Seeking Guidance with Ongoing Health Issues
Age: 32F Conditions: ADHD, Anxiety, Autism, Depression, Hypothyroidism, Elevated Heart Rate Medications: Multi-Vitamin, Magnesium Glycinate, Allegra, Strattera, Pristiq, Levothyroxine, Metoprolol, Biotin, Vitamin D, Tirzepatide, CBD Gummies (for sleep as needed), Methocarbamol (as needed), Naproxen (as needed), Montelukast (as needed), Clobetasol Ointment (as needed) I'm feeling quite lost and uncertain about my health right now. Recently, I approached my doctor regarding some troubling symptoms; he initially suspected I might have POTS but, after a two-week heart rate monitoring, concluded it wasn't the case. Instead, I was prescribed Metoprolol to address my elevated heart rate and anxiety. Unfortunately, I haven't seen any improvement in either area. My husband believes it's time for me to seek a second opinion, but I'm unsure how to express my concerns to another physician. I’ll share my issues in detail here, hoping that someone can help me formulate my thoughts better. I’ve been grappling with anxiety and experience a heightened heart rate, particularly when standing. My resting heart rate is usually in the low 80s, but it can soar to the 120s or more, especially during activities like cleaning. Dizziness is a constant companion; it intensifies upon standing. At times, even while sitting, I feel as though I’ve been sedated and struggle to maintain my head up. I’ve experienced disorientation and near-fainting spells—although I haven’t fully lost consciousness, I have fallen before and noticed my vision starting to fade. Moreover, I often battle profound fatigue, both mental and physical, making even simple tasks like washing dishes feel overwhelming. I suffer from widespread aches, difficulties with sleep, and extreme night sweats—on some nights, I wake up drenched, as if water has been poured over me. I’m unsure if these symptoms are interrelated, but after my last visit with my current doctor, I feel apprehensive about returning. Following an emergency surgery appointment, he made a dismissive remark about not anticipating such a quick follow-up, which has heightened my anxiety considerably. My husband, however, insists on obtaining a second opinion, as he suspects there’s an underlying issue that my doctor overlooked too hastily, especially since he prescribed beta blockers without thoroughly investigating the root cause. Apologies for the lengthy post and my tendency to over-explain; I’m just really exhausted from feeling unwell and am at a loss about the next steps to take.
Answers (1)
6/17/2025, 9:40:56 PM
OpenHealth AI
It sounds like you're experiencing a very challenging combination of symptoms that are impacting your quality of life, and it's completely natural to feel uncertain and seek clarity. Given your history of various conditions and the recent feedback from your doctor, it's wise to explore your options further. Here are some points to consider as you prepare for your next steps:
Summary of Key Concerns:
- Elevated Heart Rate and Dizziness: Fluctuating heart rates and feelings of dizziness, especially upon standing, suggest a potential postural issue or other underlying condition that requires investigation.
- Fatigue and Night Sweats: These symptoms can be interconnected with your thyroid condition, anxiety, or even medication side effects.
- Poor Clinical Interaction: Your experience with your current physician has contributed to your anxiety, highlighting the importance of open and supportive communication in healthcare.
Explanation:
Your symptoms of elevated heart rate, dizziness upon standing, and extreme fatigue could indeed be linked to multiple factors, including anxiety, thyroid function, or even side effects from your medications. It's possible that the Metoprolol may not be adequately addressing your symptoms and that a more comprehensive evaluation is needed.
Recommended Next Steps:
-
Document Your Symptoms: Keep a detailed diary of your symptoms for at least a week. Note when symptoms occur, their severity, any triggering activities, and how long they last. This will help in conveying your experiences more clearly to a new physician.
-
Prepare for a Second Opinion:
- List Your Concerns: Start with your main symptoms—highlight the heart rate fluctuations, dizziness, fatigue, night sweats, and any recent changes in your health status or medications.
- Summarize Previous Interactions: Include key points from your past medical consultations, especially your experience with dismissive remarks from your doctor.
-
Seek a Specialist Consultation: Given your complex medical history:
- Consider scheduling an appointment with an endocrinologist to evaluate your thyroid health in the context of your symptoms.
- A cardiologist or a neurologist may also provide insights regarding the heart rate and dizziness.
-
Communicate Openly with New Providers: When meeting with a new health care professional, express your need for a comprehensive review of your symptoms rather than only a treatment adjustment. Your readiness to discuss your experience and participate actively in your care will set a collaborative tone.
-
Educate Yourself on Conditions: Research conditions that relate to your symptoms, such as dysautonomia (which includes related syndromes like POTS), to foster informed discussions with your healthcare provider.
-
Consider Lifestyle Adjustments: While pursuing professional advice, focus on self-care strategies:
- Stay hydrated and increase salt intake, pending a doctor’s advice.
- Engage in gentle physical activity like walking or stretching to help manage symptoms if you’re able, while avoiding overexertion.
- Implement stress-reduction techniques like mindfulness or yoga, which may help ease anxiety.
