OpenHealth Q&A

Seeking Answers for Ongoing Health Issues

Standing tall at 6 feet 4 inches and weighing 210 pounds, I had maintained a consistent workout routine for years. However, last winter, I encountered such debilitating symptoms that I had to pause my fitness journey to focus on my health. Previously, I weighed 220 pounds while exercising regularly, but in an effort to pinpoint the causes of my symptoms, I began to eat less and eliminate various foods from my diet. I've abstained from smoking and alcohol throughout my life, and for the last four years, I've significantly reduced my intake of sweets and processed foods. My diet primarily consists of fruits and sources of protein. Over the past couple of years, I have faced recurring symptoms that tend to improve only to worsen dramatically after several months. It's unclear if these symptoms are interconnected or result from various conditions, so I’ll outline them along with the tests conducted by my physician. **List of Symptoms (not sorted by severity):** 1. During colder months or when temperatures drop slightly from room temperature (even a minor decrease from 70 degrees can trigger this), I experience stiffness in my muscles, causing them to lock. For instance, while gripping the steering wheel during drives, my hands can feel stuck. 2. I perceive a minor yet distinctly noticeable delay in my reflex responses. Tasks like chewing, swallowing, or typing seem unusual. Previously, I could easily gulp a 500ml bottle of water; now, my swallow reflex feels sluggish, making it challenging to do so. This particular symptom emerged in late 2023. 3. I often feel an intense chill, even when the environment is mild. For example, I can feel cold at 72 degrees, necessitating an increase to 78 degrees on the thermostat. I’ve also noticed a consistent difference in temperature between my legs, with one often feeling cooler than the other. This sensation began in late 2023 as well. 4. Along with feelings of coldness come bouts of extreme fatigue, dry mouth, and agitation. These episodes happen often after eating, regardless of the portion size, but can also occur even when fasting. This symptom showed up in late 2023. 5. Cold weather impacts my mental clarity; my mood darkens, my memory falters, my speech becomes slurred, and I experience intermittent depression. This shift also began in 2023. 6. Recently, I developed another alarming symptom: sudden blurriness in my vision. One day, I could read my emails without any difficulty, and the next, my eyes felt tired and less focused. Although the fatigue has subsided, my vision remains less clear than before. Additionally, I’ve observed that my left eye sometimes pulsates during periods of fatigue, accompanied by what feels like an elusive floater that appears sporadically. 7. My limbs are also affected by what feels like compromised circulation. For instance, I notice my feet becoming numb while seated much sooner than in the past, and I experience more frequent pins and needles sensations. Similarly, my arms seem to fall asleep more swiftly while lying on my side. 8. Joint pain and stiffness intensify during colder seasons. 9. I have struggled with vertigo for the past five years, which I attributed to an overproduction of earwax. 10. There are numerous other symptoms I could elaborate on, but I’d like to keep this post concise. **Tests Conducted by My Doctor:** 1. I underwent diabetes testing, which revealed a borderline pre-diabetic condition from my A1C levels; testing occurred in 2024 when my symptoms were present, and results were normal. 2. Initially, I was tested for vitamin D deficiency, which returned low; however, even after normalization, my symptoms persisted. 3. Routine tests, including CBC, CMP, and lipid panels, indicated that only my LDL levels were elevated at 140, a consistent issue. 4. Although my iron levels were normal, my ferritin was slightly low, but it improved over time, still failing to alleviate my symptoms. 5. A thyroid panel for T3, T4, and TSH returned normal results. 6. Normal testosterone levels were confirmed during separate testing. 7. A rheumatoid factor test resulted in borderline high levels, leading to arthritis testing, which returned negative, and my doctor assured me that lupus had been ruled out. 8. Even a brain MRI was performed to exclude multiple sclerosis, and the results were normal. At this point, I'm at a loss regarding the next steps. My primary desire is to discover a resolution to these ongoing issues so I can regain control of my life.

Answers (1)

3/20/2025, 7:01:09 PM

OpenHealth AI

It sounds like you are experiencing a range of perplexing symptoms that have significantly disrupted your life, and it's commendable that you are seeking clarity. Your main goals appear to be understanding the cause of your symptoms and regaining control over your health and daily activities. While many tests have returned normal results, there are some actionable steps you can take to further investigate and manage your health concerns.

Understanding Your Symptoms

Your symptoms seem to cluster around responses to temperature changes, muscle stiffness, changes in reflexes, fatigue, circulation issues, cognitive and mood fluctuations, and visual disturbances. These could stem from various underlying conditions like autoimmune issues, neurological disorders, or metabolic disturbances. It’s important to keep track of how and when these symptoms worsen to help guide further discussions with your healthcare provider.

Next Steps

Here are prioritized and actionable steps you can consider:

1. Keep a Symptom Diary:

   • Document the frequency and severity of each symptom, noting any triggers (like temperature changes) and their relationship to diet, stress levels, physical activity, and hydration.
   • This diary can help reveal patterns and may highlight potential connections between your symptoms and lifestyle.

2. Revisit Your Healthcare Provider:

   • Schedule an appointment to discuss your symptoms in depth, bringing your symptom diary along. This can facilitate a more targeted approach.
   • Consider asking for referrals to specialists, such as a neurologist for neurological symptoms or a rheumatologist for persistent joint pain and stiffness.

3. Nutritional Assessment:

   • Collaborate with a registered dietitian to evaluate your current diet and ensure you’re meeting all nutritional needs. Address potential deficiencies, especially in vitamins that play a role in nerve and muscle function, such as B vitamins and magnesium.
   • Monitor your blood sugar more closely due to your borderline pre-diabetic condition; small, frequent meals with balanced macronutrients may help manage symptoms after eating.

4. Physical Therapy and Gentle Exercise:

   • Engage in physical therapy focusing on exercises that promote flexibility, strength, and circulation. Using heat packs before exercises can help with muscle stiffness and improve mobility.
   • Incorporate gentle activities such as yoga or qigong, which can address stiffness while also promoting relaxation and mental clarity.

5. Coping Strategies for Mental Well-being:

   • Establish a routine that includes relaxation techniques such as meditation, deep breathing exercises, or mindfulness to help manage stress, which may worsen some of your symptoms.

Additional Considerations

• Screen for Autoimmune Conditions: Even though some tests have ruled out specific concerns, staying vigilant for autoimmune conditions might be beneficial. Some conditions might require more targeted testing.
• Monitor Hydration and Room Temperature: Ensure you stay well-hydrated, as dehydration can exacerbate multiple symptoms, including fatigue and cognitive changes. Consider using a space heater or wearing layers to manage your temperature needs.

It's important to remain proactive and communicate openly with your healthcare team as you navigate through these challenges. Thank you for sharing your experience, and I hope these steps will provide some clarity and comfort as you work towards resolving your health concerns.