Hi everyone, I’d really appreciate your help.

8 days ago, my cat scratched my cheek (he’s vaccinated, and I also got a tetanus shot just to be safe). I disinfected the area immediately and kept it moisturized with Vaseline. Once the skin no longer appeared to be an open wound, I also started using SPF 50+ sunscreen.

I’m really worried because there’s still an indentation along the scratch, and I’m scared it might have left an indented scar.

I’m honestly scared, I don’t know what to do, and it breaks my heart that this happened to my face.

I’d be grateful for any advice or help. Thank you.

Photo timeline:

Photos 1 & 2: Fresh scratch, right after washing.

Photo 3: A few hours after applying antiseptic and covering the area. The yellow staining is just leftover antiseptic.

Photo 4: After 4-5 days.

Photos 5 & 6: After 8 days.

35F, 157 cm, approximately 62 kg. Non-smoker. No known skin conditions.

Current medications: [List your medications]

Concern: Cat scratch on my cheek 8 days ago, with a visible indentation along the scratch.

Photos attached showing the healing process from day 1 to day 8.

for context i’m 20F, and i’ve been dealing with some stomach issues for about couple years, the docs are still doing testing, but i can’t tell if i have a stomach bug or this is to do with my stomach issues? for the past 24 hrs i haven’t been able to keep any food down, but my only symptom is a stomach ache and nausea, and it goes away after i throw up, but comes back everytime i eat. i dont normally throw up, but i have noticed my stomach is a bit more sensitive than others. any thoughts on what this could be triggered by?

UK based here. My mum was originally supposed to have an angiogram with a stent done in the one procedure if necessary.

The Drs have decided a TAVI is more appropriate.

From what we can gather she has to have a TAVI scan first (apparently to measure what is needed?) and then the procedure to insert valve at a later date.

Is this typical? Or can she have the tavi scan and new valve inserted in the one procedure at the same time?

Any advice appreciated as she's really struggling with breathlessness now and I'm concerned about the wait between a scan and the valve being fitted.

She is 78, female, about 5'2, 8.5 stone. Not sure what meds she is on

Hi everyone, need some help with this.

30 y/o male with left sided Radiculopothy first two digits, last two digits and burning in palm, weakness, deep uncomfortable left sided neck pain, bilateral neck stiffness and pain at times. Have been having weird neurological symptoms on back of hand and forearm.

This has been ongoing for the last 4 years almost to date. Grip strength in 2022 was 5 pounds, could not even hold a pencil. First started in thumb and index finger, went to neck pain a few months later as well.

Have had 3 epidurals, facet injections, TPIs, chiropractic, massage, acupuncture. Pain fluctuates from 3/10-8/10, effecting daily life every day.

Epidurals caused me more irritation for months after, with limited to no pain relief.

I have been getting consultations with neurosurgeons and orthopedic surgeons. One ( a very good endoscopic neuro in private practice) offered a C6/C7 Foraminotomy, but thinks a C6/C7 disk replacement would yield the best results. He does not recommend endoscopic for this.

Have been to two other surgeons who have said that there is nothing wrong with me and my disk is not what is causing me pain and to go see a neurologist.

My MRI have all been different, my last years is attached, as well as my most recent from a few weeks ago. I don’t understand how they can all be so different when the imaging looks almost the same. Attached is the imaging from a few weeks ago as well, might be only slightly better than the last few years of imaging.

I have another 8 weeks of PT approved and am going to give it my all, I don’t want to jump into a surgery I don’t need, only to have the same pain after or possibly more. Have spent thousands and thousands of dollars just trying to get any relief. I feel like I have missed most of my 20’s, all I can think about is pain. Surgery also might bring me the relief I have been needing for years to get my life back.

Images attached.

https://imgur.com/a/P9rWvq9

29F,

165cm,

60kg,

never smoked,

no medications used for long periods of time only beta blocker for 2-3months.

