OpenHealth Q&A

Navigating My Diagnosis Journey

**Navigating My Diagnosis Journey** Chronic symptoms, extensive testing, and the ongoing quest for a solution – spanning from 2021 to the present. --- **Overview of My Diagnosis Journey** A 45-year-old male (Height: 178 cm, Weight: 85 kg) Health Prior to Illness: Actively participating in sports, particularly football, until the onset of the COVID-19 pandemic, with no major health concerns reported. --- **Emergence of Symptoms – September 2021** Just six days post administration of my first Pfizer vaccine, I experienced alarming symptoms while at work. - Sudden rapid heartbeat - Dizziness - A sensation of nearly fainting - Breathlessness These experiences manifested as a disconcerting feeling of losing balance, akin to being on a swaying boat, accompanied by pressure in my chest. Emergency assistance revealed no abnormalities, and subsequent stress testing and echocardiograms returned normal results. However, I have continued to experience these symptoms intermittently, which have profoundly affected my daily life, presenting as: - Persistent sensations of imbalance or instability - Episodes of shortness of breath - Occasional palpitations --- **Progression of Symptoms – November 2022 to January 2023** - **November 2022:** Suffered a head injury following a trunk lid impact. - **December 2022:** Involved in a minor car accident. Beginning January 2023, my symptoms escalated, becoming a daily occurrence with increased severity. ### Key Ongoing Symptoms - Chronic fatigue from morning until night - Insomnia and unrefreshing sleep - Palpitations and a peculiar internal vibration in the chest - Elevated resting or standing heart rate, often reaching about 120 bpm - A constant sensation of swaying to the left, reminiscent of a boat on water - Heaviness and warmth in my legs, particularly prominent upon waking (legs feel warm but remain cool to the touch) - Difficulty walking due to the heaviness of my legs - A trembling sensation in my arms - A feeling of falling, regardless of position (standing, sitting, or lying down) - Neck discomfort and a feeling of head heaviness - Breathlessness, notably while at rest - Sensitivity to light, alongside pressure and discomfort around the eyes - Presence of floaters in my vision - Struggles with balance in stores and crowded areas - Increased fear of heights, specifically when crossing bridges - Heat sensitivity, encountering breathlessness and heart rate spikes exceeding 150 bpm after a hot shower - Poor posture attributed to prolonged periods of sedentary work (as an architectural technician/estimator) --- **Diagnostic Evaluations Conducted** **Neurological Assessments:** - CT Angiography (Head & Neck - January 2023): Normal - Brain MRI (July 2023): Normal - EMG (April 2024): Normal **ENT/Vestibular Testing:** - Audiogram and VNG/VGN (March 2023 & October 2023): Normal **Cardiac Assessments:** - Stress Test and Echocardiography (August 2023): Normal - 7-Day Holter Monitor (April 2024): - 17 isolated supraventricular extrasystoles (SVEs) - Infrequent prolonged PR intervals - Rare instances of T-wave inversion - Brief negative P-wave lasting ~1 minute Recent update: Another episode of negative P-waves lasting 3 to 4 hours confirmed via 12-lead ECG, with no recorded arrhythmia and a regular rhythm noted during this time. **Stress Testing (October 2024):** Terminated prematurely due to significant instability; findings were otherwise normal. **Tilt Table Test (January 2025):** Normal results. **Stress Test (May 2025):** Stopped due to dizziness, findings normal. Currently, I am undergoing assessments for potential dysautonomia (autonomic dysfunction). A 24-hour Holter and ambulatory blood pressure monitoring have been conducted recently, with results pending. **Pulmonary Evaluations:** - Chest X-rays (2022–2024): All returned normal - Spirometry (March 2025): Normal - Sleep Apnea Test (March 2025): Negative **Optometric Assessment:** Diagnosed with presbyopia (+1.25) in March 2023 and currently using Neurolens glasses to address binocular vision issues. **Abdominal Imaging:** - CT Abdomen (March 2024): Indicated a fatty liver condition - Follow-up Ultrasound (April 2024): Confirmed fatty liver status - Follow-up Ultrasound (August 2024): Liver within normal parameters --- **Laboratory Findings** From January to August 2024: - Testosterone levels: Low (6) increased to 7.5 by August - Vitamin D: Increased from 52.3 to 58.5 nmol/L (low-normal range) - ALT levels: Originally high at 100, normalized to 36 Latest lab results (May 07, 2025): - Complete Blood Count: Normal - Differential Count: Normal - HbA1c: 5.1% (no prediabetes detected) - Vitamin B12: 304 pmol/L - Vitamin D: 58.5 nmol/L - Iron: 21 µmol/L - Transferrin: 3.33 g/L - TIBC: Elevated at 84 µmol/L - Ferritin: 153 µg/L - Kidney function & electrolytes: Normal - Triglycerides: Slightly elevated at 1.72 mmol/L - HDL: 1.03 mmol/L - Total cholesterol: 4.95 mmol/L - Calculated LDL: 3.13 mmol/L - Morning cortisol: 318 nmol/L (normal range) --- **Personal Management Approach** I have embarked on a gradual physical rehabilitation program, incorporating gym workouts designed to: - Improve blood circulation - Enhance stability and balance - Build overall physical endurance My exercises are modified on a daily basis in response to how I am feeling.

