I'm having panic attacks every morning around the same time, severe cramping in my lower back, and pure liquid stools. I've also experienced weight loss and intermittent back pain. Could this be related to Irritable Bowel Syndrome (IBS), and what should I do to manage these symptoms?

February 2nd, 2023

My mother had stage 0 endometrial cancer in 2016 and underwent a hysterectomy with no chemo or radiation. She has had regular follow-ups every 3 months for 3 years and every 6 months since then. We thought she would not be asked to come back after the last time because it had been 5 years, but they scheduled an appointment for March. They called and said my mom would not see the doctor but a PA this time. These appointments are 2 hours away in a city that is difficult to drive in, so my mom is not keen on making the trip just to be examined by the PA and wants to cancel because she thinks it has been long enough anyway. Is it normal to have follow-ups after 5 years and would it be acceptable for her to cancel at this point? Additionally, I am 55, healthy, active, non-smoker or drinker, no kids, no meds. Is this cancer hereditary and if so, how much more of a risk do I have compared to the general population?

August 3rd, 2023

I have chest pain and right arm pain, which started about 20 minutes ago during a class. The pain is sharp and seems to be on the surface of my chest. I'm 29 years old, have a history of anxiety and mental health problems, and have passed out randomly in the past. My blood pressure is healthy, and I take Abilify, Prozac, and Hydroxyzine. I also had coffee today and noticed slight tremors. What could be causing these symptoms and what should I do?

January 11th, 2024

I woke up in excruciating pain in my right side, worse after urinating, and it kept me awake. The pain is around the crook of my waist, front and back, and has been constant with fluctuations in intensity. A CT scan showed a 7mm stone in the lower lobe of my right kidney. The urologist said the stone is unlikely to be causing the pain and suggested it could be a bowel obstruction or ovarian cyst. The pain fluctuates between 6 and 9 on the pain scale and is accompanied by nausea. I am taking 800mg of ibuprofen alternating with 1000mg of acetaminophen every four hours. I am a female with a history of bipolar and anxiety, taking Lamotrigine, Desvenlafaxine, and Aripiprazole. Can a stone that hasn't moved from the kidney be causing that much pain, or should I look into other potential causes?

July 22nd, 2024

I had a mammogram yesterday as part of my physical and today got a call back that I need further testing. I’m scared. What does this mean and how serious is it?

May 14th, 2023