A Long Struggle with Numbness and Isolation: Seeking Answers
Hello, I’ve felt out of sorts for as long as I can remember, but since 2015, my situation has progressively deteriorated. For the past six years, I have spent the majority of my days confined to my bed, engaging in little beyond a spiral of thoughts and internal dialogues. Life feels devoid of sensation; I derive no pleasure from experiences like intimacy, and I am constantly weighed down by a foggy mind and a lack of motivation. A persistent pressure seems to press against my head. Despite my efforts to enact positive changes—such as enrolling in educational programs and seeking employment—these pursuits invariably fall short, hindered by my cognitive haze and diminished energy levels. I have consulted various psychiatrists since 2016, trying a myriad of mental health medications, yet the results have been disappointing. I’ve been diagnosed with schizoaffective disorder and obsessive-compulsive disorder. Additionally, I’ve sought help from a neurologist to address my persistent headaches, undergoing MRIs for both my brain and spine, all of which returned normal results. Conditions like Crohn’s disease and lupus have been ruled out as well. I feel utterly lost in my quest for improvement, and the overwhelming uncertainty is challenging. I wonder if there might be alternative explanations for my symptoms or other conditions to consider. Unfortunately, it seems my doctors have largely given up on finding solutions for me.
Answers (1)
6/22/2025, 1:20:38 AM
OpenHealth AI
I'm really sorry to hear how challenging your situation has been. It sounds incredibly difficult to navigate such persistent feelings of numbness and isolation. While I can't change your experiences, I can offer some insights and specific next steps that may help you find clarity and potential avenues for relief.
Main Points:
Your symptoms suggest a complex interplay of mental health and possibly neurological factors. Given that you have been diagnosed with schizoaffective disorder and OCD, the pressure you feel in your head, cognitive fog, and lack of pleasure could be related to these conditions. However, your ongoing struggles despite treatment warrant a careful reevaluation.
Explanation:
The experiences you're describing—persistent feelings of numbness, pressure in the head, lack of motivation, and cognitive difficulties—can be influenced by both physiological and psychological factors. While typical causes like schizoaffective disorder or OCD explain part of your symptoms, there might be other underlying issues that haven't been explored yet. Some potential areas to consider include:
- Chronic Fatigue Syndrome (CFS): This condition is characterized by extreme fatigue that doesn't improve with rest and can include cognitive difficulties.
- Depersonalization/Derealization Disorder: This can manifest as a sense of detachment from thoughts or surroundings, which may explain the feeling of numbness.
- Vitamin Deficiencies: Low levels of nutrients such as Vitamin B12, Vitamin D, or magnesium can lead to cognitive impairments and fatigue.
- Autoimmune Disorders: Even if initial tests were normal, some conditions like Hashimoto’s thyroiditis or others may require a thorough examination.
Next Steps:
-
Document Your Symptoms: Keep a detailed log of your symptoms, their frequency, and what seems to exacerbate them. This information can be useful during future medical visits.
-
Reassess with Specialists: Consider seeking a consultation with:
- A neuropsychiatrist who integrates neurology and psychiatry, as they can provide a comprehensive assessment suited to your complex symptoms.
- A functional medicine specialist who might evaluate areas like nutritional deficiencies or autoimmune considerations that may not have been previously addressed.
-
Physical Wellness: Incorporate light physical activity or gentle stretching if possible, as physical movement can sometimes help alleviate symptoms of fatigue.
-
Mindfulness and Grounding Techniques: Engage in mindfulness practices that can help manage feelings of anxiety and emotional numbness. Techniques like deep breathing, meditation, or even light yoga may be beneficial.
-
Seek Support Groups: Connecting with others who experience similar challenges can provide emotional support and additional insights into coping strategies.
By taking these steps, you may uncover additional avenues for understanding and possibly improving your situation. Remember, you don't have to do this alone—reaching out for support when needed is an important part of the healing process. If you have further questions or would like to explore any of these suggestions in more detail, feel free to ask!
