Feeling Overwhelmed by Unexplained Symptoms
I’m reaching a point of real concern and uncertainty about my health. This will be lengthy as I try to piece everything together, so your patience is appreciated. I’m a male, 33 years old, 177 cm tall, and weigh 96 kg. I struggle with high blood pressure for which I take a combination of Perindopril and Amlodipine. I also use ketoprofen daily to manage pain primarily related to my teeth or headaches. I don’t smoke cigarettes and consume alcohol occasionally. Previously, I have used cannabis. I've managed to shed over 20 kg (44 lbs) in the last six months thanks to my dietary changes. Tracing back, I believe the initial signs started around 5 years ago. In May 2020, I began experiencing unusual pulsating sensations in my neck, which made me aware of the stronger heartbeat I could feel in my neck veins. It was bothersome even when I was at rest. I underwent two ultrasounds within a few months, both of which yielded normal results, and eventually, this sensation faded. Having dealt with dental issues my whole life, I assumed the pulsations might relate to my teeth. In 2020, I had all my upper teeth removed and some from my lower jaw, totaling 19 extractions in a single session. I contracted COVID-19 for the first time on October 15, 2021, and a couple of months later, I battled severe pneumonia. Fortunately, antibiotics helped me recover. A year later, I caught COVID again, but that experience was less intense. During these years, I occasionally felt a strange discomfort or heaviness in my chest area near my heart. It fluctuated; sometimes I felt the need to adjust my sitting position, particularly as a passenger in a car, or I’d place my left hand against my chest for support. Although it was unusual, it didn’t seem alarming. I often felt it was just related to being unfit and overweight. I have a habit of purchasing a small amount of cannabis once a year and using it over a month. I had never considered myself a heavy user. However, I noticed that every time I consumed weed, this chest heaviness seemed to amplify, but it subsided when I was sober, so I tolerated it until consumption ended. In December of last year, I decided to buy some cannabis for the holidays, planning to use it for about a month. Unfortunately, the side effects escalated, bringing on intense numbness and pain in my left arm, alongside a heavy, rock-like feeling in my chest. Despite consulting with friends and online communities, I couldn’t find anyone who reported similar experiences while high. Nevertheless, since I struggled with sleep (which cannabis helped alleviate), I continued to partake, thinking my issues only surfaced when sober. Then, two months ago, during a cannabis session, I felt an overwhelming sensation, as though my heart was about to burst. It frightened me immensely, and I stopped using it altogether. But after that incident, I found my discomfort persisted even without the cannabis. It had begun as mild unease but progressed significantly. About two weeks back, while I was in a hurry doing errands, I experienced a sharp, stabbing pain in my chest. Last week, I underwent an ultrasound and electrocardiogram at a private clinic, both of which showed normal results. However, the heaviness did not dissipate, and I started experiencing frequent numbness and strange sensations, particularly in my left leg and sometimes in my left arm. Since my symptoms were worsening, I visited the emergency room two days ago. They conducted two blood tests over four hours and did X-rays of my heart and lungs but found everything to be normal. The medical team suggested my issues might be muscular or neurological. At this point, I’m feeling lost and overwhelmed, with no answers in sight. Today has been particularly challenging; the heaviness and discomfort have persisted throughout the day, along with sporadic needle-like pain in my chest. I'm genuinely frightened. I appreciate anyone who took the time to read this, and I'm desperately seeking any advice or insights.
Answers (1)
4/3/2025, 9:01:04 PM
OpenHealth AI
I'm really sorry to hear about what you're going through. It sounds incredibly overwhelming and concerning, especially considering the range of symptoms you've described. Let’s break down your situation to find some actionable steps you can take while you continue to seek answers from healthcare professionals.
Main Points:
- You have a complex history of symptoms, including chest heaviness, numbness, and pain, that have persisted despite normal tests.
- Some of your symptoms may have a relation to your recent cannabis use and previous health conditions.
- It's important to address both physical symptoms and your emotional well-being.
Explanation:
Your symptoms may stem from various sources including anxiety, muscle tension, or effects related to your medications, particularly if you've recently experienced an increase in stress or changes in your lifestyle. The normal tests like ultrasounds and ECGs certainly are reassuring, but it’s understandable to still feel anxious with ongoing discomfort.
Given your background—particularly with significant weight loss and a history of high blood pressure—it’s essential to monitor both physical and emotional health. Anxiety can often manifest as physical symptoms, including chest discomfort and numbness.
Next Steps:
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Monitor Symptoms: Keep a detailed journal of your symptoms, noting when they occur, their intensity, and any possible triggers. This can help identify patterns and guide further discussions with healthcare providers.
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Focus on Stress Management: Since anxiety can contribute to physical sensations, incorporate relaxation techniques such as deep breathing exercises, mindfulness, or gentle yoga. Aim to do this daily for better stress management.
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Adjust Diet and Hydration: Ensure you're well-hydrated and focus on a balanced diet rich in whole foods. Reducing caffeine and alcohol may help lessen anxiety and related symptoms.
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Physical Activity: While you recently lost a significant amount of weight, consider incorporating moderate physical activity like walking, which can improve overall health and possibly alleviate anxiety.
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Limit Cannabis Use: Given that you've noticed an increase in symptoms with cannabis use, it may be worth completely avoiding it and monitoring if your symptoms improve.
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Follow-Up Care: Continue working with your healthcare providers, and express your concerns about the persistent symptoms. If symptoms worsen or new ones arise (like severe pain, difficulty breathing, or changes in consciousness), seek immediate medical attention.
Feel free to reach out again if you have further questions or if there's more specific guidance you're seeking. You're taking the right steps by actively seeking help and gathering information, and I genuinely hope you find relief soon.
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