OpenHealth Q&A

Unraveling the Medical Enigma

A 30-year-old Caucasian woman residing in Tennessee, USA Life’s presented quite a challenge lately, yet I believe I might be onto something significant regarding the connection of my varied symptoms. It’s a bit reminiscent of a conspiracy theory, but the links are starting to emerge logically. I welcome any opinions that reinforce or dismantle my hypothesis. I’m feeling optimistic, as this insight could potentially answer numerous questions not only for myself but also for my family, particularly my mother and sister. A brief overview of my family’s medical background reveals a history of both anatomical and neurological disorders—including dementia and surgeries related to the throat—as well as chronic tonsil issues observed in my maternal grandfather and paternal grandmother, alongside a tradition of cigarette smoking. My mother faces challenges such as Chiari malformation, chronic headaches, spells of dizziness, sleep disturbances, and constipation. Meanwhile, my sister endures idiopathic migraines treated with Botox since the age of ten, displays symptoms akin to ADHD, has suffered a concussion, struggles with memory retention, and experiences chronic colds and joint pain, coupled with heightened muscle tension in her neck. Additionally, she has a history of disordered eating and is prescribed Vyvanse. As for me, my ongoing issues include sleep disruptions, mood disorders, panic episodes, TMJ, changes in appetite, weight reduction, gastrointestinal concerns (possibly Crohn’s), exposure to mold, a history of smoking, a reliance on THC for managing pain and appetite, migraines triggered during puberty, joint pain, neck tension, recurring belching, poor dietary habits, disordered eating patterns, potential STIs, depressive episodes, and a notable dry mouth. In terms of treatment, my regimen consists of mood stabilizers, an antidepressant, an SSRI, Wellbutrin XL, an APAP machine (which I find challenging to use due to airway blockage), Adderall for daytime fatigue, and cyclobenzaprine as needed. Recently, I faced acute issues such as mold exposure and an encounter with antibiotic-resistant bacteria (Klebsiella aerogenes), likely stemming from mold proliferation due to sewage flooding in my apartment. My landlords failed to adequately clean the area, which exacerbated the mustiness in my living space during the final six months of my time there. I also contended with COVID for the fourth time, severe constipation, mucus in my stool, colon inflammation, potential hormonal imbalances, enlarged adenoids, a sensation of obstruction in my throat, ear pain, dysfunction of the Eustachian tubes, tinnitus, light and sound sensitivity, ADHD-like symptoms, declining memory, the emergence of new allergies, fluctuating mood, panic attacks, dehydration, intermittent nicotine use, reliance on THC for pain relief, disordered eating, and OCD-like behaviors regarding counting and tapping. I’ve even noticed gray residue leaking from my skin while bathing and struggle with maintaining a stable body temperature. I’ve undergone extensive blood testing that revealed several irregularities, including abnormal blood cell counts, inflammation levels, and kidney function metrics. I’ve visited the emergency room four times due to issues potentially linked to a structural infection in my adenoids. The first visit occurred shortly after testing positive for COVID when I experienced unusual, intense pain radiating through my right cheek, likely involving the trigeminal nerve that has seemingly been affected by the virus. In my treatment attempts, I’ve been prescribed three different antibiotics, which offered only temporary relief before symptoms returned. I recently began a course of metronidazole aimed at treating stomach issues—what's your take on the idea of a fourth antibiotic? I have also used a ten-day dose pack of prednisone, probiotics, magnesium oxide, fexofenadine, famotidine as needed, chlorpheniramine as needed, fish oil, NAC, magnesium citrate, several enemas, and have engaged in practices for emotional well-being and muscle relaxation. Additionally, I relocated from the mold-infested apartment and performed a thorough cleaning of all my belongings. I was without a primary care physician during much of this journey due to insurance complications and employment challenges, which led me to depend excessively on urgent care services. Unfortunately, this meant I was often receiving only temporary solutions for my ongoing problems while a more serious underlying issue festered. Too many physicians dismissed my chronic symptoms despite my significant weight loss of approximately 75 pounds within a year. My initial adult PCP brushed my concerns aside, even prescribing cyclobenzaprine for my TMJ without taking my situation seriously. After the COVID lockdown ended, I quickly regained the weight plus an extra 25 pounds, largely due to unhealthy eating habits and reliance on fast food. My mind-body connection felt utterly disrupted, leading to some distressing moments. The one consistent professional throughout this process has been a physician's assistant who specializes in mental health, the very same who diagnosed me with bipolar disorder in 2019. I've developed a theory suggesting a hereditary factor on my mother's side could be responsible for the malformed development of facial structures, possibly linked to connective tissue issues. There’s a notable pattern of these abnormalities across various family members, indicating a genetic predisposition in my case. I suspect that the adenoid lymph nodes, located at the upper mouth, could be at the root of my structural concerns. Such an issue might exert pressure on nearby tissues in the head and neck, resulting in inflammation and obstructing airflow during sleep. My battle with sleep apnea has been ongoing and started to severely impact my college experience, making early mornings and long days nearly impossible. Conversely, during summers spent in the Blue Ridge Parkway area, I thrived, engaged actively in the outdoors, and felt rejuvenated despite averaging only six hours of sleep; at times, I even soared into a manic state. Unfortunately, I became easily emotionally overwhelmed both during school and summer months. My smoking habit began in 2018, relying on cigarettes and marijuana, which I used as self-medication for pain and appetite management. My addiction fluctuated—ranging from heavy use to relying solely on oral nicotine products. After successfully quitting nicotine for six months, I relapsed following my latest infection, returning to those oral forms of consumption. I suspect that smoking may exacerbate the condition of already swollen adenoids and may lead to infections. This ongoing struggle has caused me to lose jobs due to frequent absences caused by sleep disturbances and mood issues, with numerous missed shifts attributed to panic attacks right before work. My resume reflects considerable hardships, despite my intelligence and extensive research into my condition. Yet, I faced setbacks that resulted in dropping out of two master’s programs because of my challenges with sleep and emotional well-being. After one and a half years at my current job—the longest tenure since high school—I still feel I’ve accomplished little due to my ongoing symptoms hampering my progress. With a background in anatomy from my initial nursing aspirations, and some familiarity from my master's program in psychology, I hold a reasonable understanding of the facial and brain structures. It’s striking to realize how profoundly such a condition could affect so many aspects of my life. I’ve gathered a plethora of information and realized that many of my thoughts might indeed interconnect. What are your thoughts? Have I cracked the code on this medical mystery? This post and my journey are lovingly dedicated to Taylor Swift—put on ‘This is Me Trying’ and let it resonate with everything I’ve felt throughout this ordeal. Or perhaps ‘my tears ricochet’—don’t judge me for my basic taste, but it’s just who I am!

