[21F] With back pain and shortness of breath post-cleaning

What might be happening

Based on the symptoms you've described, here are some possible explanations:

Back Pain and Breathing Difficulty

1. Muscle Strain or Sprain: Given that your back pain started after deep cleaning, it's possible that you strained or sprained a muscle in your back. This can cause sharp or dull pain and may sometimes radiate to your legs. Muscle strain can also make it feel harder to breathe, especially if the muscles around your ribs are affected.

   • Typical Treatments: Rest, ice or heat application, over-the-counter pain relievers like ibuprofen, and gentle stretching exercises.

2. Costochondritis: This is an inflammation of the cartilage that connects a rib to the breastbone, which can cause sharp chest pain and make it feel hard to breathe.

   • Typical Treatments: Anti-inflammatory medications, rest, and avoiding activities that worsen the pain.

Chest Pain and Shortness of Breath

1. Gastroesophageal Reflux Disease (GERD): Your description of heartburn-like chest pain suggests that acid reflux could be contributing to your symptoms. GERD can cause chest pain and a sensation of shortness of breath.
   • Typical Treatments: Antacids, proton pump inhibitors, dietary changes, and avoiding foods that trigger reflux.

Stomach Pain and Menstrual Cramps

1. Dysmenorrhea: Since you started your period today and experience cramps, it's likely that your stomach pain is related to menstrual cramps.
   • Typical Treatments: Over-the-counter pain relievers like ibuprofen, heating pads, and rest.

Anxiety

1. Anxiety: Anxiety can exacerbate physical symptoms like shortness of breath and chest pain. It's important to manage your anxiety, especially since you're already on Zoloft.
   • Typical Treatments: Continue taking your prescribed medication, practice relaxation techniques, and consider talking to a mental health professional.

What you can do

Back Pain and Breathing Difficulty

• Rest: Avoid activities that worsen your pain.
• Ice/Heat: Apply ice for the first 48 hours, then switch to heat to help relax the muscles.
• Pain Relievers: Over-the-counter medications like ibuprofen can help reduce pain and inflammation.
• Gentle Stretching: Engage in gentle stretching exercises to help alleviate muscle tension.

Chest Pain and Shortness of Breath

• Dietary Changes: Avoid foods that trigger acid reflux, such as spicy foods, caffeine, and alcohol.
• Antacids: Consider taking over-the-counter antacids to relieve heartburn.
• Posture: Maintain good posture to reduce strain on your chest and back muscles.

Stomach Pain and Menstrual Cramps

• Pain Relievers: Over-the-counter medications like ibuprofen can help relieve menstrual cramps.
• Heat: Use a heating pad on your lower abdomen to ease cramps.
• Rest: Ensure you get plenty of rest during your period.

Anxiety

• Medication: Continue taking Zoloft as prescribed.
• Relaxation Techniques: Practice deep breathing exercises, meditation, or yoga to help manage anxiety.
• Symptom Tracking: Use MDandMe to journal your symptoms, track progress, get insights, and share longitudinal medical notes with your provider.

What you should look out for

Given the severity of some of your symptoms, you should seek medical care if you experience any of the following:

• Severe or worsening chest pain: Especially if it feels like pressure or is accompanied by other symptoms like sweating, nausea, or dizziness.
• Difficulty breathing: If your shortness of breath worsens or you feel like you can't catch your breath.
• Severe back pain: If the pain becomes unbearable or is accompanied by numbness or weakness in your legs.
• New or worsening symptoms: Any new or worsening symptoms should be evaluated by a healthcare professional.

Remember, while I can provide information and suggestions, it's important to consult with a healthcare professional for a formal diagnosis and appropriate treatment. If you have more questions or need further assistance, feel free to continue the conversation.