Seeking Guidance on a Mysterious Health Issue That's Disrupting My Life
Hi everyone, my significant other suggested I reach out to this community for insights or recommendations about a troubling health issue that has significantly impacted my life. Any tips or thoughts would be enormously appreciated! I am an 18-year-old female, measuring 167 cm and weighing 87 kg, of New Zealand European and Samoan descent, residing in New Zealand. Here’s a summary of what I’ve been going through: Approximately a year and a half ago, I started to suffer from severe gassiness and bloating. My bowel movements became erratic, swinging from severe constipation to diarrhea on a daily basis. This was followed by debilitating fatigue and episodes of intense abdominal pain, which I’ve come to refer to as “flare-ups.” These flare-ups are accompanied by extreme nausea (though no vomiting) and occasional fevers. After over seven consultations with my general practitioner, we attempted a dairy-free diet to rule out lactose intolerance, which yielded negative results. I also tried a whole foods diet, and multiple blood tests revealed low iron levels and hypothyroidism. Consequently, I was prescribed iron supplements and Synthroid. While my thyroid levels are now normal according to recent tests, the iron supplements have exacerbated the pain during bowel movements, leading to a scheduled iron infusion later this week. I've undergone a CT scan of my abdomen and am currently awaiting results from the hospital. Shortly after these symptoms manifested, I began using Depo Provera for nine months, which led to significant weight gain (increasing from 69 kg to nearly 90 kg) despite not changing my diet or exercise routine. Interestingly, my symptoms don’t seem to be food-related. There are days when the pain is minimal, while on others, discomfort strikes regardless of what I eat or even if I eat at all. This ongoing issue has compelled me to withdraw from university until I find answers, as during flare-ups, I am often bedridden and struggle with almost complete exhaustion that makes even simple tasks like using the restroom daunting. My energy levels are so low that working or studying is simply not feasible, and it's taking a considerable toll on my mental health and overall well-being. Additionally, I’ve been taking Venlafaxine at 150 mg daily for nearly two years. Although it doesn’t appear effective, I have been advised by healthcare professionals that discontinuing this medication may not be an option since previous SSRIs I tried have not worked for me. Any guidance or insight would be incredibly valued, and I am more than willing to provide further details or context if needed.
Answers (1)
3/24/2025, 7:20:57 AM
OpenHealth AI
I'm sorry to hear about the challenging health issues you're experiencing. It sounds like you have been dealing with significant symptoms that are impacting your life and mental well-being. Let's focus on a few key aspects of your situation that might help guide you toward understanding and managing your symptoms better.
Summary of Main Points:
- You have severe gassiness, bloating, irregular bowel movements, fatigue, episodes of abdominal pain, and nausea.
- You are currently on medication for hypothyroidism and experiencing side effects from iron supplements.
- You have also faced weight gain from Depo Provera, which is further complicating your health issues.
- It’s essential to find a more effective treatment approach while addressing both your physical and mental health.
Explanation:
Your symptoms could stem from a variety of causes, including possible gastrointestinal disorders like Irritable Bowel Syndrome (IBS), inflammatory bowel disease (like Crohn’s disease), or other conditions that affect digestion and absorption. The fact that your symptoms don't seem to correlate directly with food intake suggests that it might not solely be a dietary issue.
Your battles with fatigue and abdominal pain, especially during flare-ups, greatly affect your daily life. It’s understandable that these symptoms would lead to difficulties in maintaining your studies and mental health.
Next Steps:
-
Keep a Detailed Symptom Diary: Track your symptoms, dietary intake, and any potential triggers. Note the timing and severity of your flare-ups. This will provide crucial information for your healthcare team and potentially help identify patterns.
-
Consider Further Gastrointestinal Evaluation: Given your ongoing pain and irregular bowel habits, ask your healthcare provider about tests that might assess for conditions like IBS, Crohn's disease, or other gastrointestinal disorders. This could include endoscopy or colonoscopy, if necessary.
-
Manage Pain and Symptoms: While awaiting your iron infusion, consider discussing alternative iron supplement options with your healthcare provider, since the current version is causing pain. They may suggest different forms or dosages that are easier to tolerate.