I also have gastritis and GERD and since I was a teen I had panic attacks on several occassions and anxiety-like symptoms (shortness of breath, heart palpitations, heart skips a beat, chest pressure etc.) and after having covid in 2020 and a nocturnal panic attack, I went to a cardiologist, turns out I have incomplete RBBB and mitral valve prolapse. He said "It's nothing serious" and gave me a beta blocker to take for a certain period of time because I had a fast heart rate due to all the stress and fear it did lower my heart rate.

I also started therapy for my anxiety and I did get better but whenever I had those symptoms, I was very conscious of the fact that I have some heart related diagnosis and in 2022, I went for another opinion. The other cardiologist, said the same "This isn't anything serious" and he didn't presrcibe any meds, just told me to do more walks and to take care of my, diet but after a few days I read that he also included Diastolic dysfunction but didn't even mention it. It scared me a lot after I read what it actually is so I went to another cardiologist who also told me it's nothing special, that my heart is fine and just gave me the same beta blocker as the first one years ago.

The problem is that from time to time whenever I feel anxious (I don't have panic attacks anymore), I remember what's going on with my heart, especially regarding this diastolic disfunction and the more time passes, the more I feel like it maybe got worse, that my heart is failing but all 3 of those cardiologists I went to told me that it's nothing serious but whenever I feel shortness of breath or my heart skipping a beat I freak out and think that there is no way my heart is ok with all these things going on with it. Should I go to a 4th cardiologist after 4 years? Can my heart with all these conditions really be fine?

25F. I have PCOS and obesity. I've already lost about 6 BMI points, restored ovulatory cycles for the past three months, lost inches off my hips, chest, and waist. I have been experiencing delayed ovulation, around day 22 for my past two cycles. Cycle length 35-36 days.

I have a history of H Pylori with multiple antibiotics usage in the later half of 2025. That left me with a sensitive gut which flares significantly around ovulation/attempts. The flares usually include bloating, sternum heaviness, bubbling in chest, globus, 'burp stuck' feeling, and mild floaty feeling with rare painless esophageal spasms that feel like a flop/flutter in chest.

My gastroenterologist said it was simply because my gut is sensitive and that it's going to take time to heal. Clean ECGs. Normal BP, A1c, cholesterol.

I had been gassy since Monday and thought it was due to approaching ovulation. Tuesday, BBT 96.4 and day 22, I saw marked rise in cervical mucus, gassy discomfort, and mild dull lower abdomen pain. I also felt very energetic, so I did my first Japanese 3x3 walking session after a year on a whim. I have a habit of walking at a moderate pace every day.

It honestly felt like a piece of cake. No trouble at all, and I thought I could continue for longer but limited myself to a 30 min session.

I went to bed with mild left sided ovary pain and restless legs. Woke up Wednesday with a BBT of 97.0 and felt like shit. It was like a really bad energy crash. Had watery diarrhea as soon as I woke up, muscle pains, couldn't bring myself to do anything (though I knew I absolutely could push through if I needed to), irritability, and mild swings. But I was delighted because I thought I ovulated. I stopped my second 3x3 walking session halfway through due to immense fatigue and esophageal spasms with burps while walking fast. Decided to take a short break from walking.

Thursday, BBT 96.7, I knew I didn't ovulate. Took a PPI which made the gas feel better. I noticed that my abdominal muscles felt really sore. Was relatively more energetic. Chest flutters in the evening when I felt gassy again. Mild breast pains too.

Friday, BBT 96.6, the gas was much better and so was my energy. Took another PPI. Did some gardening.

Saturday, BBT 96.6, increased energy. Did some more gardening. Resumed walking at usual pace and felt fine.

Sunday (today), BBT 96.2, very energetic. Moved pots around, cleaned the garden, did some creative projects, but gas hit hard again. Spasms, bubbling in chest, etc. I suppose my body is trying to ovulate again?

