Could This Be Cystic Fibrosis?
I weigh 92.6 pounds at 24 years old and am currently awaiting a medical diagnosis. My health issues began when I was just six months old, having been hospitalized due to an infection from Pseudomonas aeruginosa. Prior to this event, my liver enzymes—ALT and bilirubin—were elevated. By the time I reached eight months, my parents realized I wasn’t gaining weight despite my height increasing. Although celiac disease was initially suspected, further testing ruled it out. Cystic fibrosis (CF) was also considered, but my mother recalls that doctors dismissed it, and unfortunately, there are no documented records of any sweat or genetic testing conducted at that time. Throughout my life, I have faced challenges with being underweight, standing at just 5 feet 0.6 inches (154 cm) tall. Frequent infections plagued me, and I often experienced respiratory issues due to a large amount of thick, sticky nasal discharge and persistent sinus infections that proved difficult to treat. At 21, I underwent a septoplasty to correct a deviated nasal septum and remove nasal polyps, but they have since returned. From my earliest memories, I've dealt with a constant runny nose, and I have to cough up thick mucus from my lungs. Additionally, I have noticed that my sweat is unusually salty, yet it seemed that no one took my concerns seriously. Starting in December 2024, I began facing gastrointestinal issues that have stumped healthcare professionals for over six months. I am experiencing greasy, floating stools and have inexplicably lost 22 pounds. My levels of ALT, AST, and bilirubin have skyrocketed, but doctors haven’t been able to determine the cause, nor have these levels improved since January. I feel lost and terrified about what might come next, grappling with a fear of potentially fatal outcomes.
Answers (1)
6/18/2025, 3:31:06 AM
OpenHealth AI
It's understandable to feel concerned and overwhelmed with your health issues, especially given your history and current symptoms. The combination of being underweight, frequent respiratory infections, salty sweat, and gastrointestinal problems can align with multiple conditions, including cystic fibrosis (CF) or other underlying issues. Here’s a structured approach to consider:
Key Points:
- Your symptoms align with possible cystic fibrosis, which typically presents with respiratory, digestive, and growth issues.
- It is crucial to pursue definitive testing for cystic fibrosis, including genetic testing or a sweat test, if these have not been done yet.
- Focus on managing your current symptoms, and consider your nutritional status since maintaining or gaining weight is important for overall health.
Explanation:
Cystic fibrosis is a genetic condition that affects the lungs and digestive system, causing thick mucus buildup. Symptoms you describe—thick nasal discharge, respiratory issues, salty sweat, and gastrointestinal symptoms—are classic signs. The fact that you've had elevated liver enzymes and unexplained weight loss further emphasizes the need for thorough evaluation.
Next Steps:
-
Testing for Cystic Fibrosis: Advocate for either a sweat test or genetic testing if not previously conducted. This is crucial for a proper diagnosis.
-
Nutritional Support:
- Focus on a high-calorie diet to help with weight gain. Include nutrient-dense foods like avocados, nuts, seeds, and lean proteins.
- Consider pancreatic enzyme replacement therapies if you have difficulty digesting food (which can be common in CF).
-
Manage Respiratory Symptoms:
- Continue to focus on clearing mucus from your lungs; use saline nasal sprays and consider respiratory therapies like chest physiotherapy.
- Stay well-hydrated to help thin mucus.
-
Document Symptoms:
- Keep a daily diary of your symptoms, dietary intake, and any changes in your health. This information can be very useful for healthcare professionals to help in diagnosis and management.
-
Seek Support:
- Having a support system of family, friends, or support groups can help you manage anxiety and provide emotional help during this difficult time.
It's essential to keep open communication with your healthcare providers, express your concerns, and follow through with these suggestions. You deserve comprehensive care and answers to your ongoing health issues. Please remember that you are not alone in this journey, and there are resources available to help manage these challenges.
Related Questions
Should I Worry About New Moles After a Sunburn?
As a 16-year-old male, I’ve never experienced anything like this before. The last medication I used was antibiotics a few days ago. The issue at hand is straightforward. I suffered a severe sunburn yesterday, affecting about 35% of my skin, leaving it bright red. In the area of my back that received the most sun, I noticed the sudden appearance of approximately 7 to 8 new moles. They seem normal in color and shape. Is this something I should be worried about?
