I’m not sure why I did it. I would normally never do something like that. I’m so scared. I’ve been suffering from some unexplained issues. Some of them reproductive, like cysts and menorhagia, some of them urinary, like getting a lot of UTIs (even if I take really good care of myself) which leads me to my newest problem. A week and a half ago, I started having pains again. I waited in case it was going to pass, and when it didn’t, I went to the hospital. I couldn’t go to the walk-in clinic because they’re only open during the hours that I work, so I went to the ER, which I hate doing but I didn’t have much of a choice, as missing work wasn’t an option (I work as a bus driver on a route that is hard to find coverage for) And because the pain was pretty bad, not to mention that I was so tired that I almost got into a car accident twice. I waited hours to see a doctor, and by the time I did it was late. Admittedly I could have left a little earlier, but I was so exhausted that it was hard to move, so I texted work that I would be at the hospital late and that I couldn’t be there the next morning. I was clear for a fever and any sign of an infection, but there was protein in my urine and high specific gravity, which has happened before (blood or proteins in the urine, medical professionals have blamed it on my period even when I wasn’t on my period). I also had a low anion gap. I explained to the doctor that I got UTIs quite frequently despite making positive changes to my lifestyle (I practice good hygiene, I work out, I eat well, I save sweets for the weekend, I don’t drink soda, I don’t drink alcohol, I don’t smoke anything anymore, I don’t take drugs, I even meditate and do yoga) and trying to lose weight. I also told the doctor about a time that it came up on an ultrasound that I had a “minor defect” in my kidney but it didn’t show up again, but that I struggled on and off with these issues and that sometimes I had high blood pressure that went away. I asked him what he thinks I should do, and he shrugged his shoulders and said even though I’m not showing a UTI in the test results, he’d treat me for one anyway by giving me an antibiotic and suggested I take anti-inflammatories. I asked him if he thought it was a good idea to put in a requisition for an ultrasound. He agreed and then repeated that he would do that after he retrieved my prescription. I sent the screenshots of the test results to my work. The next few days, I was so tired and in pain that I could barely get out of bed. My ex (who I still live with because he’s my baby’s father and I don’t make enough money to leave him yet) has been pissed at me a lot and I’ve barely even felt it nor reacted. I didn’t text work further, I didn’t call to update them either. They called me a couple times. I’m past my available amount of sick days and I still haven’t contacted my work. I have felt so tired and hopeless. I managed to contact that same doctor again since I didn’t hear back about the ultrasound, and he claims he never said he would send one in, and suggested I go to the walk-in clinic instead. I went somewhere else and I did get a referral for an ultrasound and am on a waitlist for a rheumatologist, which is something. But now I’m out of antibiotics, and I’m on my period (so I can’t do more urine tests for different antibiotics until after my period is over), and I’m still tired and in pain, not to mention that my chronic migraines have come back. I stopped showering, and it’s hard to eat. I don’t really care about much of anything anymore. It sounds like depression, so I think I’ll talk to my psychiatrist about it on Wednesday, but I’m so frustrated with myself. I know better than this. My job is stressful, but that’s life, and it’s not like I had any better options. I dropped out of high school (had a lot going on) and I can’t afford to go back. Trying to get anything decent is impossible without a degree. I’m good at writing, but there aren’t any jobs around here available for something like that, and even if they were, they’d require a college or university degree. Everything requires a post-secondary degree. I can’t afford to be throwing out a job like I did, and it’s not like I can go on disability if they don’t even know what’s wrong with me. I have no family or friend supports, no income, and no hope left. I’m not going to lie, thoughts of unaliving have come around, however I wouldn’t because if I failed there would be nobody to take care of me, and I don’t trust my kid’s dad to go a good enough job taking care of him on his own. However, I’m not a great example of a parent right now, which my ex likes to remind me of constantly. I don’t know what to do. It’s been more than a week since I called into my job and didn’t keep them posted. I’m out of sick days. I’m pretty sure they consider this abandonment. I don’t know what to do. I feel like I’m suffocating. If anyone has any advice, I’d appreciate it. I don’t need anyone telling me that I shouldn’t have done it, I know that perfectly well, and I have no idea why I did. I think I was just tired of being so stressed and letting everyone down all the time. I’m ashamed and embarrassed, and so very tired. I wish I could just write and get paid for it. I wish I could sit alone in my house for hours on end just writing and make a living off of that. It’s what I love to do, but I don’t have time for it and nobody is going to pay me for that. I don’t want anyone to yell at me anymore, at my work, nor at home. It always feels like I’m just trying to catch up and I’m exhausted. I think me doing this was just me trying to avoid all of it by crawling in a hole and sleeping it away, which isn’t realistic. I really need an actual reliable way to make money, but if I’m going to keep being sick all the time, and trying to adjust to workplaces I hate that make me barely any money at all and make me feel awful from the stress, that’s no way to live. Sometimes I have hope, despite the mess I’ve been living in, but I’m at the point where it feels like nothing matters anymore and maybe my son really would be better off without me in his life. It’s one thing for the universe to screw me over a thousand different ways, it’s another for me to screw myself over.

I have seen some doctors, and have some upcoming appointments, namely a rheumatology visit, but I don't think it's rheumatological due to seeing rheumatologists before. This is a second opinion, due to a referral from my gp.
As for general information, I am assigned female at birth, but male identified. I have been on testosterone for a few years now, have had a hysterectomy and have also already had top surgery (chest masculinization). I am 34 (will be 35 by the end of June). I am on numerous medications, they are:
Lamictal Seroquel Fluoxitine Hydrochlorathyazide Losartan Motegrity Dexilant Testosterone injections Dulera Qvar Albuterol as needed
Previous diagnoses are as follows:
PCOS (But not sure if that counts at this point)
GERD
Gastroperesis
Hypermobility
Bipolar
ADHD
Autism
Generalized Anxiety
Asthma
Allergies
Overall, the diagnosed conditions I have are nothing super serious as far as I know.
Anyway, here's what I know in regard to recent symptoms:
Starting in August of 2023, I developed a low grade fever for a week or so. The highest the fever got at this point was 101. At the time, I brushed it off as a run-of-the-mill bug. I did get tested for COVID-19, and was negative for it. Eventually, I started to get better. I assumed that this was indeed just a random bug. However, I continued to experience on and off fatigue for a while, and still do on and off.
About a month later, I was fairly certain I had recovered, but then suddenly one night, I woke up shaking with chills. I was shaking so much my muscles hurt, and no matter how many blankets I put on, I was still freezing. I was also extremely thirsty. I took my temperature, and while I don't remember the exact temperature, I remember it was over 101. The next morning, I woke up fine. This started to become a pattern. I would go periods of time with no fevers or any symptoms at all, followed by waking up mid sleep cycle (as in, literally halfway through a normal night sleep) with shaking chills and a high fever, which can go as high as 103.5, and is always gone by morning. The fevers ONLY follow that pattern. I don't get fevers during the day, they only happen when they wake me up.
I set up an appointment with my doctor, who ordered numerous tests. My blood counts were all normal, and my autoimmune tests were also normal. The only test showing anything abnormal was my C-Reactive Protein, which was 39. Normal, according to the chart (as in, the actual lab test credentials) is 0-9. I asked if maybe my result was still technically normal, since obviously sometimes people have a blood test that is slightly off, and freak out, but my doctor said this isn't normal. This is also a consistent issue. My C-Reactive Protein is ALWAYS high. Unfortunately, according to my doctor, this test is non-specific, so it's hard to say what's causing the inflammation. He still wanted to refer me to a rheumatologist, but that's not until July this year. I still have no idea why he insists I see a rheumatologist when my tests for those conditions were all negative, but I digress...
The pattern continues, but I seem to have developed more symptoms over time. For one, during the episodes of fevers, my skin becomes sensitive and painful. I also now sometimes have a cough and trouble breathing during the fevers, along with my heart racing. Sometimes I get sore throats before the fevers happen as well and/or I feel generally under the weather. I have also noticed that I have a chronically swollen lymph node under one armpit, confirmed by a doctor. The fevers seem to occur once a month, but I no longer have a period and I don't have the right hormones for that anymore either, so I don't think it's that. I was never that regular anyway even when I did have a uterus. I do NOT get night sweats. I just want to clarify that.
I have been tested for HIV, which was negative, along with other STIs. All were negative. I have also been tested for tuberculosis, which was negative as well.
I really am at a loss at this point. I don't know where to go or what to do.
If more info is needed, let me know, and I will make edits.

