Seeking Insights on Persistent Health Issues
At 21 years of age and weighing 150 pounds, I have no notable health conditions apart from a patent foramen ovale (PFO) in my heart. I take a daily multivitamin but do not rely on any medications. Starting at around 18, I started to experience severe lightheadedness, weakened grip strength, and slight visual disturbances. After consulting multiple doctors, I was often told that it was anxiety-related. Despite trying six different medications, none have produced any relief, and I don’t actually feel anxious. My symptoms, unfortunately, continue to worsen. Occasionally, my balance feels unsteady, leading to moments of stumbling; my grip remains weak; I experience persistent lightheadedness throughout the day, frequent headaches, and for the past year, I've had bothersome eye floaters. While they are not extremely severe, their sudden onset concerns me, and I doubt they will go away anytime soon. Alongside this, I have developed numerous other symptoms. In February, I underwent laboratory tests, which were reported as normal, so I didn’t delve into the findings until today when I accessed my patient portal. There, I found that my Vitamin E levels were concerningly low, with alpha at 5.5 and gamma at 0.4. I researched potential causes but found no clear answers. Despite consuming plenty of cereals, nuts, and seeds, and adhering to my daily vitamin regimen, my Vitamin D was also notably low. I wonder if these deficiencies could be linked to my long-standing symptoms. My doctor expresses confusion over my condition since testing has consistently yielded no abnormalities. I'm genuinely fatigued, and it feels like my situation has been gradually deteriorating over the months and years. Additionally, I had a CT scan of my head conducted alongside the lab tests, and the results were completely clear.
Answers (1)
7/2/2025, 6:01:40 PM
OpenHealth AI
It sounds like you are facing a challenging situation with a combination of persistent symptoms that are affecting your quality of life, alongside some significant vitamin deficiencies. Here are the main points to consider regarding your health concerns:
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Vitamin Deficiencies: Your low levels of Vitamin E and D could potentially be contributing to some of your symptoms, as both play important roles in overall health, including immune function and nerve health.
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Persistent Symptoms: The lightheadedness, balance issues, weak grip, headaches, and visual disturbances you describe warrant a detailed exploration, especially since previous tests have returned normal results.
Explanation
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Vitamin E is essential for neurological function and can affect energy levels and muscle strength. Low levels might contribute to your weak grip and some neurological symptoms.
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Vitamin D is crucial for bone health and immune function and can also influence energy levels and mood. Low levels can lead to a sense of fatigue that may worsen over time.
Given that multiple doctors have suggested anxiety as a potential cause while you do not feel anxious, it’s important to consider other potential explanations. It may also be helpful to keep a detailed symptoms diary, noting the frequency and intensity of your symptoms, to provide your healthcare provider with more context.
Next Steps
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Focus on Nutritional Intake:
- Continue taking your multivitamin, but specifically increase foods rich in Vitamin E (found in almonds, seeds, and spinach) and Vitamin D (found in fatty fish, fortified foods, and egg yolks).
- Consider a Vitamin D supplement, as dietary intake alone may not be sufficient to raise levels. Aim for a high-quality supplement but adhere to recommended dosages—consult with a healthcare professional if unsure about dosage.
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Monitor Symptoms:
- Keep a symptom diary for at least two weeks, recording the occurrence and severity of your symptoms daily. This information will be valuable if you consult with healthcare providers in the future.
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Hydration and Ergonomics:
- Ensure you stay well-hydrated, as dehydration can contribute to lightheadedness. Aim for adequate fluid intake daily.
- If you experience balance issues or feel unsteady, focus on safe walking environments to prevent falls. Consider simple balance exercises to improve stability.
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Consider Secondary Opinions:
- If your symptoms persist or worsen, seeking a second opinion from a neurologist or a specialist in functional medicine may provide new insights and treatment approaches. They may explore other potential causes, such as metabolic issues or alternative explanations for your symptoms that haven’t been previously considered.
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Regular Follow-ups:
- Schedule follow-up appointments with your doctor to reassess vitamin levels and track your symptoms. Regular blood tests can help monitor your vitamin levels and ensure they are reaching optimal ranges.
Taking these steps can help clarify your symptoms and potentially improve your well-being. Remember, you're not alone in navigating these concerns, and it's important to advocate for your health until you find a solution that meets your needs. If you have more questions, feel free to ask!
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