-
Consult on Mental Health Options: Since you’re on Venlafaxine but not feeling improvements, discussing your mental health care plan with a psychiatrist might yield new strategies or therapy options to support your emotional well-being during this stressful time.
-
Engage in Gentle Activity: If you feel up to it, incorporate light physical activity (like walking) when you can. It can help reduce stress and improve your mood, but ensure it doesn’t exacerbate your symptoms.
-
Stay Hydrated and Nourished: Focus on maintaining hydration and balanced nutrition, which can be challenging but is vital for recovery and managing your energy levels.
-
Open Communication with Your Doctor: Keep your healthcare provider informed about all your symptoms and how they impact your daily life. Regular check-ins can help adjust your treatment as needed.
Remember, you're not alone in this, and many individuals with chronic conditions face similar struggles. Prioritize self-compassion, and don't hesitate to reach out for additional support when you need it. If you have any more specific questions or need further details, feel free to share.
Related Questions
Assessing My Health Concerns: How Anxious Should I Be?
I’m a 32-year-old woman, weighing 124 pounds and standing at 5 feet 6 inches tall. For over a year, I have been experiencing bright red rectal bleeding. Initially, I attributed this issue to hemorrhoids that developed during my pregnancy two years ago. The bleeding occurs with most of my bowel movements, sometimes happens without one, and on a few occasions, has been enough to stain the toilet bowl significantly. The color of the blood is typically darker than what I observe during a hemorrhoid flare-up. There is a notable family history of bowel cancer on both sides; one family member was diagnosed at age 45, and another at 60. In the past six months, I have encountered several episodes of severe abdominal pain—3 to 4 instances—intense enough to consider a trip to the emergency room. However, the pain usually subsides within about an hour. It’s unusual for me to experience such acute pain, given my high tolerance for discomfort; for example, I once played rugby shortly after dislocating and fracturing my finger. Recently, I mustered the courage to consult with my doctor, who recommended a FIT test, which returned a positive result (30.1). Additionally, I underwent a complete blood test, and aside from having low ferritin levels (7 µg/L), all other results were normal. I have since been referred for a colonoscopy on a two-week waiting list to rule out any possible bowel cancer. Given these circumstances, how concerned should I be? Thank you for your input.
Understanding Possible Seizure Triggers and Recurrence Risks
Health Background: I am a 21-year-old female, standing at 169 cm and weighing 65 kg. Over the past three years, I have been using oral contraceptives. As of this morning, I started taking 25 mcg of levothyroxine along with a weekly vitamin D supplement of 0.266 mg. Recently, I was diagnosed with hypothyroidism and found to have a vitamin D deficiency that I suspect has existed for the last three years. I do not consume alcohol or smoke, and I can confirm I am not pregnant. Two years ago, I experienced a mild concussion. I currently reside in Spain. A couple of months back, in mid-December, I blacked out twice. The second occurrence took place while I was at the doctor’s office after seeking urgent medical care for the initial incident. Following the second episode, I underwent a CT scan and an EKG, both of which returned normal results. Further tests, as directed by my physician, revealed a critical vitamin D deficiency and hypothyroidism; however, he expressed doubt that either of these conditions led to my loss of consciousness. I was then referred to a neurologist, and I am presently awaiting an appointment. Although the waiting period is lengthy, my doctor indicated that I should receive priority for scheduling, although the exact timeframe remains uncertain. The referral document summarized my events, labeling the second episode (which the physician witnessed) as a potential seizure devoid of tonic-clonic movements—a revelation that took me by surprise. After regaining consciousness, I felt extremely disoriented and terrified, struggling to process what was happening. I have no prior history of seizures, epilepsy, or any related conditions, and there is no known family history of these issues. If this indeed was a seizure, what might have triggered it? Additionally, what is the likelihood of experiencing another one? Since that time, I have not had any further incidents, but I have experienced moments where I felt a sense of impending doom, which I managed to overcome. I intend to wait for the neurologist's evaluation, but the uncertainty surrounding a possible neurological condition is quite distressing. Thank you for any insight you can provide!
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.
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.