Seeking Guidance on Persistent Flu Symptoms
I’m a 26-year-old female and have been experiencing ongoing health challenges since returning from a trip to India. Shortly after I got back to the United States, I initially attributed my poor health to exhaustion from a grueling 48-hour flight. However, my symptoms quickly escalated, culminating in a severe bout of viral conjunctivitis and strep throat. This series of illnesses even caused me to lose hearing in my right ear for over three weeks. While my hearing has since improved, it remains noticeably worse compared to my left ear. Overall, it took me approximately a month to recover from that episode. Unfortunately, I’m not in the clear just yet. I’ve recently started feeling unwell again, displaying symptoms such as a slight fever, a scratchy throat, and re-emerging conjunctivitis in one eye. In addition, I had a case of COVID-19 back in 2022, but I have always been prone to frequent colds and coughs. Lately, these issues seem to be escalating. Earlier this year, I endured a fever reaching 104°F that lasted a full week, and in 2024, I experienced even higher fever spikes of 105°F. This recurrent illness is concerning, and I’m puzzled by my body's response. My work often involves lengthy hours spent on research, but my overall quality of life has deteriorated significantly due to my hearing troubles and persistent conjunctivitis. Another point worth noting is the timing of my menstrual cycle. Each time I fall ill with flu-like symptoms, my period tends to start within a couple of days. While this may simply be a coincidence, I thought sharing this detail might provide a clearer picture. I have undergone blood tests that indicated I was low on vitamins. They checked my complete blood count along with tests for ALP, glucose levels, iron content, and all other parameters appeared normal. However, I am still left wondering what is going wrong with my health. Are there additional tests that may shed light on my situation, such as a CRP test? I really appreciate any advice or insights you can share. Thank you for your support!
Answers (1)
3/20/2025, 6:00:48 AM
OpenHealth AI
I'm sorry to hear about your ongoing health challenges. It sounds like you're feeling quite overwhelmed, and it's completely understandable to seek clarity and support. Your symptoms and their recurrence could be linked to a variety of factors, including infections, potential vitamin deficiencies, or other underlying issues. Prioritizing your health is crucial, especially given your history of recurrent illnesses and your experience with severe symptoms.
Explanation of Your Situation:
- Frequent Illnesses: Your history of recurrent strep throat, conjunctivitis, and extreme fevers suggests that your immune system may be under strain. Frequent respiratory infections can be influenced by factors such as stress, exhaustion, or even undiagnosed conditions.
- Hearing Issues: The temporary hearing loss could have been related to middle ear infections resulting from your infections, which could be exacerbated by sinus issues.
- Menstrual Cycle Connection: There may be a connection between hormonal changes during your menstrual cycle and your immune response; this is something to monitor but does not directly indicate a specific illness.
- Nutritional Deficiencies: Low vitamin levels might contribute to your body's ability to fight off infections, making you more susceptible to illnesses.
Next Steps:
-
Immediate Self-Care:
- Rest & Hydrate: Prioritize getting adequate rest and staying hydrated to support your immune system.
- Avoid Irritants: Stay away from allergens or irritants that could worsen conjunctivitis or throat irritation.
-
Symptom Monitoring:
- Keep a detailed log of your symptoms, including when they occur, their severity, and any changes related to your menstrual cycle. This information can be valuable for identifying patterns.
-
Consider Testing:
- Discuss the possibility of further testing with a healthcare provider, including CRP (C-reactive protein) test, which can indicate inflammation in the body. This could help identify underlying issues.
- Ask about tests to evaluate your immune function, as it might provide insight into recurrent infections.
-
Nutritional Support:
- Consult with a nutritionist if you haven’t already to address the blood test results indicating low vitamin levels, particularly vitamins D, C, and zinc, which can impact your immune health.
-
Medical Follow-Up:
- If your symptoms worsen, or you experience a high fever again, seek immediate medical attention. Persistent symptoms that don't improve warrant professional evaluation.
Closing Support:
Your health and comfort are important, and recognizing the patterns in your symptoms can help guide further investigations. Be patient with your body during this challenging time. If you need more detailed information or reassurance on specific tests or management strategies, feel free to ask. Your commitment to understanding your health is a crucial step forward.
