Unusual Symptoms Following COVID? Seeking Advice
Experiencing neurological issues after a COVID infection? Since contracting COVID three weeks ago, I’ve been facing unusual symptoms. This marked my fourth bout with the virus. Initially, my respiratory problems improved after five days, but about a week later, I started experiencing debilitating fatigue and lingering symptoms. Although I cautiously returned to work, it may have been too early, as I've since faced shortness of breath and an accelerated heartbeat. Fast forward to now, and I find my legs feeling incredibly weak, making walking a challenge. Additionally, I contend with heaviness in my arms and wake up feeling utterly exhausted, as though I haven't rested at all. Simple tasks like showering, brushing my teeth, and eating have become strenuous chores. For the past four weeks, I have been unable to work. Each time I attempt to step outside or go to a scheduled appointment, I end up feeling overwhelmingly fatigued and confined to my bed. The exhaustion feels as if my body were encased in cement, immobilizing me. I visited my general practitioner today. She conducted several blood tests and screened for other potential viral infections, but she seems uncertain about the next steps. According to her, if I am experiencing long COVID, there is no definitive test for it, and she appears somewhat doubtful. I mentioned the possibility of postural orthostatic tachycardia syndrome (POTS), as I often feel extremely faint when standing or sitting, accompanied by a racing heart. Although my doctor detected low blood pressure and tachycardia during the examination, my prior diagnosis of anorexia complicates matters, preventing her from confirming POTS. I am currently undergoing treatment with an eating disorder specialist and making progress, but I’ve never experienced these POTS-like symptoms before; I truly believe they are unrelated to my eating disorder. Unfortunately, the severity of my fatigue limits my ability to consume more than a few bites at a time before nausea or faintness sets in, leading my doctor to dismiss the fatigue as significant. Are there additional tests I should consider? Is what I'm experiencing typical for post-COVID circumstances? If this is long COVID or chronic fatigue, I feel at a loss since it has only been three weeks since my COVID infection. About me: I’m a 30-year-old female, standing 161 cm tall and weighing 45 kg (a drop from 47.5 kg prior to my COVID illness). I do not smoke and have a medical history that includes neurogenic thoracic outlet syndrome, temporomandibular disorder, and hypermobility, which may indicate an undiagnosed connective tissue disorder.
Answers (1)
6/25/2025, 10:20:40 AM
OpenHealth AI
It sounds like you’re navigating some very challenging and distressing symptoms following your recent COVID infection. You’ve described a range of neurological and physical issues, which can understandably be overwhelming. Let’s break this down regarding what you might be experiencing and what steps you can take next.
Main Points:
- Your symptoms, including fatigue, weakness, and signs suggesting postural orthostatic tachycardia syndrome (POTS), may be indicative of long COVID or post-viral fatigue syndrome.
- While no definitive test exists for long COVID, there are reasonable next steps to help you manage and understand your symptoms better.
Explanation:
Post-COVID conditions can vary widely among individuals. Many people report neurological symptoms such as fatigue, cognitive difficulties (“brain fog”), and physical exhaustion. The fact that you're feeling weak and have an accelerated heartbeat, especially when standing, could suggest POTS, a condition where blood doesn't circulate properly when you move from sitting to standing, causing dizziness and fatigue.
The interplay between your ongoing recovery from an eating disorder and these new symptoms complicates your situation. It’s vital to address both your physical and psychological health comprehensively.
Next Steps:
-
Symptom Diary: Keep a journal tracking your symptoms, including when they occur, their severity, and any triggers (like changing position or exertion). This may help identify patterns or specific issues to discuss further with your healthcare provider.
-
Hydration and Salt Intake: If POTS is suspected, increasing fluid and salt intake can help manage low blood pressure. Discuss this approach with your doctor or nutritionist, considering your ongoing treatment for anorexia.
-
Rest and Gradual Activity: Prioritize rest but try gentle movements to prevent deconditioning. Avoid intensive exertion until your symptoms are better managed. Start with small activities, like standing for a few minutes, and gradually increase as tolerated.
-
Follow-Up with Specialists: Consider consulting a cardiologist for the tachycardia and low blood pressure symptoms. A referral to a specialist in post-COVID care could also help in forming a long-term management plan.
-
Mental Health Support: Given your history and the impact of these symptoms on your daily life, continue engaging with mental health professionals who understand long COVID and its potential interactions with eating disorders.
-
Discuss Additional Testing: If your symptoms persist, bring up the possibility of additional tests that can rule out other conditions often associated with fatigue or cardiovascular symptoms, like thyroid function tests or further autonomic testing.
Your ongoing progress with your eating disorder treatment is crucial, and balancing both aspects—your physical health post-COVID and your psychological well-being—will take time and support. Please know that seeking help for your physical symptoms does not negate your current treatment and could lead to better overall health. Take it step-by-step, and be gentle with yourself during this recovery journey.
