Feeling Overwhelmed and Unwell
I’m a 32-year-old female, slender with a BMI at the lower end of the normal range, and I have a history of experiencing episodes of tachycardia, orthostatic hypotension, and consistently low blood pressure, typically around 90/70. I deal with fatigue, a sense of exhaustion, and occasional brain fog. In my childhood, I had episodes of vertigo but they have not persisted. Throughout my pregnancies, I encountered restless leg syndrome and saw a significant worsening of my orthostatic hypotension and tachycardia, often leading to near-fainting incidents and tingling in my extremities, with fainting being a concern. At present, my orthostatic hypotension has significantly intensified over the last six months, resulting in near-fainting episodes almost every day. Just the other night, I recorded a pulse deficit of 13 beats; my pulse rate while lying down was 80 but escalated to 160 and then stabilized at 120. I've experienced a weight drop of about 10 pounds, bringing me down to 127 pounds at 5 feet 7 inches tall. My exhaustion is so severe that it creates a sensation akin to being "buzzed," accompanied by facial tingling and a pulsing sensation in my jaw. At times, I find myself mildly confused, with difficulty articulating my words. My blood pressure readings have been alarmingly low over the last three months, with the most recent measuring at 80/60 and earlier readings dipping into the mid-70s and even low 50s. I have attempted to enhance my nutrition and hydration, but this often leads to constipation or nausea, accompanied by headaches. I ensure that I get at least seven hours of sleep each night. The only moments when I feel somewhat capable of functioning are during times when I have taken a stimulant, like Vyvanse or caffeine. My hormones were assessed six months ago, revealing normal levels except for a low testosterone reading. Along with my vitamin levels, my complete blood count (CBC) was satisfactory. I repeated my CBC and electrolyte tests just a few days ago, which showed everything within normal limits aside from elevated BUN and creatinine levels indicative of some dehydration. After receiving an IV fluid treatment, I experienced short-term improvement but soon returned to the previous state of discomfort. Notably, during the administration of my second IV bag, I felt a sudden pressure in my chest followed by vomiting. Currently, I find myself struggling with daily activities, feeling unable to function as I would like. Despite not experiencing depression or excessive anxiety, I have a strong desire to engage in life and pursue activities, though I often feel confined within my own body.
Answers (1)
3/27/2025, 11:50:43 PM
OpenHealth AI
I'm sorry to hear that you're feeling overwhelmed and unwell. Your symptoms suggest a nuanced situation that may involve a mix of factors contributing to your orthostatic hypotension, fatigue, and tachycardia. Given your complex history and current symptoms, it's crucial to simplify approaches that can help you regain some stability and comfort in your daily life.
Opening Summary
You’re experiencing persistent symptoms that include severe fatigue, significant fluctuations in blood pressure and heart rate, and neurological sensations. Several aspects of your health history need attention, specifically regarding hydration, nutrition, and overall management of symptoms.
Explanation
Your experiences of tachycardia, low blood pressure, and fatigue can be linked to autonomic dysregulation, which can affect how your body manages blood flow and heart rate, particularly when standing up or during activity. Episodes of near-fainting and neurological symptoms could indicate that your body is struggling to adapt, especially considering your fluctuating blood pressure and weight loss.
The pressure you felt in your chest after IV fluids, followed by vomiting, is concerning; it’s essential to understand how your body is reacting to treatments. Hydration is critical, but it seems that you have faced challenges with this approach, including constipation and nausea.
Prioritized Next Steps
-
Immediate Hydration Strategy: Continuously focus on hydration—try consuming electrolyte solutions (like Pedialyte or homemade electrolyte drinks) in small amounts throughout the day. This might help mitigate symptoms of dehydration while avoiding excessive volume that could cause nausea.
-
Gradual Dietary Changes: Instead of drastically changing your diet, add more small, nutrient-dense snacks throughout the day, such as nuts, yogurt, or smoothies, which might be easier to tolerate. Aim for high-salt foods occasionally, as sodium can help raise blood pressure levels.
-
Monitor Symptoms Consistently: Keep a daily log of your symptoms, including blood pressure readings, pulse rates, and any accompanying sensations. This information can help identify patterns and triggers, which could be useful in understanding what exacerbates or alleviates your condition.
-
Position Changes & Movement: When transitioning from sitting to standing, do so slowly to minimize the effects of orthostatic hypotension. Incorporate gentle movements like leg raises or light stretching while seated to help maintain circulation.
-
Rest Management: With your severe fatigue, ensure you are resting effectively. Break up tasks into smaller, manageable pieces, allowing for frequent breaks. This can help reduce the sense of exhaustion that comes after activity.
-
Consider Stimulant Use Carefully: While Vyvanse and caffeine can provide temporary relief, be cautious with this approach as relying on stimulants can have side effects.
-
Review Medication and Treatment Options: Given your complex presentation, it's important to stay connected with your healthcare team to explore whether adjustments or new interventions are needed, particularly for managing symptoms effectively and safely.
If episodes worsen or you experience new symptoms such as chest pain, severe headaches, or confusion, prioritize seeking immediate medical attention.
You’re navigating a difficult situation, and finding the right balance will take time. Keep communication open with your providers, and remember that managing your health is a collaborative effort. Let me know how else I can assist you.
