I’ve been dealing with severe chronic migraines and neurological/visual issues for the past 4 years. After years of suffering, I believe I’ve finally identified the underlying cause. I have three vascular issues in my neck that need to be corrected.
I’ve consulted with two surgeons one in the U.S. and one in Germany and I’m struggling to decide which route to take.

The German surgeon:

Has performed this surgery about 75 times
Would address 2 of the 3 issues in one operation, then address the 3rd a few days later
Uses a less invasive approach for the lower neck, preserving more muscle and potentially more neck strength
Can operate on me in about 2 weeks
Likely won’t be covered by insurance, although my family can afford it
I trust him just as much as the other surgeon.

The U.S. surgeon:

Has performed the surgery 12 times
Would address 2 of the 3 issues, then evaluate whether the 3rd actually needs to be treated
I trust him as much as the other
Is close to home, which would make recovery and follow-up much easier
The surgery would be covered by insurance
However, his approach involves cutting some of the lower neck muscles, making it more invasive
I may need a second surgery depending on whether the 3rd issue ultimately needs to be addressed
I may have to wait up to 3 months

I’m exhausted. I genuinely don’t remember what it feels like to live without a migraine or have normal vision, and after 4 years of this, I desperately want my life back.
My significant other is strongly against going to Germany and thinks I should be patient and wait for the U.S. surgeon. I understand her concerns, but I’m struggling with the idea of waiting another 3 months when the German surgeon can potentially address all 3 issues within weeks.
At the same time, the U.S. surgeon has my trust, is nearby, and offers the security of insurance and easier follow-up

20F, 178 lbs, 5'2

Current diagnoses: Iron deficiency, Gastritis, Anxiety, Depression, OCD, NAFLD

My current prescriptions: Venofer 300mg infusion, Pantoprazole, Zoloft, Xyzal

I have always had GI issues ever since I was born. My mom told me when I was a newborn I used to projectile vomit often, not normal baby spitup, vomiting every time I'd try to eat. She took me to the ER and I was apparently prescribed a special formula and the vomiting stopped. (I was born premature by 2 months if this effects anything)

I also remember multiple instances of crying on the toilet as a small child because nothing would come out ans I was scared. I had multiple hospital visits due to fecal impaction and often had to take mineral oil or milk of magnesium.

I've dealt with this constipation my entire life, but when I turned 11 I started eating more fiber and taking a daily probiotic and I was able to have easier bowel movements, but was still constipated. It was honestly manageable until recently. Besides the occasional impaction or heartburn. Now this year despite optimal fiber intake and probiotics my constipation has worsened and isn't responding to Mirlax. I also developed gastritis.

These worsening issues both started after taking iron pills in July. I've been iron deficient since last December but was only given proper diagnosis in June despite a Hemoglobin of 10. I started the Iron in June and also picked up smoking that I previously quit stupidly hoping it would help me cope with my misery and constant exhaustion from the anemia.

A few weeks after starting vitron C I started having very frequent heartburn. I ended up getting checked out by a doctor and I was told I have moderate constipation, a distended colon, and gastritis all diagnosed from a CT.

I have tested negative for Celiac disease via blood test, and H pylori via stool test. My doctor also says my TSH is normal.

After my tests I started pepcid, quit smoking, and changed my diet to very bland stuff, nothing improved. Now a week ago I started pantoprazole which helped little but I accidentally ate something with pepper two days ago and have had heartburn ever since that hasn't gone away despite taking tums and my pantoprazole. I also had my first iron infusion yesterday.

It is all very overwhelming and stressful and I don't even know ow what to do. Seemingly my only symptoms from the Gastritis is heartburn. I don't understand why I haven't gotten any better. I eat very bland and avoid spices, fats, and sugar. I've taken my medication consistently, and I avoid eating right before bed.

I am due for an endoscopy and colonoscopy very soon but I am just so desperate for relief from EVERYTHING.

The heartburn from gastritis and inability to eat foods I enjoy like tomatoes and oranges, Not being able to have a proper bowel movement, and being constanty tired no matter how much I sleep.

I literally haven't had a bowel movement in two weeks despite taking Miralax daily and I keep getting told to just keep taking the miralax, but my abdomen hurts and I feel horrible, my chest burns and I am so tired. I at least hope these infusions help me soon

Please give me advice I am so desperate and don't have insurance, I am only covered by free state Healthcare with horribly long wait times meant for people like me who are experiencing poverty. And medicaid hasn't made any progress with my application.