Related Questions
Concerns About My Daughter's Morning Health Issues
My 17-year-old daughter experiences troubling symptoms each morning, particularly on days when she needs to rise early for school or work. She often wakes up feeling dizzy and nauseated, accompanied by a rapid heartbeat exceeding 100 beats per minute. This situation prevents her from being able to eat and may persist for several hours, or in some cases, throughout the entire day. Standing at 5 feet 8 inches tall (172 cm) and weighing 121 pounds (55 kg), her physical health otherwise seems fine. I have a personal history of inappropriate sinus tachycardia (IST), which is why I take beta-blockers for management. A few years ago, she consulted a cardiologist regarding her frequent episodes of near-fainting, who recommended increasing her water intake and adding more salt to her meals. Given the persistent nature of her symptoms, I am contemplating whether a follow-up appointment with the cardiologist is warranted, especially since all previous tests, including ECG and ultrasound, came back normal. This situation significantly affects her daily life, restricting her ability to engage fully in school and work. Any suggestions would be greatly appreciated!
Concerns Regarding Neurological Health
Hello! I received an epilepsy diagnosis back in 2008, and throughout this time, various MRI and CT imaging studies have indicated issues related to cerebral function and encephalopathy. Despite consulting multiple neurologists over the years, I’ve found that none of them appear worried about the encephalopathy aspect. Shouldn’t this be something to take more seriously? My cognitive abilities, including memory and vision, have noticeably deteriorated as time has passed. I’m feeling lost since my previous neurologists have not acknowledged my concerns adequately. If anyone could offer guidance or suggest resources, I would greatly appreciate it. In addition to epilepsy, my other medical conditions include Narcolepsy, Lynch Syndrome, Migraines, a mutation associated with HLA-B27, and Hashimoto's disease, along with others that escape me for the moment. Currently, I’m on a medication regimen that includes Lamictal, Xcopri, Hydroxyzine, Solifenacin, Zoloft, Wellbutrin, Sunosi, Aimovig, and Famotidine.
Navigating the Complexity of Symptoms: Is It PCOS or Something Else?
While I’m not an expert in self-diagnosis, I find myself puzzled by an array of symptoms that overlap, making it challenging to pinpoint what might be affecting my health. Let's break down my situation: - Age: 25 years, Gender: Female, Height: 5’1”, Weight: 125 lbs. - The last menstruation occurred in June 2024. Prior to this, my menstrual cycle was remarkably consistent since I was around 12 years old, typically without severe premenstrual symptoms, heavy flow, or irregularities. - Various blood tests over time reveal that most hormone levels fall within normal ranges, with the exception of estradiol (persistently between 10-20) and progesterone (remaining below 0.2). - A couple of results raised some concerns for me personally, even if my doctors weren’t alarmed: my morning cortisol was measured at 13.4 and in the afternoon at 9.49. One test indicated a TSH level of 2.35, which increased to 3.93 months later. My fasting glucose consistently hovers around 80, whereas random glucose levels were recorded at 68, and postprandial glucose was 65. - An MRI indicated a "deviation of the pituitary stalk, potentially linked to a small pituitary adenoma." - An ultrasound revealed "multiple oval, well-defined, anechoic images with posterior acoustic enhancement, measuring a few millimeters, located around the edges of the stroma." - The symptoms I am experiencing include disrupted sleep (frequent awakenings, particularly around 3 AM, making it hard to resume sleep), lack of energy, difficulty in weight management, persistent hunger, heightened anxiety, and hair thinning. - Birth control (drospirenone and ethinyl estradiol) exacerbated nearly all of my symptoms, leading me to discontinue use after two weeks despite experiencing a withdrawal bleed. - My lifestyle is generally healthy; I consume a lot of whole foods, engage in weightlifting, and run regularly. Given that I’ve received a diagnosis of PCOS, I’m wondering if this assessment seems accurate. What options do I have moving forward, especially since the contraceptive method didn’t provide relief and I appear to exhibit signs of additional complications such as thyroid issues or cortisol dysregulation?
