Expert: David Scott - 2/5/2011

Question
Hello, i am 17 years old. I weigh about 112 and am around 5'6. Lately, I have been experiencing some health problems that raise some red flags.. to me anyways. first of all, i've been getting persistant bacterial and or yeast infections.. down there.. and i'm only 17! i've gotten about 4 or 5. Next, in the last 4 months or so i've had hemorrhoids. Yes, i'm nearly positive they are hemorrhoids. I also have chronic fatigue it seems.. i usually fall asleep around 10:00-10:30 pm and wake up around 6:45. i try to nap whenever i can, usually after school for a few hours. i love nothing more than a long luxurious nap. I believe my tiredness is completely abnormal. I usually feel worn out, i generally feel much older than i really am. It's heartbreaking, i am extremely worried about my health. recently i've been suffering from night sweats also, they've been lasting for a couple weeks, almost every night. They cause my pajamas to be soaked in sweat and dampen my bed sheets. i'm very scared that i could have something serious such as cancer, or even a parasite.

Here is most of my medical background:
in my family, on my mother's side my grandfather has diabetes as well as my uncle (Her brother.) My mom and grandmother suffer from COPD. My mom has hypo-thyroid disease or whatever the technical term is for it. My grandmother and great-grandmother have rheumatoid arthritus.

On my dad's side of the family there is little to no health problems. I, Myself suffer from depression, generalized anxiety or post traumatic stress disorder, and ADHD. I am currently taking an effexor type of anti-depressant (i'm not exactly sure what kind) yaz, for birth control and concerta.
I have used drugs, specifically painkillers such as morphine, oxy's, d's and etc intravenously. it is possible that i may carry hepatitis C but i haven't gotten checked for the fear of my parents paying for the very expensive medication.

Please help me, i am young as you can see and i am very concerned for myself! i'm scared to tell my parents or a doctor in person any of this, a majority of it is embarassing. Please suggest a spcialist i should speak with, and how i can be tested for hypo-thyroid disease, diabetes, parasite, random illnesses... please offer any kind of insight you can give to me. Please leave out the obvious such as excercise, healthy diet, etc. because i'm very knowledgable about those particular subjects already.

Respectfully, Megan

Answer
Not what you want to hear, but: write it all down (or print your message to me).
Then, go to your Doctor, or a free clinic Doctor, or better yet, the local Health Department.
It is not possible to diagnose over the internet.
At age 17, you should expect many changes as your body continues to grow.
The most promising thing you said, is that you want help, and are seeking it out.
Don't stop.