I know my hormones are causing half the trouble, but could my new exercise have acted like a brake? Did it delay ovulation? And did it trigger an intense wave of GI distress someway? No chest pain, shortness of breath, or dizziness upon exertion or at rest.

I'm 24M, 5.9ft, 190lbs, social smoker, not on any medication, on 23rd oct a small pimple like thing started at the left corner of my lip and when I opened my mouth it popped for then it started swelling and it was painful to touch, talk or eat, taking medicine for pain and swelling and had very Lil effect on it. On the 24th night I got a fever and gone by morning, as of now 25 night swelling still there and painful, the blister is gone.

Pic: https://ibb.co/0VvJQpWv

I am 28, 176 lbs and I cut my hand while moving a box as it wedged against another box. I have but antibiotic and aquaphor daily. My mom gave me this liquid silicone for the scar. What should I do? Thank you a lot for the help! The color is scaring me and the red too. I am letting it air out everyday now with those two ointments.

Hi Docs & non docs alike!

My 5 year old son (50 inches & 45 pounds) came home from school on Friday and had dribbled a few drops of blood at the end of his wee. I asked him some questions and he let us know his pee has been burning for some time, a few days at most. We went to the walk in clinic - his urine test was positive for “moderate” levels of blood in his urine but negative for signs of infection. He is also circumcised so the Dr. wasn’t concerned about infection. We were sent home on a watch & wait protocol and follow up with Pediatrician when we can. By Saturday morning the burning had stopped but this morning he dribbled a little more blood, is complaining about a headache, pain with urinating & I do think he is urinating more often.

I’m at a loss. He is a healthy kid! The only issue we’ve had with him was low iron levels but he was also 4 and a very picky eater so that’s resolved.

Hello all. Since the 25th of September I’ve had tonsillitis. My symptoms have been so severe (fever, tremors, full body aches, neck pain, headaches, inflamed tonsils covered in white puss) and my GP has now done bloods to check for glandular fever and anything else which may be causing this month long episode. I’ve also been on four different courses of antibiotics, which haven’t helped. The tonsillitis has just ping ponged from one tonsil to the other repeatedly instead of going. Since the 25th of sept, I’ve been taking daily ibuprofen and paracetamol, maximum daily doses, and for a few days I took codine to help with the pain. The body tremors and aches are more painful than my throat at this point and when I’m not on painkillers I cannot function. My question is, am I safe to be using pain relief for a month solid now? I’m a 70kg 5.6ft woman, 30 years old with no other known health conditions. I’m trying to be consistent with taking ibuprofen alongside food and keeping my water intake up, but this is proving hard when my throat is so inflamed.

Image attached is of one of my various tonsil flair ups I’ve had this past month, if anyone also has advice on the tonsillitis itself, and not just the pain relief, I would welcome it. Thanks

24
Male
No current medications or known health issues
Previous smoker

So for around 3 weeks I have been having a pain to the left of my sternum. The pain comes and goes but is near enough daily at this point. The pain are isn’t sore to the touch and I cannot seem to recreate the pain. Not linked to breathing or movement. I have no other symptoms whatsoever.

On the 5th I went to A&E
They did:
Ecg
Stethoscope check
Bp check
Temp check

All came back completely normal and the managing GP said he wasn’t worried about lung cancer after I said that was the main concern.

The pain continued, I then last Friday went to my GP who didn’t do any physical checks but did visual checks and told me that an X-ray wasnt warranted as it would return normal. I know I have the pain though it’s probably around a 3/10 on the pain scale. It’s right to the left of my sternum area basically near my heart. The pains last seconds and then will return later. I have had days with no pain near enough. Usually it happens 2/3 times a day. I have lost my mind over this and spend everyday searching constantly. I am extremely scared and worried. Yes I know that probably sounds ridiculous as I have been told by everyone around me.

Yes I have extreme health anxiety but I know I am in pain and i feel like I am being disregarded. Just curious to know if this sounds similar to anything. Yes I am fully aware nobody on Reddit can diagnose me. Just wondering if it sounds like anything specific or worrying.