Related Questions
Understanding EEG Results for My 22-Month-Old Son: Insights Needed
Could someone help clarify this for me? My son, who is just 22 months old, hasn’t started walking yet, becomes tired easily, and has been experiencing behavioral outbursts. He had a febrile seizure in February 2025, followed by another unexplained seizure in April 2025, which led us to consult a neurologist. Since he was 3 months old, he has been receiving therapy from a physical therapist for torticollis. At birth, he spent five days in the NICU due to issues with meconium aspiration. A recent MRI showed normal results, and he also had a follow-up EEG after one conducted in July 2025. The results from this recent EEG were abnormal for a pediatric patient in awake, drowsy, and sleeping states. Notably, there were brief episodes of left frontotemporal delta slowing, which occurred mainly when he was awake and drowsy. There were no signs of epileptiform activity detected. In contrast, the EEG performed back on July 3, 2025, was deemed normal for both awake and drowsy states, again with no evidence of epileptiform irregularities, although it did not capture any sleep data. This examination was prompted by the child's existing history of febrile seizures. Importantly, he is not currently on any anti-seizure medications. The EEG procedure used standard electrode placements per the 10-20 system, conducted a single-lead EKG, and included continuous video monitoring. During the analysis, the background activity was symmetric, indicating some anterior-posterior (AP) organization, with a dominant rhythm of 50-80 microvolts at 7 Hz. His drowsy state was marked by a reduced amount of eye blink activity, less breathing motion interference, and a generalized slowing in theta/delta frequencies. Stage II sleep exhibited spindles and vertex waves patterns. Additionally, there were intermittent bursts of 250-300 microvolts in the left frontotemporal region with semi-rhythmic activity of 2-4 Hz, mostly observed during wakefulness and drowsiness. No definitive epileptiform discharge was noted. Photic stimulation during the test did not elicit a strong response, and hyperventilation was not conducted during this session.
INTENSE Spine Discomfort, Breathing Difficulties, Muscle Twitches, and Sweating
To elaborate on the situation mentioned in the title, I’ve been experiencing unusual muscle twitches and spasms for the past few days, along with some discomfort in my back. However, today, I felt an unexpected sharp pain shoot through my spine, which has left my legs feeling numb and made it impossible for me to sit up straight. Additionally, I’ve been dealing with cold sweats for the last hour and struggling to breathe properly. Perhaps I’m just overanalyzing things and it’s a common occurrence, but the intensity of the pain is overwhelming—it's truly unbearable. I’m shaking quite a bit, and unfortunately, my parents aren’t responding to my attempts to reach them for help. I have a history of a chronic heart condition and arthritis, yet I’ve never experienced pain this severe, especially in my spine. For context, I am nearly 15 years old and female. My current medications include pain relievers, anxiety medication, beta blockers, and some vitamins, though those specifics may not be particularly relevant. I don’t smoke; however, I have tried vaping a few times, which might not matter much, but I thought it was worth mentioning as it was requested.
