OpenHealth Q&A

Seeking Guidance for My Health Struggles

Hello everyone, I find myself in a tough spot and am reaching out for advice on what type of medical professional I should consult. I'm a 33-year-old woman, standing at 5'5" and weighing 130 lbs. I have never smoked or consumed alcohol, and I generally maintain a healthy diet, often tracking my meals to ensure balance. At the moment, I'm using Depo-Provera and taking 100mg of Trazodone. I'm hesitant to share my story on Reddit, but I feel overwhelmed and am struggling to address my multitude of health challenges. Instead of getting confused by focusing on individual symptoms, I’d like to provide a comprehensive overview of my ongoing issues, hoping someone might point me in the right direction. I don’t feel I’m on the brink of death or facing a dire illness like cancer, yet I’m constantly drained and frustrated, unable to engage fully in my life. Am I simply cursed with bad luck? Is it unreasonable to wonder whether these health matters might be interconnected? Am I alone in this? Here are the known issues that may shed light on my situation: - I was born with scoliosis and hip dysplasia, which were monitored through my teenage years, hovering right on the edge of needing a brace. During this period, I was also diagnosed with hypermobility causing joint discomfort and sciatica. Recently, physical therapy for my neck reaffirmed this hypermobility. - As a child, I suffered frequent severe sinus and ear infections, leading to the removal of my tonsils and adenoids, along with an ethmoidectomy. It was discovered that I had a severe mold allergy. As an adult, I recently identified over 16 additional allergies and am currently undergoing treatment with allergy shots. - I experienced sudden periorbital cellulitis as a child, requiring hospitalization, though the cause remains unknown. - I developed debilitating IBS during my youth, marked by intense pain and alternating diarrhea and constipation, which drastically affected my education. - Endometriosis diagnosed via laparoscopy after enduring seven years of severe menstrual pain, excessive bleeding, and gastrointestinal issues, with the endometrial tissue twisting my colon and causing a partial blockage. - I also dealt with a severe case of pelvic inflammatory disease that required hospitalization, despite testing negative for any STDs. Symptoms that have persisted since childhood and flare up intermittently include (currently experiencing all): - Frequent dizziness when standing—around 75% of the time—without any accompanying rapid heartbeat; often, my vision fades, and I must brace myself against a wall or sit down. - Hot flashes, both day and night. - Lifelong insomnia, despite good sleep hygiene and Trazodone, I manage about six hours of sleep on average. - I struggle to go without eating for more than four hours without experiencing shaking, cold sweats, and facial tingling, which makes it difficult to speak. Monitoring my blood sugar—often in the low 70s, rising to 94 in the morning or after meals—appears normal. - Unprecedented fatigue; I am usually very active but now find myself stuck in bed. - Passing thin stools alongside occasional significant red blood, although my recent colonoscopy returned normal results. - Persistent nasal congestion (I hope the allergy shots will help). - Difficulty swallowing liquids, at times feeling as if I've forgotten how to swallow when liquid is in my mouth, leading to choking episodes. - Salivary stones, with one currently large and impacted, possibly requiring surgery. - Dry eyes and uncomfortable clear cysts appearing on my corneas when exposed to sunlight. Newly emerging symptoms include: - My legs and feet turning purple while sitting or standing, along with night-time aching. I experience nerve-like pain in my right foot, sometimes feeling as though cold water is pouring over my feet. I consulted a vascular specialist who suspects a neurological issue. My feet have always felt cold, but the discoloration occurs even when warm. - Flushing rashes on my face and chest in response to heat exposure. Blood tests consistently show normal results. My white blood cell counts occasionally dip slightly below normal (e.g., 3.8 when the cutoff is 4), my platelet size slightly exceeds the norm, and I have never been anemic. A decade ago, I had critically low vitamin D levels, but since then, my levels have stabilized. My ANA tests are at the higher end of the normal range. I’m open to any suggestions, humorous remarks, advice, or encouraging thoughts you may have!

Answers (1)

6/19/2025, 12:11:34 AM

OpenHealth AI

It's clear that you're navigating a complex combination of health issues that can be overwhelming. You're not alone in feeling frustrated, and it's completely reasonable to seek clarity on how these challenges may be interconnected and what the best next steps are for you.

Key Points:

1. Consult a Specialist: Given the range of symptoms you've described, a multi-disciplinary approach may be most beneficial. Start by finding a primary care physician who can coordinate with specialists in rheumatology, neurology, and possibly an endocrinologist.

2. Understand Potential Connections: Many of your symptoms could indicate underlying issues like dysautonomia, connective tissue disorders, or chronic fatigue syndrome, which might explain the combination of chronic pain, fatigue, and autonomic symptoms.

3. Prioritize Self-Care and Monitoring: While awaiting consultations, keep a detailed symptom diary. Tracking when symptoms occur and any possible triggers can help you communicate more effectively with healthcare providers.

Explanation:

The symptoms you're experiencing, such as dizziness, fatigue, and gastrointestinal issues, may seem like isolated problems but can indeed be interconnected. For example, hypermobility and dysautonomia can sometimes explain issues like dizziness and fatigue, as they can affect blood flow and overall energy levels. Your history of allergies and surgeries could complicate your overall health profile, possibly leading to heightened sensitivities or reactions that could impact both physical and mental health.

Next Steps:

1. Schedule an Appointment with a Primary Care Physician (PCP): Explain the full pressure of your symptoms at a comprehensive appointment. A PCP can help streamline your care by referring you to appropriate specialists.

2. Document Your Symptoms: Start a journal to describe your daily experiences: note when symptoms occur, their intensity, any related activities, and how long they last. This will provide helpful insights for your healthcare team.

3. Consider a Nutrition and Sleep Evaluation: Since you're managing your diet and using Trazodone, exploring a nutritionist's insights and possibly adjusting your sleep regimen with a sleep specialist could lead to improvements.

4. Mindfulness and Relaxation Techniques: To cope with the stress of multiple health issues, consider incorporating mindfulness practices, yoga, or relaxation exercises, which could help mitigate anxiety and improve your overall well-being.

5. Stay Open and Reach Out: Don't hesitate to express your feelings of being overwhelmed to your healthcare provider—they can offer reassurance and may suggest support groups or counseling.

Remember, your wellbeing is the priority, and seeking help is a vital step toward managing your health effectively. You’ve shown a great deal of resilience in addressing your health challenges.