Severe Symptoms: Ongoing Struggles with Appetite and Weakness
I’m a 21-year-old woman currently residing in Canada. Unfortunately, I feel my health concerns are being dismissed by my doctor and the local emergency department. They suggested that my issues may stem from anxiety attacks, so I'm contemplating seeking a second opinion before asking my family to drive for an hour to a further emergency facility. Here’s a summary of what I’ve been experiencing: In December 2024, I first noticed that my appetite was diminishing. By January 2025, the lack of desire to eat intensified; although I maintained my weight, my energy levels dropped significantly. In February, the appetite issue persisted alongside noticeable fatigue, and I started experiencing a tingling sensation, akin to pins and needles, in my legs every night, regardless of my position. At the beginning of March 2025, my appetite completely vanished, accompanied by severe pain and pressure in my hands and feet. Mid-March saw a cessation of pain in my extremities, however, I faced rapid weight loss and pronounced weakness. I was plagued by cold sweats and icy extremities, plus insomnia for three nights, which eventually led to an emergency visit where I was prescribed zopiclone that helped me catch up on sleep that night. By the end of March, I had shed 20 lbs, and I found myself restricted to consuming just a tiny meal daily and hardly any fluids. Following each meal, I dry heaved and at times vomited undigested food. I felt a persistent chill throughout the day, especially at night, necessitating multiple layers of clothing to keep warm, yet I still shivered. In the last few days of March 2025, I noticed episodes of profound weakness; there were three instances where I required the assistance of two individuals just to rise from my chair since I lacked the strength. Relying on a cane proved ineffective due to my extreme fatigue. On the evening of March 27th at 10 PM, I experienced violent dry heaving for about ten minutes, during which my stomach ached intensely, but I could not expel any bile or acid. Out of nowhere, I found myself sobbing uncontrollably, an overwhelming feeling that lasted 20 to 30 seconds before ultimately vomiting white, foamy mucus. This incident was witnessed by my fiancé, who was right beside me at the time. I am genuinely terrified. Eating or drinking feels almost impossible, leading to discomfort and an urge to vomit. When I contacted my doctor about last night’s episode, he informed me that there’s little he can do until the lab results return and specialists are available. He indicated that I would receive similar advice from the ER. Could this situation be serious, or should I simply wait for the lab results before further action?
Answers (1)
3/28/2025, 2:20:48 PM
OpenHealth AI
I'm really sorry to hear about the challenges you're facing. Your symptoms of reduced appetite, significant weight loss, extreme fatigue, and episodes of weakness are concerning and deserve thorough attention. While some may link them to anxiety, the severity of your situation suggests it’s important to investigate further.
Key Points:
- Serious Symptoms: The combination of vomiting, extreme fatigue, weight loss, and cold sweats can indicate several health issues, some of which may require urgent attention.
- Need for Further Evaluation: Since your symptoms have persisted and worsened over time, it’s important to explore all potential causes, including gastrointestinal, metabolic, or nutritional factors.
Explanation:
You’re experiencing symptoms that could stem from various medical conditions, including:
- Gastrointestinal Disorders: Issues like gastroparesis (slow stomach emptying) could explain your vomiting and appetite loss.
- Endocrine or Metabolic Issues: Conditions such as thyroid dysfunction can cause fatigue and changes in appetite.
- Nutritional Deficiencies: Lack of essential nutrients might contribute to your weakness and energy levels.
Given the severity of your symptoms, waiting for lab results without an active care plan may not be in your best interest.
Next Steps:
- Seek Immediate Help: Since you’re experiencing such profound weakness and episodes of vomiting, try to visit the nearest emergency department or urgent care center rather than waiting for a second opinion. It's crucial to receive immediate medical support.
- Record Your Symptoms: Keep a detailed diary of your symptoms, including when they occur, their severity, and any other changes. This will be helpful for healthcare providers.
- Hydration: If you're able, take small sips of fluids, even if it seems difficult. Staying hydrated is extremely important.
- Nutrition: If possible, try small, bland meals (like toast or crackers) to see if they are tolerated better without causing vomiting. Avoid heavy, greasy foods.
- Support System: Have someone accompany you to ensure safety and provide emotional support, especially when navigating any further healthcare visits.
Your concerns are valid and deserve attention. Please take these steps seriously and prioritize your health. Remember, you don’t have to go through this alone; seek help as needed. Let me know if you need more specific guidance or have other questions.
Related Questions
Struggling with Fatigue and Low Spirits
I am a 27-year-old male whose first language is not English. A psychologist with two decades of experience in autism has diagnosed me with this condition. I previously took olanzapine, which caused an unusually long sleep of 20 hours during my first dose; however, I’ve stopped using it since then. While I was taking a sublingual form of vitamin B12 (methylcobalamin) at a dosage of 1000 mcg, my serum level registered at 290 pg/mL. This led to an unexpected surge of energy accompanied by feelings of anxiety and restlessness that I couldn't quite articulate, lasting for over six hours. I suspect that I might have a particularly sensitive nervous system. I'm contemplating whether to resume my B12 supplementation, as well as starting vitamin D3 at a dose of 2000 IU. Prior to taking D3, I found my levels to be very low, around 15 pg, though I can't recall the European unit it corresponds to at the moment. Additionally, my TSH level has been measured at 4, and I've been diagnosed with Hashimoto's disease. I’m currently at a loss as to why I continue to experience fatigue and a low mood. Does anyone have suggestions or insights that could help?