I have seen some doctors, and have some upcoming appointments, namely a rheumatology visit, but I don't think it's rheumatological due to seeing rheumatologists before. This is a second opinion, due to a referral from my gp.
As for general information, I am assigned female at birth, but male identified. I have been on testosterone for a few years now, have had a hysterectomy and have also already had top surgery (chest masculinization). I am 34 (will be 35 by the end of June). I am on numerous medications, they are:
Lamictal Seroquel Fluoxitine Hydrochlorathyazide Losartan Motegrity Dexilant Testosterone injections Dulera Qvar Albuterol as needed
Anyway, here's what I know:
Starting in August of 2023, I developed a low grade fever for a week or so. The highest the fever got at this point was 101. At the time, I brushed it off as a run-of-the-mill bug. I did get tested for COVID-19, and was negative for it. Eventually, I started to get better. I assumed that this was indeed just a random bug. However, I continued to experience on and off fatigue for a while.
About a month later, I was fairly certain I had recovered, but then suddenly one night, I woke up shaking with chills. I was shaking so much my muscles hurt, and no matter how many blankets I put on, I was still freezing. I was also extremely thirsty. I took my temperature, and while I don't remember the exact temperature, I remember it was over 101. The next morning, I woke up fine. This started to become a pattern. I would go periods of time with no fevers or any symptoms at all, followed by waking up mid sleep cycle (as in, literally halfway through a normal night sleep) with shaking chills and a high fever, which can go as high as 103.5, and is always gone by morning.
I set up an appointment with my doctor, who ordered numerous tests. My blood counts were all normal, and my autoimmune tests were also normal. The only test showing anything abnormal was my C-Reactive Protein, which was 39. Normal, according to the chart is 0-9. He still wanted to refer me to a rheumatologist, but that's not until July this year.
The pattern continues, but I seem to have developed more symptoms. For one, during the episodes of fevers, my skin becomes sensitive and painful. I also now sometimes have a cough and trouble breathing during the fevers, along with my heart racing. Sometimes I get sore throats before the fevers happen as well. I have also noticed that I have a chronically swollen lymph node under one armpit, confirmed by a doctor. The fevers seem to occur once a month, but I no longer have a period and I don't have the right hormones for that anymore either, so I don't think it's that.
I have been tested for HIV, which was negative, along with other STIs. All were negative. I have also been tested for tuberculosis, which was negative as well.
I really am at a loss at this point. I don't know where to go or what to do.

Common symptoms of cancer can vary depending on the type and location of the cancer, but some general symptoms include:
Fatigue: Feeling unusually tired or weak, even after rest.
Unexplained Weight Loss: Losing weight without trying can be a sign of various cancers.
Pain: Persistent pain in a particular area that doesn't go away with time.
Changes in Bowel or Bladder Habits: This can include persistent diarrhea, constipation, blood in the stool or urine, or changes in urination patterns.
Persistent Cough or Hoarseness: Especially if it lasts for more than a few weeks.
Difficulty Swallowing: This can indicate throat or esophageal cancer.
Changes in Moles or Skin Lesions: Any changes in size, shape, color, or texture of moles or skin lesions should be evaluated by a doctor.
Breast Changes: Such as a lump or thickening in the breast or changes in the nipple.
Persistent Fever or Night Sweats: Especially if they are unrelated to other conditions.
Difficulty Breathing: Shortness of breath or wheezing that doesn't improve with treatment.
Swelling or Enlargement of Lymph Nodes: Especially if they are painless and persist for more than two weeks.
Abdominal Pain or Bloating: Especially if it's accompanied by other digestive issues.
Changes in Appetite: Such as a loss of appetite or feeling full even after eating small amounts.
Bone Pain: Especially if it's severe or persistent.
Neurological Symptoms: Such as headaches, seizures, or changes in vision or speech.
It's important to remember that these symptoms can also be caused by conditions other than cancer. However, if you experience any of these symptoms, especially if they persist or worsen over time, it's important to consult a healthcare professional for proper evaluation and diagnosis. Early detection and treatment can greatly improve outcomes for many types of cancer.

i just started this med , like 3 days ago. in those last 3 days i didn’t notice any significant changes, but tonight i have a unexplained fever of 103. i otherwise don’t feel sick , expect for a headache that hasn’t gone away in those last 3 days . and my eyes have felt hot , which always happens when i get a fever . looking back they felt hot at least the last few days so i’m wondering if i had the fever this whole time. i don’t know what to do . i’m scared i have steven johnson syndrome

around 3/4 months ago I had an onset of lower back and pelvic pain, saw my doctor who did routine bloodwork (showed nothing) and suggested I see a chiropractor, which I did. My doctor essentially told me because i’m only 21 he “wasn’t worried” of making a big deal out of it. lol.
TLDR
For some more context on the pain/medical history I think maybe be applicable
-pain worsens when coughing -severe pain with any kind of bending or movement that puts the spine out of neutral position -pain/popping like sounds when walking -essentially unable to lift my legs off the ground when laying or seated due to pain -pain in the buttock radiating down the legs when seated
other symptoms that i’ve noticed since the onset of this- not sure if it’s due to the fact i’m in constant pain or related 😅
-extreme fatigue -loss of appetite -difficulty swallowing/eating in general -difficulty urinating -random episodes of fever over 100° (with no sickness) -nausea -rash on face/thighs
other things
I had several Lumbar Punctures and a blood patch around the area where the pain is the most severe around 8 years ago due to a condition that caused excess pressure in my skull
I have done several rounds of corticosteroids over the last 1.5 years due to unexplained anaphylactic like reactions (severe facial swelling and bodily rashes yet no airway symptoms)
as for family history, my biggest concerns are that things that MS, arthritis, lupus, and degenerative cartilage disorders run in my (very near) family
For the current dilemma - I had been seeing the chiropractor consistently with little to no improvement 2-3x weekly for over 2 months. Well, last Monday I woke up essentially unable to move. I went to the ER where they did a full lumbar MRI with and without contrast- which showed nothing. The doctor admitted some of my symptoms aside from the pain were concerning, but since the MRI showed nothing it was probably a muscle strain. Over the course of my stay there they tried tramadol, diludad, and muscle relaxers which all did absolutely nothing for the pain. The muscle relaxers they sent me home with (different kind) have been wholly ineffective too. My pain has hardly improved since and it is making doing even the most basic things that taking a shower so difficult. I’m trying not to feel discouraged or overtly paranoid here, but I really do think there’s a bigger problem here. I just don’t know how to move forward. And I suck at advocating for myself.
If anyone here has any advice about next steps for me to take, or has experienced similar issue and can offer advice I will be eternally grateful 😭🙏🏻

Dental implant infections occur when harmful bacteria colonize the tissues around the implant, leading to swelling and potentially further complications. Although rare, it’s important to recognize the warning signs and symptoms early to prevent additional oral health issues.