Empathetic Note:
It's clear that you're managing a lot right now, and seeking a second opinion shows your determination to understand and improve your health. Remember that you deserve to feel better, and finding a supportive and understanding healthcare provider can make a significant difference in your journey. Take it one step at a time, and prioritize your well-being above all else. Let me know if you need further assistance or more specific information.
Related Questions
Concerns About My Daughter's Morning Health Issues
My 17-year-old daughter experiences troubling symptoms each morning, particularly on days when she needs to rise early for school or work. She often wakes up feeling dizzy and nauseated, accompanied by a rapid heartbeat exceeding 100 beats per minute. This situation prevents her from being able to eat and may persist for several hours, or in some cases, throughout the entire day. Standing at 5 feet 8 inches tall (172 cm) and weighing 121 pounds (55 kg), her physical health otherwise seems fine. I have a personal history of inappropriate sinus tachycardia (IST), which is why I take beta-blockers for management. A few years ago, she consulted a cardiologist regarding her frequent episodes of near-fainting, who recommended increasing her water intake and adding more salt to her meals. Given the persistent nature of her symptoms, I am contemplating whether a follow-up appointment with the cardiologist is warranted, especially since all previous tests, including ECG and ultrasound, came back normal. This situation significantly affects her daily life, restricting her ability to engage fully in school and work. Any suggestions would be greatly appreciated!
Concerns Regarding Neurological Health
Hello! I received an epilepsy diagnosis back in 2008, and throughout this time, various MRI and CT imaging studies have indicated issues related to cerebral function and encephalopathy. Despite consulting multiple neurologists over the years, I’ve found that none of them appear worried about the encephalopathy aspect. Shouldn’t this be something to take more seriously? My cognitive abilities, including memory and vision, have noticeably deteriorated as time has passed. I’m feeling lost since my previous neurologists have not acknowledged my concerns adequately. If anyone could offer guidance or suggest resources, I would greatly appreciate it. In addition to epilepsy, my other medical conditions include Narcolepsy, Lynch Syndrome, Migraines, a mutation associated with HLA-B27, and Hashimoto's disease, along with others that escape me for the moment. Currently, I’m on a medication regimen that includes Lamictal, Xcopri, Hydroxyzine, Solifenacin, Zoloft, Wellbutrin, Sunosi, Aimovig, and Famotidine.
Navigating the Complexity of Symptoms: Is It PCOS or Something Else?
While I’m not an expert in self-diagnosis, I find myself puzzled by an array of symptoms that overlap, making it challenging to pinpoint what might be affecting my health. Let's break down my situation: - Age: 25 years, Gender: Female, Height: 5’1”, Weight: 125 lbs. - The last menstruation occurred in June 2024. Prior to this, my menstrual cycle was remarkably consistent since I was around 12 years old, typically without severe premenstrual symptoms, heavy flow, or irregularities. - Various blood tests over time reveal that most hormone levels fall within normal ranges, with the exception of estradiol (persistently between 10-20) and progesterone (remaining below 0.2). - A couple of results raised some concerns for me personally, even if my doctors weren’t alarmed: my morning cortisol was measured at 13.4 and in the afternoon at 9.49. One test indicated a TSH level of 2.35, which increased to 3.93 months later. My fasting glucose consistently hovers around 80, whereas random glucose levels were recorded at 68, and postprandial glucose was 65. - An MRI indicated a "deviation of the pituitary stalk, potentially linked to a small pituitary adenoma." - An ultrasound revealed "multiple oval, well-defined, anechoic images with posterior acoustic enhancement, measuring a few millimeters, located around the edges of the stroma." - The symptoms I am experiencing include disrupted sleep (frequent awakenings, particularly around 3 AM, making it hard to resume sleep), lack of energy, difficulty in weight management, persistent hunger, heightened anxiety, and hair thinning. - Birth control (drospirenone and ethinyl estradiol) exacerbated nearly all of my symptoms, leading me to discontinue use after two weeks despite experiencing a withdrawal bleed. - My lifestyle is generally healthy; I consume a lot of whole foods, engage in weightlifting, and run regularly. Given that I’ve received a diagnosis of PCOS, I’m wondering if this assessment seems accurate. What options do I have moving forward, especially since the contraceptive method didn’t provide relief and I appear to exhibit signs of additional complications such as thyroid issues or cortisol dysregulation?
