Strange Sensations: Seeking Insight
Hello everyone, I’m a 19-year-old transgender male residing in Canada, standing at approximately 5'9" and weighing around 110 kg. My lifestyle is quite clean; I abstain from alcohol and drugs, with the exception of receiving testosterone injections (0.5 ml biweekly). Previously, I was on escitalopram (20 mg daily), but I stopped taking it at the end of May as I didn’t notice any significant effects. Lately, I’ve been experiencing these peculiar bouts of sensations that are difficult to describe. It’s akin to a flashbang effect that affects my nervous system and vision—not a complete whiteout, but rather blurred sight. This tends to occur frequently while I’m moving around, although sitting can trigger it as well. Another way to articulate it is that my body feels tense as if bracing for something, despite there being no immediate threat besides just walking. It seems related to my vision, as my eyes tend to lose focus during these episodes. Interestingly, these sensations diminish when I concentrate on activities like drawing or watching videos. When my mind is busy or scattered, the feelings intensify. While they are not overtly painful, they are uncomfortable, especially when I experience multiple episodes in succession. I’ve considered researching this issue, but I'm having trouble articulating it clearly. I stumbled upon information regarding seizures but remain uncertain; I’ve never actually lost consciousness, but I do feel that if these sensations were to escalate, I might be in serious trouble. I have an appointment with my doctor scheduled for later this month or next to discuss my overall health. In the meantime, any advice or insights about these troubling sensations would be greatly appreciated, especially since they’ve only recently begun to occur.
Answers (1)
6/17/2025, 2:40:42 AM
OpenHealth AI
It’s understandable to feel concerned about the strange sensations you’re experiencing. Based on your description, it sounds like these feelings may be related to sensory overstimulation, anxiety, or possibly even tension-related responses in your body. Here’s a brief overview and actionable steps you can take until your doctor's appointment.
Key Points:
- Your symptoms may be linked to anxiety or sensory processing issues, especially in the context of recent lifestyle changes (stopping escitalopram) and the effects of testosterone.
- It's important to distinguish these sensations from seizures or other neurological issues.
Explanation:
The sensations you've described, including difficulties with vision and body tension, can be related to heightened anxiety or stress responses that often manifest in physical ways. These might not necessarily indicate a severe medical issue, especially since you aren’t losing consciousness. Engaging your mind in distraction (like drawing or watching videos) seems to help, which suggests that focusing your attention elsewhere can alleviate some symptoms.
Next Steps:
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Journaling: Keep a daily journal of your episodes. Document when they happen, their duration, intensity, and any accompanying feelings (like anxiety). This may help your doctor better understand your experience.
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Relaxation Techniques: Experiment with stress-reduction exercises like deep breathing, meditation, or gentle stretching/yoga. This can help calm your nervous system and reduce tension.
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Stay Hydrated and Nourished: Ensure you’re drinking plenty of water and eating balanced meals. Nutritional deficiencies can sometimes contribute to unusual sensations.
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Monitor Your Environment: Pay attention to triggers in your environment that might escalate these sensations, such as loud noises or bright lights, and see if limiting exposure helps.
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Mindfulness Activities: Since concentration on activities seems to help, incorporate more mindful activities into your routine, especially those that engage both mind and body.
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Prepare for Your Doctor's Appointment: Make a list of your symptoms, when they started, and how they’ve evolved. This structured information will be very helpful for your healthcare provider.
While waiting for your appointment, these strategies can help manage your sensations. Feeling uncertain can be disconcerting, and it’s commendable that you’re seeking answers. You're taking positive steps by preparing to discuss this with your doctor soon. Let me know if you need any further clarification or support.
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