17-Year-Old Experiencing Extreme Fatigue and Body Discomfort Seeks Guidance
Hello, I'm a 17-year-old female, standing at 169 cm (5'6") and weighing 64 kg (141 lbs). I don’t engage in smoking or drinking, and I'm not taking any medications. For months now, I've been feeling unwell, yet despite multiple tests confirming that everything is "normal," I can't help but feel that something is amiss. My fatigue is relentless; no matter how many hours I sleep—sometimes even 8 or 9—I awaken feeling completely unrested. Every day is plagued by persistent aches throughout my body, deep-seated pain in my head, bones, and joints. Moreover, I often experience intense burning sensations in my hands and feet, making it challenging to perform simple tasks like holding my phone or standing for extended periods. After a day at school, I'm left utterly exhausted, unable to focus on studying—my mind just goes blank. The moment I arrive home, it’s as if my energy vanishes entirely. Even my attempts to push through this fatigue end up making everything worse. I can hardly recall a single day in recent months where I felt like my usual self; it feels like I'm in a constant state of discomfort and weariness. Although my lab results indicated that everything seems "fine," I definitely do not feel fine. I sense that there is an underlying issue, yet it seems as if no one is taking me seriously.
Answers (1)
4/23/2025, 8:20:46 AM
OpenHealth AI
I'm sorry to hear about the extreme fatigue and discomfort you're experiencing; it sounds very challenging, especially as a young person trying to balance school and daily activities. While your tests are reporting normal results, it's important to take your symptoms seriously and explore potential underlying issues.
Key Points:
- Understanding Symptoms: Your fatigue, body aches, and burning sensations could be related to various factors, including potential chronic conditions, stress, or even lifestyle factors.
- Prioritizing Self-Care: There are several practical steps you can take that might help improve your symptoms and overall well-being.
Explanation:
Extreme fatigue and persistent pain can sometimes be complex to diagnose. While lab results may come back normal, it doesn't mean you're not experiencing real discomfort. Conditions like fibromyalgia, chronic fatigue syndrome, or even nutritional deficiencies (like vitamin D or iron deficiency anemia) could be contributors. Your symptoms are valid, and it’s important to continue seeking answers.
Next Steps:
-
Track Symptoms: Keep a detailed diary of your daily symptoms, including when they occur, their intensity, and any potential triggers (diet, stress, activities). This can help spot patterns and provide useful information if you discuss this with a healthcare professional later.
-
Focus on Nutrition: Ensure that you’re getting a balanced diet rich in vitamins and minerals. Consider consuming more fruits, vegetables, whole grains, and proteins. Staying hydrated is also crucial; aim for at least 8 glasses of water daily.
-
Incorporate Gentle Exercise: While it may seem daunting, gentle activities such as walking, stretching, or yoga can help improve blood circulation, relieve tension, and boost your energy levels gradually. Start slow and listen to your body.
-
Practice Relaxation Techniques: Explore methods like mindfulness, meditation, or deep breathing exercises to help reduce stress and improve your focus. Even 5-10 minutes a day can be beneficial.
-
Sleep Hygiene: Maintain a regular sleep schedule by going to bed and waking up at the same time each day. Create a calming bedtime routine to help signal your body that it’s time to relax and prepare for sleep.
-
Evaluate Stress Levels: If you feel overwhelmed, consider strategies to manage stress, such as talking to someone you trust or engaging in activities you enjoy.
-
Consider a Nutritional Supplement: If you suspect a deficiency, speak to a healthcare provider about taking a multivitamin or specific supplements, especially if your energy levels do not improve.
Monitor your progress over the coming weeks as you implement these changes. If your symptoms persist or worsen, consider revisiting healthcare professionals to discuss your concerns again, emphasizing your ongoing symptoms and the impact on your daily life. Don't hesitate to advocate for yourself; finding the right support is important.
Take care, and I hope you feel better soon.
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!
Nosebleed Episode After Extended Dry Heaving
I’m a 28-year-old male, standing at 5'7.5" and weighing 280 pounds. My background is Jewish, though I don't believe that detail is particularly relevant here. I deal with various health conditions including Postural Orthostatic Tachycardia Syndrome (POTS), potential May-Thurner syndrome (still under evaluation by my doctor), restless leg syndrome, sciatica, spinal stenosis, plantar fasciitis, along with a range of mental health challenges. My current medications consist of minoxidil, lamotrigine, bupropion, and a low dosage of Xanax. Greetings everyone! I have been struggling with relentless bouts of retching—primarily dry heaves, akin to ‘morning sickness’—that have persisted throughout January and into February. I can’t pinpoint any changes in my diet, medications, or lifestyle that could have triggered this episode. Interestingly, I don't usually feel nausea in my belly; instead, it manifests mostly in my throat and chest. Although I suffer from GERD, this is an unusual level of discomfort for me. I normally manage it with calcium supplements and occasional omeprazole, but I keep that to a minimum to avoid additional stomach issues. Despite my efforts, my dietary choices aren't particularly acidic. I find myself expelling mostly saliva and stomach acid rather than actual food. Zofran hasn’t alleviated the persistent nausea I’m experiencing. I consulted my primary care physician about these issues, but unfortunately, his recommendations weren’t helpful. He implies that my nausea stems from not maintaining a proper diet, suggesting that if I could just afford better food, I wouldn’t have this problem. He was far from supportive, and to make matters worse, every GI clinic nearby isn't accepting new patients for months, so finding a specialist has been quite challenging. Today, during another episode of retching, I finally ended up vomiting a small piece of apple along with the usual saliva and stomach acid. This was alarming, but even more concerning was the sudden onset of a severe nosebleed. It wasn’t a mere trickle; blood was pouring from my nose, staining my chin and dripping onto the floor. I hurried to the bathroom and managed to curb the bleeding within five minutes, but the experience rattled me considerably. I felt dizzy and unsteady throughout the day following this incident. Could there be a link between the excessive vomiting and the nosebleed? Is it possible that such intense straining caused a rupture in a blood vessel in my nose? Additionally, I’m curious if anyone has insight into the cause of my persistent nausea. With the recent bleeding, my speculation leans towards an irritation in my sinuses causing me to unknowingly swallow blood at night, contributing to the nausea. Despite retching five to ten times daily, this sudden, severe bleeding is a new development. Thanks in advance for any advice or suggestions; apologies for the lengthy post!
Dealing with Nausea and Vomiting
Hello, I'm a 16-year-old male. For the last five hours, I've been experiencing persistent vomiting accompanied by feelings of nausea. Could anyone share some tips on how to alleviate this condition?