Understanding My Experience with Overdose-Related Symptoms and Behavior
25 years old, 165 cm tall, and weighing 70 kg. Summary: After sharing a complaint about my interactions with paramedics, I've taken a moment to reflect on their feedback and review the situation through the footage. I recognize that my conduct during those moments was inappropriate, and I am filled with remorse. Subsequently, I have retracted my complaint and am now seeking mental health support. I desire to clarify certain aspects since my medical records do not completely align with what I went through. Below, I detail my symptoms. Yesterday, I made a post on the AskDoctors forum, hoping for insights regarding my condition. The advice I received prompted a self-realization that had evaded me until now. Initially, I was outlining a grievance against paramedics who doubted the legitimacy of my seizures and accused me of feigning the experience. My response was not only disproportionate but also hostile—I yelled, wept, and labeled them as heartless. Such reactions were completely unwarranted and unjustifiable. Ultimately, I was physically stable, with vital signs indicating no critical issues; there were only temporary fluctuations in my blood work, which shouldn’t have raised alarms. I feel profound regret over my conduct during that encounter. Watching the footage incites feelings of self-disgust. I’ve decided to withdraw my complaints and am committed to mental health resources. I opted to delete my previous post since it contained sensitive information about my professional and educational background; I was worried it might provoke disciplinary action from my university, which I cherish as my career gives my life meaning. I admit to feeling cowardly in this respect. The initial reason for my inquiry was a desperate need for clarity about the symptoms I experienced, as my discharge documentation omits much of what transpired in the hospital and the subsequent three days. I greatly value the input I’ve received and hope to gather more perspectives. I fully acknowledge my wrongdoings and find my previous behavior abhorrent. I understand how challenging it is for emergency personnel to fulfill their duties when faced with such a situation. I’ve discussed with family and friends the importance of exercising discretion when contacting emergency services and ensuring it’s truly necessary. I regret taking up valuable resources that could have been reserved for individuals in genuine need of urgent care. My actions were shameful, not just for me but also for my colleagues who work in emergency services; I genuinely believe the clinicians should have distanced themselves from my case entirely. I've canceled my appointment with the neurologist, but I would genuinely appreciate insights from others on this subject. Could excessive doses of sertraline, propranolol, promethazine, and alcohol induce psychological seizures? Is it possible for these seizures to recur? Were my hallucinations indicative of some kind of psychosis? During the episodes, I saw hair-like formations everywhere and everything seemed to emit a blue glow. In the hospital, I consistently perceived doctors passing by. At home, the LED lights appeared to move, and I often caught glimpses of faces in my peripheral vision. There were also auditory experiences, such as hearing things that weren’t present, as confirmed by my friend. Initially at home, I was unaware I was having seizures, although I did hear police officers numbering them and acknowledging them as such. I had three episodes where I was placed in the recovery position. In my medical notes, I mentioned experiencing ten seizures throughout the night, though I can’t verify this. I was seemingly in a continuous cycle of them. I recall at least once drooling uncontrollably and my hands looked peculiar; on one occasion, I screamed when I regained consciousness due to an awkward hand position. I also experienced significant neck pain and discomfort in my feet. I know I fell twice while hospitalized; fortunately, my mother was there to catch me each time, so I avoided serious injury. I was never alone in the facility. Everything seemed to settle down after approximately three days, right around my third visit. I recall a persistent ache at the nape of my neck that left me feeling drowsy, often drifting in and out of consciousness and repeatedly asking for the time. It was a never-ending ordeal, and although I had little appetite, I did not vomit at all. Reflecting on this whole episode leaves me feeling as if it were entirely fabricated. I struggle to articulate it. Conversations about care options unfolded around me, yet I grasped little of what was being discussed. I often replied with “yes” or sought validation from my mother. I remember thinking it was remarkable that my mum had glasses with water in them; I even imagined one of my cats perched on my aunt’s shoulder. Overall, it felt akin to a terrifying drug experience. I do have videos capturing my behavior at home, though I cannot recall anything from the hospital. I often awakened with either my mother, aunt, or medical staff restraining me. Could it all stem from psychological causes? Is it possible that the medications led to a psychotic episode where I convinced myself I was experiencing seizures and on the brink of death? After they subsided, I felt like an automaton for weeks, plagued by involuntary muscle jerks—primarily in my legs and neck. I sincerely hope these symptoms do not return. I intend to avoid emergency care unless it’s absolutely necessary. I seek nothing more than to comprehend what transpired. Thank you for your thoughts.
A Mysterious Illness That Resembles Strep Throat
As an 18-year-old college student, standing at 5'4" and weighing 140 pounds, I maintain an active lifestyle. I do not smoke or have any preexisting health issues, aside from the vitamins and supplements I take daily. Approximately five days ago, I began to feel unusually fatigued and achy. Within just a day, my symptoms escalated to include a high fever reaching between 101°F and 102°F that ibuprofen couldn’t seem to alleviate. I experienced extreme tiredness that kept me bedridden all day, along with a persistent headache and intense throat pain, which was compounded by swollen lymph nodes and the familiar white patches often associated with strep throat. Having dealt with strep throat before, I recognized a need for antibiotics. Two days into feeling unwell, I visited an urgent care facility for an assessment and received a rapid strep test, which unfortunately came back negative. I recalled a previous incident where my rapid strep test also indicated a false negative, only for the culture sent for further testing to confirm the presence of strep bacteria. Given my symptoms and the findings from the examination, the healthcare provider prescribed Cefdinir, as I am allergic to amoxicillin, despite the negative rapid test results. The antibiotics proved effective, and I felt nearly back to normal, leading me to believe that my culture results would also come back positive for strep, suggesting a recurrence of my previous infection. However, I received the culture results yesterday, and to my surprise, they came back negative for strep. While I lack medical expertise, I’ve been led to believe that false negatives in cultures are exceedingly rare. Now, I find myself puzzled about what kind of bacterial infection I might have had if it wasn’t strep. Any insights or information regarding my situation would be greatly appreciated. Thank you!