I have neck pain that has been going on for days and have had shooting pain up into my head. I saw my doctor, who said I probably slept on it wrong. I also have a cow valve installed 2 years ago, severe plaque psoriasis, suspected arthritis in my hands, and a torn shoulder muscle. I'm 56 years old and have been taking Tylenol for the past 3 days, which gives some relief. What should I do to address this neck pain and associated symptoms?

November 24th, 2023

I had a possible exposure between February 17-21. 28 days after the exposure, I took a 4th generation HIV antibody/antigen test in the United States and the result was negative. What is the reliability and conclusiveness of this test? Additionally, one week after the exposure, I noticed a painless blister on my penis, suspected to be molluscum contagiosum. I asked the person I had sex with to take an HIV test, which also came back negative. What are the chances that my negative 4th generation test after 4 weeks is a false negative and will turn out positive later? If my blister was due to HIV, would the test have come up positive after 4 weeks? Could the symptoms I experienced (body weakness, loss of appetite, stuffy nose, and diarrhea) be related to HIV? Have you heard of any negative 4th gen test after 4 weeks that turned out positive at 6 or 12 weeks later? Why is it recommended to take the test after 4 weeks if it's officially only conclusive at 3 months?

November 2nd, 2024

I have been experiencing unpredictable stomach cramping after eating, which seems to be more related to how fast I eat rather than the type of food. If I eat very slowly and only a little, it usually is okay, but food always seems to immediately start making gas. If I can burp enough, it stays calm, but if I can't, severe pain develops, and I have to vomit up the whole meal. The pain can last for hours. This has been happening off and on for about 4 months. I have had arthritis for years and have used pain meds constantly at times, but switched to turmeric a couple of years ago. My bowel movements are generally a bit loose but have been more formed lately. I go 4-5 times a day. I have been to see a doctor, who ordered tests that eliminated H pylori and various other possibilities. She wanted me to try antacids, but that felt wrong. I am a 72-year-old woman. What could be causing these symptoms, and what further tests or treatments should I consider?

May 13th, 2023

Does a VA doctor have the right to discharge me as a patient, and if so, what should I do to get another doctor?

December 24th, 2024

I’m a 27-year-old male with a movable, soft, 1-inch lump on my upper left abdomen, which has been there for a few months. I also have upper left back pain when bending forward and tingling in the same area. My blood and urine tests are normal, and I have no other concerning symptoms like shortness of breath, weight loss, night sweats, or vomiting. What could this lump be, and is it related to my other symptoms?

January 25th, 2024