Answers (1)

6/26/2025, 8:01:48 AM

OpenHealth AI

Thank you for sharing your comprehensive experience and thoughts about your health journey. It’s evident that you’ve put significant effort into connecting the dots regarding your symptoms and family medical history. Here's a structured response to aid your understanding and next steps.

Main Points

You're experiencing a multitude of interrelated health issues, potentially influenced by genetic factors and environmental exposures. This complexity can be overwhelming, but it's crucial to focus on manageable steps to improve your situation.

Explanation

Your symptoms suggest a mix of physical and mental health challenges, possibly rooted in both hereditary factors and environmental conditions. The presence of chronic issues like sleep disturbances, TMJ, and gastrointestinal concerns, combined with a family history of anatomical and neurological disorders, raises valid points concerning genetic predispositions. Mold exposure and ongoing infections may also have exacerbated your symptoms.

Next Steps

1. Establish Comprehensive Medical Care:

   • Seek a primary care physician (PCP) who will take your symptoms seriously and coordinate your care. A healthcare professional experienced in complex medical histories would be ideal.
   • Request a thorough evaluation, potentially including genetic testing, to explore hereditary factors affecting your health.

2. Focus on Environmental Health:

   • Ensure your living environment is clean and free from mold or irritants. Since you recently relocated, monitor your new space for any similar issues.
   • Consider using air purifiers and maintaining good ventilation to help reduce environmental triggers.

3. Manage Symptoms Holistically:

   • Consult a dietitian to address disordered eating habits and gastrointestinal symptoms. A balanced diet can support physical healing and overall wellness.
   • Engage in mental health therapy with your mental health provider who understands your history and can help with coping strategies for anxiety and mood disorders.

4. Address Sleep and Airway Concerns:

   • Explore more comfortable alternatives or adjustments to your APAP machine to improve your sleep quality. Consult a sleep specialist if necessary.
   • Document your sleep patterns and symptoms in a diary to better identify triggers and facilitate discussions with your healthcare provider.

5. Be Cautious with Medications:

   • Discuss your concerns about recurrent infections and the effectiveness of antibiotics with your physician. They may consider referring you to a specialist, like an ENT, for further evaluation of your adenoid and infection issues.

6. Personal Health Empowerment:

   • Continue documenting your symptoms and any changes in your health to present to your healthcare team. This history will be valuable for guiding treatment decisions.
   • Focus on small, achievable goals for maintaining your physical and mental health, such as daily exercise or mindfulness practices.

7. Support Network:

   • Seek out support groups or communities that understand chronic health issues. Connecting with others can provide emotional support and helpful insights.

It’s important to remain optimistic and proactive in seeking the care you need. You've gathered valuable insights, and sharing them with a supportive team can help you navigate this journey more effectively. Keep advocating for yourself, and remember, you deserve comprehensive care.