Related Questions
28-Year-Old Male Experiencing Scalp Sensations Post-Amitriptyline Treatment
I am a 28-year-old man in generally good health, without any cardiac concerns. Approximately a month ago, I encountered intense pain localized to one side of my head, which was unresponsive to paracetamol. However, a single dose of a migraine treatment provided substantial relief. Following that, I began a regimen of amitriptyline, starting at a nightly dose of 10 to 25 mg. While my head pain has diminished significantly—by about 90 to 95%—I now experience occasional uncomfortable sensations on my scalp. These feelings include pins and needles, a cooling sensation, and some crawling feelings near my hairline and ears. There are fleeting moments where I feel brief throbs lasting a second, but I do not have any persistent headaches. To clarify, I do not experience any of the following: - Nausea - Weakness in my limbs - Numbness - Changes in my vision - Coordination difficulties - Seizures The symptoms I have are transient, shifting around and often intensifying when I become conscious of them or as the day progresses. I would like to know: Is it common to experience these sensations during the recovery stage following episodes of neuralgia or migraine-like discomfort? Additionally, could the amitriptyline potentially be causing these temporary paresthetic sensations? I am seeking some reassurance or advice on what is typically observed during this healing process. Thank you.
Battling Chronic Nausea and Vomiting for Over Two Years
For the past two years, I (age 26, female) have been enduring an incredibly challenging health situation. I experience intense nausea daily and find myself vomiting numerous times, with almost nothing providing relief. To provide some background, I’m from West Texas and I currently weigh around 190 pounds, standing at 5’7”. Initially, my weight was about 211 pounds when these symptoms began, and it fluctuates frequently between 190 and 225 pounds. I engage in vaping and consume THC. Previously diagnosed with hypothyroidism, my condition seemingly resolved, according to my healthcare providers. Additionally, I have polycystic ovarian syndrome (PCOS). I have consistently faced irregular bowel movements, with stools that are loose and sometimes appear to have mucus. Compounding my struggles, I've also suffered from migraines. I have had an IUD for over five years, experiencing two insertions of the Kyleena device. In December 2022, my battle with health took a severe turn when I was diagnosed with stage 4 Hodgkin’s Lymphoma, requiring chemotherapy treatment, specifically AVBD (Apologies for not recalling the exact medication names). By July 2023, I had fortunately achieved remission. However, after reaching remission, my vomiting worsened, transforming from primarily white foam to a mixture of 80% bile, any food I attempt to consume, and still white foam. This intense vomiting, accompanied by significant pain in my upper back, escalated to more than eight episodes daily by November 2023. At that time, THC seemed to be the only avenue for me to retain any food. During this tumultuous period, I consulted various doctors who, after confirming I wasn’t pregnant, attributed my symptoms to Cannabinoid Hyperemesis Syndrome (CHS). Immediately, I ceased THC consumption for over six months, yet the vomiting continued unabated. Each time, doctors would prescribe ondansetron, regardless of my claims that it provided no relief. I experimented with various diets recommended by medical professionals, but there were no improvements in my condition. Eventually, I obtained a referral to a gastroenterologist who intended to perform an endoscopy. However, the procedure was prohibitively expensive even with insurance, and thus was never conducted. This doctor also ordered blood tests to rule out several gastrointestinal disorders, such as Crohn's disease, Irritable Bowel Syndrome (IBS), and gluten sensitivity, but all results came back normal. Afterward, I had another appointment with a different gastroenterologist, but the doctor failed to meet with me. Instead, a nurse informed me that the doctor had merely recommended promethazine without conducting any tests or scheduling further visits. When I mentioned the possibility of gallbladder issues, the doctor laughed dismissively at my suggestion. Discussing my situation with my oncologist, he suggested that my heightened sensitivity to food odors stemmed from my chemotherapy experiences while I was working in fast food. While food smells indeed affect me, I'm primarily triggered by medical scents such as rubbing alcohol and cleaning agents. This ongoing ordeal has been overwhelmingly distressing. I now experience episodes of vomiting accompanied by bright red blood, presumably due to a throat tear. When I first encountered this troubling symptom, I consulted a doctor who appeared unfazed and prescribed a promethazine suppository, which does help but makes me extremely drowsy. My nausea persists nearly around the clock, often feeling as if there’s a heaviness in the upper part of my abdomen. I frequent urgent care facilities when my symptoms intensify, only to be met with minimal assistance since this is a chronic issue. Currently, I lack a primary care physician. Whenever I sought one, I encountered skepticism regarding my condition, with some healthcare professionals implying that I was exaggerating my symptoms. Though many physicians who do take my situation seriously seem baffled, I've lost count of the diverse medical experts I've consulted about these ongoing issues. If anyone has insight or suggestions, I would genuinely appreciate it. I can share my latest bloodwork results if that would be helpful—just let me know!
