Struggling with Health Challenges
I'm a 33-year-old female, weighing 156 pounds and standing at 5 feet 1 inch tall. Since late 2022, I've encountered a series of health problems that have thoroughly disrupted my well-being. In just two months, I shed 30 pounds and constantly felt unwell. I became pregnant in 2023 and gave birth in February 2024. The delivery was straightforward, and the postpartum period left me feeling revitalized! However, around eight weeks after childbirth, I began experiencing a return of the symptoms—most notably extreme fatigue, discomfort in my joints, muscle aches, and persistent low-grade fevers. These issues intensified, leading to neurological symptoms like dizziness and involuntary muscle spasms that were so severe I required hospitalization, yet they couldn't pinpoint a clear cause. They discharged me with medications to manage the symptoms and advised follow-ups with various specialists. Since then, I have consulted with an endocrinologist, a neurologist, a nephrologist—due to protein found in my urine—and a gastroenterologist. Eventually, I had my gallbladder removed because of chronic abdominal pain; a HIDA scan indicated it was functioning poorly and my alkaline phosphatase (ALP) levels were elevated. Despite the surgery, I still experience abdominal pain near my spleen and liver, and my ALP remains elevated. A recent visit to a rheumatologist involved tests, including an ARISE connective tissue disease and lupus panel, where results came back negative. Additionally, I've had visibly enlarged, painless lymph nodes for over a year, which raises concerns. I feel overwhelmed and deteriorating, struggling to figure out my next steps or even which specialists to consult. My daily symptoms include persistent low-grade fevers, discomfort in my joints and muscles, swollen lymph nodes, abdominal pain, and burning sensations in my hands and fingertips. I also experience mild itching, previous liver enlargement, easy bruising, and reddened eyes. In a prior attempt to address this health crisis, my primary care physician prescribed antibiotics to rule out the possibility of a widespread infection throughout my body, which unfortunately proved ineffective. Below are my recent lab results, highlighting the abnormal values: - Absolute Neutrophil: 9.5 H (normal range: 1.5 - 7.8 k/uL) - Absolute Lymphocyte: 0.7 L (normal range: 0.9 - 3.9 k/uL) - Erythrocyte Sedimentation Rate: 22 H (normal range: ≤20 mm/hr) - CRP: 5.2 H (normal range: ≤4.9 mg/L) - Vitamin D, 25-Hydroxy, Total: 14.00 L (normal range: ≥20.00 ng/mL) - Carbon Dioxide (CO2): 19 L (normal range: 20 - 31 mmol/L) - Alkaline Phosphatase: 155 H (normal range: 37 - 127 IU/L)
Answers (1)
7/3/2025, 4:50:45 PM
OpenHealth AI
I'm sorry to hear about the numerous health challenges you've been facing. Your symptoms and medical history suggest a complex situation that requires careful consideration. Let's break down your concerns and focus on immediate actions you can take to help manage your health.
Main Points:
- You are experiencing a combination of persistent fatigue, joint discomfort, abdominal pain, and other systemic symptoms.
- Your medical evaluations have ruled out several common conditions, but you still have troubling symptoms that need addressing.
- It is essential to prioritize symptom management while considering the need for further evaluations.
Explanation:
Your ongoing symptoms, including fatigue, joint aches, burning sensations in your extremities, and elevated ALP levels, suggest a complex interplay of issues possibly involving autoimmune, hematological, or metabolic components. The recent negative tests for lupus and connective tissue diseases are significant since they help narrow down possible causes, but your elevated inflammatory markers (ESR and CRP) indicate that there is still an underlying issue.
Enlarged lymph nodes, abnormal blood values, and ongoing symptoms warrant continuous monitoring and perhaps more specialized testing. Your vitamin D deficiency could also be contributing to fatigue and should be addressed, as vitamin D plays a crucial role in immune function and energy levels.
Next Steps:
-
Review Current Symptoms: Keep a detailed daily diary of your symptoms, including when they occur, their severity, and any possible triggers. This information can be invaluable for your healthcare providers.