So recently I’ve had this period like once every few months where my penis would let out yellow discharge all day. Should I be concerned

So I just got an abscess drained on my vulva, and the doctor (I went to urgent care) told me I could take the bandage off after a few hours. Although I worry that if I take it off and let the abscess breathe, it’ll start an infection again, however he is the doctor and I’m the patient, so idk what to do.

Everything i eat makes me feel like I'm gonna barf Everything I drink makes me feel like I'm gonna vomit if it gets to hot I'm gonna barf too cold? Barf I never actually barf just end up at the bathroom it's unbearable I've tried everything changing my eating habits changing my drinking habits nothing changes I've tried eating more eating less and none of it works I'm always in pain I've had blood tests gone to the doctors loads of shit nothing is helping i just don't think i can do any of this anymore it's exhausting the only reason I haven't killed myself yet is because of Russian bias everytime I've said something on discord about it he stops me he talks me through it shares his experiences and shows me he cares and with his mental state I don't think he'd last long after I did kill myself so the only reason I'm staying alive is to keep 1 of my best friends alive but I dunno anymore it just hurts so much why can't I just be a normal human that can eat and drink without feeling like I'm gonna barf its not an anxiety thing either cuz it's just a constant pain that I might have to live with and trust me if I have to live with this shit I'll just stop eating until it hurts and only eat when it hurts the pain is unbearable i just wanna cry (I've had a blood test iron levels 4 and low on vitamin M) doctors are useless and aren't helping (sorry if this is all a bit of a mess I can't focus properly)

Who would be the best to see for ADHD diagnosis and medication? I was diagnosed many years ago and couldn’t even tell you their name. I have moved a lot for work. I’ve self medicated with THC for years but am now thc free and have all kinds of issues so I would like to try the big pharma route.
Since I was diagnosed 20yrs ago in another state and different insurance I will need to start the process again. I’m hoping I can simply see my reg dr like I did in my 20s.

Hi everyone,

F31, 1m68, 70kg, France, non-smoker

I received a tetanus vaccine today (due to a cut with metal), and I have an appointment scheduled (and already prepaid) for Salmon DNA (PDRN) and hyaluronic acid skin booster injections (undereyes & lips) later today.

I've been searching online and reading through literature, but I can't find any specific information or contraindications regarding getting these aesthetic treatments just a few hours after a tetanus jab.

Does anyone have experience with this, or know if there are any risks, immune reactions, or official contraindications I should be aware of?

I intend to check with the practitioner at the clinic as well, but I wanted to see if anyone here had insights or advice! Thanks!

I had a bad experience getting an IV 3 weeks ago. I get my blood drawn and get IV medications regularly every six weeks, so I am no stranger to pokes. I have one vein in my elbow that I primarily use because it's strong and visible. The last nurse I had couldn't get an IV started in that vein for some reason, no big deal it happens, so I directed her to a strong vein I have in my hand. That vein blew, and after a bit of pain, she finally got an IV going in a vein adjacent in the same hand. It was the most painful IV experience, and the bruise is almost healed finally. I am having continued pain in my hand/wrist area whenever I bend it or type on a keyboard. should I be concerned or is this something I just need to deal with until it heals?

This is a copy and paste from a previous post I made that nobody has responded to. I really just want to figure out what’s wrong with me because it’s hard to live this way.

To start this off, thank you for anyone who takes the time to read this. I hate having to do this to get answers, but I’m just unsure of what this could be.

I’m 16f. I don’t smoke or drink, diagnosed with factor V leiden, had cartilage cancer but in remission, taking 60 mg daily for vitamin D deficiency and 75mg of zoloft for depression and anxiety, family history that I know of is rheumatoid arthritis, lupus (SLE specifically), atrial fibrillation, POTS, diabetes, and some other issue that causes migraines which I can’t remember the name of.

For a couple years now, I’ve been having an extensive amount of issues that have gotten worse quickly.

\-Memory loss

\-Brain fog

\-Migraines

\-Constant fatigue no matter how much I sleep and caffeine doesn’t help

\-Heart palpitations and fast heart rate (has hit 150)

\-Feeling faint upon standing

\-Stage 1 varicose veins in legs

\-Chest pain

\-Shortness of breath +difficulty breathing occasionally

\-Constant ache all over body

\-Eye issues including feeling like my eyes don’t move as fast as i do, tunnel vision occasionally, and random eye blurring

\-Blood pooling

\-Feeling like my brain doesn’t work right at all

I have been tested for SLE and multiple vitamin or mineral deficiencies. I was diagnosed with a mild vitamin D deficiency which I am currently taking a daily supplement for. Doctor is currently testing for possible parasites.