Signs of Dental Implant Infection

Swelling around the implant: One of the primary indicators of a dental implant infection is swelling around the implant site. If you notice persistent or excessive swelling, it is crucial to seek professional attention.
Changes in gum color: Healthy gums should have a pinkish hue. However, if you observe a change in the color of your gums, such as redness or darkening, it could be a sign of an infection.
Bleeding from the implant site: Unexplained bleeding or sensitivity around the implant area is a cause for concern. It may be an indication that an infection is present.
Looseness of the implant: A stable dental implant should not move or feel loose. If you experience any movement or looseness, it could be a sign of an underlying infection that has affected the implant’s stability.
Fever: In some cases, a dental implant infection may lead to the development of a fever. If you notice an unexplained rise in body temperature, it is important to consult a dental professional promptly.
Throbbing pain and discomfort: Dental implant infections can cause persistent pain that does not subside even with medication. If you experience throbbing pain around the implant site, it is essential to seek immediate attention.

Diagnosis and Treatment

If you suspect a dental implant infection, it is crucial to schedule an appointment with a qualified dental professional at Madison Dentistry & Implant Center. They will conduct a thorough examination, including X-rays, to assess the condition and determine the most appropriate treatment plan.

Treatment options may include

Mechanical cleaning: For early-stage infections, mechanical cleaning methods such as sub-mucosal debridement may be employed. This involves removing the contaminated material from around the implant using specialized tools and techniques.
Antibiotics: Depending on the severity of the infection, your dentist may prescribe localized or systemic antibiotics to combat the bacterial infection.
Surgical intervention: In more advanced cases, surgical procedures such as open-flap debridement may be necessary. This involves accessing the infected area by surgically opening the gum tissue to remove the infection and facilitate proper healing.

Preventing Dental Implant Infections

While dental implant infections can occur, there are steps you can take to minimize the risk:
Maintain excellent oral hygiene: Brushing your teeth at least twice a day, flossing regularly, and using an antimicrobial mouthwash can help reduce the buildup of harmful bacteria.
Follow aftercare instructions: After receiving dental implants, it is crucial to follow your dentist’s aftercare instructions meticulously. This may include avoiding certain foods, practicing gentle oral care, and attending regular check-ups.
Quit smoking: Smoking can significantly increase the risk of dental implant infections. If you smoke, consider quitting or reducing your tobacco use to promote better oral health.

Avoid waiting until the last minute. Make an appointment with one of Madison Dentistry & Implant Center skilled dentists today to take control of your dental health. Our staff will examine you, give you individualized treatment, and assist you in extending the life of your dental implants. Invest in your smile to reap the benefits of a healthier, more self-assured you. Reach out to us right now!

Hi everyone! I apologize for the long post, like the rest of you, I’ve had a bumpy ride with this thing and could use some encouragement and support ❤️. Horrible, debilitating fatigue started in 2018 after I had to get hospitalized for severe inflammation of my small intestine that we attributed to a stomach virus. I was never the same again though and had CONSTANT GI problems. I never really connected of it to that hospital stay though or what happened. The fatigue slowly got worse to where no matter how much I slept (which started turning into upwards of 18 hours a day when I could), I was falling asleep at work and almost behind the wheel. I would have to pull over multiple times during trips or risk crashing. My primary care kept saying I had depression and tried me on just about every antidepressant under the sun and tested me for all kinds of things. Antidepressants didn’t work and I just kept getting worse, then noticed I kept getting unexplained fevers starting in 2021, though I was told I might just have a bad immune system. Fast forward to 2023 and I had a new primary care and she tested my ANA levels and it came up borderline positive at 1:80, then referred me to rheumatology. I also can’t believe autoimmunity wasn’t considered before even by me because I have a strong family history of it. Mother has autoimmune hepatitis, maternal grandmother has lupus. My rheumatologist has been an absolute angel and listened to me right away. She also told me I had the classic “butterfly rash” characteristic of lupus and UCTD, so she diagnosed me with UCTD and put me on plaquenil. 5 months later I wasn’t getting better and actually started noticing I was getting worse. Now if I go in the sun, my joints will start hurting and swelling very bad. GI issues got much worse and ended up in the hospital with severe dehydration. She referred me to gastro because I tested positive for the genetic marker HLA-B27 and wondered if I was dealing with IBD. Endoscopy and colonoscopy found chronic benign inflammation of the stomach and small intestine, but biopsy showed it was of unknown origins and not Crohn’s or any type of IBD. I know connective tissue disease can imitate many things. But I’ve tested negative for every lupus and sjogren’s antibody, is it possible to still be in the early stages of those and test negative for those antibodies? Sorry for the long post. I just think you guys can understand best lol.

idk ever since i was a kid id have horrible unexplained stomach pains to the point of like crying or temper tantrums , right before school usally or during , drs couldn’t tell me what it was and my mom is a nurse , she never figured it out either. when i hit high school i noticed when things seemed to make me nervous i would have to throw up this would go on for months at a time every day. about a year ago i had a break up and i couldn’t eat for three days because my stomach hurt so bad , i couldn’t eat but i wanted to , its not like an eating disorder type of thing, i wanted to eat so bad i started break down crying,the past few days since i came home from a stressful year at college i haven’t been able to eat and ive been throwing up i even had a fever and chills a few nights in a row . my friends know i think more about this anxiety stress problem than i do because they keep making remarks about how it’s all in my head and that im stressed out but they don’t help or seem to care they just want me to stop complaining. idk what to do im so tired of shaking, having chills, being dizzy and nauseous all day long over silly things that idek how to fix or what they are , im so lost and i feel so horrible and hopeless idk what to do anymore i feel like nobody sees me

Hello, I haven't posted on here in forever but wanted to just to save anyone going through what I did. For the past few years I've been having loss of appetite, abdominal pain, fever, weight loss and more. I did a colonoscopy/endoscopy that didn't see any signs of IBD, although colonoscopy did find a precancerous polyp at age 21 so I'm thankful I got that. Endoscopy they took a biopsy which showed lack of enzymes so they thought I had CSID. I took supplemental enzymes but had symptoms continue so they tested me for SIBO. I had a slight positive for methane dominant SIBO, I took allicin and xifaxan which helped my bloating a lot. After treating the SIBO, I still had unexplained symptoms so they did a pillcam, well the pillcam didn't go as planned and got stuck in my small intestine due to what we now know is an inflammatory stricture. They had to perform emergency surgery to remove the obstructing pillcam and I was diagnosed. Now I am on steroids and next step looks like biologic therapy. Happy to answer any questions.

