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Suffer Severe Hair Fall. Have Severe Pain Beneath Breast, Alongside Her Ribs,and Armpits, With Small Nodes. Remedy?

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Posted on Wed, 25 Sep 2013
Question: Is it normal for a generally healthy 19-21 year old female to lose excessive amounts of hair, have severe pains beneath her left breast, alongside her ribs,and in her armpits, with small encrusted nodes, scabs, and bumps appearing and disappearing every now and then?

On another note:

This happened to me last summer, yet I'm still wondering why and if it's normal. I'm copying and pasting what I have documented. of the experience. from a thread with a trusted individual, as my recollection of it has become rather vague now, over several weeks and months, though it has left me feeling odd, if not ill, all this time.

I sort of went blind for a few minutes, then regained my vision, though it was very hazy a couple of days ago, among other things that were out of sorts...

At first my pain and sweling increased drastically, then my right side went numb and eventually incredibly painful, then a severe migraine came along, with hot/cold flashes -- I was taking a shower and turned the knob for a cooler water temperature, which didn't help, I got out of the shower and temporarily went blind, while stepping out. Once I gained some blurry sight, I unsteadily walked to my mother's room (which is close to the bathroom) and laid on her bed for a little while, with my eyes closed. After that, I almost called the ambulance, but instead I struggled back into the shower, where my left side and center mimicked my right side...

It was incredibly painful and hard to walk, move, or do anything for that matter
I was ridiculously lightheaded while this all happened too -- and eating makes me feel sick now! I couldn't do much directly afterwards...

P.S. I forgot to add inconsistent, but frequent unbearable, sharp, shooting, stabbing, piercing, crippling pains throughout my abdomen, back, chest, and sometimes breasts to my XXXXXXX narrative on the scare. I couldn't touch my shoulder's, especially not with opposite arms either. My hand-eye coordination was also shot for a little while.
doctor
Answered by Dr. David Okia (1 hour later)
Brief Answer:
Its not normal

Detailed Answer:
Hi
thanks for your question.
Its not normal for you to loose excessive hair and have pain beneath the left breast at your age .I usually do detailed blood and urine analysis to find the cause. In addition I would do ECG, echocardiography to rule out any heart abnormalities.
You need to urgently see neurologist and psychiatrist for further investigation and management.


Above answer was peer-reviewed by : Dr. Mohammed Kappan
doctor
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Follow up: Dr. David Okia (1 hour later)
I've had ECGs and EKGs done that have all come back normal, with the exception of my heart rate being elevated, when I was assumed to be severely dehydrated. I also had some extensive lab work done, along with several urine samples that have indicated that I have a high calcium in my bloodstream. A doctor wanted me to follow up with her on the latter, but my insurance plan doesn't allow me to see her. May I ask why you suggest a neurologist and psychiatrist, urgently?
doctor
Answered by Dr. David Okia (20 minutes later)
Brief Answer:
I am suggesting Neurologist and psychiatrist

Detailed Answer:
Hi,

Thanks for writing back.

I am suggesting neurologist and psychiatrist because some of symptoms and conditions you mentioned for example migraine can best be diagnosed managed by neurologist. Most of tests you have undergone are normal so I am suspecting you could be having psychiatric problem as well like anxiety or depression which needs to be evaluated and managed by psychiatrist.

Regards,
Above answer was peer-reviewed by : Dr. Raju A.T
doctor
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Follow up: Dr. David Okia (6 hours later)
No problem and thanks for getting back to me again. Yes, considering my consistently unremarkable screenings, I have sought both psychiatric and psychological treatment, which have been just as inconclusive. I'm certainly not experiencing any psychiatric issues, such as depression or anxiety though; thank you very much.
doctor
Answered by Dr. David Okia (36 minutes later)
Brief Answer:
Neurologist

Detailed Answer:
hi
thanks for follow up.
your condition, I must admit, is complex.
I would recommend you see neurologist, have MRI of brain done.
Hope I answered your question.
Above answer was peer-reviewed by : Dr. Shanthi.E
doctor
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Follow up: Dr. David Okia (16 minutes later)
Thanks again for your follow-up response.
I'm well aware of the fact that my condition is complex.
I've recently seen a couple of neurologists who have decided against further testing. Of course, they don't know all of the details included here. Being that my December, 2007 Brain & Spine MRIs were fine, the first neurologist concluded that I need not have another one now, despite my relatively recent and mystical hospitalization.
doctor
Answered by Dr. David Okia (30 minutes later)
Brief Answer:
Have diet XXXXXXX in

Detailed Answer:
Hi

Thanks for follow up.