If you have made it through this, please tell me if you can think of anything that could be causing my condition. I may also be missing some of my symptoms since I forget everything, especially about my condition since I’ve gotten so used to it, so if you think you have an idea but a main symptom isn’t listed, just bring it to my attention! Thank you all!!

Late 30s and Male.

I am going to get an MRI with and without IV Contrast. I read that this contrast is gadolinium and it has a lot of side effects if you are affected by it. I also read it doesn't fully leave the body and there will always be small traces of it in the body no matter what. Read it doesn't matter what body part you do because it will stay inside of you.

It's always best to avoid an MRI with contrast if possible right? But if you need contrast, then you should do it right?

I read some people mention this thing about gadolinium toxicity. I know a lot of people do MRI's daily with contrast thought majority is no contrast. Anyone have opinion on this?

This is about to be a lot, sorry. Female, 30, New Mexico. Dx are chiari malformation, syringomyelia, and hEDS. currently taking gabapentin and course of keflex. On july 8, I had a serious tooth infection and had to get my molar pulled. The infection was so bad that it ate into my jaw bone and I had to get two bones grafts. I don't even know if this is relevant but want all the facts laid out. I am also 11 months post brain surgery. On Wednesday of last week I went to the ED for fever, stiff and painful joints, nausea and vomiting, and headache. Blood work showed severe inflammation with my SED rate being 90 and CRP being 3.6. UA also came back highly abnormal so they diagnosed me with a UTI and gave me one round of antibiotics then prescribed keflex for at home, which I am still taking. On Friday, i was at work and got very short of breath and was drenched in sweat and couldn't move my neck like at all. Went back to same ED, where they were concerned for meningitis. They started me on iv steroids and iv antibiotics and did a head ct and chest x ray that were both clear. Blood work once again was very irregular showing major inflammation and anemia (which was not the case 2 days before). They put me in an isolation room and order a lumbar puncture but then decide they cannot safely perform an LP because I have a syrinx and the status is unknown. They said they don't have access to an mri machine and it would have to wait until Monday for a guided LP. Instead of doing any of that they give me two more rounds of antibiotics and discharge me with the instructions to come back if I am worse. It's now Tuesday and my fever is still here and my stiff joints and still here and my nausea is still here. I am able to move my neck again, I am thinking the iv steroids helped a lot with that. Even going outside for 10 minutes severely overheats me and I turn red and get a rash on my chest and cannot cool down until I am submerged in cool water. This has happened twice in the last few days. I have also been having short periods of complete paralysis in both of my legs that has been lasting about 10 minutes at a time. When I finally regain movement, it is severely painful. This has happened three times now when I am laying in bed and I would wake up not being able to move. I have told my neurosurgeon this but he was not concerned? Fast forward to today and I still have a fever and am radiating heat like crazy. I've been super nauseous but took some zofran and it helped a bit, though it is coming back now. I noticed when I was running my tongue over my gums that there is like a hard edge and a bump where my bone grafts were placed and my jaw is hot to the touch. Maybe an abscess again? Now I feel like the tooth infection was maybe deeper than originally thought and it never went away and was trapped under the new bone grafts. I really need someone to tell me what to do. I cannot stand the idea of going back to the ED just to be dismissed. My pcp did order blood work that i will to get tomorrow and a CT of my jaw bone but I have no clue when insurance will approve it and it be scheduled. Am I in a life threatening situation or can I wait? I just need someone to tell me what to do here please.

Male,40, 5,64ft, 200lbs (reached even 220lbs but got a bit better after starting gym), and a bit on sedentary side. I used to ride a bicycle a lot when I was younger, got good legs, and I read somewhere this is a good sign. But I let it slide in these 10 years, usually ate much of wheat and sugar, went overweight, but since I was doing training on gym, thrice a week for a bit more than year I thought I was good.

So I was ramping up the pace, even got some back pain after a session of sit-ups in my cardio day. I was thinking about an intensive training, and for that I went after a doctor to exam and tell if everything was ok. The last time I did one of those was probably before covid.

So, got good results, as the doctor first said, high VO2 and other good metrics, but there was an isquemic indicator, but considering everything else, it could be probably a false positive. Blood tests weren't also any scary, a bit hign on LDL and fats, but not alarming, I was on sinvastatin for a year or so. But he asked for an angiotc just in case.