Understanding Atrial Fibrillation and Thyroid Issues: Variability in Cardioversion Decisions
Hello everyone, I’m reaching out for guidance regarding my mother’s current health situation, and I’d greatly appreciate any shared experiences or thoughts. **My mother's background:** - **Age**: 55 years - **Weight**: Recently dropped to 116 kg from 118 kg in just two days, likely due to diuretics. - **Health history**: Previously an underactive thyroid, undiagnosed and untreated, now presenting as overactive. - **Medications**: Currently taking thyroid medication and a beta-blocker (Rapiblock). **Current health status:** My mother has been hospitalized since Tuesday, experiencing **atrial fibrillation with heart rates exceeding 200** beats per minute due to her thyroid's hyperactivity. - The plan for cardioversion was initially settled on Tuesday. However, the following day, the medical team advised postponing it until her thyroid levels could be stabilized, believing that her heart rate would return to normal once her thyroid condition was managed. - Her **obesity** precludes her from undergoing a transthoracic echocardiogram, and due to her thyroid concerns, she cannot handle contrast dye (this has been a consistent issue for over four years). Therefore, the only feasible option was a **transesophageal echocardiogram (TEE)**, which has yet to be performed. - She has been prescribed various medications including beta-blockers and thyroid treatments in the past. - On Friday, a doctor proposed proceeding with cardioversion; however, the attending senior physician objected. - Today (Saturday), another clinician has expressed a desire to move forward with cardioversion, having initiated a new medication, as the senior physician is unavailable. - **Communication has been unclear**, as we were notified of developments by a nurse rather than the physician in charge, causing confusion and anxiety. - Currently, only a **chest X-ray** is scheduled, and the TEE remains unaddressed. **My inquiries are as follows:** 1. Is it common for medical professionals to have varying opinions and frequently revise medication or treatment plans like cardioversion? 2. Is it safe to conduct cardioversion in the absence of a TEE? I presumed that this was a standard procedure to exclude the presence of blood clots. 3. Is it usual practice to have only a chest X-ray prior to moving ahead with cardioversion? 4. How typical is it for patients or their families to not be directly informed about treatment changes and learn about them through nursing staff instead? I recognize that this cannot substitute for professional medical advice. I’m simply trying to discern whether these circumstances are typical or if we should express our concerns more assertively with the healthcare facility. Thank you for your insights!
28-Year-Old Male Experiencing Scalp Sensations Post-Amitriptyline Treatment
I am a 28-year-old man in generally good health, without any cardiac concerns. Approximately a month ago, I encountered intense pain localized to one side of my head, which was unresponsive to paracetamol. However, a single dose of a migraine treatment provided substantial relief. Following that, I began a regimen of amitriptyline, starting at a nightly dose of 10 to 25 mg. While my head pain has diminished significantly—by about 90 to 95%—I now experience occasional uncomfortable sensations on my scalp. These feelings include pins and needles, a cooling sensation, and some crawling feelings near my hairline and ears. There are fleeting moments where I feel brief throbs lasting a second, but I do not have any persistent headaches. To clarify, I do not experience any of the following: - Nausea - Weakness in my limbs - Numbness - Changes in my vision - Coordination difficulties - Seizures The symptoms I have are transient, shifting around and often intensifying when I become conscious of them or as the day progresses. I would like to know: Is it common to experience these sensations during the recovery stage following episodes of neuralgia or migraine-like discomfort? Additionally, could the amitriptyline potentially be causing these temporary paresthetic sensations? I am seeking some reassurance or advice on what is typically observed during this healing process. Thank you.
7-Month-Old Child with Abernethy Malformation - Exploring Treatment Options