If a neurological examination and MRI scans are normal, then possibility serious neurological condition is less likely. If the list of symptoms which you had last summer does not repeat again, then it is best not to investigate further. You could discuss about possibility of migraines with the neurologist and may start its treatment. We can check your response accordingly.

Carry on with your current treatment and maintain diet XXXXXXX in fresh vegetables, fruits, do yoga and relaxation exercises.

Regards


Above answer was peer-reviewed by : Dr. Prasad
doctor
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Follow up: Dr. David Okia (38 minutes later)
Okay, but the symptoms have since occured again every few weeks, though they're usually less severe. I already maintain such a diet and am regularly engaged in such or similar activities, as my body permits it. The MRI's taken were before these episodes begun.
doctor
Answered by Dr. David Okia (12 minutes later)
Brief Answer:
repeat MRI

Detailed Answer:
Hi

If MRI were done before the episodes, then it would be worthwhile to repeat MRI.

Regards
Above answer was peer-reviewed by : Dr. Prasad
doctor
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Follow up: Dr. David Okia (12 minutes later)
I suppose that it might be...
doctor
Answered by Dr. David Okia (13 hours later)
Brief Answer:
Brain lesion

Detailed Answer:
Hi,

It might be brain lesion.

Regards,
Above answer was peer-reviewed by : Dr. Raju A.T
doctor
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Follow up: Dr. David Okia (1 hour later)
Is there anyway to know for sure, aside from another MRI?
What made you think of that now and can brain lesions be treated?
doctor
Answered by Dr. David Okia (10 minutes later)
Brief Answer:
MRI provides fine details

Detailed Answer:
Hi,

Thanks for follow up question.

MRI in my opinion would be the best, there other alternative investigations but I prefer MRI because fine details can be got.

Depending on cause ,location ,most brain lesions can be managed.

I AM JUST SUSPECTING brain lesions based on some of your symptoms however I can conclude only after repeat MRI.

Regards,
Above answer was peer-reviewed by : Dr. Raju A.T
doctor
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Follow up: Dr. David Okia (18 hours later)
Okay, thank you. May I ask which symptoms you thought/think might be indicative of brain lesions?
doctor
Answered by Dr. David Okia (40 hours later)
Brief Answer:
i have quoted few symptoms from your description

Detailed Answer:
"I sort of went blind for a few minutes, then regained my vision, though it was very hazy a couple of days ago.then a severe migraine came along,"

"I was ridiculously lightheaded while this all happened too".

These symptoms in you were indicative of brain lesions.

hope I answered your question.
Above answer was peer-reviewed by : Dr. Shanthi.E
doctor
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Follow up: Dr. David Okia (7 hours later)
Yes, you did answer my question; thank you.
doctor
Answered by Dr. David Okia (1 hour later)
Brief Answer:
your welcome

Detailed Answer:
your welcome
Above answer was peer-reviewed by : Dr. Vaishalee Punj
doctor
Answered by
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Dr. David Okia

General & Family Physician

Practicing since :2007

Answered : 301 Questions

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Suffer Severe Hair Fall. Have Severe Pain Beneath Breast, Alongside Her Ribs,and Armpits, With Small Nodes. Remedy?

Brief Answer:
Its not normal

Detailed Answer:
Hi
thanks for your question.
Its not normal for you to loose excessive hair and have pain beneath the left breast at your age .I usually do detailed blood and urine analysis to find the cause. In addition I would do ECG, echocardiography to rule out any heart abnormalities.
You need to urgently see neurologist and psychiatrist for further investigation and management.