OpenHealth Q&A

Seeking Guidance on Recurring Health Issues

I’m in my early twenties and maintain a healthy weight, but I’ve faced persistent health challenges. For years, I engaged in regular workouts, but I had to halt my fitness routine last winter due to escalating symptoms that I needed to manage. Over the past couple of years, I’ve dealt with recurring issues that sometimes fade away, only to return more severe after several months. I’m uncertain if these symptoms are interconnected or indicate different underlying problems, so I’ll outline them along with the tests I’ve undergone with my physician. **Symptoms (not in any specific order):** 1. When the weather cools, even slightly below room temperature (like just below 70°F), I experience stiffness in my muscles that can lock into position. For instance, while driving, my hands sometimes feel stuck on the steering wheel. 2. I’ve noticed a slight lag in my reflexes. Activities such as chewing, swallowing, or texting feel off. For example, I used to be able to quickly drink a 500ml bottle of water, but now my swallowing reflex seems sluggish, making it difficult to consume that same amount rapidly (this symptom surfaced in late 2023). 3. I occasionally feel uncomfortably cold even at moderate temperatures. There are times when I feel chilly at 72°F, prompting me to adjust the thermostat to 78°F. Notably, one leg often feels colder than the other, with this issue also beginning in late 2023. 4. In tandem with feeling cold, I experience bouts of severe fatigue and sleepiness, accompanied by a dry mouth and sense of agitation. These episodes often occur after meals, regardless of quantity, but also happen during fasting; I noticed them starting late in 2023. 5. During the colder months, I struggle with cognitive function. My mood tends to be poor, my memory declines, and my speech becomes more slurred, with depressive episodes also emerging—this began in 2023. 6. Recently, I’ve noticed a sudden change in my vision. One day, I could read clearly, and the next, my sight became blurry and fatigued. Although the exhaustion faded, the blurriness persisted. Additionally, my left eye sometimes appears to pulsate during fatigue or dry mouth periods, and I often see a vague floaty sensation in my left eye, though I can’t pinpoint its exact location in my field of vision. 7. I’ve found that circulation in my limbs feels irregular. My feet become numb more quickly when sitting, and I experience pins and needles sensations more frequently. Also, my arms tend to “fall asleep” sooner when I rest on my sides. 8. Joint pain and stiffness worsen in colder weather. 9. I’ve experienced vertigo for the past five years, but I attributed it to excessive earwax buildup. 10. I have further symptoms I’m willing to discuss, but I’d like to keep this post concise. **Tests conducted by my doctor:** 1. I was screened for diabetes and received a borderline pre-diabetic diagnosis based on my A1c levels. A separate A1c test in 2024 showed normal results. 2. My vitamin D was low at the initial testing phase, prompting some to suspect a link with my muscular issues, yet symptoms persisted even after normalization of my vitamin D levels. 3. Blood tests, including CBC, CMP, and lipid panels, were conducted; my LDL was noted to be 140, although that has been a consistent issue for me. 4. Iron levels were within normal ranges, but my ferritin was slightly low; it returned to normal, yet symptoms continued. 5. Thyroid tests (T3, T4, and TSH) indicated normal function. 6. A testosterone evaluation returned normal results. 7. A rheumatoid factor test yielded borderline high results, prompting further arthritis testing, which came back negative. I was informed that lupus was ruled out in subsequent evaluations. 8. A brain MRI was performed to eliminate the possibility of MS, which showed normal findings. I feel overwhelmed and uncertain about the next steps to take. My primary goal is to understand these health challenges better and find a pathway to move forward in my life.

Answers (1)

3/23/2025, 5:10:54 AM

OpenHealth AI

I commend you for your proactive approach in seeking guidance on your health issues and for diligently tracking your symptoms. Given the complexity and recurrence of your symptoms, it's understandable to feel overwhelmed. Here’s a clear, structured response based on your situation, emphasizing your primary goal of understanding and finding a pathway forward.

Key Points

1. Symptoms Overview: You have a range of symptoms that could be interconnected, especially related to cold sensitivity, cognitive changes, muscular and circulation issues.
2. Evaluated Conditions: You've undergone several tests to rule out major conditions like diabetes, thyroid issues, and multiple sclerosis, but some findings (like borderline rheumatoid factors and past low vitamin D levels) need further examination.
3. Next Steps: Focus on self-care strategies, lifestyle management, and potentially addressing underlying deficiencies or imbalances.

Explanation

Your symptoms suggest a complex interplay of factors that can impact your physical and mental well-being. The recurring nature of these symptoms, particularly with cold sensitivity, muscle stiffness, cognitive decline, and circulatory issues, could signal a connective tissue or autoimmune process, although previous tests have ruled out major conditions.

1. Cold Sensitivity and Stiffness: These can be exacerbated by changes in temperature, indicating a potential issue with circulation or muscle function.
2. Cognitive and Mood Changes: These might relate to vitamin deficiencies, hormonal imbalances, or even situational stressors.
3. Visual Changes: The blurred vision you’re experiencing could warrant further evaluation from a specialist, such as an optometrist or neurologist.

Specific, Prioritized Next Steps:

1. Track Symptoms: Maintain a detailed diary of your symptoms, including their severity, triggers (like temperature changes), and any patterns you notice. This could aid in identifying links between symptoms.

2. Hydration and Nutrition: Ensure you’re maintaining optimal hydration, which can improve overall bodily function. Consider focusing on nutrient-dense foods that support energy levels and mood, such as leafy greens, whole grains, lean proteins, and healthy fats.

3. Physical Activity Adjustments: Although you've had to halt your fitness routine, consider incorporating light activities like walking or stretching, especially in a warm environment. This can help mitigate stiffness and improve circulation.

4. Manage Stress and Mood: Explore relaxation techniques such as mindfulness, yoga, or meditation, which can contribute to better overall mental health and performance.

5. Follow-Up on Vision Issues: Since you’ve experienced sudden changes in vision, it’s advisable to consult an eye specialist who can assess potential underlying causes and recommend appropriate interventions.

6. Nutritional Supplements: Given your history of low vitamin D, consider revisiting supplementation, and discuss with a healthcare provider about checking for other deficiencies (like B vitamins or magnesium) that could influence muscle function and energy levels.

7. Regular Monitoring: Schedule regular check-ups with your physician to discuss ongoing symptoms and follow up on tests where necessary. This could help identify any new patterns or requirements for further investigation.

Conclusion

By taking these steps, you can begin to feel more in control of your health and work toward alleviating your symptoms. Remember, it’s important to be patient with your body during this time, as finding the right strategies might take some trial and error. Stay engaged with your healthcare provider and keep advocating for your health needs. You are not alone in this journey.