LO had second set of vaccines yesterday and ended up with a fever through the night. this mother instinct I had that I knew he wasn't feeling well even before I took the temp is amazing. but the thing that really gets me is the absolute love this baby has over me. all he wanted was to be cuddled up with me until the fever went down.
the last 2 months haven't been easy as a FTM but ill tell you this, it is completely worth it. every hour of everyday since I had him. this unexplainable love I have for this child is mindblowing. I would do it all again in a heartbeat.
I've experienced quite a number of loss the last 3 years, but I swear this child was sent to me for a reason and I'm finding out each reason, one by one, as the days pass.

Unfortunately, following a somewhat crowded outdoor event, I ended up getting COVID for the second time. This was definitely worst than the first time because it caused all sorts of GI symptoms. I was ok for a bit, but started to notice ll my food was digesting super slowly and it kept going downhill from there. Now I thought it was just gastroparesis, and I was suffering from severe weight loss as well, and bloodwork showed some high cholesterol, so my primary recommended an ultrasound, and after that that I see a gastroenterologist and a liver doctor as well to rule out anything else. Ultrasound showed mild fatty liver and sludge in the gallbladder.
Liver doctor was useless and dismissive. According to her, my GERD was managed by "weight loss" (it was not; it was managed by not fucking eating onions all the time mainly LMAO and reducing other triggers like tomato sauce and oddly and specifically, chocolate mousse). She also recommended I see a nutritionist, which considering I just said I could barely tolerate any food and wasn't eating and experiencing rapid unexplained weight loss what good would that do? Didn't bother doing a follow-up.
Gastroenterologist was my savior frankly. She listened for one, had me do an endoscopy just to make sure I had no other stomach issues (just mild gastritis and a hernia, which I knew about), and after getting all my ultrasound scans as well, recommended surgery after some more spasms, pain, and my symptoms just not improving and experiencing more food sensitivities and intolerances. I went to the ER because my pain was getting worse and I couldn't take it, ultrasound was done there only for the sludge to have completely vanished even though i still had pain, got sent home because why would they do anything extra even though my pain was almost 24/7, but you know, no fever = oh you're fine lol. The ER doctor did recommend additional scans though, so I went back to my gastro, who ordered a HIDA scan.
HIDA scan gave me the proof I needed; my gallbladder had an EF of 19%, and she recommended a surgeon to me, had my appointment with him, gave him all of my medical results, told him my symptoms, and he immediately explained to me how laparoscopic surgery would work and boom, surgery ended up getting scheduled for the next week, and I was his first one of the day. Got that done yesterday, and while the anesthesia had me super down and out for the count and peeing afterwards sucks and is very very slow and irritating, it still doesn't compare to the gallbladder pain; I had to stop eating dinner and was living off of cream of wheat and baby snacks up until the surgery, and even water triggered pain. Didn't have any gallstones, but it turns out my gallbladder was "partly intrahepatic" and inflamed and I had a short cystic duct, so it was probably a matter of time before it started fucking up, but COVID might have accelerated it since I never had issues prior to getting it the second time, and i see other people in the sub have had similar (the first time I got COVID, it just attacked my lungs mostly, also messed with my motor skills and I had a lot of fatigue and heat intolerance).
That's my story, and I'm sharing because maybe it'll help someone else who was just as lost as I am. It's absolutely shitty, and the US healthcare system is a nightmare especially when you're a femme person of color, and I will say I got very lucky with my gastro. Just gotta keep trucking along and keep fighting to see the light at the end of the tunnel, rooting for yall!
EDIT: oh forgot to mention that my period started the literal day of surgery, but it didn't seem to affect much and the nurses were very kind enough to offer me two pads and surgical underwear!

Whats up guys,
My name's Ryan. I've been an athlete my whole life and hardly ever have even gotten a cold or the flu. I eat super clean, hydrate adequately, sleep 7-8 hours a night, dont smoke or drink, etc.
I'm by no means a conspiracy theorist or an anti-vaxxer. I just want to share my experience with getting the vaccine and then being subsequently infected with the covid virus and the life altering impacts of it. Take what you want from it.
It was right after my second dose of the Pfizer vaccine that my whole life flipped upside down. The symptoms were almost sudden, I was weak, tired, my feet turned hot and red, my head was pounding 24/7, my heart felt like it was beating out of my chest and it was like I suddenly contracted social anxiety. Noises all seemed amplified 10x and I just wasn't feeling normal anymore. I ended up having to quit my job because I couldn't be on my feet for long periods of time anymore.
For context, I have always been a social butterfly. I get energy from organizing community and making new friends. I'm the first person to welcome a new person into a group or walk into a crowded room and befriend everyone. I was in college in south florida at the time and it was like my whole life flatlined and there were no resources to support me understand what was happening to my body. I ended up quitting my job, I dropped out of school and all the stress made my girlfriend and I break up.
I didn't know what to do anymore and was just ready to do anything to feel better again. I thought that perhaps getting out in nature for a while and into a cooler climate could help my symptoms. So I took a random job out west as an adventure coordinator but first I stopped in Breckenridge CO where I helped my buddy work on his new boutique hotel in exchange for a place to stay.
It was amazing how being in the high elevation and the cold weather alleviated my symptoms. I was finally able to work again. After being there for two months, I transitioned to a new job in SF where I was hoping to raise some money to purchase the company that way I could hire a manager to do a lot of the work and I could focus on organizing.
A month into working there after leading programs back to back, I noticed my symptoms came back with a vengance. Anytime I pushed my body and mind hard, these symptoms pushed back harder. I was also getting back in shape at the time because I was feeling good again and like i said guys, Ive always been an athlete, so when I get in the gym, I put in the work. Its so damn frustrating to not be able to move the way I know I can without the most insane post exertional fatigue.
The SF business deal fell through for various reasons and I was starting to struggle again with these unexplainable symptoms. I planned on returning to the east coast to regroup but was invited to LA to attend an Oscars party for Angel Bassett. I get there, have the time of my life and I catch Covid for the first time (that im aware of) and it just crushes me.
The acute illness was rough but it was the immediate after effects that were just baffling. My vision was becoming quite blurry and I couldnt stand up for longer than a minute without getting an insane head rush and my heart beating out my chest. I thought that maybe I was developing POTs. Shortly after I tested negative for Covid I was at a cafe working and I suddenly almost past out. I went to an urgent care and they put me on a steroid and gave me beta blockers (I didnt take them).
A few days into the steroid course and I felt like myself again but right as soon as I got off of them, I tanked. I could hardly walk anymore without feeling like I was going to lose consciousness. I had to catch a flight directly to Atlanta to be taken care of by my aunt whose a nurse.
One year later and here I am sitting in a cafe still struggling to get my life back. I writing to you all because I am tired of feeling like I'm screaming underwater. I'm 29, highly intelligent, highly skilled, have an amazing network, I love working, I love life and at this point I'm just feeling like a failure to launch. I was independent since 16 and have shamefully become financially dependent on my family again. I work for my money but I'm constantly reminded of how I am not living up to my full potential. The cognitive disonance is just destroying my mental health. I am dreaming of ripping up my birth certificate, my social security card and going to die alone in the remote wilderness and leave the world with a philosophical dissertation on how the modern world is failing its young people.
I desperately want to be reliably high functioning again and what I've always done to improve that is exercise but now that feels like a double edged sword these days. I have periods of amazing productivity followed by sudden crashes and the most insane symptoms which just make no sense to me. I need coffee just to get going but at the same time, I feel like it's overstimulating my nervous system.
I'm getting ready to do a cross country road trip from Atlanta to Banff and after I am considering trying to find some sort of peaceful job out in nature for the next year. I was recently offered 30% in my families real estate investing company and my body just cant handle anything high stress right now.
I've gotten my full blood panel done end of last year and I feel like I should go back and get new labs. Everything came back normal but my cholesterol was THROUGH the roof.
Total 292 HDL 50.1 LDL 230 Triglyceride 59.2
I had my heart monitored with a Zio patch and the cardiologist says my hearts normal - even though I've regularly experience heart palpitations/chest pain though not as frequently anymore.
One important fact I didnt mention is that I got Dengue fever in January 2020. I wonder if that has played a role in how my body reacted to covid and the vaccine?
What's your story? What have you done to make a comeback?
Thanks for reading!