# 7-Month-Old Child with Abernethy Malformation - Exploring Treatment Options ## [7-Month-Old] Identified with Abernethy Malformation (Congenital Portosystemic Shunt) - Treatment Methods? **Age:** 7 months **Gender:** Female **Height:** Age-appropriate **Weight:** Currently 9 kg, was 2.8 kg at birth **Ethnicity:** Asian **Duration of Symptoms:** Present since birth **Location:** Uzbekistan **Pre-existing Health Issues:** Abernethy malformation (congenital portosystemic shunt), liver hemangiomas, chronic jaundice, anemia **Current Treatments:** Supportive management --- ## INITIAL PRESENTATION (June 2025 - July 2025) Our daughter arrived on **June 27, 2025**, presenting with: - Birth weight: **2.8 kg** - Marked jaundice (yellowing of skin and sclera) - Pale or clay-colored stools - **Bilirubin level: 245 μmol/L** (typically <20) An immediate ultrasound indicated multiple liver anomalies, initially thought to be hemangiomas. --- ## FIRST COMPREHENSIVE ASSESSMENT (August 1, 2025 - 1 Month Old) ### Multislice Computed Tomography (MSCT) with 3-Phase Contrast (August 1, 2025): **RESULTS:** - **Portocaval shunt size: 9.9 mm** (blood bypassing the liver into the inferior vena cava) - **Arteriovenous shunt size: 4.4 mm** - **Portal vein size: 6.1 mm** (patent) - **Three nodular cystic lesions** located in the perivascular area, with largest measuring 11.6×20.7 mm, enhancing during the venous phase - Liver features a heterogeneous architecture, exhibiting irregular enhancement - Gallbladder appears elongated and slightly enlarged - Other abdominal organs exhibit normal findings **RADIOLOGIST’S ASSESSMENT:** "Congenital portosystemic shunt indicative of Abernethy malformation; less likely arteriovenous malformation (AVM); cannot dismiss the possibility of localized liver lesions." **ADVICE:** Seek consultations with an abdominal and vascular surgeon. ### Blood Tests (August 1, 2025): **Complete Blood Count:** - WBC: 10.44 × 10⁹/L (normal range) - **RBC: 2.1 × 10¹²/L** (LOW - indicating severe anemia) - **Hemoglobin: 69 g/L** (CRITICALLY LOW; normal is 117-166) - Platelets: 403 × 10⁹/L (elevated) **Biochemistry Analysis:** - Urea: 1.80 mmol/L (normal) - Creatinine: 33.4 μmol/L (normal) - **ALT: >1000 IU/mL** (EXTREMELY HIGH - severe liver dysfunction) --- ## FOLLOW-UP IMAGING (December 16, 2025 - 5.5 Months Old) ### Liver Ultrasound: **RESULTS:** - Right lobe: 64 mm, left lobe: 43 mm - Liver capsule appears irregular and vague - **Parenchyma: heterogeneous, showing 7 hypo-isoechoic nodules** (sizes range from 11.5×10.7 mm to 17.6×15.4 mm) - Capsule features uneven contours - Blood flow noted during Doppler examination - No dilation in intrahepatic bile ducts - **Portal vein: 3.9 mm** (decreased from 6.1 mm - indicating improvement) - Common bile duct: 1.4 mm - Gallbladder: measures 43.7×9.2 mm (pear-shaped, wall thickness 2.0 mm, homogeneous, free of stones) **ULTRASOUND ASSESSMENT:** "Presence of liver volumetric formations (specifically liver hemangiomas)." --- ## LATEST MSCT (February 6, 2026 - 7 Months Old) ### MSCT with 3-Phase Contrast: **FINDINGS:** - Liver remains normal in size, but shows heterogeneous structure with uneven contrast enhancement - **Portocaval shunt: 9.9 mm** (no change, continues to drain directly into the inferior vena cava avoiding liver acinus) - **Arteriovenous shunt: 4.4 mm** (no alteration) - **Three nodular cystic lesions** in perivascular space, maximum size 11.6×20.7 mm, enhancing in the venous phase - **Portal vein: 6.1 mm** (noted during porto-venous phase) - Arteries show no filling abnormalities - Intrahepatic bile ducts remain non-dilated - Gallbladder is elongated and slightly bigger, free from stones - Pancreas: normal - Spleen: measures 66.9×38.5 mm (not enlarged), splenic vein is 3.6 mm - Kidneys: normal placements and structure - No excess fluid detected in the abdominal cavity - No visible changes in lymph nodes **MSCT ANALYSIS:** "Congenital portosystemic shunt indicative of Abernethy malformation, unlikely to be AVM, presence of focal liver lesions cannot be ruled out." **RECOMMENDATION:** Engage with an abdominal and vascular surgeon. --- ## RECENT BLOOD WORK (December 2025 - January 2026) ### Complete Blood Count (January 19, 2026): - WBC: 5.8 × 10⁹/L (SHOWS IMPROVEMENT) - **RBC: 2.93 × 10¹²/L** (IMPROVED but still low) - **Hemoglobin: 72 g/L** (SHOWS IMPROVEMENT but still low) - Platelets: 223 × 10⁹/L (BACK TO NORMAL) - Neutrophils: 30.0% - Lymphocytes: 64.8% - Monocytes: 4.6% ### Biochemistry (January 28, 2026): - Total protein level: 67 g/L (slightly