OpenHealth Q&A

Seeking Support for Unexplained Physical Pain and Frustration

I'm a 29-year-old white male, standing at 190.5 cm and weighing 88 kg. Currently, my medication regimen includes: 10 mg of Escitalopram Oxalate daily, a men's multivitamin, sublingual Vitamin B12 at 1000 mcg daily, 1000 mg of fish oil, 2000 mg of cinnamon, Meloxicam at 7.5 mg daily, 150 mg of zinc citrate, Trazodone at 50 mg as needed (usually before bedtime), and 10 mg of generic Metamucil powder daily. Medical diagnoses: I have Autism Spectrum Disorder (previously classified as Asperger's), as well as anxiety and depression, both of which I manage with therapy and my medication. For almost a year now, I've been plagued by sudden, sharp pains that strike randomly throughout my body, mostly affecting my limbs, chest (especially in the center or right side), and head. Typically, only two of these areas hurt at any given time. My prior family doctor speculated that my ongoing discomfort stemmed from a vitamin deficiency, despite my normal B12 and D3 levels, leading me to discontinue my previous dosage of Vitamin D3 two weeks ago. He later suggested that these pains were likely tied to anxiety. However, I have effectively managed my anxiety and depression for nearly eight years, and I can't agree with this assessment. After changing healthcare providers, I felt as though I was merely funding a situation where my former GP dismissed my concerns, pushing me to feel like a hypochondriac instead. My new physician, whom I consulted in January, reiterated the idea that my symptoms were anxiety-related, even as I tried to clarify that the physical discomfort was actually worsening my anxiety. Over the last two weeks, my condition has worsened. I now frequently experience a sensation of tightness or dullness in either side—or sometimes both sides—of my head, accompanied by occasional swallowing difficulties. The sharp, random pains persist. Additionally, I often suffer from upper-middle back pain just beneath my ribs. I’m feeling constantly fatigued and irritable, my frustration has peaked regarding my symptoms, and concentrating either at work or home has become nearly impossible, particularly during episodes of discomfort in my head. During these heightened levels of anxiety, I sometimes encounter tingling sensations in my face and lower arms—something I’ve only experienced a few times in my 20s. In my most recent appointment on Tuesday, I expressed my worries and stressed the need to investigate potential physical causes before considering psychological ones. Unfortunately, it felt like my doctor only partially listened during our brief interaction; he diagnosed me with tension headaches and prescribed Meloxicam 7.5 mg as needed, but he failed to address the underlying body pains or provide a clear rationale for his prescription. Despite taking the medication for two days, I haven't noticed any improvements. I confided in my mother, an LPN by profession, about my health troubles, and she suggested I mention that there are autoimmune conditions present in her family, such as her own battle with Multiple Sclerosis and her aunt’s history of Fibromyalgia and Scleroderma. This information had never come to my attention until now. What I truly desire is someone to listen and share their thoughts on my situation. I’m exhausted from feeling as though my body is betraying me, and it leads to immense frustration. The weight of my feelings has reached a point where I find myself wanting to break down and cry over the physical turmoil. I genuinely believe that this isn't just psychological, yet I'm at a loss as to what might be wrong. Any insight or advice would be deeply appreciated. Thank you for your time.

Answers (1)

3/21/2025, 2:50:44 AM

OpenHealth AI

I understand that you’re experiencing persistent and distressing physical pain along with significant frustration. It’s really important to validate your feelings and the reality of your symptoms. While anxiety can manifest physically, it’s essential to explore other potential causes, especially considering your family history of autoimmune conditions. Let’s break this down and focus on actionable steps you can take.

Main Points

1. Your symptoms could stem from various factors, including possible autoimmune conditions given your family history.
2. Communication with your healthcare provider is crucial to address your concerns and symptoms more effectively.
3. Immediate self-care and symptom tracking can help you articulate your experiences better.

Explanation

Chronic pain, especially with the nature you described, can indeed be complex. While anxiety can cause physical symptoms, your ongoing discomfort and its impact on your life should definitely be taken seriously. The sensations of tightness in your head, sharp pains, and back discomfort may indicate an underlying issue, such as a possible neurological or autoimmune condition. With your family history of autoimmune diseases, it’s wise to consider these factors seriously in your discussions with healthcare providers.

Next Steps

1. Symptom Journal: Start keeping a detailed symptom diary. Note when the pain occurs, its intensity, duration, any additional symptoms (like fatigue and tingling), and what you were doing at the time. This data will be helpful in future discussions with your doctor.

2. Follow-Up Appointment: Request a follow-up appointment to discuss your symptoms in detail. Mention your family history of autoimmune diseases and express your wishes for further testing. Possible tests might include blood tests to rule out conditions like lupus or rheumatoid arthritis.

3. Consider a Specialist: If your concerns are still dismissed, consider seeking a referral to a specialist, such as a rheumatologist or neurologist, who has more expertise in chronic pain and potential autoimmune issues. They might be able to provide more targeted investigations than a general practitioner.

4. Self-Care Techniques: Until you are able to see your doctor again, focus on managing discomfort with gentle self-care methods. This could include:

   • Gentle Exercise: Try low-impact activities like walking or stretching to ease tension. Aim for short, regular sessions.
   • Stress Management: Practice relaxation techniques such as deep breathing exercises or mindfulness, which can help reduce how your body physically responds to anxiety.

5. Communicate Openly: When discussing your health with professionals, express your frustration and how this is affecting your life. Clear communication can sometimes elicit better understanding and a more thorough investigation into your symptoms.

It's important that you feel heard and validated in your experiences. Chronic pain can be incredibly taxing, emotionally and physically, but taking these steps can help you navigate your health journey more effectively. You're doing the right thing by seeking support and advocating for your health—don't hesitate to lean on loved ones during this challenging time. If things do not improve or worsens, please seek immediate medical attention for exploration of other possible causes.