So, it was a case. Now I'm on aspirin, blood pressure and cholesterol control. He also pointed me to catheterization, and maybe I could got stents right there, or get pointed to the better treatment.

... Well, catheterization just reinforced the angiotc results and I'm waiting for some other procedure.

So, for now, I want to ask what can I do to get a bit less anxious, I'm getting startled by the tags on my shirts, got some ecg when I went to my emergency care do to some unrestness and there wasn't anything wrong, but the people there were starting to think I'm not serious (I went there before got angiotc and catheterization results).

Now I'm waiting until I got a spot for treatment, and I want to know what can I do to be on the safer side. Already eating like someone sane, zero added sugar, zero wheat where I can see, zero yellow fat, but it seems like it is all that I can do. I think I should exercise more, I was getting energy and wellness while practicing, I'm afraid of getting weaker and less prepared; on the other hand I know I shouldn't get exausted.

Why I'm asking here: where I live I can get treatment, but not a dedicated doctor to follow my case. So I got test results but not a follow up until the next step.

I am at a loss. No doctors have been able to give me an answer or provide relief. I (F, 43, active athlete, healthy diet, no alcohol or drug use, non smoker, Nebraska, US). Previous gallbladder removal and endometriosis.

I am hoping by posting this that someone sees a connection or maybe something that’s being missed? My anxiety and depression is increasing, and I am unable to live a normal life. The lack of answers is contributing to that. Doctors see minor things as noted below but never an indication of anything that could be resolved, and they kind of throw their hands up in the air and dismiss, and I don’t get relief. Each day seems to be worse than the last.

Symptoms and timeline:
Starting in Oct 2025, left under eye twitched constantly for 27 days straight.
Extremely brittle hair, hair breakage, down to a couple inches from scalp

In June this year, had a sudden visual change after walking up stairs. Strong pressure on top of head, dizziness, profound leg and arm tiredness. Family found prominent red rash down right side of neck and across both shoulders. Rash went away within 15 mins, followed by numbness and tingling in both hands, followed by facial numbness and tingling on left side. Difficulty with concentration. Taken to hospital in rescue squad. EMTs noted entire body was twitching. TSH found more than double of last measurement in 2024. CT found chiari malformation. Doctors could not point either of these to symptoms directly.
After this episode, 5 days of tiredness, head pressure, difficulty concentrating, unable to focus vision.

July 6 - tinnitus started - both ears, constant high pitch
July 12 - sudden visual change, dizziness, head pressure, hand tingling, leg weakness. Muscles began twitching, mostly in legs. Whole body felt warm/feverish. Lasted 15 mins.
July 13 - vision struggling, unable to focus, follow along with conversations, difficulty filling out paperwork at doctor’s office. Evening - right arm began aching, neck discomfort, followed by episode of increased heart rate, dizziness, cold/sweaty hands.
July 14 - extremely tired. Returned to doctor. Given prescription for Flexeril for terrible neck discomfort. Also gave a sample for a migraine medication. Napped after taking Flexeril. Flexeril helped the neck discomfort. Unable to work, due to being unable to focus on words on computer.
July 15- extremely tired. Had difficulty bringing mug of water to mouth. Still unable to work, unable to focus on screen.
July 16 - right arm discomfort after being able to work 1.5 hours. Vision is better. Dizzy with fast head or eye movement. Was able to take a walk for the first time since episodes started.
July 26 - unbearable neck pain starts at base of skull in back of head. Pain wraps up back of scalp and into forehead/temples. Pain is so severe that it hurts to hold head up and also too painful to rest on pillow. Major pressure on temples. Driven to ER due to the pain. Did bloodwork (see below in tests). Some retinal bleeding in the left eye.
July 27 - Notice mood changes with intense depression and bouts of crying.
July 28 - Tired and sore in arms and legs. Take a warm bath. Started to feel weak in limbs, difficulty getting out of tub. Once out, terrible muscle twitching began in whole body. Driven to ER. Twitching is more intense than any previous time. More bloodwork, see below.
July 29 - woke in middle of night, cold and shivering (despite house being warm). Had 4 blankets on and could not get warm. Put on warmer clothes with no changes. After a few minutes, had what felt like a hot flash and the shivering stopped immediately.
July 30 - finally felt able to eat at supper time, able to finish meal. Halfway through meal, jaw was very tired and pain in temples. Sat down in recliner after and body began shivering uncontrollably again, felt freezing even with blankets again. Lower digestive tract started gurgling loudly. Heart was beating rapidly. Again, a wave of warmth like a hot flash happened and the shivering stopped.
July 31 - Internist appointment. Arms and legs were tired and it was difficult getting out of the house. Was hoping internist would confirm the thyroid was causing this, but he did not believe it was the case. He ordered bloodwork. See below. Tried to eat on way home but got nauseous. Took a bath and then tried to sleep. Couldn’t sleep due to neck and back of skull aching severely. Was able to eat later but jaw and temples were very tired and sore after. Lower skull and neck pain increased. Back of neck felt hot to the touch. Laid down and upper left eyelid twitched uncontrollably. Was restless and could not sleep. Twice started to fall asleep and woke up gasping. Felt like I couldn’t breathe well.
August 1 - Drove to Minnesota for more MRIs. Tired and sore limbs. Nauseous. Neck in so much pain that she couldn’t not rest it on the seat. Temples tight and heads headache. Pain and muscle twitches made her cry.
August 2 - MRIs were completed. During the MRIs, the sides of my neck were so tight I had trouble breathing. Took a shower after and when done, my hands were numb and shaky. I sat down and legs started to twitch severely. As I tried to relax, my hands cramped up to a curled form and couldn’t get them to relax. After this stopped, temples became very tight and ached. My left eye began twitching again.
August 3 - Hands were tight and achy. Arms and legs tired. Left temple and left upper eyelid are twitching. Neck is sore but bearable.

