Dr Dimari's Medical Sciences Thread - Read the first post

[Dr Dimari]

Seaine

Heeeey I am back! I got an internship in Nevada and so I went to a sleep specialist here to get my medication refilled. He really, really wants to say that I have narcolepsy as opposed to idopathic hypersomnia. He is of the opinion that narcolepsy is more common, and I also assume that doctors just generally don't like giving a diagnosis that involves a word meaning "we don't know why."

I don't really agree with him because my symptoms do not quite match narcolepsy. My sleep study was normal aside from showing that I was too sleepy, so REM and other sleep stages were not abnormal. Narcoleptics take short naps and feel refreshed when they wake up; I take naps that are an hour or two long and I wake up still feeling groggy and tired. I understand it is still possible that I have it, and it's progressive so other symptoms could show up later. I have developed two new symptoms. I have begun sleepwalking on an extremely frequent basis - sometimes almost every single night. I usually just wander around, act like I am getting ready for work like I would in the morning, or move items that I move often when I am awake. I have also begun hallucinating very often when I wake up for short periods in the night, when I wake up in the morning, or when I wake up from naps. They are generally innocuous such as seeing a pair of pants hanging on the rack where there isn't one or seeing the cat in the room when I've locked him out. It only happens in the few seconds after I have woken up. It is not sleep paralysis or hypnagogic hallucinations because I have sat up before while it was happening and there is never any unwarranted feeling of fear. These two new symptoms do not really shed any light on what I have or do not have, and I wonder if they are side effects of Adderall. I have sleptwalked or hallucinated in this way on very rare occasions, but it was only when I started taking Adderall everyday that it started happening so frequently.

The new doctor ordered a test for alleles that nearly all narcoleptics have. I tested positive for them, DR15 and DQ0602. However, I read that 20% of the general population has these alleles, and only 1 in 20,000 people have narcolepsy. Statistically speaking, I'm more likely to have the alleles and NOT have narcolepsy. However, I do obviously have a sleep disorder with excessive daytime sleepiness so I find it likely that the new doctor will give me a diagnosis of narcolepsy.

After that long rant, I do actually have a question. I asked for my thyroid to be tested as well. The results are 1.32 for TSH and 1.23 for free T4. I tried looking online but couldn't really find anything enlightening on what these results may mean, other than that it's within the very wide normal range.

Well I can understand why he termed you narcoleptic, and it it something to still consider. The genetic tests are 40% indicative of narcolepsy if you have symptoms and the alleles. I think however, if your sleep studies came back negative (especially REM) then there is room for further investigation: the next step could be an MRI. This shouldn't worry you, it would probably turn out normal, but this is what would happen in the UK.

If this was the case, and it didn't show anything, You probably will receive the diagnosis of narcolepsy. I admit, Idiopathic Hypersomnia might be a better diagnosis, but you are right that doctors want to file people in meaningful diagnoses, if that makes sense. With your two additional symptoms, the walking and the hallucinations, it does add to it though. Plus hypnopompic hallucinations are usually benign, and do happen in the first instance of awakening, and are usually generic things attached to daily life. However, if you have other symptoms such as excessive tiredness, then its more evidence to the picture.

So in a quick conclusion: It is likely you have narcolepsy, but it maybe an atypical presentation of the illness (not actually falling asleep sporadically, no abnormal REM studies). I wouldn't want to label you incorrectly, but the main thing is to get treatment underway, especially as you have an internship. Narcolepsy at the end of the day isn't a dry cut list of things you need to have a diagnosis, as with main psycho-neurological conditions. (I say "psycho" because there is some limited evidence that other things rather than just neurological issues can feed into the severity of it). I am not sure as well, it is a little out my field, if Im being honest, but thanks for keeping us updated.

What I might say is try and do some exercise and relax, and maybe think if you could have things that make it worse: eg depression. Also with Adderall because its a stimulant, you can get those effects, maybe see if you can get it changed to another?
Your TSH and T4 are normal, so I wouldn't worry too much. Good Luck, and if you have any further questions, feel free to ask them.

