OpenHealth Q&A

Feeling Overwhelmed: Seeking Answers to My Health Struggles

Hello, I’m a 19-year-old female, standing at 5'5" and weighing 115 pounds. Currently, I’m prescribed Zoloft (25 mg), Wellbutrin (300 mg), Lamotrigine (150 mg), along with birth control. In terms of health background, my family history is concerning. My mother battled ovarian and melanoma skin cancers, my father has Arnold-Chiari malformation, my sister suffers from Ehlers-Danlos syndrome, and my aunt deals with lupus, fibromyalgia, arthritis, chronic fatigue syndrome, and degenerative disc disease. For about a year and a half, my health has been a continuous struggle. Initially, it began with an intense rash that took over my arms and chest, causing itchiness comparable to poison ivy. The itching turned into scabs, which persisted for months. I consulted a dermatologist, who conducted both a biopsy and blood test. The biopsy indicated a histamine reaction, while the blood test revealed a low positive ANA of 1:180. I was subsequently referred to an allergist. During my first visit, they attempted a skin prick test, but a control showed an apparent allergic reaction prior to using an allergen sample. Consequently, they opted for additional blood testing, which indicated no allergies. The allergist also diagnosed me with dermagraphia. Additionally, I’ve been showing elevated creatinine levels in every blood panel over the past three years. Before I could pursue further testing on the rash, it subsided, and I’ve experienced a few flare-ups since, but only lasting about a day each time. Following the rash, I suffered a hip injury. For months, I had mild lower back pain, but one day while just walking with a friend, severe pain struck, leaving me frozen for several minutes. I was taken to the ER, which pointed me to an orthopedic specialist. He diagnosed me with sacroiliac joint dysfunction and referred me to an orthopedic surgeon who administered an injection offering temporary relief for about two weeks before sending me to physical therapy. Eventually, I felt discouraged, grappling with debilitating pain for months, although it has become more manageable over time. I still deal with pain flares and have been limping for nearly a year now. In addition to my hip issues, I have constant joint pain. As an avid rock climber, this could contribute to or exacerbate my discomfort. Most mornings, I wake up with such severe body aches that getting out of bed is a challenge. If I remain in bed too long before sleeping, the aches intensify, disrupting my rest. I’ve resorted to sleeping flat on my back since resting on my side leads to shoulder discomfort and back pain. A few months ago, I visited a rheumatologist who seemed compassionate about uncovering the root of my issues. She planned to run kidney tests, screen for lupus, and rule out Ehlers-Danlos syndrome. Upon receiving a call weeks later, a nurse informed me that the provider believed I did not have lupus and therefore no follow-up was necessary. I was left with more questions than answers. Despite repeated attempts to contact the provider for clarification, I was unsuccessful. I eventually requested the results of my blood tests for my primary care physician to review, but she noted inconsistencies and missing tests. This led to a referral for another orthopedic specialist and rheumatologist. I saw the new orthopedic specialist recently, who conducted a mobility assessment and found that I was exceptionally hypermobile, indicating that EDS might explain at least some of my symptoms. She recommended a specialized physical therapy program, and after reviewing my previous test results, agreed that the earlier rheumatologist hadn't conducted all necessary tests and opted to run several more herself. Yet these tests largely came back normal, and she stated she couldn’t assist further until I consulted another rheumatologist. I’m set to see that specialist in June, but I’m beginning to question whether this journey is worth the effort. It’s draining. I am consistently fatigued, sleeping excessively, and struggling with the ongoing medical process. I prioritize my physical health by exercising regularly. I’ve experimented with various diets, including gluten-free, vegetarian, vegan, sugar-free, keto, and Whole30, with minimal improvement. I generally maintain a healthy diet and prioritize mental health through therapy; I don’t feel particularly depressed or overly anxious. Still, I am beyond tired. This fatigue manifests weekly and almost daily; I often experience nausea, headaches, rashes, pain, and peeling skin, and others have noted the dark circles under my eyes. I frequently feel too hot or cold, rarely finding a comfortable equilibrium, leaving the gym early due to dizziness. Despite drinking ample water, I remain perpetually thirsty. Overall, this has become overwhelming, and I’m at a loss. Am I simply overreacting? Are these symptoms typical for some people, or do any of these indicators suggest something serious or treatable? If my condition turns out to be mild and untreatable, I’m uncertain if I can continue seeking a diagnosis that brings no relief, especially considering the mounting medical bills. I find myself feeling so hopeless.

Answers (1)

3/29/2025, 4:40:57 AM

OpenHealth AI

I'm really sorry to hear that you're feeling overwhelmed by your health struggles. It's clear you've been dealing with a lot of complex issues, and it’s completely understandable to feel drained and disheartened. Let's break everything down and focus on what you can manage right now.

Main Points:

1. Multiple Symptoms & Specialists: You have a range of symptoms, including joint pain, fatigue, and skin issues, which you’ve discussed with various specialists.
2. Family History Concerns: Your family’s medical history adds an extra layer of anxiety about possible long-term conditions.
3. Mental & Physical Fatigue: You are feeling persistently tired despite maintaining a healthy lifestyle, and this has understandably contributed to your feeling of hopelessness.

Explanation:

Your symptoms encompass autoimmune signs (like your rashes and fatigue), possible connective tissue disorders (like EDS), and musculoskeletal pain (like the hip issues). It appears that while some tests have come back normal, others hint at ongoing inflammation or discomfort. Your proactive approach by seeing multiple specialists and seeking answers is commendable, and it’s important not to feel discouraged by the process.

Next Steps:

1. Stay Organized: Keep a symptom diary noting when your symptoms flare up, what you were doing, and any other factors. This can help you and future healthcare providers spot patterns and possible triggers.

2. Prioritize Self-Care: Given your physical symptoms, here are a few self-care tips:

   • Gentle Movement: Engage in low-impact activities like swimming or yoga that promote flexibility without stressing your joints.
   • Rest Management: Since you wake up with body aches, consider using heat pads before bed or gentle stretching to help prepare your body for rest.
   • Hydration & Nutrition: Continue to prioritize hydration; sometimes, symptoms like dizziness and fatigue can stem from dehydration or low electrolytes. A diet high in anti-inflammatory foods (like fatty fish, fruits, and vegetables) might also help manage symptoms better, given your dietary trials.

3. Communicate with Your Healthcare Providers: When you see your new rheumatologist in June, prepare a concise summary of all your symptoms, previous test results, and any changes since your last consultation. Don't hesitate to express the need for clarity and a comprehensive plan moving forward.

4. Seek Support: Consider joining support groups, either in-person or online, for individuals with similar conditions. Sharing experiences and learning from others can provide emotional relief and practical advice.

5. Mindfulness & Mental Health: It's great that you prioritize mental health through therapy. If you haven't explored mindfulness techniques (like meditation or breathing exercises), these can help with feelings of overwhelm and anxiety about your symptoms.

Reassurance:

Know that you are not overreacting. Your experiences are valid, and it's okay to continue seeking answers that can guide you toward a better quality of life. The journey may feel tiring, but incremental progress can lead to better management of your symptoms. Remember, you're not alone in this, and it's okay to ask for help—both medically and emotionally.

Please let me know if you have further questions or need more clarification. You’re doing your best in a challenging situation, and that’s something to acknowledge.