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:
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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.
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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.
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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.
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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.
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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.
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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.
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