Seeking Clarity: Unanswered Medical Concerns and Ongoing Symptoms
Age: 33 Height: 163 cm Weight: 90 kg Current Medications: fluoxetine, mirtazapine, questran, baclofen, lueva, Wellbutrin Other Health Diagnoses: autism spectrum disorder, arthritis, endometriosis, irritable bowel syndrome (IBS) I am reaching out for assistance as I experience a range of symptoms that severely affect my everyday life. Despite my efforts, I have yet to receive a satisfactory explanation from any of my healthcare providers. Is there anyone who might have insights into what my doctors could have missed? Presenting Symptoms (not in any particular sequence): - Intermittent sharp pain resembling nerve discomfort, primarily affecting my hands and feet. - Profound fatigue that leaves me drained. - Reduced grip strength in my hands and arms, making simple tasks like tying shoelaces, handling pans, and carrying pizza boxes quite challenging. - Difficulty maintaining a standing position for long periods. - Weakness in my legs, which sometimes feel unstable; riding my bike has become considerably more taxing, as my leg muscles seem to be perpetually strained. - Problems with memory, including challenges with multitasking and remembering tasks. - Tingling sensations and a feeling of numbness in my hands. - Spasms occurring in my face and hands. - A pervasive numbness similar to the sensation felt post-dental anesthetic, affecting my face, neck, back, and feet, which started in April. Initially, I struggled with mobility and was admitted to the emergency room, where they suspected a hernia, but MRI results proved inconclusive. - Coldness in my toes. Conducted Tests (all results normal): - Brain MRI - Spinal MRI - Cervical MRI - EEG - Comprehensive blood analysis - EMG for arms - EMG for legs - Muscle strain assessment Attempted Treatments: - Denervation procedure - Cortisone injection - Baclofen - Wellbutrin - Weekly physical therapy sessions Current Diagnoses: - Fibromyalgia (debated by my physical medicine doctor) - Chronic fatigue syndrome (CFS) - Cognitive issues (as indicated by psycho-neurological evaluations) Healthcare Professionals Consulted: - Rheumatologist - Neurologist - Pain management specialist - Immunologist - Psychiatrist - Physical medicine expert - Nerve specialist
Answers (1)
6/21/2025, 7:40:40 PM
OpenHealth AI
It sounds like you're dealing with a complex set of symptoms that significantly impact your daily life. Given your current diagnoses and the various specialists you've consulted, it's understandable that you'd seek clarity and a path forward.
Main Points
- You are experiencing a range of symptoms that suggest a multifaceted condition.
- You've had extensive testing, but results have been inconclusive.
- The combination of diagnoses you've received may require a comprehensive and multidisciplinary approach to management.
Explanation
Your symptoms, including nerve discomfort, profound fatigue, reduced grip strength, and cognitive issues, can overlap with several conditions, including fibromyalgia and chronic fatigue syndrome (CFS). These conditions can be particularly difficult to diagnose, as they don't always show clear abnormalities on tests.
Fibromyalgia often presents with widespread pain, fatigue, and cognitive difficulties ("fibro fog"). While you have been diagnosed with it, your doctors seem to be debating its role, possibly due to the complexity of your symptoms or inconclusive test results.
Chronic Fatigue Syndrome (CFS) also aligns with your profound fatigue and cognitive issues. It's characterized by extreme fatigue that doesn't improve with rest and can be exacerbated by physical or mental activity.
Next Steps
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Symptom Tracking: Begin keeping a detailed journal of your daily symptoms. Note the severity, what you were doing when symptoms worsened or improved, and any potential triggers (e.g., stress, diet, physical activity). This can help pinpoint patterns for you and your healthcare team.
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Lifestyle Modifications:
- Energy Management: Prioritize rest and learn to pace your activities. Break tasks into smaller, manageable periods with breaks in between.
- Diet & Nutrition: Consider working with a nutritionist if possible, as changes in diet may help manage your IBS and possibly improve overall energy levels.
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Physical Therapy Review: Since you've been in physical therapy, discuss with your therapist the possibility of focusing on specific exercises that strengthen your muscles without overexertion. A tailored approach may help improve your physical function gradually.
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Psychological Support: Given the cognitive issues, working with a psychologist or counselor who has experience with chronic illness can be beneficial. They can help develop coping strategies for fatigue and memory challenges.
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Consider a Multidisciplinary Approach: If you haven't already, seek a comprehensive care approach where your various specialists collaborate. This could include a combination of rheumatology, neurology, and pain management in a cohesive treatment plan.
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Explore New Therapies: If current therapies are not providing adequate relief, ask your healthcare team about alternative treatments such as cognitive-behavioral therapy (CBT) for fatigue and pain, or consider seeking referrals for integrative medicine practices.
Conclusion
Your symptoms and experiences are valid, and seeking clarity is an important part of managing your health. Focus on tracking your symptoms, exploring supportive therapies, and maintaining open communication with your healthcare team. You're not alone in this, and it's worth pursuing further support to help improve your quality of life.
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