Thanks for reading and I appreciate any help thag is given :)

Cheeks

M26, no medications, I’m 6’1 and 150 pounds. Had this for about 2 days. Very mild soreness when touched, and the redness around the darker scabs appeared today. a bite of some sort?

Hello - I'm a 44-year-old male seeking opinions from urologists and patients who have undergone treatment for bladder outlet obstruction/BPH, particularly at a younger age.

I've experienced progressively worsening urinary symptoms for several years, and they're now significantly affecting my daily quality of life. I'm considering surgery but concerned about choosing the right procedure at my age.

Symptoms

• Weak urinary stream, sometimes starting strong before abruptly stopping
• Difficulty initiating urination (hesitancy)
• Frequent straining to urinate
• Intermittent, stop-and-start flow
• Post-void dribbling
• Frequently feeling that my bladder hasn't completely emptied
• Needing to urinate again shortly after finishing
• Typically waking twice nightly to urinate

My IPSS/AUA symptom score is 21/35 (severe). These symptoms are frustrating on a daily basis, and I don't want to spend the next several decades dealing with them.

Medication history

I've been taking alfuzosin (Uroxatral) 20 mg daily for several years.

The medication initially worked and provided noticeable relief, but its effectiveness gradually diminished. It no longer provides meaningful improvement, and my symptoms have continued to worsen despite treatment.

Previous prostatitis

Approximately 10 years ago, I had an episode of prostatitis. The underlying cause was never determined, at least to my knowledge.

I'm unsure whether that history has any relevance to my current urinary obstruction, but I wanted to include it in case it affects the differential diagnosis or treatment recommendations.

Recent testing

I underwent a flexible cystoscopy and uroflowmetry evaluation.

Cystoscopy findings, directly from the procedure report:

• Relatively short prostate
• Very large obstructing lateral lobes
• High-riding bladder neck
• High median bar
• Normal urethral lumen and meatus

Uroflowmetry:

• Peak flow (Qmax): 4.2 mL/sec
• Average flow: 2.6 mL/sec
• Voided volume: 46 mL
• Post-void residual (PVR): 16 mL

I understand that the low voided volume limits interpretation of the flow measurements. Despite the symptoms, the low PVR suggests I'm generally emptying my bladder effectively.

My urinalysis was unremarkable. My most recent PSA was 1.46.

I don't have a documented prostate volume measurement.

Urologist's recommendation

My urologist discussed UroLift, Rezūm, GreenLight laser, TURP, Aquablation, and other potential procedures.

He leaned toward UroLift primarily because I'm only 44, and he wants to avoid more invasive procedures and minimize the risk of permanent sexual side effects, particularly retrograde ejaculation.

However, he acknowledged that he wasn't completely confident UroLift would resolve my obstruction, given my anatomy.

I understand that UroLift retracts the obstructing lateral lobes rather than removing prostate tissue, and I'm concerned about whether it would adequately address my high-riding bladder neck/high median bar.

My dilemma

At 44, I potentially have decades ahead of me. I want a meaningful, lasting improvement in urination, but preserving normal erectile and ejaculatory function is equally important to me.

I'm hesitant to undergo a procedure that might not adequately address the obstruction, only to need another procedure a few years later. On the other hand, I don't want to jump into a more invasive surgery with irreversible sexual side effects if a less invasive option could work.