-
Vitamin D Supplementation: Consider starting a vitamin D supplement to address your deficiency. Speak to your healthcare provider about the appropriate dosage; they may recommend high-dose supplementation initially.
-
Follow-Up with Your Primary Care Physician: Bring your symptom diary and lab results to your next appointment. Discuss the possibility of further evaluations for autoimmune disorders, systemic infections, or metabolic issues, considering your elevated ALP and ongoing symptoms.
-
Consider a Multidisciplinary Approach: Since you have already seen multiple specialists, it may be beneficial to discuss your case in a multidisciplinary team meeting, where experts from different fields can review your health comprehensively.
-
Manage Inflammation: Explore anti-inflammatory dietary changes, such as increasing omega-3 fatty acids (found in fish, walnuts, and flaxseeds) and adopting a colorful diet rich in fruits and vegetables that can support overall health.
-
Self-Care Techniques: Incorporate stress-reduction techniques like mindfulness or gentle yoga, which can help alleviate physical symptoms associated with stress and improve your overall well-being.
-
Monitor Lymph Nodes: Keep an eye on your lymph nodes. If they increase in size, number, or change character, this should be reported immediately to your doctor.
Support:
It's understandable to feel overwhelmed by your situation. Consider reaching out to support groups or counselors who specialize in chronic illness. They can provide emotional support and practical advice, helping you to cope with the complexities of your symptoms and treatment.
Please remember that you’re not alone in this, and your proactive approach to your health will be essential as you navigate these challenges.
Related Questions
28-Year-Old Male Experiencing Scalp Sensations Post-Amitriptyline Treatment
I am a 28-year-old man in generally good health, without any cardiac concerns. Approximately a month ago, I encountered intense pain localized to one side of my head, which was unresponsive to paracetamol. However, a single dose of a migraine treatment provided substantial relief. Following that, I began a regimen of amitriptyline, starting at a nightly dose of 10 to 25 mg. While my head pain has diminished significantly—by about 90 to 95%—I now experience occasional uncomfortable sensations on my scalp. These feelings include pins and needles, a cooling sensation, and some crawling feelings near my hairline and ears. There are fleeting moments where I feel brief throbs lasting a second, but I do not have any persistent headaches. To clarify, I do not experience any of the following: - Nausea - Weakness in my limbs - Numbness - Changes in my vision - Coordination difficulties - Seizures The symptoms I have are transient, shifting around and often intensifying when I become conscious of them or as the day progresses. I would like to know: Is it common to experience these sensations during the recovery stage following episodes of neuralgia or migraine-like discomfort? Additionally, could the amitriptyline potentially be causing these temporary paresthetic sensations? I am seeking some reassurance or advice on what is typically observed during this healing process. Thank you.
Concerns About My Toes
Age: 30, Female Currently, I am on the lookout for a reputable podiatrist in my vicinity. However, I've encountered a perplexing issue with my foot. Just last night, I noticed a growth on the side of my toe, something entirely new to me. I maintain a nutritious diet and have a demanding job that requires me to be on my feet quite often. My footwear includes brands such as Brooks Ghost Runners, Hoka Bondi 9’s, and Nike Motiva’s, and I don’t opt for restrictive socks. I also apply Vick’s Vaporub to my feet, a practice handed down from my family, and stick with simple, non-fragrant lotions like Vanicream and CeraVe SA Cream for my skin. In addition, I am curious about the my big toenail's change in color. What might be the underlying reasons for this? Also, I have these persistent dark spots on my toes that I've struggled with since my days on the runway. Despite my efforts, nothing has succeeded in lightening or diminishing their appearance. I'm just looking to determine if there might have been a factor from the past that could have contributed to these issues. I’m not sure what else to include, but I’m open to answering any questions you might have. Thank you for your attention! Best wishes from a worried soul!
Strange Jelly-Like Substance Observed from Wound
I’m a 21-year-old female living with an auto-inflammatory condition known as hidradenitis suppurativa (HS). Recently, I've experienced a concerning issue with one of my wounds. This particular wound causes significant pain and excessive bleeding. However, whenever I attend to it, I tend to find this unusual jelly-like substance present within it. Interestingly, this phenomenon has only occurred with this one wound and not any of the others I have. The bleeding seems to persist until I manage to remove this jelly substance, after which it typically slows down and comes to a halt completely. I’m seeking insights into what this might signify so that I can effectively discuss it with my healthcare provider.
