work for thyroid hormones, cholesterol, etc.—everything came back normal.
- Chest X-ray—results show everything is within normal limits.
- Tetany test—clear, nothing found.
- Echocardiogram—found a minor mitral valve prolapse. Doctor says it's nothing to worry about.
- Spirometry—normal.
- 24-hour Holter monitor—results were fine.
I think that covers the basics, though I'm still waiting on a cervical spine functional imaging and a brain CT.

I also saw a psychiatrist regarding the stress, and he prescribed Wellbutrin and Normabagel 10 mg as needed, while my cardiologist put me on Concor for my heart.

Since then, over the last year, I've ended up back in the ER about ten more times with even more intense versions of those initial symptoms, but I always get the exact same explanation.

However, about two months ago, I finally decided to complain to my doctor about this constant heartburn I've been dealing with for two or three years. I hadn't really given it much thought before, thinking it was just minor indigestion...
I was prescribed Prilosec, which fixed the heartburn immediately, but right after that, my digestive system went haywire. They diagnosed me with Campylobacter jejuni, so I was put on Zithromax to clear it up. But even then, I was stuck on the toilet every few hours with diarrhea. And that's when I noticed a pattern:

All those "heart attack" symptoms I mentioned earlier almost always flare up right before I have to rush to the bathroom, and they vanish immediately after I've finished my business.

Can anyone explain why this happens, or is anyone else experiencing this?

Are you still taking the Prilosec, and has the diarrhea settled down yet?
Generally speaking, Proton Pump Inhibitors are linked to intestinal infections—more so with C. difficile than Campylobacter—but it could definitely be related.

restlesscanyon48 said:Dear Nicholas Myers,

Of course I'm not going to get upset because you jumped in—if anything, thank you for sharing your thoughts so quickly.

These tests were part of a routine checkup for pregnancy, and as for those symptoms (like fever or pain during urination), thankfully, I haven't dealt with any of that... except maybe needing to pee a bit more often, but I just chalked that up to being pregnant.
I haven't had my CBC or CRP checked yet, but I’m calling my OB-GYN tomorrow, and hopefully, they’ll send me for some follow-up testing.
I really appreciate you; I have to admit, you’ve calmed me down a bit. I'm not usually one to panic, but since there's a baby involved now, I've been feeling a little anxious.🙂

So, on top of what Nicholas Myers already mentioned, you should probably get a CBC, CRP, glucose, urea, creatinine, and a urinalysis done.
Everything else was already covered by him.
P. S. And naturally, I won't hold it against you for responding.