Understanding My Experience with Overdose-Related Symptoms and Behavior
25 years old, 165 cm tall, and weighing 70 kg. Summary: After sharing a complaint about my interactions with paramedics, I've taken a moment to reflect on their feedback and review the situation through the footage. I recognize that my conduct during those moments was inappropriate, and I am filled with remorse. Subsequently, I have retracted my complaint and am now seeking mental health support. I desire to clarify certain aspects since my medical records do not completely align with what I went through. Below, I detail my symptoms. Yesterday, I made a post on the AskDoctors forum, hoping for insights regarding my condition. The advice I received prompted a self-realization that had evaded me until now. Initially, I was outlining a grievance against paramedics who doubted the legitimacy of my seizures and accused me of feigning the experience. My response was not only disproportionate but also hostile—I yelled, wept, and labeled them as heartless. Such reactions were completely unwarranted and unjustifiable. Ultimately, I was physically stable, with vital signs indicating no critical issues; there were only temporary fluctuations in my blood work, which shouldn’t have raised alarms. I feel profound regret over my conduct during that encounter. Watching the footage incites feelings of self-disgust. I’ve decided to withdraw my complaints and am committed to mental health resources. I opted to delete my previous post since it contained sensitive information about my professional and educational background; I was worried it might provoke disciplinary action from my university, which I cherish as my career gives my life meaning. I admit to feeling cowardly in this respect. The initial reason for my inquiry was a desperate need for clarity about the symptoms I experienced, as my discharge documentation omits much of what transpired in the hospital and the subsequent three days. I greatly value the input I’ve received and hope to gather more perspectives. I fully acknowledge my wrongdoings and find my previous behavior abhorrent. I understand how challenging it is for emergency personnel to fulfill their duties when faced with such a situation. I’ve discussed with family and friends the importance of exercising discretion when contacting emergency services and ensuring it’s truly necessary. I regret taking up valuable resources that could have been reserved for individuals in genuine need of urgent care. My actions were shameful, not just for me but also for my colleagues who work in emergency services; I genuinely believe the clinicians should have distanced themselves from my case entirely. I've canceled my appointment with the neurologist, but I would genuinely appreciate insights from others on this subject. Could excessive doses of sertraline, propranolol, promethazine, and alcohol induce psychological seizures? Is it possible for these seizures to recur? Were my hallucinations indicative of some kind of psychosis? During the episodes, I saw hair-like formations everywhere and everything seemed to emit a blue glow. In the hospital, I consistently perceived doctors passing by. At home, the LED lights appeared to move, and I often caught glimpses of faces in my peripheral vision. There were also auditory experiences, such as hearing things that weren’t present, as confirmed by my friend. Initially at home, I was unaware I was having seizures, although I did hear police officers numbering them and acknowledging them as such. I had three episodes where I was placed in the recovery position. In my medical notes, I mentioned experiencing ten seizures throughout the night, though I can’t verify this. I was seemingly in a continuous cycle of them. I recall at least once drooling uncontrollably and my hands looked peculiar; on one occasion, I screamed when I regained consciousness due to an awkward hand position. I also experienced significant neck pain and discomfort in my feet. I know I fell twice while hospitalized; fortunately, my mother was there to catch me each time, so I avoided serious injury. I was never alone in the facility. Everything seemed to settle down after approximately three days, right around my third visit. I recall a persistent ache at the nape of my neck that left me feeling drowsy, often drifting in and out of consciousness and repeatedly asking for the time. It was a never-ending ordeal, and although I had little appetite, I did not vomit at all. Reflecting on this whole episode leaves me feeling as if it were entirely fabricated. I struggle to articulate it. Conversations about care options unfolded around me, yet I grasped little of what was being discussed. I often replied with “yes” or sought validation from my mother. I remember thinking it was remarkable that my mum had glasses with water in them; I even imagined one of my cats perched on my aunt’s shoulder. Overall, it felt akin to a terrifying drug experience. I do have videos capturing my behavior at home, though I cannot recall anything from the hospital. I often awakened with either my mother, aunt, or medical staff restraining me. Could it all stem from psychological causes? Is it possible that the medications led to a psychotic episode where I convinced myself I was experiencing seizures and on the brink of death? After they subsided, I felt like an automaton for weeks, plagued by involuntary muscle jerks—primarily in my legs and neck. I sincerely hope these symptoms do not return. I intend to avoid emergency care unless it’s absolutely necessary. I seek nothing more than to comprehend what transpired. Thank you for your thoughts.
A Mysterious Illness That Resembles Strep Throat
As an 18-year-old college student, standing at 5'4" and weighing 140 pounds, I maintain an active lifestyle. I do not smoke or have any preexisting health issues, aside from the vitamins and supplements I take daily. Approximately five days ago, I began to feel unusually fatigued and achy. Within just a day, my symptoms escalated to include a high fever reaching between 101°F and 102°F that ibuprofen couldn’t seem to alleviate. I experienced extreme tiredness that kept me bedridden all day, along with a persistent headache and intense throat pain, which was compounded by swollen lymph nodes and the familiar white patches often associated with strep throat. Having dealt with strep throat before, I recognized a need for antibiotics. Two days into feeling unwell, I visited an urgent care facility for an assessment and received a rapid strep test, which unfortunately came back negative. I recalled a previous incident where my rapid strep test also indicated a false negative, only for the culture sent for further testing to confirm the presence of strep bacteria. Given my symptoms and the findings from the examination, the healthcare provider prescribed Cefdinir, as I am allergic to amoxicillin, despite the negative rapid test results. The antibiotics proved effective, and I felt nearly back to normal, leading me to believe that my culture results would also come back positive for strep, suggesting a recurrence of my previous infection. However, I received the culture results yesterday, and to my surprise, they came back negative for strep. While I lack medical expertise, I’ve been led to believe that false negatives in cultures are exceedingly rare. Now, I find myself puzzled about what kind of bacterial infection I might have had if it wasn’t strep. Any insights or information regarding my situation would be greatly appreciated. Thank you!