Chronic Leg Discomfort Since Childhood
I am a 14-year-old female who has experienced persistent discomfort in my legs for as long as I can recall, and the cause remains unclear. The maximum duration I can manage to walk without feeling faint is around 10 minutes, while I can only walk for about 5 minutes without needing to pause. Even when I’m at rest, I feel a dull ache in my legs, despite the rest of my body feeling relaxed. This discomfort predominantly occurs around my joints, particularly my knees and ankles, although my calves also become tender with minimal exertion. My feet tend to be perpetually cold, rarely warming up even when the rest of my body does. During my menstrual periods, I find it extremely difficult to walk, often having to hold onto walls just to navigate short distances. I've always maintained a healthy weight and I don't consider myself unhealthy overall. The only medical condition I’ve been officially diagnosed with is autism, although I'm unsure if this has any relevance to my symptoms.
Seeking Help for My 5-Year-Old Son with Autism and Constipation Issues
Hello, I am reaching out regarding my 5-year-old son who is non-verbal and has autism. He also shows signs of ADHD, although this has not yet been officially diagnosed. Typically, he is very energetic, cheerful, and expressive. He thrives in his school environment, where he is supported by a wonderful team of special education teachers. He doesn’t take any regular medications, except for melatonin to assist with his sleep. Recently, on December 19th, he developed a rash while at school, which resembled hives on his neck, face, and feet, with accompanying swelling in his hands. By the time we went to urgent care, the rash had disappeared, and he was given Benadryl. Unfortunately, the rash recurred a couple of times at home, though we only administered Benadryl on two occasions. Following this, during Christmas break, I noticed he became increasingly emotional, crying daily, appearing more fatigued, and having less energy overall, although he was usually still able to be comforted. I visited the pediatrician twice during this period, and lab tests came back normal, except for a positive COVID-19 result. The doctor prescribed guanfacine and clonidine for him (I apologize if I spelled those incorrectly), but I chose not to give him these medications since they weren't intended for behavioral issues. When school resumed, for the most part, he seemed to manage well until last week when he experienced another rash episode at school, occurring twice. I decided to try a non-drowsy allergy medication for him, but his emotional state deteriorated again, leading him to cry throughout the school day. His teachers expressed concern, stating that he appeared to be in discomfort, which they confirmed is not related to behavioral issues. At home, he has been very upset and inconsolable. As a result, I took him to the hospital yesterday. They sedated him for a head CT and abdominal ultrasound, both of which showed no abnormalities. They prescribed Miralax and suggested looking into ABA therapy since his autism diagnosis may automatically point to behavioral factors, which frustrated me. Today, he has spent the entire day crying and has remained in bed, clearly exhausted. I am administering the Miralax, and he seems visibly uncomfortable, but he hasn't had a bowel movement yet. His last stool was two days ago, and only a tiny amount has come out since then. I’m uncertain if the rash and his current symptoms are related to constipation or if I am missing a more serious issue entirely. This is very distressing. We have a dental appointment scheduled for Tuesday to rule out any dental issues, our fourth visit with the pediatrician on Wednesday, and a phone consultation with an allergist also on Wednesday. I would greatly appreciate any insights or questions I should bring up during our pediatrician visit, as well as any tips or suggestions. I'm feeling quite desperate for help. Thank you!
Unexplained Discomfort
I’m a 45-year-old woman, a non-smoker, weighing 245 pounds. My only medical concerns include acid reflux, allergies, and De Quervain’s syndrome affecting my right wrist. Currently, I’m focused on losing weight and have successfully shed 30 pounds so far. I take a daily regimen of Omeprazole and Zyrtec. I’m attempting to articulate the nature of my discomfort, which has been somewhat challenging. The sensation tends to appear in random areas of my body. At the moment, I feel it in my left arm, but I've also experienced it in my thighs, legs, and hands. This odd sensation occurs irregularly for one to two days, then recedes for a month or even longer before reappearing. The discomfort resembles a mild burning feeling under the skin—a persistent yet not intensely painful sensation. It’s more bothersome than painful, as I am acutely aware of it when it arises. During these episodes, I find it uncomfortable for clothing to touch the affected area, and I often prefer cooler temperatures, which seem to alleviate the sensation. This has been an ongoing issue for about a year now. Has anyone else gone through something similar? I’ve refrained from consulting a physician as it’s difficult to describe, and the discomfort isn't severe or constant enough to warrant medical attention.
Experiencing Sudden Neck and Head Pain – What Could It Be?
As a 17-year-old male weighing 59 kilograms, I occasionally encounter a sharp pain in my neck and head. This happens sporadically while I am simply sitting and unwinding. Whenever I turn my head slightly to either side, I suddenly experience a jolt of pain that travels from my neck to the area at the back of my head. Notably, this discomfort is not centered on my spine; rather, it occurs more toward the left and right sides at the back. Following this, I sense a chilling, almost icy feeling spreading across the back of my head, and gradually, the pain diminishes. Could you help me understand what this might indicate?