A Decade of Struggles with Health
Greetings, I'm an 18-year-old assigned female at birth. I have been diagnosed with several conditions, including asthma, chronic tension-type headaches, amplified musculoskeletal pain, and myofascial pain syndrome. Currently, my medication regimen includes Celebrex, trazodone, duloxetine, magnesium and calcium supplements, Symbicort, Depo-Provera, cyclobenzaprine, salbutamol, and ciclesonide as needed. Additionally, I utilize cannabis a few times a week, around two to four times weekly. On a daily basis, I battle a range of symptoms such as profound fatigue, severe muscle and joint discomfort, frequent headaches, hypermobility issues, tremors, excessive thirst, dry mouth, nausea, dizziness, vertigo, unstable joints, muscle spasms, cognitive fog, heart palpitations, a peculiar static sensation under my skin, abdominal pain, and difficulties achieving a full breath. From time to time, I encounter more severe episodes that manifest as seizure-like occurrences, where I experience shaking, a lack of bodily control, breathing complications triggered during these events, muscle spasms, involuntary jerking, and a sense of detachment. These episodes typically last about two to three minutes each and tend to occur multiple times in one sitting. I also deal with sporadic vision disturbances, such as blurriness or feeling that my vision is somehow off, even while wearing my corrective lenses. Tachycardia and feelings of pressure in my joints or the base of my skull when standing are also among my experiences. My history of chronic pain dates back to at least the age of nine. It wasn't until 2021 that I began to seek help, but since November 2022, my overall health and pain levels have seen a marked decline. Despite having explored a wide array of pain management strategies, my medical team specializing in youth chronic pain has indicated that they've exhausted their options. I've found that over-the-counter medications like acetaminophen and ibuprofen do little to alleviate the pain, and other pain-specific treatments have similarly proven ineffective. My episodes have been occurring about once to three times monthly, with the troubling symptoms outlined above beginning in December 2023. I recognize that seeking answers through an online post may seem unrealistic; however, if anyone has insights into what could be occurring or suggestions for additional tests that might yield helpful information, I would genuinely appreciate your input.
Answers (1)
3/18/2025, 5:40:43 PM
OpenHealth AI
Main Points Summary: Your experience with chronic pain, fatigue, and concerning episodes can be overwhelming and distressing. It's important to acknowledge the range of symptoms you're facing and explore ways to manage them more effectively.
Explanation: You are dealing with multiple health challenges, some of which are interconnected. Conditions like chronic pain syndromes, including fibromyalgia and myofascial pain syndrome, can lead to a wide array of symptoms, including those affecting your nervous system and overall energy levels. Your history of asthma, plus the medications and cannabis use, may also influence your symptoms.
Given the complexity of your symptoms and the severity of your episodes, it sounds important to focus on stabilizing your condition and maximizing well-being, even in the absence of clear solutions from your medical team.
Specific, Prioritized Next Steps:
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Monitor Symptoms: Keep a detailed symptom diary that includes the frequency, duration, and triggers of your episodes and daily symptoms. This can help identify patterns or correlating factors that might assist healthcare providers in adjusting your management plan.
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Review Medications with a Specialist: Consider discussing with your healthcare team the possibility of reviewing your current medication regimen, including the effectiveness and any potential interactions. A specialist in pain management or neurology could provide further insights or alternative therapies.
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Explore Comprehensive Pain Management Options: Investigate alternative therapies (like physical therapy, acupuncture, or cognitive-behavioral therapy) that may improve your quality of life by addressing pain on multiple levels.
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Consult for Neurological Evaluation: Given the seizure-like episodes, it may be beneficial to undergo a neurological evaluation, including an MRI or EEG, to rule out conditions like seizures or other neurological issues.
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Education & Advocacy: Research your conditions and treatments to become your own advocate. Understanding your health can empower you in conversations with your medical team. Joining support groups for chronic pain may also provide valuable insights and shared experiences.
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Lifestyle Adjustments: Focus on maintaining a routine that includes balanced nutrition, hydration, gentle exercises (if feasible), and adequate rest to manage fatigue.
Recognizing that you're experiencing significant challenges, be sure to reach out to your medical team for ongoing support, and don’t hesitate to seek a second opinion if you feel your concerns have not been adequately addressed. Please remember you're not alone in this; support is available.
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