Hi everyone!
Today, let's talk about inflammation markers. Inflammation is your body's way of fighting off things like infections or injuries. However, if it sticks around too long, it can be a sign of something more serious. Two important blood tests that check for inflammation are the CRP test and the ESR test. Let’s break down what these tests are, what they measure, and why they matter.

What is Inflammation?

Inflammation is how your body responds to things like infections or injuries. It helps to heal and protect your body. But if inflammation lasts too long, it can cause health problems.

Key Inflammation Markers:

1. CRP (C-Reactive Protein)

• What It Measures: CRP is a protein made by your liver when there's inflammation in your body.
• Normal Range: Less than 10 mg/L.
• High Levels Mean: High CRP levels mean there’s inflammation, which could be from an infection, arthritis, or other conditions.

2. ESR (Erythrocyte Sedimentation Rate)

• What It Measures: ESR measures how quickly red blood cells settle at the bottom of a test tube. Faster settling means more inflammation.
• Normal Range: 0-22 mm/hr for men and 0-29 mm/hr for women.
• High Levels Mean: High ESR levels mean there’s inflammation, which could be due to infections, autoimmune diseases, or other conditions.

Why These Tests Matter:

• Early Detection: These tests can catch inflammation early, even before you feel sick.
• Monitor Conditions: They help doctors keep track of chronic (long-term) diseases.
• Guide Treatment: High levels can help doctors figure out what’s wrong and how to treat it.

Conditions with High Inflammation Markers:

1. Infections: Like bacterial or viral infections.
2. Autoimmune Diseases: Conditions where your immune system attacks your own body, like rheumatoid arthritis.
3. Chronic Diseases: Long-term conditions like heart disease or diabetes.
4. Cancer: Some cancers can cause higher inflammation.
5. Injury and Surgery: These can temporarily raise inflammation levels.

Tips for Reducing Inflammation:

1. Healthy Diet: Eat lots of fruits, veggies, whole grains, and lean proteins. Avoid junk food and too much sugar.
2. Exercise Regularly: Stay active to help lower inflammation.
3. Healthy Weight: Keep a healthy weight to reduce inflammation.
4. Manage Stress: Try to relax with activities like meditation or yoga.
5. Avoid Smoking and Limit Alcohol: Both can increase inflammation.
6. Get Enough Sleep: Aim for 7-9 hours of sleep each night.

When to Get Tested:

• Symptoms: If you have unexplained fever, tiredness, joint pain, or swelling.
• Chronic Conditions: If you have a long-term inflammatory disease, get tested regularly.
• Check-Ups: Get tested during routine health check-ups if you have risk factors for chronic diseases.

Conclusion:

Understanding CRP and ESR tests can help you and your doctor spot and manage health issues early. Keeping inflammation in check with a healthy lifestyle can improve your overall health. If you have any questions or want to share your experiences with inflammation markers, leave a comment. Your story could help someone else.
Stay healthy and informed!

Blood cancer is also known as hematologic cancer. Most of the cancer starts in the bone marrow which is the centre of our bones. In the bone marrow stem cells develop three types of blood cells: red blood cells, white blood cells, or platelets. When abnormal cells grow out of control then blood cancer is made. It affects the production and function of blood cells. Normal blood cells fight against infection and carry oxygen through our body. It produces new blood cells and controls bleeding. Main three types of blood cancers there are:
Leukemia is the most common cancer in teenagers & children. It is caused by the fast production of abnormal white blood cells.
Lymphoma affects our lymphatic system which removes excess fluids and produces immune cells in our body.
Myeloma starts in the bone marrow and affects our plasma cells. It is white blood cells that make disease and infection-fighting antibodies in our body.
Blood Cancer Treatment in India
India has major advances in blood cancer treatment. There are quality treatment methods. There are many top-quality hospitals and hematologist surgeons for treating blood cancer. There are different types of treatments required for the patient's overall health. It may include chemotherapy, immunotherapy, stem cell/bone marrow transplantation, and radiotherapy as per the treatment plan.
Blood cancer differs by type and stage but generally, some symptoms include anemia, unexplained weight loss, bone and joint pain, swelling, persistent fever, lumps or swellings, frequent infections, etc.
Blood Cancer Treatment Cost in India
Blood cancer treatment in India could based on different factors, such as type of cancer and treatment plan, hospitalization, tests and diagnostic tools, speed of recovery, etc. The average cost of blood cancer treatment is 2,396 USD.
Best Blood Cancer Treatment Hospitals in India
Blood cancer is common nowadays. India has a lot of the best hospitals for blood cancer treatment. They give the latest protocols by world-class facilities. Some of the hospital's names are given below:
Global Hospital (Chennai)
Manipal Hospital (Delhi)
Jaslok Hospital (Mumbai)
Artemis Hospital (Gurgaon)
Max Hospital Saket (Delhi)
Medanta –The Medicity (Gurgaon)
Top Blood Cancer Treatment Doctor in India
The best blood cancer treatment doctors in India are well known for its good skills and years of expertise in this specialized field. These top doctors give the best blood cancer treatment to patients with hematologic diseases.
Dr. Rakesh Chopra (Director& Head of Medical Oncology)
Dr. Ashok Vaid.(PediatricHematologist & Oncologist)
Dr. Gaurav Kharya (Pediatric Hematologic-Oncologist)
Dr. Dharma Choudhary (Pediatric Hematologist & Medical Oncologist)
Dr. AmitaMahaja (Oncologist & Hematologist)
Dr. P Anoop (Assistant Proffesor & Hemato-Oncologist)
Dr. Rahul Bhargava. Specialty: Pediatric Oncology & BMT Specialist.
Al AfiyaMedi Tour is a leading medical tourism company in India. We offer medical tourism services such as finding the right doctor, the right hospital, and cost estimation for medical treatment in India for foreign patients. Some of the main countries are Bangladesh, South Africa, Egypt, Uganda, Zambia, Sudan, Dubai, Namibia, Iraq, Kenya, Saudi Arabia, Ethiopia, Nigeria, and so on. We provide free medical assistance for TURP surgery cost, lung cancer treatment, breast cancer treatment cost, stomach cancer treatment, arthroscopic surgery, bone marrow transplant cost, best liver transplant hospital, brain tumor surgery, cosmetic andplastic surgery, heart surgery, spine tumor surgery, cancer treatment cost, lung transplant, etc. If you are searching for free medical and healthcare consulting to find the best hospitals and top doctors and surgeons in India for any treatment then contact us- Alafiyameditour.com.
Source: https://alafiyameditour1.blogspot.com/2024/05/blood-cancer-treatment-in-india-for.html