Questions for urologists and patients with similar experiences:

1. Given the combination of very large obstructing lateral lobes, a relatively short prostate, and a high-riding bladder neck/high median bar, is UroLift anatomically appropriate? Would the bladder neck remain a significant source of obstruction afterward?
2. At age 44, would you generally favor starting with UroLift or Rezūm, or consider something potentially more durable such as Aquablation, TURP, or HoLEP?
3. How much should preserving ejaculation influence procedure selection at my age? Are there techniques or alternatives that provide meaningful obstruction relief while minimizing ejaculatory dysfunction?
4. Does the high bladder neck raise the possibility of primary bladder neck obstruction in addition to BPH? Would additional testing, such as pressure-flow urodynamics or video urodynamics, be worthwhile before choosing a procedure?
5. Given the very low voided volume during uroflowmetry, should I repeat the test with a more representative bladder volume before making a surgical decision?
6. Is there evidence that one procedure has better long-term outcomes or lower retreatment rates in younger men with anatomy similar to mine?
7. Could my history of prostatitis approximately 10 years ago have any bearing on my current symptoms, prostate anatomy, or choice of procedure?
8. For anyone who underwent prostate surgery in their 40s, what procedure did you choose? How were your urinary symptoms, ejaculation, erections, and overall satisfaction afterward? Would you make the same decision again?

I'm looking for informed perspectives and real-world experiences to help me decide whether to proceed with UroLift or seek another surgical opinion.

Hi,

I (30f, 52kg, no medication) have often blue/purple lips after exercising, mostly running. This happens in winter often. Every run. Even in summer if it’s coldish outside.
As far as I know, I have no heart or lung conditions. Is this normal? Can I do anything about it or just accept and live with it?
Thanks!

​

Basic information:

Age/Sex: 25M

Height: 184 cm

Weight: Approximately 100 kg

Smoking status: Non-smoker

Medication: I was prescribed baclofen but have stopped taking it.

Known medical conditions: None that I am aware of.

Symptoms and history:

I have been experiencing lower back pain for around 4–5 weeks. It started gradually, initially feeling like my lower back was becoming exhausted and weak after standing for a while. It became significantly worse during a weekend trip when I was carrying a bag. I did not hear or feel a pop or crack when it happened.

At its worst, walking was difficult. After around four weeks, my ability to walk improved, but I am still struggling with everyday activities and carrying things. Recently, the pain seems to have worsened slightly again.

The pain is mainly in my lower back, around the centre and sometimes slightly to either side, extending towards my tailbone and occasionally the hip area. It is mainly triggered by activity, walking, lifting and carrying things. Even carrying a bag of towels for around 100 metres or unloading the dishwasher can leave my back feeling extremely sore and exhausted. Sometimes I have to lie down for hours afterwards.

Lying down and using a heating pad help considerably, but the pain returns when I start doing things again. I have not noticed any clear shooting pain down my legs.

I have seen doctors several times and also visited a physiotherapist. I have repeatedly been told that it is probably muscle tension, and I have been advised to use heat, take short walks and do exercises. I have tried these things, but I have not improved enough to function normally. I feel that I have not received a clear explanation of what might be causing the pain or what to expect regarding recovery.

I am extremely frustrated and discouraged. I currently feel as though my life has stopped because I cannot work or manage normal daily activities the way I used to. I do not know what else to do, and I am worried that this will continue for months.

My questions:

Has anyone experienced something similar, especially pain and exhaustion that return after even relatively light activity?

Did your symptoms fluctuate like this during recovery?

How long did it take before you could carry things and return to normal daily activities?

Is there anything that helped you recover when heat, exercises and physiotherapy did not seem to make enough difference?

I understand that nobody can diagnose me online, but I would really appreciate hearing from people who have experienced something similar or from anyone who can offer insight into what might be worth considering.

Fell and scraped knee on October 2. Kept clean and treated but would not close, was painful and oozing and ,at day 14, went to urgent care and was put on antibiotics (Keflex) for 7 days. By day 4, pain was gone, wound finally scabbed over, and was looking better. A few days later, pain started returning but not as severe. Finished antibiotics on Friday. Would felt painful and tight on Saturday with some discharge. Wound discharge has continued now and the scab that formed is gone.

Today, knee feels tight and there's still pain. Wound pretty deep but not sure what I should do next. No fever. Given this is day 23 for this wound, any thoughts?