Experiencing Double Vision, Swelling, and Numbness
As a 22-year-old female, I’ve been facing intermittent numbness in my hands for about a week now. Following a large dose of caffeine last Saturday, I encountered troubling symptoms including double vision, swelling in my legs and feet, feelings of numbness, weakness, significantly high blood pressure (165/105), and an increased heart rate (138). Concerned by these developments and feeling anxious about my numbness, I sought help at the emergency department, especially after a nurse from a helpline suggested that I should go in for further evaluation. During my visit, they conducted an EKG which indicated sinus tachycardia and performed various blood tests, including checks for electrolytes, A1C levels, and overall kidney and liver function. Fortunately, all these tests returned normal results. I suspect sleep deprivation might have played a role in my symptoms, as I hadn’t had adequate rest for a while. I was discharged with a diagnosis of an adverse reaction to caffeine and paresthesia. When I inquired whether stress could contribute to paresthesia, the doctor confirmed that it could. A week has passed, and I’m still dealing with lack of sleep along with recurring numbness; I’ve also noted double vision and swelling remaining present. The numbness has extended to my index finger and appears to worsen after extensive writing. My medical history includes early-onset arthritis, obesity, kidney issues, a low-capacity bladder, psychiatric conditions, unexplained tachycardia, elevated DHEA levels, migraines, cyclic vomiting, and potential narcolepsy. My regular medications include the Depo shot, metoprolol, trazodone, Abilify, Cymbalta, metformin (despite not being diabetic or pre-diabetic), pantoprazole, and prazosin. I’m seeking insights into what might be causing these symptoms, yet as a full-time student, visiting the doctor now could disrupt my busy schedule filled with quizzes, labs, and exams. Additionally, I hesitate to go back since I frequently visit the clinic. Is it advisable to wait another week before pursuing further medical attention?
Struggling with Chronic Illness
Hello, Reddit community. (Content warning: references to eating disorders) I am a 21-year-old female grappling with severe chronic fatigue that has persisted for 6 to 8 years. Alongside this, I experience constant pelvic and abdominal pain. Every spring, I also suffer from episcleritis. Despite seeking guidance from numerous healthcare professionals, I have encountered a wall of uncertainty, often feeling lost in the healthcare system, especially as my test results continue to decline. I am perpetually exhausted, and I am unable to shed any weight, regardless of my efforts (having dealt with a restrictive eating disorder, I managed to lose about 10 pounds while barely consuming anything). My condition includes insulin resistance, which is manageable through dietary changes. Recently, my ESR recorded at 54, and my high-sensitivity CRP measured 20.47 mg/L. My ferritin level was critically low at 6 but did increase to 11 after two months of iron supplements. Additionally, my white blood cell count was noted at 11.8, and my B12 level was recorded at 171. I have undergone various tests for conditions such as celiac disease, thyroid dysfunction, and rheumatoid arthritis, along with assessments for cortisol, testosterone, vitamin D, ANA, and even a Lyme disease panel, all of which came back negative. I should mention that I have a history of mononucleosis a few years prior to the onset of my current symptoms. I recently transitioned off Zoloft; I have been on an SSRI since age 14, and I have been on oral birth control since I was 13. In January, I underwent laparoscopy performed by a specialist in endometriosis. During this procedure, they discovered a urachus, five areas of fibrous tissue with some mesothelial lining, several paratubal cysts, a leiomyoma ovarian fibroid, as well as partial obliteration of my appendix. Unfortunately, the subsequent pathology results were not adequately explained to me, aside from being told, "it’s not endometriosis." I am incredibly frustrated with the ongoing series of appointments with specialists without any substantial outcomes. I have consulted endocrinologists, OB/GYNs, ophthalmologists, and my general practitioner, among others; my primary care provider suggested potentially seeing a rheumatologist, but I have yet to receive a referral. I am so weary of living in constant pain and discomfort. My situation is deteriorating; I feel tired all the time, frequently experience nausea and dizziness, and I can hardly sleep without relying on ibuprofen and a heating pad set to the highest level. I feel like I am at a breaking point. This quality of life is not sustainable. Does anyone have any thoughts or suggestions?
