[39F] With severe dizziness, diarrhea, and chest pain

What might be happening

Based on the symptoms you've described, several potential diagnoses could explain your condition. Here are the most likely ones:

1. Gastroenteritis

• Rationale: Your sudden onset of diarrhea, abdominal pain, and inability to keep fluids down are classic symptoms of gastroenteritis, which is an inflammation of the stomach and intestines. This can be caused by viral, bacterial, or parasitic infections.
• Typical Treatments/Testing: Treatment usually involves staying hydrated, rest, and sometimes medications to control symptoms. In severe cases, IV fluids may be necessary. Stool tests can help identify the specific cause.

2. Dehydration

• Rationale: Given your inability to keep fluids down and the frequency of diarrhea, dehydration is a significant concern. Symptoms like dizziness, weakness, and dark urine are common in dehydration.
• Typical Treatments/Testing: Rehydration is key, either orally or through IV fluids. Blood tests can assess the severity of dehydration and electrolyte imbalances.

3. Anemia

• Rationale: Your history of anemia and symptoms like fatigue, weakness, and dizziness could indicate that your anemia has worsened or recurred.
• Typical Treatments/Testing: Blood tests to check hemoglobin levels and iron studies. Treatment may involve iron supplements or other medications.

4. Cardiac Issues

• Rationale: Your chest pain, rapid heart rate, and feeling of your heart not beating right could indicate a cardiac issue, such as arrhythmia or other heart conditions.
• Typical Treatments/Testing: An ECG, blood tests, and possibly a referral to a cardiologist for further evaluation.

5. Mental Health Conditions

• Rationale: Your history of bipolar disorder, depression, and anxiety, along with symptoms like irritability, brain fog, and severe headaches, suggest that your mental health conditions may be contributing to your overall feeling of unwellness.
• Typical Treatments/Testing: Consultation with a mental health professional for medication management and therapy.

What you can do

Immediate Steps

1. Hydration: Try to sip small amounts of water or an oral rehydration solution frequently. Avoid large amounts at once, which might worsen your diarrhea.
2. Rest: Rest as much as possible to help your body recover.
3. Seek Medical Attention: Given the severity of your symptoms, especially the chest pain and inability to keep fluids down, you should seek medical attention as soon as possible. Go to the emergency department if necessary.

Managing Symptoms at Home

1. For Diarrhea and Abdominal Pain:

   • Avoid solid foods for a few hours and then gradually reintroduce bland foods like bananas, rice, applesauce, and toast (the BRAT diet).
   • Avoid dairy, caffeine, alcohol, and fatty or spicy foods.
   • Use over-the-counter anti-diarrheal medications like loperamide (Imodium) if recommended by a healthcare provider.

2. For Dizziness and Weakness:

   • Sit or lie down immediately if you feel dizzy to prevent falls.
   • Avoid sudden movements and get up slowly from sitting or lying positions.

3. For Headaches:

   • Use over-the-counter pain relievers like Tylenol (acetaminophen) or ibuprofen, but avoid overuse.
   • Rest in a dark, quiet room and apply a cool compress to your forehead.

4. For Chest Pain:

   • Practice deep breathing exercises to help calm yourself.
   • Avoid strenuous activities until you have been evaluated by a healthcare provider.

Long-Term Management

• Track Symptoms: Use MDandMe to journal your symptoms, track progress, and get insights. This can help you and your healthcare provider understand your condition better.
• Follow-Up: Schedule follow-up appointments with your healthcare providers to address ongoing issues like anemia, mental health conditions, and any new symptoms.

What you should look out for

Given the severity of your symptoms and the potential for serious underlying conditions, you should seek medical care as soon as possible. Reasons to seek care even more urgently include:

• Persistent or worsening chest pain
• Severe dehydration symptoms like not urinating, very dark urine, or feeling faint
• Severe abdominal pain or blood in your stool
• Severe headache or changes in vision
• Any new or worsening symptoms

Remember, while I can provide information and suggestions, it's crucial to consult with a healthcare professional for a formal diagnosis and appropriate treatment. Take care, Ashley.