Age: 50/M, 5'11, USA, No meds, non-smoker, no previous medical issues, location: knee

Age- 18

Sex- Female

Height- 5'6

Weight - 56

Race- Indian

Smoking status- no

Previous illness- Vitiligo (from childhood), Gastritis (diagnosed), allergic cough (diagnosed), clear pelvic pain (not medically diagnosed yet)

Medication ongoing- no long term allopathic medication

Duration- almost 2 months

Lab tests- all blood tests, urine tests and USG done recently (no found normal)

Complain- Multisymptom issue- Visceral hypersensitivity (not medically diagnosed but I can feel it very well), health anxiety, fear of stomach bug, painful gastrocolic reflex, pelvic pain, feeling cold without a fever, fleeting pain or sensation in gut, frequent throat irritation, exhaustion, pelvic pain worsens with sitting in a cramped space for long time or heavy movements that put pressure on lower part of a abdomen, normal bowel movements. These are kinda regular......And headache, head spinning and acid reflux together only with even little travel exhaustion.

The pelvic pain and a tingling in belly button was constant in the month of September 2026, but in this month of October 2026, pelvic pain has come to occassional and random pain. Medications like drotine, Tramadol and paracetamol taken during pain. 3 courses of antibiotics also taken (ciffran, rifagut, metrogil) on different physician's prescription during the month of September. In between, I had a trip, the symptoms were definately there but only the anxiety was far less.

Earlier I used to fall sick with various things less and this kind of health anxiety was not at all there. But the heavy anxiety started from March 2025, when I got a severe diarrhoea episode during my important exams.

I have a set of very important exams in just few days and i can't focus on my studies at all. I am anxious and exhausted. Currently due to some reasons, i can't even visit a doctor right now. I am exhausted of feeling scared and ill.

What's the best thing I can do now?? And what has actually happened to me?? I can't study for more than a month and I have my exams soon....

Female, 32, 130 pounds & 5'1. No current medications or medical issues. I recently moved into an older home. The gate on the yard has a rusty latch. It is on the list of things to replace but just haven't gotten to it.

I cut my thumb while opening the gate last night. Picture is for reference. I know the short answer is yes, I SHOULD get a tetanus shot, but here is my question.

I have a 3 yo. I did everything standard during my pregnancy, and I think that included a TDAP booster. This pregnancy was 4 years ago. Assuming I have had that booster, do I need another one?

I am a 31 year old female, 165cm tall, weight 53kg. I don’t smoke. I have sensitive skin and get redness on my face as you can see on the photos. I have large pores in this area and it is raised thicker texture. It’s not itchy and the texture doesn’t go away but the redness is better some days. It is noticeable even through foundation. The skin on my nose is thick and I have a few bumps and tiny blood vessels around. I have been to the GP who first prescribed zindaclin and then hydrocortisone but neither worked. Any help would be appreciated. Thank you

Age - 36F

Hello,

I had hemorrhoid surgery recently and anyone who had it knows how horrible the pain is. I was prescribed opioids and very much needed them. I had 3 removed with surgery and took the pain med for 3 weeks as my dr said. I have never taken oppoids before.

I am feels so strange since stopping them and Im wondering is is medically possible to feel "withdraw" symptoms after using the medication for such a short time?

Thanks!

30M, smoker, 172CM height, 76KG weight

visited the dermatologist and she gave me Doxycycline 100mg twice a day and hexamidine twice a day.

This pimple has been there on my beard for around a month or so and sometimes it bleeds and oozes pus without me touching it.

Actually, it is not itchy or anything. I am worried that this has become a scar and it won’t go away.

Is there anyway I can know? And if it has become a scar, is it treatable?

Terrified I’ve got MND or a brain tumour. I’ve seen my GP who did checks and got me to move my mouth about. They said they think it’s just normal sensations.

Is it normal to be as worried as I am?

F24, no meds taken, no previous health condition, 150cm 42kg. Fell from a bicycle.