OpenHealth Q&A

Confounding Collection of Symptoms? 🤔

Age: 25, Race: White, Weight: 220 lbs, Height: 5'1", Location: United States I have been experiencing a puzzling mix of symptoms that appear to be unrelated. I’m hoping someone can review the details I’m sharing and perhaps suggest anything I should further investigate or discuss with my healthcare provider. I’ll enumerate everything that comes to mind, though some details may be irrelevant. At 18, I underwent allergy testing, which yielded mostly normal results, with sensitivity to ragweed and outdoor mold. Additionally, I've completed the 23andMe test and have access to my genetic data (not sure if that’s pertinent). **Health Background:** - Diagnosed with PCOS accompanied by hirsutism - Having ADHD and sensory processing issues - Suffering from perennial seasonal allergies - Experiencing psoriasis, most notably on my knees - Frequent urination, significantly more than my colleagues, despite minimal fluid intake - A tendency to feel unwell in warm conditions and heat sensitivity **Current Medications:** - Daily multivitamin with iron - Vitamin D supplement - Vitamin B complex - Spironolactone at 100 mg - Junel FE - Vyvanse at 70 mg - Wellbutrin XL at 300 mg - Buspirone 5 mg (as needed, generally reserved for particularly stimulating environments) - Eveko 10 mg (used on occasion, I often forget to take it) - Xyzal - Probiotic - Hydroxyzine at 50 mg **Recent Lab Results (October 2024):** - Cholesterol: 203 - LDL: 120 - VLDL: 24 - HDL: 58.90 - Triglycerides: 120 - Hemoglobin A1c: 5.2 - Sedimentation Rate: 17 (within normal range as of October 2024) - CBC, CMP, TSH, IBC & Ferritin, B12, and D3 tests were all normal - Notably low B12 and Vitamin D levels in July 2023 (now within normal limits thanks to supplementation) - Ferritin saturation ratio was low in July 2023 (now low-end normal) **Blood Pressure:** Generally stable around 120/80. I recently conducted a food sensitivity test through Everlywell, revealing normal results aside from mild reactivity to black pepper (Class 1). I also had tests for Vitamin D and inflammation; vitamin D levels were adequate at 63, while Hs-CRP indicated elevated inflammation at >5. **Data from Apple Health (6-Month Averages):** - Steps: ~8500 per day - Average standing minutes: 110 - Resting heart rate: 82 - Heart rate variability (HRV): 31 - Average walking heart rate: 113 **Symptoms Experienced:** - Dizziness when transitioning from lying to standing; my heart rate increases by approximately 30 bpm during this shift. - Muscle and joint discomfort. - Stiffness upon rising from a seated position, requiring a few moments for pain to subside. - Occasional leg aches at night (not frequent). - Burning sensations in my feet and ankles (often present). - Nasal discharge following meals. - Feeling satiated after consuming small amounts but hungry again within an hour. - Nausea at mealtime that fades after several minutes. - Unpredictable rashes on my forearms and chest (I’ll attach photos). The chest rash has persisted for about a year, while the forearm rash is new, and I cannot determine a specific trigger. My legs and hands occasionally appear discolored (though difficult to capture on camera). - Sleep issues: I can fall asleep easily but wake frequently, and data from my Apple Watch shows limited deep sleep (though I’m uncertain about its accuracy). - Sporadic itching that is widespread rather than localized, exacerbated by the aforementioned rashes. I would greatly appreciate any insights or advice regarding these symptoms. Thank you!

Answers (1)

3/19/2025, 9:01:25 PM

OpenHealth AI

Thank you for sharing such a detailed overview of your health and symptoms. It's understandable to feel overwhelmed by a mix of conditions and ongoing issues, and I'm here to help provide some clarity and guidance. Your symptoms may be interconnected, and a thoughtful approach could help manage them better.

Key Points:

1. Symptom Clusters: The symptoms you describe, including dizziness, joint discomfort, and skin rashes, could potentially relate to underlying conditions or the medications you are taking.

2. Potential Connections: Some symptoms, like dizziness and joint pain, could be linked to medication side effects or issues such as dehydration/hormonal imbalances related to PCOS. Moreover, psoriasis and inflammation could also contribute to skin rashes.

3. Management Strategies: I’ll help identify strategies to manage your symptoms effectively and suggest areas for discussion with your healthcare provider.

Recommendations:

1. Monitor Symptoms:

• Keep a detailed symptom diary over the next few weeks. Note when symptoms occur, their duration, any potential triggers (food, stress, activity), and how you feel throughout the day.

2. Hydration:

• Ensure adequate hydration, especially since you experience frequent urination. Dehydration can cause dizziness, fatigue, and joint pain. Aim for at least 8-10 cups of water daily, adjusting based on activity levels and climate.

3. Dietary Considerations:

• Given your sensitivity to black pepper and the nasal discharge post-meal, consider tracking your food intake. Note any foods that seem to worsen your symptoms. Although your food sensitivity test was normal, certain food additives or irritants may still affect you.

4. Consult on Medications:

• Some of the medications you take could cause side effects such as dizziness, fatigue, and skin irritation. Particularly, the combination of Vyvanse, Wellbutrin, and Buspirone deserves review. Consider discussing this with your provider, especially regarding the timing and dosage of these medications.

5. Active Lifestyle:

• Continue engaging in physical activity within your comfort range. Lower-impact exercises like swimming or walking can improve joint stiffness and cardiovascular health.

6. Doctor Follow-Up:

• Schedule a follow-up with your healthcare provider to discuss several points:
  • The burning sensations in your feet and ankles, which could suggest neuropathy or another underlying issue.
  • The persistent and new rashes, leading to further dermatological evaluation.
  • Your elevated inflammation marker (Hs-CRP); inquire about potential autoimmune conditions or management strategies for reducing inflammation.

7. Consider Sleep Hygiene:

• Aim for a consistent sleep routine. Try relaxing activities before bed, like reading or gentle stretching. This may help improve your sleep quality and reduce daytime fatigue.

Conclusion:

You're navigating complex health challenges, but by focusing on monitoring symptoms, maintaining good hydration and nutrition, and coordinating care with your healthcare provider, you can take significant steps toward managing your health. Remember, you're not alone in this, and many resources are available to support you. If you have any more questions or need clarification on any of these points, please reach out!