[Dr Dimari]

MusicalLust

Hiiiiiiiiiiii
I really want to become a doctor in the future
And Im wondering how to become one.
I have a few ideas of how to become one but im not totally sure.
Can I possibly have some tips please?
(Plus i live in the UK, so it would be helpful to know how to become a doctor in the UK and how long it takes)

General Information
Well in the UK, once you have applied to university and got a place at a medical school, it usually takes 5-6 years to get your medical degree (it consists of a Bachelor of medicine and a Bachelor of surgery component, so my medical school, Sheffield, we get MBChB (the most common). Others include MBBS, BMBS)

Qualifications
In order to have a good chance of getting into medical school you need to aim for get good GCSEs and A-levels. Your A-levels should be in Chemistry, Another science (usually Biology is preferred) and then an academic subject. You should aim to AAB but most students will try to get AAA or even AAAA (especially oxford and cambridge).
- I went mad through sixthform and took Biology, Chemistry, German, Physics and Psychology (as well as General Studies) and I got AAAAA(B) - but that amount of torture is not really needed.

Also, medical schools like to see a balanced person, not just a person that is good at school. Sports, hobbies, extra curricular activities? Make a note of them, why you do them, and most importantly; How will what you learn from these help you in your course and in later life?

Medical schools also like you have some experience in the medical/caring profession. Voluntary work is always a good thing to add, even if its at the local hospital or in a care establishment. Anything you can put down, is usually a good thing!

The application process

1 - Picking in the University?
You have list of medical schools, you know 5-6years is gone of your life... what now?
Well you should really look at the course contents, and more importantly where that university is and what life is like there.
You want somewhere that appeals to you, and maybe not a 500 mile trek from home, unless you want that freedom! hehe! Remember, London and the South is more expensive, the North is a bit cheaper in its cost of living. Look at the reviews of the University, clubs it has to offer, facilities the city has to offer, transport links, etc.

The course? - Well medical courses tend now to fall into three categories; Problems based learning, lecture based learning and a mix of both.
Problem based learning focuses on one aspect of medicine and you cover that with lectures and placements and research, in order to increase your learning.
Lecture based learning will cover disciplines in systems (eg The heart and lungs, the digestive system, bones and muscles etc...). These disciplines are: Anatomy, Physiology, Biochemistry, Pathology, Therapeutics and Pharmacology.

Clinical exposure tends to come out later in the course where you have a basic underlying science knowledge. Here you will learn the art of talking to patients, getting information from them (taking histories) and learn to examine, order test and understand what they mean, and then to learn how patients are treated. here you learn a lot about each branch of medicine, eg. Neurology, Paediatrics, Obestetrics and Gynaecology, Haematology, Anaesthetics, Surgery, and all of the many others.

Think about you style is better for you, and what you want from your course? Do you like lectures, or being more proactive. Also find out about some of the tests and coursework involved.

Oh, and go to open days!!! - see it for yourself!
Find out about what bursaries universities also offer to students - money is helpful!

2 - Putting in your Application
Once you have narrowed your list to 4, yes only 4, then you should follow your schools advice to apply through UCAS (university and college admission system). You will need to submit details about you achievements and qualifications, and your personal statement. This is where you write about why you want to study medicine and become a doctor. Remember, you want to be a DOCTOR so things to include are
- what does medicine/being a doctor mean to you
- what made you decide to follow medicine as a career
- whats shows you are committed to medicine and being a doctor
- what skills you have now to help you with medicine studies, and be a doctor!
- what would you want to learn most from studying medicine
- Showcase your previous experiences, hobbies and interests and sell them to why they will make you a great doctor and you deserve a place.

More advice on this subject can be given to you by careers advisers and UCAS. I am happy to read personal statements and advise you what can make them better

*** Once this is all done, and you're sick of someone telling you to change little bits, a stupid word, count and sleepless nights... there is more... ***

Make sure you get your application in early, and you have also used the final 2 options for "back-up courses" if that is something you may think about doing.

The next thing to do is make sure what tests you need to do for which medical school. Since 2007, all students have to sit an admissions test. Most of them use the UKCAT, GAMSAT or the BMAT. Do check before you undertake the exams which universities need which one.

3 - What happens next - Interviews and awaiting acceptance/rejection letters
This is where you need to make yourself available for odd days, often at the drop of a hat.
Interviews are required for all medical school places (except for 2 - Edinburgh and Southampton).

• So be prepared!!! - The most important thing ever!
• Go do some mock interviews & make sure you know your personal statement inside out.
• Read the New Scientist, Scientific American, Student BMJ, BBC Health, NHS websites. (choose a few you will strictly follow, and think about interests in parts of medicine or medical science you like, eg neuroscience, surgery, psychology)
• Be aware of hot topical issues that affect the NHS and the public. So at the moment, funding, waiting times, obesity and diabetes!
• Think about ethical issues you may face as a doctor, and explain what way you would sway and why
• Know a little about important successes in medicine; antibiotics, blood screening, cancer research, vaccines etc... and WHY they are important!

