OpenHealth Q&A

Eight Month Battle with Mysterious Illness

For the past eight months, I have been grappling with an unidentifiable and severe health condition. This has completely incapacitated me to the extent that I cannot fulfill my work responsibilities or manage household tasks, including taking care of my children and pets. Despite visiting multiple healthcare professionals—such as emergency room staff, my primary care physician, a cardiologist, and a dermatologist—no definitive diagnosis has been made. I often wonder why individuals suffering from such profound illnesses are not afforded the same diagnostic resources as depicted in medical dramas like "House." Each time I attend an appointment, tests yield normal results, and I am typically sent home, left to deal with my relentless illness. Prior to this period of poor health, I was fully engaged in bodybuilding for five years, maintaining a fitness regimen that included workouts 5-6 days a week alongside a balanced diet of six small, nutritious meals daily. However, since the onset of my ailment, I have been unable to exercise, can barely walk, and have lost my appetite to the point where I barely eat. The extensive testing I have undergone—ranging from blood tests and cultures to heart x-rays, CT scans, echocardiograms, and even a skin biopsy—has produced no concerning results except for a diagnosis of eczema. I even completed a three-month course of Doxycycline, which failed to alleviate my symptoms. Medically, I have a history of right pulmonary valve dysplasia and underwent open-heart surgery in 2015 to replace my right pulmonary valve with a bovine valve. My health history is complicated by an enlarged liver, which is 3 cm larger than what is considered normal, and a hysterectomy that I previously had. The issues began with a rash on my ankles and hips, which has evolved into a dry, scaly scab on my left ankle over the span of these eight months. Simultaneously, a peculiar, feather-like substance has emerged from the pores across my body, resembling dried skin that usually would be shed. This substance seems to proliferate continuously. I have spent hours trying to remove this white material from my face, driven by a desire for cleanliness as a perfectionist. At times, the volume of this substance seems to explode forth rapidly, resembling a spray of silly string. In terms of my symptoms, they include: 1. Development of blood blisters on my skin, starting with crater-like lesions that bleed and then seal over. 2. The inability of my wounds to heal; I have many persistent wounds on my face that remain beneath the surface, sometimes pushing through when disturbed. 3. Episodes of feeling as though I am overheating, akin to being inside a furnace for extended periods, accompanied by excessive sweating. 4. Recurrent pain in the left side of my chest. Scratching or picking at my skin results in several unsettling physical reactions: 1. The texture of my facial skin feels soft and mushy, almost like pudding. 2. I begin to perspire profusely. 3. My hands tremble, making it difficult to continue extracting the white substance. 4. My heart rate spikes significantly, pounding prominently in my chest. 5. Changes in color and swelling in my legs and feet to a dark purple hue. 6. An increase in the white substance being released and its appearance in more areas than before. 7. Wounds that lie beneath the skin become more visible. I suspect that a supplement may have triggered these issues. When my symptoms emerged, I had started taking a potent variety of Kratom known as “7-hydroxymitragynine,” specifically from the brand “7-ohmz.” To summarize, 7-Hydroxymitragynine is a compound derived from the Mitragyna speciosa plant (commonly known as kratom). It is classified scientifically as a terpenoid indole alkaloid and was first cataloged in 1994. The chemical structure is denoted as C23H30N2O5, with a molar mass of 414.502 g/mol. Shortly after beginning the supplement, I experienced persistent nausea and vomiting, resulting in a 10-pound weight loss. I voluntarily entered a mental health facility to manage withdrawal symptoms and cease using it, but I relapsed shortly after discharge. Not long after that, I sought treatment at a methadone clinic, achieving five months of sobriety from 7-hydroxy. However, during a recent rapid taper from 70mg to 25mg of methadone, I faced severe withdrawal symptoms, leading me to use 7-hydroxy again, which caused significant bloating and discomfort as well as a fever that lasted three days. My concerns amplify as I came across research stating that 7-OH and mitragynine pseudoindoxyl—compounds not found in natural kratom leaves—might be novel chemicals, implying no prior human consumption. This leaves me questioning whether my illness is a result of an unknown reaction to these new supplements. If anyone has insights or suggestions regarding my ongoing health dilemmas, please share them. Thank you. ❤️

Answers (1)

3/19/2025, 6:50:56 PM

OpenHealth AI

I'm truly sorry to hear about the extensive struggles you're facing with your health. It sounds incredibly challenging to cope with such a mysterious and debilitating condition over the past eight months, especially following your past health issues with pulmonary valve surgery and other medical complexities. Your concerns regarding the supplements you've taken and their potential impact on your health are valid and should be heavily considered as you work towards improving your situation.

Main Points:

1. Your symptoms may be linked to the supplements, especially considering their recent onset.
2. The combination of skin issues, weight loss, and systemic symptoms suggests a need for comprehensive management and monitoring.
3. Immediate steps involve focusing on symptom relief, proper hydration, and monitoring any changes without self-remedying.

Explanation:

Given the numerous tests and consultations you've already undergone, it's important to keep in mind that some conditions can be difficult to diagnose, especially when symptoms are as varied and severe as yours. The symptoms you've described – including rash, skin blisters, overheating, and rapid heartbeat – could be related to various factors, including medication or supplement reactions, an autoimmune process, or even the ramifications of your psychological health during this period.

The appearance of the strange white substance resembling dried skin may indicate a dermatological condition, possibly exacerbated by the medication or stress, but also deserves thorough investigation. It’s essential to approach your symptoms holistically, considering psychological, physiological, and lifestyle factors.

Next Steps:

1. Document Symptoms: Keep a detailed log of your symptoms, including what triggers them (e.g., specific activities, foods, or stress), to identify potential patterns.
2. Hydration and Nutrition: Focus on maintaining hydration, even if your appetite is poor. Try eating small, nutritious snacks to support energy levels and recovery. Foods like broths, smoothies, and soft fruits can be easier to consume when your appetite is low.
3. Limit Skin Irritation: Avoid scratching or picking at your skin. It may be beneficial to keep your skin moisturized (if you are not allergic to any topical products) to reduce irritation from dryness.
4. Stress Management: Given the mental strain of your situation, consider practicing mindfulness techniques such as meditation or gentle yoga, if permitted. These can help manage stress and possibly improve overall symptoms.
5. Avoid Specific Triggers: If you suspect that kratom or other substances trigger your symptoms, it is crucial to stop using them altogether. Let your healthcare providers know about your supplement history to investigate further.
6. Follow-Up: Since testing has not yielded results, consider seeking a specialist known for treating complex cases, such as a rheumatologist or an allergist, who can reassess your symptoms with a fresh perspective.

If you experience any worsening of symptoms, such as increased heart rate, severe chest pain, or difficulty breathing, seek emergency medical attention immediately. Your health is paramount, and addressing these ongoing concerns will require a coherent plan. Please feel free to reach out if you need more specific advice or support as you navigate this difficult time. Your resilience amid these circumstances is commendable, and I hope you find the clarity and relief needed soon.