human
Looking for expertise-rheumatology, immunology..?Hi, I'm a 39yo female, a healthy eater and active with daily cardio exercise. I've been on BP meds since 22yo after I went in for a flu visit and it was recommended I start them. My current is propranolol 60mg ER and that's been about 8 years. Otherwise my health and blood work is good however, over the last 6 months I've noticed in increase in flushing, primarily in the face and upper arms, along with small, closed skin, slightly raised lesion marks here and there. Additionally, I get fairly significant swelling and redness in my hands and feet, along with joint pain in my feet sometimes to the point I feel like my feet bones are going to crumble. I do have a genetically bad back with disc collapse in my lower spine and injections have been recommended for that. But Im not sure that could be related to everything else. My original thought was a food or alcohol allergy as the swelling starts minutes after I eat or drink, which is few and far between. The problem is the swelling then stays all day, to the point I have to take my jewelry off. With that and the redness it is super embarrassing and I feel like my face is 110 degrees so it's also uncomfortable. I drink water, I take vitamins and I feel good in the mornings. Come the afternoon though it's like my body starts to fall apart and feel 80 years old. I feel I'm having inflammatory responses to something but I just can't identify it. I use excema lotions and hydrocortisone as needed on my arms. I'm just at a loss and wondering if it could be medication related, or if there's something I'm missing? Thank you.
gpt
It's difficult to diagnose this without an exam and evaluation. I would take pictures of this flushing (what makes it worse/better, worse in sun? Etc) for your doctors, as well as any swelling. Try to see if there's a temporal relation to the joint pain/swelling (morning, night, what makes it better etc). If there's no contraindications, I would recommend trying some NSAIDs to see if it helps the swelling - note that if it does. Always take NSAIDs with food.Also any new supplements you're taking. Some weird stuff in those sometimes.
Can my doctor share results/status of my COVID-19 test with my employer without my permission?I was directly exposed to COVID-19 and my employer has me off work for 14 days. I got tested at my local health center (surprisingly)My employer wanted proof I was tested, I guess I took too long to provide and they called my doctor. My doctor let them know that I was tested.When my results come in, can they share they info with my employer? How do I request my doctor not share my info with my employer? Of course I will tell my employer, but I want to tell them.This is already a weird time as Im getting texts from HR everyday asking how Im doing and it all feels so invasive
No patient confidentiality prohibits this, unless your employer pays the bills (but even then you'd have to give permission)