Also, etiquette is important: don't be late, be dressed smart, mind your manors etc.

Hopefully if you put all this into your interview you will get a place! They will write to you confirming this, or stating that you did not receive a place. Remember a lot will be conditional offers: providing you get the A-level grades they set out in the offer.

4 - Confirmation and things to think about

You only will be allowed to pick 2 medical schools, one as your confirmed choice, and the second as your backup, if you don't fulfill the criteria in your first choice's offer. UCAS will instruct you on this.

Next apply for student finance, if you need it. Most university courses at the moment are about £3250 per year at the moment (increases with inflation). Unless this changes when you apply, then you may need to apply for assistance. This will be in the form of a loan, and bursaries if you are entitled to these. Going to Student Finance - Directgov will have more information for you.

Also for medical schools you will be asked to sort out health clearance stuff: so Hep B injections etc. Each medical school will have their own guidelines.

University and Being a Doctor
Doctors in the UK have to be registered with the General Medical Council. After doing a medical degree, you need to do 1 year in the Foundation Programme (FY1) before you can be qualified with the General Medical Council, then you have one more Foundation Programme (FY2) until you are then thought of as a SHO. It is here you then go into specialist training into a particular subject.

Therefore training includes: Medical school + Foundation Programme + Specialist training

Hope this helps

[Gigabyte]

Okay so, for the past 3-4 hours I have been vomiting often with 20 minutes in-between. Everything I eat or drink (including medicine) is vomited. Even just water. I have a slight sore throat (from the vomiting), no temperature, no stomach pain, no diarrhea, no headache, no neurological symptoms and my blood glucose is 5.4. That rules out hyperglycaemia/hypoglycaemia as a cause. My blood pressure is 125/75mmHg, which I believe would rule out bowel ischemia, along with no bloody stool or pain. I had peptic acid and it was also vomited out, and some soda water. I think that rules out anything related to intracranial pressure, viral/bacterial, acidity, food poisoning, sooo most of the common things. Its just vomiting of anything that is ingested. Any ideas would be greatly appreciated.
EDIT: I feel very tired, almost lethargic.
EDIT 2: Its not a medical emergency, nothing else is wrong besides the vomiting. (which has lessened in the past hour)

[Dr Dimari]

Gigabyte

Okay so, for the past 3-4 hours I have been vomiting often with 20 minutes in-between. Everything I eat or drink (including medicine) is vomited. Even just water. I have a slight sore throat (from the vomiting), no temperature, no stomach pain, no diarrhea, no headache, no neurological symptoms and my blood glucose is 5.4. That rules out hyperglycaemia/hypoglycaemia as a cause. My blood pressure is 125/75mmHg, which I believe would rule out bowel ischemia, along with no bloody stool or pain. I had peptic acid and it was also vomited out, and some soda water. I think that rules out anything related to intracranial pressure, viral/bacterial, acidity, food poisoning, sooo most of the common things. Its just vomiting of anything that is ingested. Any ideas would be greatly appreciated.
EDIT: I feel very tired, almost lethargic.
EDIT 2: Its not a medical emergency, nothing else is wrong besides the vomiting. (which has lessened in the past hour)

You have, probably a stomach bug (a viral one - which is why you don't have a temperature) especially if its becoming less. Aim to sip water, and when you can hold fluids down, try to drink as much as you can... and then aim to start eating plain foods like dry toast.

[Gigabyte]

Dr Dimari

Gigabyte

Okay so, for the past 3-4 hours I have been vomiting often with 20 minutes in-between. Everything I eat or drink (including medicine) is vomited. Even just water. I have a slight sore throat (from the vomiting), no temperature, no stomach pain, no diarrhea, no headache, no neurological symptoms and my blood glucose is 5.4. That rules out hyperglycaemia/hypoglycaemia as a cause. My blood pressure is 125/75mmHg, which I believe would rule out bowel ischemia, along with no bloody stool or pain. I had peptic acid and it was also vomited out, and some soda water. I think that rules out anything related to intracranial pressure, viral/bacterial, acidity, food poisoning, sooo most of the common things. Its just vomiting of anything that is ingested. Any ideas would be greatly appreciated.
EDIT: I feel very tired, almost lethargic.
EDIT 2: Its not a medical emergency, nothing else is wrong besides the vomiting. (which has lessened in the past hour)

You have, probably a stomach bug (a viral one - which is why you don't have a temperature) especially if its becoming less. Aim to sip water, and when you can hold fluids down, try to drink as much as you can... and then aim to start eating plain foods like dry toast.

