[19F] Experiencing back pain, nausea, and irregular menstrual cycles

What might be happening

Based on your symptoms, here are some possibilities:

1. Musculoskeletal Pain: Your upper back and chest pain could be related to muscle strain or tension, especially if there's no specific injury. This can sometimes occur with poor posture or stress.

2. Gastroesophageal Reflux Disease (GERD): The combination of chest pain, nausea, and heartburn-like symptoms could suggest GERD, where stomach acid irritates the esophagus. This can also lead to nausea, especially after eating.

3. Hormonal Changes or Menstrual Irregularities: The brown discharge and irregular periods with blood clots might be related to hormonal imbalances or changes in your menstrual cycle. Ovarian cysts can sometimes contribute to these symptoms.

4. Kidney or Urinary Tract Issues: Given your history of UTIs and kidney stones, it's important to consider these as potential contributors to your symptoms, although they may not directly explain all of them.

Typical treatments or testing might include:

• For musculoskeletal pain, rest, heat or cold therapy, and over-the-counter pain relief.
• For GERD, lifestyle changes such as diet modification, avoiding triggers, and possibly antacids or other medications.
• For menstrual irregularities, a healthcare provider might suggest hormonal evaluations or imaging studies like an ultrasound.

What you can do

Nausea and Back Pain:

• Try to eat smaller, more frequent meals to help manage nausea.
• Avoid foods that are spicy, acidic, or high in fat, as they can worsen GERD symptoms.
• Consider using a heating pad on your back to help relieve muscle tension.
• Over-the-counter medications like antacids may help with nausea related to acid reflux.

Brown Discharge and Menstrual Irregularities:

• Keep track of your menstrual cycle and any changes in discharge using a journal or an app like MDandMe. This can help your healthcare provider identify patterns or triggers.
• If the discharge persists or is accompanied by a strong odor or discomfort, consider seeing a healthcare provider for further evaluation.

General Health:

• Stay hydrated, especially if you're experiencing nausea.
• Engage in gentle physical activity, like walking, to help with overall well-being and stress reduction.

What you should look out for

• If your chest pain becomes severe, is accompanied by shortness of breath, or radiates to your arm or jaw, seek medical attention immediately, as these could be signs of a more serious condition.
• If you experience severe abdominal pain, fever, or a significant increase in discharge, it would be wise to consult a healthcare provider.
• Monitor your weight and appetite changes, and if they continue, discuss them with a healthcare provider.

Remember, while this information can be helpful, it's important to consult with a healthcare professional for a formal diagnosis and treatment plan. If you have more questions or need further assistance, feel free to reach out.