Answers (1)

6/22/2025, 5:11:15 PM

OpenHealth AI

Thank you for sharing your comprehensive journey regarding your chronic symptoms and diagnostic evaluations. It's clear you've been through a lot and are looking for clarity and improvement in your health. Let's focus on key points and actionable steps to help you navigate this situation.

Main Points

Your ongoing symptoms, particularly related to balance, fatigue, palpitations, and respiratory issues, could be linked to autonomic dysfunction, especially given the tests you've undergone. It's crucial to address these symptoms holistically, considering both physical rehabilitation and daily lifestyle adjustments.

Understanding Your Symptoms

Your experiences, including feelings of imbalance, chronic fatigue, and breathlessness, might suggest an interaction between physical health post-illness, potential dysautonomia, and perhaps lingering effects from your past injuries or stressors. The autonomic nervous system regulates many involuntary functions in the body, and if it's not functioning well, you might experience symptoms like those you described.

Actionable Steps

1. Continue Rehabilitation: It's great that you've started a physical rehabilitation program. Focus on:

   • Gentle Balance Exercises (e.g., Tai Chi, yoga): These can help improve stability.
   • Cardiovascular Exercises (e.g., walking, stationary cycling): Aim for low-impact exercises to gradually increase your heart rate without excessive strain.
   • Strength Training: Light resistance training can build muscle and assist with your overall endurance.

2. Daily Symptom and Activity Journal: Keep track of your daily symptoms and activities. This can help identify patterns or triggers related to your symptoms. Note down what you eat, your activity levels, and how you feel at different times of the day.

3. Hydration and Nutrition: Ensure you’re well-hydrated throughout the day. A balanced diet rich in whole foods, including fruits, vegetables, lean proteins, and healthy fats, can support overall health. Consider discussing specific dietary needs, especially regarding your liver health and low testosterone levels, with a nutritionist.

4. Monitor Stress and Anxiety: With your history of anxiety symptoms, consider integrating mindfulness practices or relaxation techniques, such as deep breathing exercises or meditation, to help manage stress.

5. Regular Follow-ups: Stay engaged with your healthcare provider regarding the outcome of your recent autonomic function tests and any other investigations. Make sure to bring up any new or worsening symptoms as they arise.

6. Position Changes: Be cautious when changing positions (e.g., standing up quickly) to minimize dizziness or loss of balance. Strategies like standing up slowly and using support can be beneficial.

7. Medical Follow-up: Based on your symptoms of autonomic dysfunction, keep in touch with specialists who understand these conditions. Collaboration between a neurologist and a cardiologist may provide deeper insights into managing your symptoms.

Closing

Navigating these complex health challenges can feel overwhelming, but you are taking positive steps toward better management. Remember to be patient with yourself as you pursue improvements in your health and well-being. Please feel free to reach out with any further concerns or updates regarding your condition.