asked
I have anterior extradural defects in L2-3 and L3-4 causing severe lower back pain affecting my sciatic nerve, leading to numbness in my left leg, loss of balance, and extreme pain in my low back, left hip, and leg. I am on Percocet 10mg 4 times daily and various other medications. I have Interstitial Cystitis with Hunner's Ulcers, an InterStim device for my bladder, and a spinal stimulator for pelvic pain. I have had these symptoms since May 2012 and they affect my job and personal life. I am considering surgery. What should I expect in terms of pain relief, reduction in pain medication, recovery time, and the likelihood of returning to work and my active lifestyle?
March 6th, 2023
I have been experiencing severe stomach pain attacks at night, which feel like pressure waves starting above my stomach and radiating to my entire front. These attacks last for a couple of hours and are followed by abdominal soreness the next day. I have undergone multiple tests including CT scans, ultrasound, and a HIDA scan, all of which showed no abnormalities. Could these attacks still be related to my gallbladder (GB), or could they be due to another type of ulcer or gastrointestinal issue? What additional tests should I consider to diagnose the cause of these symptoms?
June 10th, 2024
I am experiencing symptoms such as rash, flushed face, swollen lymph nodes in the armpit, hot feeling in the face, and minor skin irritation in the underarms after a possible exposure. I tested negative on a rapid blood test at day 22 but am still concerned about HIV. What could these symptoms indicate, and how accurate are the tests during the acute HIV window period?
April 9th, 2024
I had lab work done last week for thyroid and anemia tests. My T4 levels look okay, but iron levels are not okay. I have friends and family telling me I need urgent care, but I don't have insurance or money for unnecessary ER visits. Here are my CBC test results: White blood cell count in range (5.0), red blood cell count high (5.43), hemoglobin low (11.4), hematocrit in range (36.7), MCV low (68), MCH low (21.0), MCHC low (31.1), RDW high (16.2), platelet count in range (271), ferritin low (8). I am a 49-year-old female on a liquid diet due to anxiety issues. Do I need to see a doctor sooner than June 17th?
July 5th, 2023
My lower jaw is trembling and teeth are chattering. I think it is due to stress, but I am not sure. I have had trigeminal neuralgia for 40 years and take Tegretol. I am 70 years old, and this trembling has been happening for about a month. I also take 5mg of diazepam every night for sleep and have been dealing with significant stress due to my daughter's alcohol problem. What could be causing these symptoms and how can they be treated?
January 26th, 2024
Is it possible to get HIV through a hand job only?
June 25th, 2023