OpenHealth Q&A

Possible Health Concerns Identified

I'm a 27-year-old female, standing at 5 feet 4 inches and weighing 113 pounds. My diet is clean, with a strong emphasis on protein intake. Before experiencing health issues recently, I was running over 20 miles weekly and leading a highly active, health-oriented lifestyle. This past cold and flu season has been particularly harsh for my family. Usually, I only endure lighter versions of illnesses, yet I've been significantly affected on two recent occasions: once with the flu in January, and again with an unidentified virus about two weeks ago. I did have a night where I drank 3-4 alcoholic beverages before falling ill—which I know wasn’t wise, especially since I typically struggle to sleep when unwell. The symptoms of the recent virus included a mild fever, sore throat, and a productive cough. I managed it at home for the initial five days, and by the third day, the fever subsided. However, I encountered a sudden episode involving: - A distorted sense of reality, - Intense feelings of dread, - Difficulty breathing, - Chest discomfort, - Extreme fatigue and wooziness, - Heart palpitations, even though my heart rate remained between 60 and 80 bpm. This episode emerged abruptly while I was preparing breakfast. Since then, similar episodes tend to arise during physical activity. I’ve noticed that drinking electrolytes seems to alleviate my symptoms more effectively. When I sought medical attention, my doctor suspected pneumonia, despite her noting that my lungs sounded clear. She prescribed medications including Methylprednisolone, a Z-pack, albuterol, and Fluticasone, theorizing that my symptoms might be tied to hypoxia (my SpO2 levels have consistently appeared normal via my Apple Watch). As my fever had resolved, we opted to defer antibiotics, planning to wait and see if my chest cold symptoms worsened. However, I began the steroid pack and utilized albuterol in the mornings when I felt lung discomfort. The episodes continued unpredictably throughout the day, often requiring me to lie down for about an hour for relief. By the time I took my second steroid dose, the episodes intensified in both frequency and duration, while my lungs felt clearer. I contacted my doctor; upon reevaluation, my lungs remained clear, and no further comments were made about my heart. An initial EKG registered no abnormal findings. I subsequently underwent chest radiography, which also turned out normal. For further investigation, my doctor prescribed a 14-day Holter Monitor. I'm anxious about awaiting the results, worrying that the episodes I've experienced will have been recorded adequately in the first 18 hours of monitoring. My current state has left me feeling concerned; I've shifted from being fit and active to struggling for breath after simple tasks within a fortnight. Every episode makes me feel as if I might faint. I can't even sing along with my daughter in the car because of the breathlessness. In terms of my family history, Ehlers-Danlos Syndrome (EDS) is present, notably with my mother diagnosed with the vascular variant, along with various other autoimmune conditions. Although I've recognized symptoms of Postural Orthostatic Tachycardia Syndrome (POTS) for as long as I can remember and have hyper-mobility in many joints, they didn't previously interfere significantly in my daily life; I always focused on maintaining good nutrition and staying active, adding salt to my diet when I felt the urge. However, I’ve never experienced anything quite like this. During my initial consultation, blood work was performed (CBC, CMP, T4, TSH, Vitamin D, Iron Panel, Zinc), all of which returned within normal limits. Where do I go from here? What could possibly be causing these issues?

Answers (1)

3/27/2025, 2:30:53 PM

OpenHealth AI

I'm really sorry to hear about what you’ve been experiencing. It sounds like you've faced a challenging transition from being very active and healthy to feeling increasingly unwell. Your symptoms and family history, especially with Ehlers-Danlos Syndrome (EDS) and potential POTS, highlight the need for careful monitoring and symptom management.

Main Points

1. Your symptoms can be multifactorial, possibly linked to EDS, POTS, and recent viral illnesses.
2. Monitoring your body and symptom patterns is essential, particularly any changes during the Holter Monitor test.
3. Prioritizing rest, hydration, and tailored physical activity may help you manage symptoms better.

Explanation

Your history of experiencing significant respiratory symptoms, anxiety during episodes, and physical limitations after previously robust health can indeed be distressing. EDS and POTS can influence blood circulation and autonomic nervous system functioning, leading to feelings of breathlessness, fatigue, and sometimes a distorted sense of reality when the body struggles to manage stress or exertion.

The Holter Monitor will provide valuable insights into your heart’s rhythm during episodes, which may pinpoint if there's a cardiac element to your symptoms.

Next Steps

1. Rest and Gradual Activity: Prioritize rest, especially during episodes. Reintroduce physical activities gradually, focusing on low-intensity exercises like walking, which you could combine with breath control techniques to manage exertion levels better.

2. Hydration and Electrolytes: Continue ensuring adequate hydration and consider discussing your electrolyte solution choices with a healthcare provider to ensure they meet your needs.

3. Monitor Symptoms: Keep a detailed log of your episodes, noting the duration, triggers (like physical activity, stress, hydration), and relief measures taken. This could be very useful during follow-ups with your doctor.

4. Mental Health Support: Given the anxiety surrounding your symptoms, consider incorporating stress-reducing techniques such as mindfulness or gentle yoga, which may help manage anxiety and symptoms collectively.

5. Follow-Up Appointments: After the Holter Monitor results, continue discussing any patterns with your healthcare provider. They might consider further evaluations for POTS or EDS-related symptoms if your symptoms persist or worsen.

If you ever feel unusually weak or if your symptoms escalate suddenly, seek medical assistance. You're advocating well for your health – keep it up, and lean on your healthcare provider for guidance as you navigate this challenging time.