Strange Stomach Sensation Leading to Waking Up
Greetings. I'm a 36-year-old male, standing at 172 centimeters and weighing 90 kilograms. I don't take any medications, nor do I smoke. I've been living with diastasis recti for several years now, and I may also have irritable bowel syndrome (IBS). Additionally, I deal with fatty liver and kidney stones, though I assume these last two conditions are not related to my current concern. Occasionally, I experience a peculiar sensation that jolts me awake; it feels like a quick pulsing in my stomach. I’ve noticed it tends to affect the left side when I’m lying on my left side and the right side when on my right. Remarkably, it can occur even when I’m on my back. This strange feeling often escalates into a surge that fully rouses me. Alongside this, I sometimes feel prickling sensations throughout my body and fleeting lightheadedness. When this sensation disturbs my sleep while I’m turned to my side, shifting onto my back or the opposite side might alleviate it, but not always. In instances where I awaken while lying on my back, I discovered that gently pressing my hands on either side of my stomach can help, as can rising to a sitting or standing position. However, during my last two episodes—one a couple of weeks ago and another tonight—those techniques weren’t effective right away, which made me feel a bit anxious, prompting me to seek advice. Does anyone have insight into what might be going on? By the way, I’ve undergone routine ultrasound examinations of my abdomen by two different physicians during check-ups, both of whom assured me that everything appears normal, including my abdominal aorta and internal organs. They didn’t identify any issues at that time.
Swelling Beneath My Chin Near the Jawline
18-Year-Old Male: I'm reaching out to any medical professionals who might provide insights into my situation. I've been using marijuana since I was 14, but now, at 17, I'm making an effort to stop and have been clean for 18 days. Recently, I've discovered an unusual swelling located just beneath my chin, behind my jaw. It causes some discomfort when I move, yet it doesn’t feel painful continuously. I'm somewhat anxious that this could be indicative of a more serious issue, especially considering it's positioned near my chin's lymph nodes. Any advice or information would be greatly appreciated as it might help alleviate my worry.
Seeking Insights: My Journey with Undiagnosed Neurological Symptoms
Hello everyone, I'm a 34-year-old female grappling with neurological symptoms that first appeared in October, and I’m eager to hear from anyone who might have faced similar challenges. My journey began with unexpected migraines, blurred vision, and an ongoing sensation of being off-balance or intoxicated. Gradually, I began experiencing mainly sensory-related symptoms, such as tingling and burning sensations, feelings of extreme heat and cold, sharp pains radiating in my arms and back, as well as discomfort in my hands and toes, alongside intermittent numbness. I also endure varying degrees of weakness and heaviness in my right side, specifically my arm and leg, although I haven’t suffered complete functional loss. The nature of my symptoms is erratic; they fluctuate rather than consistently deteriorate. An MRI revealed mild, scattered lesions in the white matter, which were deemed nonspecific. Further tests from a lumbar puncture returned normal results, showing no markers of inflammation, and the oligoclonal bands were not present. A thorough range of lab tests yielded no significant findings. After evaluating my case, the neurology team suggested a possible diagnosis of MS and administered a three-day course of intravenous steroids. While I noticed a slight improvement in some sensory pain, my symptoms persist and continue to vary day by day. I still experience headaches and pressure in my head along with episodes of blurred vision, but there have been no new deficits since treatment. I am reaching out to connect with others who have had similar experiences. I would like to learn about the insights or diagnoses you encountered and what treatments proved beneficial (such as those related to migraine disorders, dysautonomia, or sensory neuropathy, for example). If you have navigated a similar path, I would greatly appreciate your sharing your story. Thank you!