Mast cell activation syndrome (MCAS) is the subject of heated debate. How are mast cell activation syndromes defined? Which diseases are included? What is the diagnosis and treatment of mast cell activation syndrome? Prof. Dr. Knut Brockow, Clinic and Polyclinic for Dermatology and Allergology at the Biederstein, Technical University of Munich answers these questions in an interview with MeinAllergiePortal.
Mast cell activation syndrome: The most important facts!
-The prototype of mast cell activation syndrome is recurrent anaphylaxis
-Other forms of idiopathic mast cell activation syndrome are being sought; however, there are mainly symptom descriptions where the diagnosis cannot be made
-Clinical suspicion of MCAS is based on recurring allergy-like symptoms on the skin, nose, respiratory tract, gastrointestinal tract and circulation
-The diagnosis of MCAS is made according to recognized international criteria based on three criteria
-MCAS is often suspected even when symptoms are inappropriate and the diagnosis is unclear; the suspicion is then not helpful for patients
-The same medications are used to treat MCAS as are used to treat allergies, in particular antihistamines and cromoglicic acid
Prof. Brockow, what kind of disease is MCAS?
Mast cell activation syndrome is not an established diagnosis, but rather a concept. Historically, this concept arose because an increasing number of patients came to the doctor's office with complaints that gave the impression of having been triggered by mast cells. These patients sometimes showed symptoms similar to those of allergic reactions, anaphylaxis or mastocytosis, but a clear diagnosis for these diseases could not be made. Nevertheless, it was suspected that there could at least be a connection with mast cell diseases. Unfortunately, the term MCAS created more uncertainty than understanding. This is because MCAS is now thrown around as a diagnosis for many patients with many symptoms and an unclear diagnosis. This is not helpful for patients and fuels short-term hope of diagnosis and cure, which cannot be fulfilled later.
Is MCAS an autoimmune disease?
No, in autoimmune diseases mast cells are not primarily involved and not as lead cells, but lymphocytes that attack the body's own structures, in some cases by forming antibodies.
Is there a connection between mast cell activation syndrome and autoimmune diseases?
No, there is no known connection between MCAS and autoimmune diseases. It has also been claimed by specific authors that other diseases, such as Ehlers-Danlos syndrome, postural orthostatic tachycardia syndrome (POTS) and myalgic encephalomyelitis/chronic fatigue syndrome (ME/CFS) are related to mast cell activation syndrome. However, there are no good arguments for this. Unfortunately, such claims are easy to make and difficult to refute.
What is the cause of mast cell activation syndrome?
Mast cell activation syndrome is actually more of a symptom description than a diagnosis in its own right. Mast cell activation syndrome is fully applicable to recurrent anaphylaxis (severe allergic reactions in several organ systems such as the skin, respiratory tract, digestive tract and circulatory system), for example due to insect bites. All the criteria for mast cell activation syndrome are met here. Severe allergic reactions are the most common cause of MCAS. However, although the term MCAS is correct in this context, it does not provide any additional information, as patients with such events are better described as patients with a diagnosis of anaphylaxis or allergy, and the term MCAS is somewhat confusing.
Is mast cell activation syndrome genetic?
MCAS itself is not genetic, but patients with the genetic disease mastocytosis often suffer from anaphylaxis, particularly to insect venom, and therefore MCAS. In addition, it is currently being investigated whether people with genetically determined hereditary alpha-tryptasemia suffer more frequently from MCAS.
How did the term mast cell activation syndrome come about?
There were many patients without a clear diagnosis, some of whom predominantly showed the symptoms typical of mast cell diseases. Accordingly, the experts dealing with mast cell diseases saw the need to develop a concept that took into account the “undiagnosable” symptoms of the patients. In the course of this, the terms “mast cell activation” and “mast cell activation syndrome” were defined. In addition, an attempt was made to sort all mast cell diseases into a classification with regard to mast cell activation. However, the difficulty in classifying these complaints is that many of the complaints described by patients are subjective, relatively non-specific and can be both organic and psychosomatic.
How have you defined mast cell diseases and which diseases do they include?
Mast cell diseases are defined as recurring chronic symptoms that are compatible with mast cell activation.
Mast cell activation is classified on the basis of three criteria:
Recurrent typical clinical symptoms in at least two organ systems
An increase in mast cell mediators can be detected in the blood, most frequently by determining the serum tryptase level during an acute attack
Good response of symptoms to anti-mast cell mediator-directed therapy, especially H1 antihistamines
What types of mast cell disease are there?
The classification of mast cell diseases associated with mast cell activation syndromes defines three groups:
1. primary mast cell activation syndrome
Primary mast cell activation syndrome is explained by a clonal expansion of mutated overactive mast cells. It manifests as systemic or cutaneous mastocytosis. If these criteria are not completely fulfilled, but clonal mast cells have been detected, it is referred to as monoclonal mast cell activation syndrome.
2 Secondary mast cell activation syndrome
Secondary mast cell activation syndrome is present when clear triggers of mast cell activation are known. There are established terms for secondary mast cell activation syndrome that we are more familiar with, such as “anaphylaxis” to a known trigger. The classification in the second group of mast cell diseases is therefore merely a reclassification. Examples of mast cell activation are physical urticaria or cold urticaria. Allergies such as pollen allergies are also secondary mast cell activations, as hay fever also causes symptoms typical of mast cell diseases. In pollen allergies, mast cell mediators are found in the blood serum and drugs directed against mast cells have a good effect. If the symptoms recur in several organ systems, this is referred to as mast cell activation syndrome.
3. tertiary or idiopathic mast cell activation syndrome
Tertiary or idiopathic mast cell activation syndrome refers to mast cell diseases whose triggers are unknown. This group would include, for example, chronic spontaneous urticaria, which has additional symptoms in other organs. Here we know that mast cells are activated, but not by what. This group of idiopathic mast cell activation syndromes would also include patients with as yet undescribed clinical pictures who do not fulfill the diagnostic criteria of known mast cell diseases, e.g. allergy, anaphylaxis, but in whom the disease is triggered by mast cells. In these patients, however, the connection between the symptoms and the activities of the mast cells must be proven.
Does this mean that tertiary or idiopathic mast cell activation syndrome is a diagnosis of exclusion?
Idiopathic mast cell activation syndrome can be described as a diagnosis of exclusion insofar as the prerequisite for the diagnosis is that there is no other disease causing the symptoms. However, the symptoms described are often very, very unspecific and could also be caused by a variety of other diseases. However, there are the three criteria for mast cell activation syndrome already mentioned. If these are not all fulfilled, this diagnosis cannot be made.
How common is mast cell activation syndrome?
Anaphylaxis and severe recurrent allergies are not uncommon and represent the vast majority of appropriate cases for MCAS. In addition, mastocytosis patients often have multiple anaphylaxis and therefore also MCAS. However, our initial idea of finding a new disease, idiopathic mast cell activation syndrome, has not yet been confirmed. There are many patients with many symptoms for whom a clear organic diagnosis cannot yet be made. However, it is almost never possible to prove that a defect in the mast cells is primarily responsible for the symptoms. Many of these patients describe symptoms that could fit, and in some patients anti-allergic drugs also have a positive effect. But in only very few patients can an increase in mast cell mediators be detected during an acute attack. I now believe that somatic stress disorders could play a significant role in many of the patients examined.
Histamine intolerance is also a diagnosis of exclusion, is there a connection with mast cell activation syndrome?
Histamine intolerance can cause similar symptoms, but is not a mast cell disorder and has nothing to do with MCAS. When mast cells are activated, the messenger substance histamine is released, which in turn can cause symptoms. In histamine intolerance, the mast cell is not activated - it is not involved in any way. Rather, histamine intolerance describes patients with an increased sensitivity to histamine, which is supplied, for example, via the diet. This can lead to similar symptoms, but in contrast to mast cell activation syndrome, histamine intolerance has a clear trigger, histamine. As a result, the symptoms occur after eating histamine-rich foods, but disappear again if the patient follows a low-histamine diet. A test is also available to diagnose histamine intolerance.