I thought viral caused temperatures as well. =o
EDIT: Also, I thought they lasted longer than bacterial infections and I'm all better now.

[Dr Dimari]

Gigabyte

Dr Dimari

Gigabyte

Okay so, for the past 3-4 hours I have been vomiting often with 20 minutes in-between. Everything I eat or drink (including medicine) is vomited. Even just water. I have a slight sore throat (from the vomiting), no temperature, no stomach pain, no diarrhea, no headache, no neurological symptoms and my blood glucose is 5.4. That rules out hyperglycaemia/hypoglycaemia as a cause. My blood pressure is 125/75mmHg, which I believe would rule out bowel ischemia, along with no bloody stool or pain. I had peptic acid and it was also vomited out, and some soda water. I think that rules out anything related to intracranial pressure, viral/bacterial, acidity, food poisoning, sooo most of the common things. Its just vomiting of anything that is ingested. Any ideas would be greatly appreciated.
EDIT: I feel very tired, almost lethargic.
EDIT 2: Its not a medical emergency, nothing else is wrong besides the vomiting. (which has lessened in the past hour)

You have, probably a stomach bug (a viral one - which is why you don't have a temperature) especially if its becoming less. Aim to sip water, and when you can hold fluids down, try to drink as much as you can... and then aim to start eating plain foods like dry toast.

I thought viral caused temperatures as well. =o
EDIT: Also, I thought they lasted longer than bacterial infections and I'm all better now.

Viruses don't always give you a temperature, and in the gut, viruses tend not to last as long, because they cause the gut to be abrasive to itself: getting rid of the area the virus lived (plus immune response too obviously)

[Gigabyte]

Dr Dimari

Gigabyte

Dr Dimari

Gigabyte

Okay so, for the past 3-4 hours I have been vomiting often with 20 minutes in-between. Everything I eat or drink (including medicine) is vomited. Even just water. I have a slight sore throat (from the vomiting), no temperature, no stomach pain, no diarrhea, no headache, no neurological symptoms and my blood glucose is 5.4. That rules out hyperglycaemia/hypoglycaemia as a cause. My blood pressure is 125/75mmHg, which I believe would rule out bowel ischemia, along with no bloody stool or pain. I had peptic acid and it was also vomited out, and some soda water. I think that rules out anything related to intracranial pressure, viral/bacterial, acidity, food poisoning, sooo most of the common things. Its just vomiting of anything that is ingested. Any ideas would be greatly appreciated.
EDIT: I feel very tired, almost lethargic.
EDIT 2: Its not a medical emergency, nothing else is wrong besides the vomiting. (which has lessened in the past hour)

You have, probably a stomach bug (a viral one - which is why you don't have a temperature) especially if its becoming less. Aim to sip water, and when you can hold fluids down, try to drink as much as you can... and then aim to start eating plain foods like dry toast.

I thought viral caused temperatures as well. =o
EDIT: Also, I thought they lasted longer than bacterial infections and I'm all better now.

Viruses don't always give you a temperature, and in the gut, viruses tend not to last as long, because they cause the gut to be abrasive to itself: getting rid of the area the virus lived (plus immune response too obviously)

Aha, I seee. Okay so, been like...a week. Still gagging and throwing up this mucous like gooey stuff with no other symptoms, no pain, nothing much. Just this vommiting. If I don't eat its mucousy stuff, If I eat or drink its food with it. I just don't understand.
EDIT: Maybe a throat problem?

[Seaine]

Dr Dimari

So in a quick conclusion: It is likely you have narcolepsy, but it maybe an atypical presentation of the illness (not actually falling asleep sporadically, no abnormal REM studies). I wouldn't want to label you incorrectly, but the main thing is to get treatment underway, especially as you have an internship. Narcolepsy at the end of the day isn't a dry cut list of things you need to have a diagnosis, as with main psycho-neurological conditions. (I say "psycho" because there is some limited evidence that other things rather than just neurological issues can feed into the severity of it). I am not sure as well, it is a little out my field, if Im being honest, but thanks for keeping us updated.

What I might say is try and do some exercise and relax, and maybe think if you could have things that make it worse: eg depression. Also with Adderall because its a stimulant, you can get those effects, maybe see if you can get it changed to another?
Your TSH and T4 are normal, so I wouldn't worry too much. Good Luck, and if you have any further questions, feel free to ask them.

