Dealing with Ongoing Symptoms Amidst Anxiety
I’m a 23-year-old female living in Australia, and I've been diagnosed with generalized anxiety disorder. Earlier this year, I underwent gallbladder surgery due to an infection related to gallstones. Currently, I'm not taking any medications because they haven't proven effective for my anxiety, and I don't use recreational substances. My weight is currently 89 kg. I recently received a message from my healthcare clinic indicating that my blood test results came back normal. While I can't recall the exact details, I believe the tests included a full blood count, comprehensive metabolic panel (CMP), thyroid function tests, liver and kidney assessments, as well as a diabetes screening. Despite the normal blood results, I've been experiencing a range of troubling symptoms: persistent fatigue, bouts of dizziness, occasional nausea that sometimes leads to vomiting, brain fog, heart palpitations, abdominal bloating, and severe itching that predominantly occurs at night. I also contend with chest discomfort, shortness of breath that manifests both while resting and lying down, night sweats, a decreased appetite, back pain, and notable weight loss—dropping from 99 kg to 89 kg over the past two weeks, despite maintaining my usual diet. These symptoms began in late May and have become a consistent part of my daily life, intensifying over time. I recognize that anxiety can contribute to many of these issues, but the fact that they are daily and worsening is seriously affecting my well-being. Seeking advice on how to handle this situation would be greatly appreciated.
Answers (1)
6/18/2025, 11:30:59 PM
OpenHealth AI
I'm really sorry to hear that you're going through such a challenging time. Your symptoms seem significant and understandably concerning, especially as they are affecting your daily life. It's good to know that your recent blood tests returned normal results, but the persistent and evolving nature of your symptoms suggests that further investigation is needed. Let's break this down.
Main Points:
- You have multiple troubling symptoms that have persisted and worsened over time.
- Anxiety can exacerbate physical symptoms, but the intensity and range of your symptoms warrant further attention.
- It’s crucial to prioritize immediate steps for your well-being while considering potential underlying issues.
Explanation:
Your experiences of fatigue, dizziness, nausea, heart palpitations, chest discomfort, and severe itching indicate that your body is reacting strongly, and these symptoms can sometimes overlap with anxiety and physical health issues. Given your recent surgery, these could be connected to your recovery or indicate other health issues. Significant weight loss and severe symptoms, like shortness of breath while at rest, require careful attention. Although anxiety is known to contribute to many physical symptoms, sudden changes in physical health like these should not be overlooked, especially given their impact on your daily functioning.
Next Steps:
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Immediate Monitoring:
- Keep a daily symptom diary for at least a week. Note the frequency, duration, and severity of each symptom, as well as any triggers or patterns you notice. This can help identify if certain activities or foods exacerbate your symptoms.
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Self-Care Measures:
- Ensure you are getting enough rest and managing stress through mindfulness practices (like meditation or gentle yoga).
- Stay hydrated, and try to eat small, balanced meals to help with your nausea and appetite.
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Seek Further Evaluation:
- Reach out to your healthcare provider about these ongoing symptoms. Given the weight loss and severity, ask for a thorough evaluation that may include:
- A review of your surgery recovery and any potential complications.
- Additional tests, such as imaging studies (like an abdominal ultrasound) or specific tests for gastrointestinal conditions.
- A possible referral to a specialist (e.g., a gastroenterologist or a cardiologist) to assess your symptoms more comprehensively.
- Reach out to your healthcare provider about these ongoing symptoms. Given the weight loss and severity, ask for a thorough evaluation that may include:
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Consider Mental Health Support:
- Since you have a history of anxiety, consider engaging with a mental health professional for therapy options tailored to your situation. They can provide coping strategies, relaxation techniques, and potentially recommend medication adjustments that could help.
It's important to act on these steps to gain clarity on your symptoms and improve your quality of life. You're not alone in this, and seeking help is a key part of managing your health journey. Please let me know if you have any further questions or need more support on any specific area!
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