So there are also patients with suspected mast cell activation syndrome who cannot be assigned to a classification group, even though they have corresponding symptoms?
There are many patients in whom no mast cell activation syndrome can be detected despite suspicion. They do not fit into one of the three groups. However, this also used to include monoclonal mast cell activation syndrome. These patients showed anaphylaxis and a KIT mutation, but not the full criteria for mastocytosis. In the meantime, a separate disease diagnosis has been created for these patients. The independent accepted disease of these patients therefore lies between mastocytosis and normal findings.
We thought that there might be other forms of idiopathic MCAS with clinical pictures that have not yet been described. However, this is not supported by the findings to date. There are patients who show symptoms but do not meet the necessary criteria for idiopathic mast cell activation syndrome. In these patients, the diagnosis remains unclear. In how many of these patients functional physical complaints play a role still needs to be investigated.
Are there risk factors that favor mast cell activation syndrome?
There are hardly any recognized studies on this. In a study conducted by Cem Akin in the USA, patients were examined who met the three criteria for idiopathic mast cell activation syndrome. They had the right symptoms, there was an increase in mediators and their symptoms improved with treatment. It was shown that many of these patients suffered from urticaria factitia, a scratch-induced urticaria, abdominal pain and flushing.
Recently, a genetic trait was discovered, hereditary alpha-tryptasemia with elevated basal serum tryptase levels. In patients with this trait and insect venom allergy, the severity of the allergic reaction appears to be increased. It is also discussed that the frequency of mast cell activation syndrome is increased in patients with this genetic trait. However, the published studies are not yet unanimous in this respect.
What symptoms can occur with MCAS?
The following symptoms could be signs of mast cell activation syndrome:
MCAS symptoms on the skin:
Appearance of sudden intense redness (flushing)
itching
wheal formation
Deep wheal formation (angioedema or Quincke's edema)
MCAS symptoms on the nose:
Nasal congestion
Nasal itching
MCAS symptoms in the airways:
Swelling of the upper airways
Wheezing
Shortness of breath
MCAS symptoms of the digestive tract:
Vomiting
abdominal pain
diarrhea
Systemic MCAS symptoms:
Syncope - where you suddenly lose consciousness, but only for a short time
Sudden drop in blood pressure
Allergic shock
These symptoms can occur together or individually. In principle, symptoms must occur in two or more organ systems for MCAS. These symptoms, together with the typical skin changes and anaphylaxis, are also typical of mastocytosis.
Are muscle pain and hair loss also symptoms of MCAS?
No, why would anyone think that these symptoms are primarily caused by a malfunction of mast cells? Mast cells are not important cells for muscle pain and hair loss.
How is MCAS diagnosed?
MCAS is a diagnosis of exclusion, i.e. there is no mast cell activation syndrome test. However, this does not mean that all other diseases must be ruled out before a diagnosis of MCAS can be made.
When testing directly for mast cell activation syndrome, three criteria would be examined, all of which must be met, not just two:
First, there must be a matching of symptoms to see if the above symptoms are leading, recurrent and occur in at least two organ systems.
Is there a substantial or complete improvement in the clinical symptoms when taking anti-allergic medication, antihistamines or cromoglicic acid? Then this criterion would apply.
The blood levels of tryptase in the serum can now be examined at two different points in time. This would check whether there is an increase in mast cell mediators or tryptase in the blood serum in a highly symptomatic phase or during a seizure compared to a time when there are no symptoms.
What does the tryptase level in the blood mean in the diagnosis of mast cell activation syndrome?
If the mast cell mediator tryptase rises by 20 percent of the basal value, i.e. the initial value, + 2 ng/ml during such an episode, the diagnosis of mast cell activation syndrome has been made without the need to rule out other diseases beforehand. However, taking blood samples to determine the tryptase levels is very time-consuming, because a blood sample should be taken in the normal state and then another blood sample should be taken during a seizure or a highly symptomatic episode. This means that the patient must see a doctor in good time for a blood test during the acute phase. If these tests are negative, mast cell activation syndrome cannot be confirmed.
Elevated tryptase levels also play a role in anaphylaxis, is there a connection with mast cell activation syndrome?
Anaphylaxis is an extremely strong mast cell activation, the “prototype” of mast cell activation, so to speak. The tryptase level rises, so that it is considered an indicator of anaphylaxis. Here too, the basal value is measured and compared with the value during an episode. The relevant factor is the resulting increase in the tryptase value. The therapy against mast cells is effective in this case. In this respect, anaphylaxis is the classic form of mast cell activation syndrome.
The tryptase value also plays a role in the diagnosis of mastocytosis, what are the correlations here?
Mastocytosis patients also have an elevated baseline tryptase level. This is therefore an indication of mastocytosis and an indication for a final diagnosis by means of a bone marrow biopsy. However, there is also a mastocytosis-independent correlation between tryptase and anaphylaxis. People who have a higher number of mast cells often develop more severe anaphylaxis than people with fewer mast cells. The tryptase basal value is therefore considered a kind of indicator for the total mast cells in the body. For example, insect venom anaphylactic patients with elevated basal mast cell tryptase levels in the blood are at increased risk of severe anaphylaxis.
What can be done against MCAS and which medications help?
The aim of treatment for mast cell activation syndrome is to slow down the effect of the overactivated mast cells and to calm the mast cells. In particular, the avoidance of allergic triggers is available for this purpose.
Histamine receptor blockers are tried as medication to block the effects of mast cell activation by histamine. Mast cell stabilizers or blockers of mast cell release, cromoglicic acid, can also calm the mast cells. Cromoglicic acid is also used in mastocytosis patients. It is important to know that the use of cromoglicic acid is not advisable if the attack has already run its course. On the other hand, many patients achieve a significant improvement in symptoms if cromoglicic acid is taken continuously as a preventive measure and in a sufficiently high dose. This has also been shown to be the case with antihistamines.
Another option would be leukotriene receptor antagonists and corticosteroids in the short term, but never over a longer period of time.
Unfortunately, many patients with previously unexplained complaints are given a suspected diagnosis of MCAS in the hope that this knowledge will lead to better treatment or perhaps a cure. However, apart from the drugs mentioned, which can also be used on a trial basis in cases of suspected MCAS, there are no other useful drugs available. In this respect, the suspicion of MCAS unfortunately does not offer patients any additional treatment options.
Are there foods that activate or deactivate mast cells?
No such foods are known in humans. Of course, it is possible to bombard mast cells in a test tube with high concentrations of food and measure whether the natural activation of mast cells is increased or reduced. However, such tests are generally not meaningful for humans when consumed.
Can naturopathy help with mast cell activation syndrome?
I don't know how it could help. Naturopathy is the attempt to achieve a positive effect through naturally occurring active substances. Is the avoidance of allergens in our natural environment already naturopathy?
Could certain vitamins, for example vitamin C, be beneficial for MCAS?
This is claimed by a few doctors without any convincing results. Vitamin C is also said to help against seasickness. After all, vitamin C, taken in normal amounts, is not harmful and is beneficial. Sometimes the conviction that a substance is good for you also helps. That's why the experiment doesn't bother me.
Is it possible to prevent mast cell activation syndrome?
Yes, by avoiding MCAS with a known trigger. This is the case with allergies. In the case of allergies and recurrent anaphylaxis as a form of MCAS, omalizumab, an antibody against immunoglobulin E, can also be used in individual patients.
Prof. Brockow, thank you very much for this interview!
https://www.mein-allergie-portal.com/mastozytose-mastzellaktivierungssyndrom-mcas/925-idiopathisches-mastzellenaktivierungssyndrom-ein-neues-krankheitsbild.html

