OpenHealth Q&A

Seeking Guidance on Persistent Health Issues

I’m reaching out for assistance because I haven’t been able to connect with a physician. As a person in my early twenties with a healthy physique, I used to maintain a consistent workout routine. Unfortunately, last winter, my health took a downturn, and I had to pause my activities to concentrate on managing a range of troubling symptoms. For the last couple of years, I have been enduring a series of troubling symptoms that tend to fluctuate; they diminish but then return with greater severity. I'm uncertain if these issues are interconnected or represent different conditions, so I will detail them along with the medical evaluations I've undergone. **Here are my symptoms** (not listed in any specific order): 1. In colder months or when there's a slight drop in temperature—just a tad below 70 degrees—my muscles become rigid and sometimes lock into position. For instance, while I'm driving and gripping the steering wheel, my hands feel as if they are stuck. 2. I’ve noticed a subtle yet distinct lag in my reflexes. Activities such as chewing, swallowing, and texting feel unusual. Previously, I could easily down a 500ml bottle of water, but now my swallowing reflex seems sluggish, making it challenging to do so as effortlessly as before. This particular issue began in late 2023. 3. I experience sudden feelings of being cold, even when the air temperature is quite comfortable. At times, the sensation occurs when it’s 72 degrees, prompting me to adjust the thermostat to 78 degrees. Moreover, I have observed that one leg frequently feels cooler than the other; this symptom also emerged in late 2023. 4. Episodes of intense fatigue and drowsiness come alongside a dry mouth and heightened irritability. This happens often following meals, irrespective of portion size, but I also experience it during fasting periods. This has been an ongoing issue since late 2023. 5. My cognitive function seems compromised during colder months. I frequently feel irritable, struggle with memory recall, and experience slurred speech, not to mention episodes of depression. These challenges surfaced in 2023 as well. 6. A troubling new symptom developed unexpectedly: my vision became blurrier. One day I could read emails clearly, and the next my eyesight deteriorated, carrying a sense of fatigue. Though the tired feeling has dissipated, my vision’s clarity has not returned to what it once was. Additionally, my left eye exhibited pulsating sensations during fatigue and dry mouth episodes, and I sometimes perceive a fleeting yet indistinct object in my left eye. 7. My limbs also seem to experience altered circulation. My feet feel numb more quickly while sitting, and I encounter pins and needles sensations more frequently. Furthermore, my arms tend to “fall asleep” more rapidly when I lie on my sides. 8. Joint pain and stiffness have become particularly exacerbated in colder weather. 9. I have dealt with vertigo for five years, which I attributed to excess earwax. 10. There are other symptoms I’d be willing to discuss, but I wish to keep this post concise. **Regarding medical evaluations:** 1. I underwent diabetes testing, revealing borderline prediabetes based on my A1C levels from 2024. 2. A vitamin D test showed low levels initially, but I still had symptoms even after my vitamin D normalized. 3. Comprehensive blood tests such as CBC, CMP, and lipid panels indicated that only my LDL was elevated at 140, a consistent issue over time. 4. My iron levels appeared normal, though ferritin was slightly low; that too has normalized, but the symptoms persist. 5. Thyroid function tests (T3, T4, and TSH) were within the normal range. 6. My testosterone levels were also normal. 7. A rheumatoid factor test showed borderline high results, leading to checks for arthritis, but those results came back normal, ruling out lupus as well. 8. Even a brain MRI was conducted to rule out multiple sclerosis, showing normal findings. At this point, I am feeling lost and uncertain about the next steps to take. I genuinely want to resolve these issues so I can continue with my life.

Answers (1)

3/30/2025, 12:10:47 AM

OpenHealth AI

I'm sorry to hear about the complex array of symptoms you've been experiencing. It sounds like you've been through a lot, and it's understandable to feel lost and uncertain about what to do next. With your symptoms fluctuating and affecting various aspects of your life, it's essential to approach this systematically.

Key Points to Consider:

1. Holistic Approach: Many of your symptoms might be interrelated, potentially pointing to an underlying issue that requires a comprehensive evaluation.
2. Primary Symptoms: Pay particular attention to the symptoms that have worsened or changed most recently, including muscle rigidity, cognitive changes, and vision issues.
3. Lifestyle Factors: Addressing factors like diet, hydration, and stress management could be beneficial, especially since you have a history of fatigue and irritability.

Explanation:

Your symptoms suggest potential neurological, metabolic, or autoimmune influences, but without clear laboratory findings pointing to a specific diagnosis, it's crucial to consider how these symptoms could be interconnected. While your earlier medical evaluations were reassuring in some respects, symptoms like blurred vision and cognitive changes certainly warrant further attention.

Actionable Next Steps:

1. Symptom Diary: Begin keeping a detailed symptom diary for the next few weeks. Note when symptoms occur, their severity, any environmental changes (like temperature), diet, and any other activities. This information can be crucial for your healthcare provider to identify patterns or triggers.

2. Hydration and Nutrition: Ensure you're drinking plenty of water and eating a balanced diet. Low energy and irritability can sometimes be linked to dehydration or nutrient imbalances, even if tests appear normal. Focus on lean proteins, whole grains, and plenty of fruits and vegetables.

3. Temperature Regulation: Since you’ve noted sensitivity to temperature, consider keeping your living space at a comfortable level and dressing in layers to help manage your temperature and reduce muscle stiffness.

4. Cognitive Health: Engage in brain-stimulating activities or exercises that challenge your memory and cognition, such as puzzles, reading, or learning a new skill. These can help improve cognitive function and reduce feelings of irritability.

5. Gentle Exercise: If possible, incorporate gentle physical activities like yoga or stretching, which can help with joint stiffness, muscle rigidity, and overall mood enhancement.

6. Eye Health: Given the vision issues and pulsating sensations in your eye, it's important to see an eye specialist. They can assess for conditions that might not have been considered in your previous evaluations.

7. Seek a Specialist: If you haven't already, consider consulting with a specialist who can evaluate various systems (like a neurologist or rheumatologist) who might have greater insight into your overlapping symptoms or potential for systemic conditions.

8. Mental Health Support: If you're experiencing significant irritability or depression, speaking with a mental health professional could provide you with coping strategies. This is particularly important given the stress that chronic symptoms can cause.

Conclusion:

Your recount of symptoms paints a complex picture, and it's crucial to take steps to systematically assess and address your health. Remember that seeking further medical opinions or specialists is key when symptoms persist, even after initial evaluations return normal. You're taking a proactive approach by reaching out, and I'm here to help if you have further questions or need more guidance.