I have had several MRI and CAT scans of my head throughout my life due to my chronic migraine syndrome. They have all been normal however. I wouldn't expect there to be anything new related to this sleepiness since I've also had this since before I had migraines.

I have actually found that my internship makes my condition easier to deal with. I am in animal care which means I am walking around outside all the time, lifting heavy animal bins of food, etc. You might think this would make me more tired but it honestly seems to make me less tired. Or at the very least, if I am sleepy I just don't notice it or I am able to go without a nap because I am doing physical work which keeps my blood pressure higher. I know depression can cause differences in sleeping, but if so then that's my only symptom of it. XD I hear that people with depression feel bad or sad most of the time with no explanation but I have never had problems with that. Doctors have also attempted to treat my migraines with many different anti-depressants but they have never made a difference in my headaches or my mood.

I am still having problems with the Adderall and hope there is something else to treat me with. I still need it or something like it on long drives (this is a very isolated location - 35mi to the nearest shopping center), but the day after I take it I usually get a migraine or several migraines in a few days. I have honestly had more success with caffeine, especially because it is less likely to give me migraines. If I take the Adderall everyday, it actually reduces the frequency of my migraines. So it seems to be treating my migraines better than my hypersomnia, but then if I take it everyday it becomes absolutely useless for keeping me awake on drives. A friend of mine has suggested Vyvanse or Lisdexamfetamine. It seems to be similar to Adderall except it's only the right hand enantiomer of amphetamine instead of both, intended to cause fewer side effects. I plan to ask my doctor if it would be less likely to cause me rebound headaches. He did try giving me short-acting generic Ritalin for long drives, but I found that it worked only for three hours and then I had to sleep for two hours (plus it also gave me a migraine the next day). Obviously that would not be safe for a long drive...

[Dr Dimari]

Gigabyte

Aha, I seee. Okay so, been like...a week. Still gagging and throwing up this mucous like gooey stuff with no other symptoms, no pain, nothing much. Just this vommiting. If I don't eat its mucousy stuff, If I eat or drink its food with it. I just don't understand.
EDIT: Maybe a throat problem?

You could have a stomach acid excess. Think about your diet and cut out some fatty acidic foods out in the long term. In the short term, take some antacid for a week, and see if that helps.

As for the gagging, and mucus ... hmm... if its thick, it will be coming out of your chest and windpipe. Maybe you're prone to colds or something.

Throat, could be a possibility, but unlikely. You haven't mentioned swallowing problems.

[Dr Dimari]

Seaine

Dr Dimari

So in a quick conclusion: It is likely you have narcolepsy, but it maybe an atypical presentation of the illness (not actually falling asleep sporadically, no abnormal REM studies). I wouldn't want to label you incorrectly, but the main thing is to get treatment underway, especially as you have an internship. Narcolepsy at the end of the day isn't a dry cut list of things you need to have a diagnosis, as with main psycho-neurological conditions. (I say "psycho" because there is some limited evidence that other things rather than just neurological issues can feed into the severity of it). I am not sure as well, it is a little out my field, if Im being honest, but thanks for keeping us updated.

What I might say is try and do some exercise and relax, and maybe think if you could have things that make it worse: eg depression. Also with Adderall because its a stimulant, you can get those effects, maybe see if you can get it changed to another?
Your TSH and T4 are normal, so I wouldn't worry too much. Good Luck, and if you have any further questions, feel free to ask them.

I have had several MRI and CAT scans of my head throughout my life due to my chronic migraine syndrome. They have all been normal however. I wouldn't expect there to be anything new related to this sleepiness since I've also had this since before I had migraines.

I have actually found that my internship makes my condition easier to deal with. I am in animal care which means I am walking around outside all the time, lifting heavy animal bins of food, etc. You might think this would make me more tired but it honestly seems to make me less tired. Or at the very least, if I am sleepy I just don't notice it or I am able to go without a nap because I am doing physical work which keeps my blood pressure higher. I know depression can cause differences in sleeping, but if so then that's my only symptom of it. XD I hear that people with depression feel bad or sad most of the time with no explanation but I have never had problems with that. Doctors have also attempted to treat my migraines with many different anti-depressants but they have never made a difference in my headaches or my mood.