I've been dealing with chronic fevers since I was about 9 years old and I'm now 21 and doctors just won't bother checking why anymore. I get fevers that are anything from 38°C to 40°C and I feel very weak and exhausted like you do when you're sick and have a fever. Exercising makes them worse and I find myself almost always having fevers. My episodes can last from a couple of hours to weeks on end and I usually don't go a single week without a fever episode. I got told it would go away with age but it hasn't and have almost gotten worse with age. Last year I had a fever everyday for over 6 months and still no answers and doctors won't take it seriously cause I'm not dying. It's not synced up with my menstrual cycle (many doctors ask this) and seems to be very random I'm not sure what triggers it. Does anyone know why I might be getting these? I've been diagnosed with hypermobile Ehlers-Danlos syndrom and I didn't get that much information. Sorry for a long post.

I have secondary unexplained infertility, no male factor issues. I have done 4 IUI's now but each IUI has had some type of issue that happened.
IUI #1 – thin lining because of repetitive use of clomid. Was on vaginal estrogen to thicken lining but by the time I got to my clinics minimum, my follicles got too big but still proceeded.
IUI #2 – thin lining again barely got to my clinics minimum of 6 (6.1) and not trilaminar. Had to trigger because I started to ovulate on my own.
IUI #3 – on letrozole now, had 1 or 2 good follicles and lining got to 8! However 2 weeks before IUI my house got the flu and my husbands sperm count was only 3 million at time of IUI because of his high fevers
IUI #4 – on letrozole again, had 1 dominant follicle of 22 at IUI and lining was 8 mm and really good trilaminar pattern. My husbands count went up to 36 million but only 27% motility (likely still recovering from being sick). At my baseline for this IUI cycle, I had a 10 mm cyst so I'm wondering if that 22 mm follicle was the cyst? The ultrasound tech didn't think so.
My question is, should I continue trying IUI since each one has presented with a problem? The first 2 IUI's, the issues were me. The second 2 were my husband. Wondering if I should give it 1-2 more tries to see if my husband's motility recovers, now that my lining issues have resolved since switching from clomid to letrozole.
(We have a quote for IVF, we are very fortunate that we have insurance coverage so it's pretty reasonable. However, we don't pay anything out of pocket for IUIs other than $25 for the trigger shot.)

I have secondary unexplained infertility, no male factor issues. I have done 4 IUI's now but each IUI has had some type of issue that happened.
IUI #1 – thin lining because of repetitive use of clomid. Was on vaginal estrogen to thicken lining but by the time I got to my clinics minimum, my follicles got too big but still proceeded.
IUI #2 – thin lining again barely got to my clinics minimum of 6 (6.1) and not trilaminar. Had to trigger because I started to ovulate on my own.
IUI #3 – on letrozole now, had 1 or 2 good follicles and lining got to 8! However 2 weeks before IUI my house got the flu and my husbands sperm count was only 3 million at time of IUI because of his high fevers
IUI #4 – on letrozole again, had 1 dominant follicle of 22 at IUI and lining was 8 mm and really good trilaminar pattern. My husbands count went up to 36 million but only 27% motility (likely still recovering from being sick). At my baseline for this IUI cycle, I had a 10 mm cyst so I'm wondering if that 22 mm follicle was the cyst? The ultrasound tech didn't think so.
My question is, should I continue trying IUI since each one has presented with a problem? The first 2 IUI's, the issues were me. The second 2 were my husband. Wondering if I should give it 1-2 more tries to see if my husband's motility recovers, now that my lining issues have resolved since switching from clomid to letrozole.
(We have a quote for IVF, we are very fortunate that we have insurance coverage so it's pretty reasonable. However, we don't pay anything out of pocket for IUIs other than $25 for the trigger shot.)

Hi, think I need to let off some steam where people will understand me. I have pretty severe fibro, to the point where I have to use a wheelchair for most outings. It's barely been manageable, but I'm surviving. Waiting for some personal assistant applications to go through. Over the last few days I've had an extremely nasty flare. You know when you have the flu or something similar, and you get a fever that makes your whole body ache at the slightest touch or movement? It feels like that, just without a temperature. My whole body is sore and even just my cat's fur brushing against my skin hurts. I've had a dull headache for days and I've been utterly exhausted. This flare up has been so painful that I keep worrying something is deeply wrong, even though its all symptoms I've had before and am used to. I have no idea what the trigger was. There was a heatwave, so maybe it's that? I do not handle heat well at all. I get random pains radiating down my limbs with no discernable trigger. I havent eaten a lot over this flare up because i havent got any clean dishes, so ive been living off snacks. Normally when my pain gets this bad I order food delivery, but I'm broke right now because British gas decided to fuck me over. Im only on UC and PIP so im basically at the mercy of the government here. Fibro feels like a curse. It doesn't make any sense. I am just cursed with unexplainable extreme pain and fatigue every day of my life and I hate it. I can't do anything I want to do. Can't study, can't work, can't exercise, can't even go for a walk without feeling faint. all I do is sleep, eat, make sure my pets are cared for and do extremely sedentary activities like crochet, videogames and watching YouTube. It's really dull.
Please don't give any advice like "have you tried exercise/yoga/mindfulness?" I promise I have been living with this illness long enough that I know what does and doesn't work for me, I am not posting here to get unsolicited advice on how to make fibro go away, especially since my doctors have already brought these things up themselves. I am just looking for support from people who understand what I am going through. (I have to put this, because I've been harassed on this sub before because I told someone I didn't want their advice. They ended up telling me I was faking my illness entirely.)