Seeking Assistance After a Potential Overdose by My Psychiatrist
I am a 26-year-old Asian female weighing 105 kg. My current medications include dosulepin at a dosage of 150 mg and sertraline at 200 mg. I have also taken Etizola Beta (0.25 mg), which I temporarily stopped for a couple of days, believing it was contributing to my issues; however, it now seems to be the only thing that has been sustaining me through this withdrawal experience. Recently, I've also been on metformin and am in the process of discontinuation. I am classified as prediabetic, struggle with obesity, and have cholesterol levels that are borderline high. My healthcare provider recently prescribed Lumateperone at 42 mg to address my depression. I don’t have bipolar disorder or schizophrenia, yet I was given this medication, and I made an effort to trust my doctor and began treatment. Although it appeared to be effective initially, it quickly became overwhelming. I experienced heightened restlessness and irritability, culminating in episodes where I would cry out during conflicts with my mother and sister, especially when I felt overstimulated. As time progressed, my situation worsened. I began to perceive conversations from my mom and sister while they were secluded in their room, despite them fast asleep. The same occurred with my uncle and aunt. At one point, I even thought I saw flashes of nonexistent things. My urge to clean became so intense that I couldn’t sleep until the chores were thoroughly completed, leading to a cycle where I would wake up and repeat the process until I ultimately collapsed from exhaustion. I took a brief break, hoping to feel better, but my mental fog intensified. There were moments when I would wake in a panic, mistaking familiar sights for something foreboding. One morning, I unknowingly spilled a powder from a sachet I had cut open, completely forgetting about it while my attention was diverted. These memory lapses became commonplace; I often lost track of what I was doing mid-task or mid-conversation and struggled to remember why I entered a room, often engaging in unrelated actions until clarity struck me. I expressed my worries to my psychiatrist, who dismissed them as anxiety and decided to double my dosage of Lumateperone while advising me to stop taking Etizola just two days before he would be unavailable for the rest of the month. To my dismay, I later learned that this medication might contribute to diabetes, weight gain, and cholesterol issues—a fact my psychiatrist was undoubtedly aware of when prescribing it and increasing the dosage. After contemplating all this, I found it difficult to continue putting my trust in him. Last night, I ceased taking even the single capsule I had been consuming, and I've since been struggling to sleep or engage in any productive activities, developing a headache in the process. I worry about how my lack of alertness could lead to dire consequences. Additionally, I have always harbored doubts about my psychiatrist's ethics—he seems overly focused on profit, almost glowing when he exploits the vulnerabilities of patients for financial gain. I previously ignored this aspect, hoping it wouldn’t compromise my care, but clearly, financial motives guided his actions. The brand of this medication is the first and only one available in my country, and it is quite expensive, suggesting that he may receive significant incentives from them. I feel compelled to take action to prevent others from experiencing similar situations. I have two potential courses of action: reporting my situation to the medical board, though I fear my complaint may not hold weight as a single voice, or contacting the pharmaceutical company directly to share my experience. If adverse effects arise, it is that company’s reputation that could suffer, potentially leading to the loss of contracts with practitioners who misuse their products, ultimately protecting future patients from harm.
(21F) Battling a Persistent UTI for Three Years: A Personal Struggle
At just 21 years old, it's difficult for me to share this, but I have been grappling with a recurrent UTI for over three years now. Despite consulting numerous healthcare professionals, including my primary care physician, urologists, and urgent care centers, I have yet to find a solution to this ongoing problem. The infection seems tied to the same strain; it refuses to clear up, regardless of treatments with various antibiotics like Macrobid, Bactrim, and Cipro. I’ve been switched back and forth between these medications, developing a resistance to Cipro, moving to Macrobid, and even trying a combination of both Macrobid and Bactrim. Just recently, I went back to urgent care for another five-day prescription of Macrobid. This lingering infection has been a constant in my life for over three years, and while my symptoms have largely diminished – with only cloudy urine remaining – I have sought help from doctors multiple times. I have expressed my concerns about not receiving a sufficient or prolonged course of treatment, but unfortunately, I keep ending up in the same position. The reluctance to prescribe stronger medications is baffling, when all I seek is relief and perhaps a simple refill. To provide some context about why I let this situation persist: I was working six days a week at a small family-run business where my employer wouldn’t allow me even a half-day off to visit a doctor. During this period, I was also covered in petechiae, which I wonder if it could be related to the UTI. Juggling numerous health challenges, I allowed myself to forget about the infection since my noticeable symptoms faded away, pushing it aside for future attention. At times, I even thought a severe outcome like sepsis might occur, perhaps hoping it would offer a solution, as it’s hard to believe someone could endure this for so long. Now that I finally have the opportunity to see a medical professional and feel mentally prepared to address my health, I’m anxious about the possibility of having caused irreversible damage. I haven’t visited the emergency room yet, pondering what additional help they could provide that urgent care hasn’t attempted to resolve my UTI issues.