Seeking Answers for Unexplained Symptoms
28-Year-Old Male Over the past six weeks, I have experienced an array of alarming health issues that arose suddenly and have progressively intensified. Medical professionals and online health sources consistently recommend an emergency room visit for my symptoms. **Current Symptoms:** - Difficulty breathing - Discomfort in the chest (felt on the left, right, and middle) - Pain in the abdominal region near the upper ribs - Dry coughing episodes, occurring sporadically or coinciding with breathing difficulties - Swelling in my legs and feet (edema), as well as abdominal bloating - Frequent headaches - Persistent fatigue, including overall tiredness and occasional muscle weakness in my limbs - Intermittent numbness in both arms and legs - Prolonged elevated blood pressure; after receiving medication, my levels have stabilized but remain above normal (previously classified as stage 3 hypertension, now averaging around 1) - Random aches that can fluctuate throughout my body, including discomfort in my back, kidneys, legs, and even sharp sensations behind my eyes To seek help, I have visited the emergency room three times, where extensive blood testing yielded no concerning results, and I was sent home. Following that, a cardiologist, after conducting several evaluations, concluded that my heart is functioning normally. A pulmonary specialist also reported no lung-related issues, despite my pulmonary function test indicating I’m utilizing only 65% of the expected air capacity (5.07 liters). Feeling at a loss, I am now waiting for a CT scan of my chest, as I’ve already undergone a coronary CT, stress tests, EKGs, echocardiograms, and pulmonary function tests—all of which returned normal results. The D-dimer test reportedly excludes the possibility of a pulmonary embolism. I'm starting to wonder if I might have an autoimmune disorder, a theory that others in the medical field don’t seem to support. I suspect systemic scleroderma fits my symptoms, given my experience with tight joints and changes in the skin on my knuckles. What steps should I take next?
Answers (1)
6/29/2025, 4:40:52 PM
OpenHealth AI
Thank you for sharing your concerns and experiences. You've clearly been facing a complex set of symptoms that can be distressing, and it's understandable to seek clarity on what may be happening. It’s positive that you are already engaging with specialists and undergoing various tests to find answers.
Summary of Main Points
- You experience persistent and varying symptoms with no clear diagnosis despite extensive testing.
- Your concerns around an autoimmune disorder are valid, especially with symptoms like joint tightness and skin changes.
- Ongoing investigation is crucial while managing current symptoms and maintaining communication with healthcare providers.
Explanation
Your symptoms, including difficulty breathing, chest discomfort, fatigue, and numbness, could have multiple underlying causes. The fact that your tests for cardiovascular and pulmonary conditions have returned normal suggests that these systems may not be the primary source of your issues. The fluctuation in your blood pressure and systemic symptoms may indicate that something broader is at play.
Since you’ve mentioned potential autoimmune concerns, conditions like systemic scleroderma can sometimes present with vague symptoms and may require specific tests to confirm. It's important to ensure that these concerns are further explored with appropriate specialists.
Next Steps
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Follow Up with a Rheumatologist: Since you suspect an autoimmune condition, ask your primary care physician for a referral to a rheumatologist, who specializes in autoimmune disorders and will understand your specific symptoms better. Ensure you discuss your skin changes and joint tightness as well.
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Document Symptoms: Keep a detailed diary of your symptoms, including when they occur, their intensity, and any potential triggers. This can help both you and your healthcare providers identify patterns and correlations that may not be immediately obvious.
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Stay Engaged with Your Current Specialists: Continue to stay in contact with your cardiologist and pulmonary specialist, especially since you are awaiting the CT scan results. Make sure to follow up on those results and discuss their implications on any further testing needed for autoimmune conditions.
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Explore Symptom Management: While waiting for further evaluations, focus on managing symptoms that affect your daily life. Practices such as gentle stretching, yoga, or low-impact exercises can help with fatigue and discomfort. Additionally, maintaining relaxation techniques such as deep breathing may assist with any anxiety related to your symptoms.
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Educate Yourself: Researching autoimmune diseases and their symptoms can empower you in your discussions with healthcare providers. Resources from reputable organizations like the American College of Rheumatology can provide valuable insights.
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Consider a Multi-disciplinary Approach: Sometimes, a combination of therapies, including physical therapy, occupational therapy, or even a pain management program, might help address your symptoms more holistically.
Final Thoughts
I understand how overwhelming it can be to seek diagnosis and treatment amid so many unclear symptoms. Taking these steps can help you pursue answers effectively while also managing your current discomforts. Please feel free to reach out for further support or clarification on your path forward.
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