OpenHealth Q&A

Seeking Guidance After Mysterious Health Concerns (16F)

I have been grappling with a series of troubling symptoms since undergoing an appendectomy for appendicitis in the middle of last year, leading to confusion about my health. Earlier this year, I was diagnosed with a form of polyposis, believed to stem from genetic factors, although the exact gene remains unidentified. Additionally, adhesions from my surgery are causing my uterus to shift sideways. However, neither of these diagnoses seems connected to the worsening symptoms I am currently experiencing. For over two years, I’ve dealt with a cramp in my right calf, which I found curious since it only affects that leg; my left calf remains unaffected. I’ve never mentioned this issue to a doctor. Recently, however, I have begun to feel sharp pain in the lower leg, near what seems to be the bone below my knee. Furthermore, I sometimes experience aching in both calves, particularly at night, with discomfort that feels profound and occurs even without any activity. More alarmingly, I've noticed significant and unexplained weight loss, exceeding 10% of my body weight within less than a year—a first for me. My clothes are now noticeably looser, and my ribs are more apparent. I have not had any increase in height, so that’s not a factor. Though my appetite fluctuates, I’ve had days where I can comfortably go over 12 hours without eating, while on other days, I feel the urge to eat only a few hours after a meal. Additionally, my tendency to bruise easily has raised concerns. On one occasion, after a minor fall from my bike, I ended up with bruises on both legs. I have also been developing small, thumb-sized bruises on my arms and legs consistently for the last year. Swollen lymph nodes have become noticeable on both sides of my neck, behind my ears, and at the base of my skull. Some of these areas are painful, as are the lymph nodes in my groin and under my arms, though I’m not sure if they are swollen. Fatigue is a constant presence in my life; I often feel tired, requiring naps whenever possible. At times, my vision dims unexpectedly when I rise quickly, and I experience a tight sensation in my head. Initially, I suspected anemia as a potential cause, especially since the skin under my eyelids appears quite pale, but blood tests did not confirm this. During most of my walks, I feel a sharp pain beneath my ribcage, either on the right, left, or both sides, which certainly complicates my ability to breathe. This discomfort can also occur when I’m seated or lying down. I frequently get these episodes where I feel hot and sweaty, even when my body temperature appears normal. Nausea occasionally strikes, leading me to the brink of vomiting. At night, I have been noticing a red, patchy rash on my face, neck, and sometimes spreading to my shoulders, arms, and back. I have included the results of my latest medical tests, conducted while I was recovering from appendicitis, and I hope they might provide insight. I would greatly appreciate any advice you may have regarding my situation. **Latest Test Results:** - Hemoglobin: 141 g/L (normal range: 115 - 150) - Hematocrit: 0.43 (normal range: 0.35 - 0.44) - MCV: 84 fL (normal range: 78 - 93) - MCH: 27 pg (normal range: 25 - 31) - Platelets: 297 × 10^9/L (normal range: 150 - 400) - WBC: 19.9 × 10^9/L (high, normal range: 4.2 - 10.0) - Neutrophils: 18.4 × 10^9/L (high, normal range: 1.8 - 7.0) - Lymphocytes: 0.5 × 10^9/L (low, normal range: 1.4 - 4.0) - Monocytes: 0.8 × 10^9/L (normal range: 0.3 - 0.9) - Eosinophils: 0.1 × 10^9/L (normal range: 0.0 - 0.8) - Basophils: 0.0 × 10^9/L (normal range: 0.0 - 0.2) **Blood Chemistry:** - pH: 7.45 (high, normal range: 7.30 - 7.43) - pCO2: 33.1 mmHg (low, normal range: 38.0 - 58.0) - pO2: 42.8 mmHg - Bicarbonate: 22 mmol/L (normal range: 22 - 30) - Base excess: 0.7 mmol/L (normal range: -3.0 - 3.0) - O2 Saturation: 85% - Carboxyhemoglobin: 2.1% (high, normal range: 0.0 - 2.0) - Methemoglobin: 0.4% (normal range: < 1.6) - Sodium: 138 mmol/L (normal range: 135 - 145) - Potassium: 4.0 mmol/L (normal range: 3.5 - 5.2) - Calcium (ionized): 1.11 mmol/L (low, normal range: 1.15 - 1.30) - Chloride: 102 mmol/L (normal range: 95 - 110) - Anion gap: 17.2 mmol/L (normal range: 12.0 - 20.0) - Glucose: 6.1 mmol/L (normal range: 3.5 - 6.7) - Lactate: 3.6 mmol/L (high, normal range: 0.4 - 2.0) **Additional Abnormal Findings:** - Bilirubin: 26 mmol/L (high, normal range: 2 - 20) - GGT: 7 U/L (low, normal range: 10 - 35) - CRP: 35 mg/L (high, normal range: < 5) - Urea: 2.8 mmol/L (low, normal range: 3.2 - 7.7)

Answers (1)

6/27/2025, 1:41:12 PM

OpenHealth AI

I'm truly sorry to hear about the variety of troubling symptoms you've been experiencing. It's understandable to feel confused and concerned, especially given the complexity of your health situation. Your symptoms suggest multiple potential underlying issues, and it's essential to approach this systematically.

Main Points:

1. Significant weight loss and changes in appetite are concerning.
2. Persistent pain and swelling, especially with increased lymph nodes, warrant further evaluation.
3. Recent abnormal blood test results indicate underlying health issues.

Explanation:

The symptoms you've described—such as unexplained weight loss, persistent pain in your calves, and the presence of swollen lymph nodes—can be indicative of several conditions, some of which may require immediate attention. High white blood cell counts and elevated levels of lactate and bilirubin in your blood suggest ongoing inflammation or stress in your body.

It's important to consider that:

• Weight Loss & Appetite Changes: Losing more than 10% of your body weight in a year without trying can be a sign of a medical condition, including metabolic or systemic disorders.
• Lymph Node Swelling: Painful swollen lymph nodes can indicate infection or inflammation in the body.
• Calf Pain: The pain in your calf could have several causes, including circulatory issues, nerve involvement, or even muscular causes.

Next Steps:

1. Document Symptoms: Keep a detailed log of your symptoms, noting when they occur, their severity, and any patterns you notice. This will help in discussions with your healthcare provider.

2. Prioritize Medical Attention: Given the alarming symptoms and blood test results, seek a medical evaluation as soon as possible. You may need to see a specialist, such as a hematologist or a rheumatologist.

3. Monitor Symptoms: Pay attention to any new symptoms, especially worsening pain, increased fatigue, or any frequent infections.

4. Hydrate Adequately: Ensure you're drinking enough fluids, which can help with symptoms of fatigue and potential electrolyte imbalances.

5. Nutrition: Aim for a balanced diet to support your health. If your appetite fluctuates, consider smaller, more frequent meals rich in nutrients.

6. Avoid Overexertion: Take care to rest when you experience fatigue or pain. Gentle stretching or physical therapy might help relieve some discomfort, especially in your calves.

Emotional Support:

This is a lot to handle, and it's completely natural to feel overwhelmed. Surround yourself with supportive friends or family members who can assist you through this process. Addressing your physical health can also help improve your emotional well-being.

Remember, the sooner you seek help, the better the chances of addressing the underlying issues effectively. Don't hesitate to reach out if you have further questions or need emotional support. Take care!