I am still having problems with the Adderall and hope there is something else to treat me with. I still need it or something like it on long drives (this is a very isolated location - 35mi to the nearest shopping center), but the day after I take it I usually get a migraine or several migraines in a few days. I have honestly had more success with caffeine, especially because it is less likely to give me migraines. If I take the Adderall everyday, it actually reduces the frequency of my migraines. So it seems to be treating my migraines better than my hypersomnia, but then if I take it everyday it becomes absolutely useless for keeping me awake on drives. A friend of mine has suggested Vyvanse or Lisdexamfetamine. It seems to be similar to Adderall except it's only the right hand enantiomer of amphetamine instead of both, intended to cause fewer side effects. I plan to ask my doctor if it would be less likely to cause me rebound headaches. He did try giving me short-acting generic Ritalin for long drives, but I found that it worked only for three hours and then I had to sleep for two hours (plus it also gave me a migraine the next day). Obviously that would not be safe for a long drive...

Okay... well normal CT and MRIs are good.
I am glad that your internship helps. That does point out to me then that there is more of psychological component to your disorder than I first thought. Distraction techniques often make things such as tiredness and problems with sleeping less.
Migraines are treated with tricyclic antidepressants usually amitriptyline, although to be honest they aren't the best group to treat depression with anymore.
Your headaches, although we may have discussed this, they may not be migrainous (even though they are severe... migraine =/= severe headache) and have a different pathophysiology behind them.

Okay, as for keeping awake, you're taking is dextroamphetamine and its not helping. Another amphetamine may help, and that could be tried.
Others you could try are Modafinil (Provigil), SSRI antidepressants +/- Atomoxetine (Strattera - off license indication), and a combination of all of these. Headaches are common side-effect of these medications.

If you get migraines often you should try initially taking some medicines to help with the attack or go onto prophylaxis. If you want more information, just ask and I will explain more.

[Gigabyte]

Dr Dimari

Gigabyte

Aha, I seee. Okay so, been like...a week. Still gagging and throwing up this mucous like gooey stuff with no other symptoms, no pain, nothing much. Just this vommiting. If I don't eat its mucousy stuff, If I eat or drink its food with it. I just don't understand.
EDIT: Maybe a throat problem?

You could have a stomach acid excess. Think about your diet and cut out some fatty acidic foods out in the long term. In the short term, take some antacid for a week, and see if that helps.

As for the gagging, and mucus ... hmm... if its thick, it will be coming out of your chest and windpipe. Maybe you're prone to colds or something.

Throat, could be a possibility, but unlikely. You haven't mentioned swallowing problems.

Tried that already.And I rarely get colds. Its not very thick, and It comes out when I vomit.
I used to get calcifications on my tonsils, and my throat only tightens when I'm going to vomit. Seeing a GP on monday. =o I'll let you know how it goes.

[Gigabyte]

I had a pretty good thought. Okay so, a few months ago, I'd been having hearing problems and an ENT specialist shoved a camera down my nose and found swollen or enlarged adenoids. So, inflamed adenoids would mean excess mucus, which would go to my stomach, which would then throw up the mucus?

I don't do medical science yet. Lol. So I don't know if the idea is scientifically feasible. Have an appointment soon, is it worth bringing up? or am I talking nonsense? xD

[saltfree]

I have a question:
are all doctors kept up to date with the swine flu news?
because there are a lot of cases in korea where patients died/contracted swine flu without showing any symptoms of fever, and in America I went to the ER and was told by a doctor that I could not possibly have the swine because I didn't have a fever, just coughs.

[Gigabyte]

saltfree

I have a question:
are all doctors kept up to date with the swine flu news?
because there are a lot of cases in korea where patients died/contracted swine flu without showing any symptoms of fever, and in America I went to the ER and was told by a doctor that I could not possibly have the swine because I didn't have a fever, just coughs.

http://www.newscientist.com/special/swine-flu-myths-that-could-endanger-your-life?DCMP=OTC-rss&nsref=online-news

Hope that helps, in the absence of the Dr. Dimari. =D

[Dr Dimari]

Gigabyte

I had a pretty good thought. Okay so, a few months ago, I'd been having hearing problems and an ENT specialist shoved a camera down my nose and found swollen or enlarged adenoids. So, inflamed adenoids would mean excess mucus, which would go to my stomach, which would then throw up the mucus?

I don't do medical science yet. Lol. So I don't know if the idea is scientifically feasible. Have an appointment soon, is it worth bringing up? or am I talking nonsense? xD

Its unlikely the mucus you'd be producing from the adenoids would make you sick when it got into your stomach. However, the irritation you have from your ENT problem could cause you to gag and then vomit. As the vomit comes up it will mix with any mucus (and probably an excess due to swollen adenoids) giving it that type of appearance.