deficient) - Creatinine: 20.7 μmol/L - **Total Bilirubin: 242 μmol/L** (STILL HIGH - unchanged) - **Direct Bilirubin: 142 μmol/L** (VERY HIGH) - **ALT: 50 IU/mL** (DRASTICALLY LOWER from >1000!) --- ## OVERVIEW OF PROGRESS OVER 6 MONTHS | Parameter | August 2025 | January 2026 | Change | |------------------|-------------|---------------|--------------------------| | **Hemoglobin** | 69 g/L | 72 g/L | ↗ Slight improvement | | **RBC** | 2.1 | 2.93 | ↗ Improved | | **ALT** | >1000 | 50 | ✓✓ MAJOR IMPROVEMENT | | **Bilirubin** | 245 | 242 | → Unchanged (still elevated) | | **Portal vein** | 6.1 mm | 3.9 mm (US) | ↗ Decreased | | **Platelets** | 403 | 223 | ↘ Normalized | | **Shunt size** | 9.9 mm | 9.9 mm | → No Change | --- ## CURRENT SITUATION (February 2026 - 7 Months Old) - **Weight:** 9 kg (good growth rate in spite of condition) - **Jaundice:** Continues to be present (yellow skin) - **Stools:** Remain pale/clay-colored - **Development:** Achieving appropriate milestones - **Energy:** Appears to have a good energy level - **Feeding:** Normal appetite --- ## QUESTIONS FOR r/AskDocs We have been informed this is **Type 2 Abernethy malformation** (portal vein present). **Three treatment avenues have been proposed:** ### Option 1: **Endovascular Coil Embolization** (minimally invasive approach) - A catheter is inserted via the leg vein to access the shunt and deploy coils/plugs to close the abnormal vessels - Pros: No surgical incision, minimal discomfort, short hospital stay (2-4 days), no scars, enhanced safety - Duration: 1-2 hours - Recovery: 2-4 weeks for jaundice to show improvement ### Option 2: **Open Surgical Intervention** - An incision in the abdomen to ligate abnormal vessels and redirect blood to the liver - Pros: Direct visualization, effective results - Cons: Surgical scar, longer recovery time (7-14 days in hospital) - Duration: 2-4 hours ### Option 3: **Liver Transplantation** - We have been advised this is not necessary as the portal vein is functional and liver health is improving. --- ## SPECIFIC QUESTIONS TO CONSIDER: 1. **With a functional portal vein (6.1 mm) and improving liver function (ALT normalized), is it advisable to pursue endovascular closure as the preferred treatment?** 2. **Despite ALT levels improving, the bilirubin remains consistently high (242). Should this be a cause for concern? Is there a prospect for it to normalize post shunt closure?** 3. **Are the hemangiomas/nodules (11.6×20.7 mm) linked to the shunt? Will they likely resolve following shunt repair?** 4. **How urgent is the proposed intervention? Is immediate action required, or is there flexibility to wait a few months?** 5. **What complications should we be vigilant for during the waiting period?** 6. **Regarding endovascular closure - what is the average success rate for infants aged 7 months? Are there concerns regarding the shunt size (9.9 mm)?** 7. **The measurement of the portal vein has shown improvement from 6.1 mm to 3.9 mm; should this be perceived as a positive sign or a reason for concern?** 8. **Are there special directives (diet modifications, medications) we should consider while awaiting the procedure?** 9. **Post-procedure, how long should we expect it might take for:** - Normalization of bilirubin levels? - Return of stool color to normal? - Resolution of jaundice? - Regression of hemangiomas? 10. **Can you recommend any specialized centers for pediatric Abernethy malformation treatments? We are located in Uzbekistan but are prepared to travel (to Turkey, Russia, South Korea, etc.)** --- ## ADDITIONAL INFORMATION - No family history of hepatic diseases - Pregnancy and delivery were normal - No additional congenital defects identified - Immunizations up to date - No history of bleeding disorders - No signs indicative of encephalopathy - Child is alert and engaged --- **I can supply actual MSCT images and comprehensive lab reports if they would be of assistance.** We sincerely appreciate any insights you can provide. We are striving to make the most informed decision regarding our daughter’s care and highly value expert medical opinions. **TL;DR:** 7-month-old diagnosed with Abernethy Type 2 malformation (9.9 mm portocaval shunt, patent portal vein). Liver functionality is improving (normalized ALT) while bilirubin remains elevated (242). Evaluating options between endovascular coil embolization and open surgery. Seeking expert advice on optimal treatment strategy and timing.