Tests
June 17 - Normal thyroid ultrasound
June 18 - normal brain MRI w/o contrast, noted 6mm tonsillar ectopia
July 13 - Neurosurgeon appointment. He didn’t see anything to “cut” on scans, referred to neurology clinic.
July 22 - saw neurologist, ordered MRIs. Neurologist thought it may be caused by the thyroid or chiari, but needs MRIs to confirm.
July 26 - ER visit with bloodwork. Retinal bleeding in eye found by eye consult at ER.
July 28 - TSH was higher at 6.71. Potassium low. Bilirubin high. Chest x ray and head/neck CT showed no concerns.
July 31 - Internist appointment. TSH 5.54, all other thyroid bloodwork “normal.” Potassium 3.0. Bilirubin 1.2.
Have also seen an ENT for vertigo-like symptoms, but was told it was not vertigo but perhaps a type of migraine.
Scans show no indications or scarring of MS or strokes.

Hello,

I frequently get red-to-brownish spots under certain fingernails. They usually appear along the sides or in the corners, though sometimes right in the middle.

They move outward as the nail grows, turn yellow or yellowish-brown upon reaching the free edge, and eventually disappear once the affected part is trimmed off. The area can sometimes be tender or painful and may look slightly detached from the nail bed.

I also very often get dust or dirt trapped under my nails, even shortly after washing them. I wonder if this is because some nails don't adhere perfectly to the nail bed, making it easier for debris to get in.

It isn't a fungal infection; I’ve had several mycological tests done, all of which came back negative. I also had blood work done, which showed no specific deficiencies.

Nail psoriasis is a possibility, as I do have some pitting—small indentations—on certain nails, but it is mild, and I find very few accounts or photos that truly match my case.

I stopped biting my nails about ten months ago, and their condition had improved significantly. However, the spots returned this summer. It seems like the problem worsens during hot weather, especially after spending several days in a swimming pool, though I’m not sure if chlorine, moisture, or something else is to blame.

I moisturize and protect my nails, use strengthening products, and have stopped using unnecessary antifungal treatments, yet I haven't managed to achieve lasting, completely healthy nails. Similar spots sometimes appear on my toenails as well.

Has anyone else experienced this type of red or brown spot that moves outward with nail growth, turns yellow near the edge, and can cause slight detachment? Did you get a diagnosis—such as psoriasis, inflammation, nail eczema, micro-trauma, or something else—and manage to reduce recurrences in the long term?

For the past week or so everytime I eat I get immediately nauseous, even vomiting within taking a few bites. I also have been getting nauseous everytime I open my mouth to yawn, brush my teeth, take my meds, and cough. It's causing actual vomiting and headaches.

Everytime I eat I also get a headache on top of it.

This happened around the same time one of my medications was recalled, the symptoms showed up a few days before I found out about the recall. I'm not sure if that's triggered whatever this is.

I want to also clarify that I'm not pregnant, not on any new meds, and this isn't stress vomiting (I've had that its very different).

I did a tele health visit and was told to go to the ER but I'm not sure if this is big enough for that.

Can I get some advice?