Related Questions
Inquiry About Dental Procedures Before Major Surgery
Recently, my mother made a sudden decision to undergo a total dental extraction. She had her upper teeth removed approximately two weeks ago, and just yesterday, the lower ones were taken out. She is slated for a pre-operative assessment on Monday morning, ahead of a significant back surgery scheduled for Tuesday, which may last between eight to ten hours and necessitates intubation. I am curious about the likelihood that her doctor might postpone the surgery due to her recent dental procedure. This concern is heightened as we have booked a hotel and my husband has arranged to take two days off work for this event. Although I am still within the timeframe to cancel our hotel reservation, I am hesitant to do so if her surgery is still on track. To give a bit more context, my mother is a 54-year-old Caucasian woman, standing 5'6" and weighing 160 pounds. She does not consume alcohol, has been a potential smoker, and recently (a few months back) ceased using drugs (meth) as mandated by drug court. As far as I know, she isn’t currently prescribed any medications, apart from possibly antibiotics and Lortabs following her tooth extractions.
Abrupt Onset of Eye Discomfort
I’m a 23-year-old male with a history of slight near-sightedness but no other significant eye problems. About three days ago, I woke up to find that my eyes felt intensely painful, similar to the sensation one experiences after a lack of sleep. Although I've been getting ample rest each night, this discomfort hasn't subsided. Both eyes are affected equally without any redness, burning sensations, or visual disturbances. The soreness is quite pronounced, making it challenging to concentrate on everyday activities.
My Relationship with Milk Consumption
For nearly two decades, I have predominantly relied on milk as my primary source of hydration, consuming around five liters daily. Although I recognize that this reliance might not be the healthiest choice, my low appetite has perpetually left me underweight. In the past, I attempted to transition to drinking water; however, I noticed a concerning drop in weight along with persistent fatigue. My inquiry is whether there exists a more nutritious method to obtain calories without resorting to solid foods, and ideally, without incurring high costs?
When Can I Expect to Drive Again?
I’m a 35-year-old who suffered a spiral fracture in my right leg affecting both the fibula and tibia. Five weeks post-surgery, I've begun my rehabilitation journey, having undergone physical therapy for three weeks now. I’ve noticed that my leg is beginning to regain sensation, with improved control over my ankle and feeling returning to the sole of my foot. Given this progress, what is a realistic timeframe for when I might be able to drive safely once more?
Seeking Help for Ongoing Health Issues
I am reaching out in desperation for assistance! I'm wondering if anyone else has encountered similar health concerns or could recommend medications or specialists I should consider consulting. I'm truly at a loss and need guidance. As a 23-year-old male vegetarian weighing around 48 kg and standing at 5’4”, I have struggled with being underweight since my childhood. This condition has left me feeling utterly drained and overwhelmed. I’m eager to make a change but feel lost regarding where to begin or which healthcare professional to consult. In my youth, I was diagnosed with asthma, which has significantly improved; however, I continue to deal with low immunity, as I frequently catch colds and coughs from minor exposure to cold environments. Additionally, I’ve noticed that for the past few years, my body temperature feels abnormally high compared to those around me. I experience heat more acutely than my peers. Previously, I was quite active and could walk 4–5 kilometers daily without difficulty. Nowadays, even a short walk of 1–2 kilometers or climbing a few flights of stairs leaves me out of breath and exhausted. Even on days of little physical exertion, I feel weak and lethargic, as though all my vitality has been drained. My appetite has always been low, despite my efforts to increase it. I struggle to consume what would be considered an average meal for someone my age. Just two chapatis or a small bowl of rice or lentils fills me up completely, and attempting to eat more causes discomfort. I often find it perplexing how others manage to eat such larger portions. Dining out has become a challenge for me since even half a plate feels overwhelmingly full. Being extremely slender has made it difficult to find clothing that fits well and has adversely impacted my confidence over the years. For around 15 years, I have hesitated to take photographs of myself. Social and professional circles often regard me as younger than I am, sometimes even as a child, which has contributed to my feelings of invisibility and insecurity. My sensitivity to heat has intensified over the last few years. In seemingly normal room temperatures, I start sweating profusely while those around me remain comfortable. During cold weather, even in temperatures as low as 8°C, I don’t wear warm clothing, as I sweat excessively and feel anxious about overheating. The discomfort can escalate to a point where I feel faint from the heat. In my workplace, where the air conditioning is set at a standard temperature, I find it challenging. I begin to sweat visibly, leaving my clothes damp and prompting coworkers to inquire about my wellbeing. I often feel breathless and anxious that I might collapse if I remain there too long. This makes it very difficult to stay at the office or use public transportation, as even air-conditioned buses can feel uncomfortably warm to me. Over the past year, my situation has deteriorated further. I can no longer tolerate hot or even mildly spiced home-cooked meals, which I used to enjoy without issues. Now, even mildly spiced foods lead to excessive sweating, reddening of my face, and an intense burning sensation in my mouth, akin to consuming overly spicy dishes. As a result, my food intake has diminished even more. I often face ridicule for my dietary limitations, and I’m growing weary of trying to explain my condition, especially when my own family doesn't fully grasp the depth of my struggles, which adds to my distress. I am sharing my story because I truly need help. I wish to identify the underlying issues with my health and seek proper medical attention. If anyone has experienced similar problems or can recommend a suitable type of medical professional to consult, I would greatly appreciate your guidance and support during this challenging time. Thank you. 😭