OpenHealth Q&A

Seeking Guidance: A Health Journey

I recently took a trip to Louisiana during the final days of April. Upon returning just four days later, I began experiencing a profound sense of exhaustion, which I initially assumed was simply due to travel fatigue. As time went on, I started to notice some alarming symptoms: intense chills, excruciating bone pain, a constant feeling of being feverish without an actual fever, and overwhelming weakness. I became highly sensitive to cool air, particularly from fans, which seemed to exacerbate my discomfort. A few weeks later, I encountered persistent nausea that lasted about three to four days, accompanied by instances of vomiting—around three times over the span of those days. Shortly after, I developed a sore throat and a dry cough. Eventually, my fatigue became so debilitating that it hindered my ability to work, even though my role is primarily desk-based. I was also struggling with cognitive fog and noticed increasing pain and stiffness in my hands and fingers, which was particularly concerning since typing constitutes a significant part of my job. Since mid-May, I’ve found myself in the emergency room five times due to severe pain (standard Tylenol did nothing to alleviate it) and debilitating fatigue that also led to coordination issues, making my walking feel unstable. Unfortunately, the medical professionals were unable to provide any effective assistance, stating that all my lab results, except for a slight elevation in white blood cell count, appeared normal. Eventually, my primary care physician prescribed Lyrica 75mg twice daily, which has shown some effectiveness in alleviating my symptoms. I’ve consulted with a rheumatologist; all tests returned normal. I have also undergone testing for several conditions including Hepatitis, HIV, Lyme disease, and Sickle cell disease, all yielding negative results. Additionally, my PCP recommended seeing a hematologist to investigate the chronic slight elevation in my white blood cell count, and I had an appointment just last week, with lab results still pending. Next week, I am scheduled for a 3-phase bone scan to delve deeper into my bone pain. Just last week, I also had blood cultures taken. My most recent visit to the ER on June 6th was triggered by severe nausea, which coincided with the onset of my coordination problems; during that visit, they conducted a CT scan of my abdomen with contrast. According to the CT findings, there are nodular surface contours consistent with cirrhosis of the liver, along with a few small lesions that are too small to further define. Although I consume alcohol 3-4 times a week, I have refrained from drinking since the onset of these issues, as they have left me feeling completely drained, preferring instead to stay in bed and sleep. Additionally, a new uterine fibroid measuring 5.8 cm was identified. Three days ago, I expelled something unusual while using the restroom—it felt like I needed to pass a bowel movement, but I hadn’t actually had one, leading me to gently push. I had been experiencing some rectal bleeding, which I initially attributed to constipation caused by pain medications, as I was straining. The bleeding only occurred during bowel movements, and I noticed it on the tissue rather than mixed in with the stool. I forwarded a picture of my concern to my PCP, who then prescribed a single dose of Praziquantel 600mg. That evening, I experienced several bowel movements. Now, I’m left with a question: what I passed, could it be fibroid tissue or perhaps a parasite? I did consume seafood once during my trip, and I’ve learned that parasites can embed within organs, potentially leading to damage. To provide some background, I underwent a uterine ablation in 2023 due to heavy bleeding, requiring a blood transfusion. This bleeding started following the removal of an IUD, after which I had not experienced any periods or related issues until now. I have an appointment with my gynecologist next week to follow up on these developments.

Answers (1)

6/22/2025, 4:01:41 PM

OpenHealth AI

It sounds like you've been experiencing a series of complex and distressing symptoms that have significantly impacted your quality of life. The combination of fatigue, pain, gastrointestinal issues, and the recent findings related to both liver and gynecological health can understandably cause concern. Let’s break down some aspects of your situation and offer guidance.

Overview of Your Situation:

1. Severe Exhaustion and Pain: Post-travel fatigue that escalated to debilitating fatigue and pain.
2. Gastrointestinal Distress: Nausea, vomiting, and rectal bleeding, leading to further investigation.
3. Recent Findings: Concerns include liver abnormalities that could partly explain some of your symptoms, alongside a newly identified uterine fibroid.

What You’ve Done Well:

• You’ve been proactive in seeking medical help and testing, which is essential in navigating complex health issues.
• You are avoiding alcohol as a precaution, especially after the acknowledgment of liver abnormalities.

Key Points to Consider Next:

• Understand Your Recent Symptom: The passage you described could be fibroid tissue or it might relate to the recent gastrointestinal issues, possibly involving parasite-related complications, especially given your travel history. However, only a healthcare professional can give you precise insights based on your gynecological evaluations.

Recommended Next Steps:

1. Await Specialist Feedback: Your upcoming appointment with your gynecologist should be prioritized, especially given the history of heavy bleeding and recent passage of tissue. Discuss all your symptoms, including the rectal bleeding and your concerns about what you passed.

2. Monitor Symptoms: Keep a detailed diary of your symptoms, including pain levels, fatigue, any changes in bowel habits, and any new symptoms. This can help provide a clearer picture during your next doctor visits.

3. Stay Hydrated and Rest: Ensure you are drinking enough fluids, particularly with your recent nausea and any bowel movement changes. Adequate rest is also crucial for recovery.

4. Follow-Up on Liver Health: Stay in touch with your hematologist regarding the slight elevation in your white blood cell count and any implications for your liver health. Make sure to inquire about the next steps based on your CT findings.

5. Discuss Pain Management with Your PCP: Given that standard pain relief hasn’t been effective, discuss with your PCP the potential for exploring other pain management strategies or further evaluations if you continue to experience severe discomfort.

6. Maintain Communication with All Healthcare Providers: As you attend your various appointments, keep each specialist informed about the findings and treatments you’re experiencing. This will help in coordinating an integrated approach to your health.

Final Thoughts

You're facing multiple interrelated health issues, and navigating them may feel overwhelming at times. Continue to advocate for your health, and don’t hesitate to ask your healthcare providers questions or request second opinions if you feel it necessary. Remember, your persistence in seeking help is key to gaining clarity and improving your health outcomes. Take care, and feel free to reach out for further assistance or clarification on any health-related concerns.