Battling Chronic Nausea and Vomiting for Over Two Years
For the past two years, I (age 26, female) have been enduring an incredibly challenging health situation. I experience intense nausea daily and find myself vomiting numerous times, with almost nothing providing relief. To provide some background, I’m from West Texas and I currently weigh around 190 pounds, standing at 5’7”. Initially, my weight was about 211 pounds when these symptoms began, and it fluctuates frequently between 190 and 225 pounds. I engage in vaping and consume THC. Previously diagnosed with hypothyroidism, my condition seemingly resolved, according to my healthcare providers. Additionally, I have polycystic ovarian syndrome (PCOS). I have consistently faced irregular bowel movements, with stools that are loose and sometimes appear to have mucus. Compounding my struggles, I've also suffered from migraines. I have had an IUD for over five years, experiencing two insertions of the Kyleena device. In December 2022, my battle with health took a severe turn when I was diagnosed with stage 4 Hodgkin’s Lymphoma, requiring chemotherapy treatment, specifically AVBD (Apologies for not recalling the exact medication names). By July 2023, I had fortunately achieved remission. However, after reaching remission, my vomiting worsened, transforming from primarily white foam to a mixture of 80% bile, any food I attempt to consume, and still white foam. This intense vomiting, accompanied by significant pain in my upper back, escalated to more than eight episodes daily by November 2023. At that time, THC seemed to be the only avenue for me to retain any food. During this tumultuous period, I consulted various doctors who, after confirming I wasn’t pregnant, attributed my symptoms to Cannabinoid Hyperemesis Syndrome (CHS). Immediately, I ceased THC consumption for over six months, yet the vomiting continued unabated. Each time, doctors would prescribe ondansetron, regardless of my claims that it provided no relief. I experimented with various diets recommended by medical professionals, but there were no improvements in my condition. Eventually, I obtained a referral to a gastroenterologist who intended to perform an endoscopy. However, the procedure was prohibitively expensive even with insurance, and thus was never conducted. This doctor also ordered blood tests to rule out several gastrointestinal disorders, such as Crohn's disease, Irritable Bowel Syndrome (IBS), and gluten sensitivity, but all results came back normal. Afterward, I had another appointment with a different gastroenterologist, but the doctor failed to meet with me. Instead, a nurse informed me that the doctor had merely recommended promethazine without conducting any tests or scheduling further visits. When I mentioned the possibility of gallbladder issues, the doctor laughed dismissively at my suggestion. Discussing my situation with my oncologist, he suggested that my heightened sensitivity to food odors stemmed from my chemotherapy experiences while I was working in fast food. While food smells indeed affect me, I'm primarily triggered by medical scents such as rubbing alcohol and cleaning agents. This ongoing ordeal has been overwhelmingly distressing. I now experience episodes of vomiting accompanied by bright red blood, presumably due to a throat tear. When I first encountered this troubling symptom, I consulted a doctor who appeared unfazed and prescribed a promethazine suppository, which does help but makes me extremely drowsy. My nausea persists nearly around the clock, often feeling as if there’s a heaviness in the upper part of my abdomen. I frequent urgent care facilities when my symptoms intensify, only to be met with minimal assistance since this is a chronic issue. Currently, I lack a primary care physician. Whenever I sought one, I encountered skepticism regarding my condition, with some healthcare professionals implying that I was exaggerating my symptoms. Though many physicians who do take my situation seriously seem baffled, I've lost count of the diverse medical experts I've consulted about these ongoing issues. If anyone has insight or suggestions, I would genuinely appreciate it. I can share my latest bloodwork results if that would be helpful—just let me know!
Strange Stomach Sensation Leading to Waking Up
Greetings. I'm a 36-year-old male, standing at 172 centimeters and weighing 90 kilograms. I don't take any medications, nor do I smoke. I've been living with diastasis recti for several years now, and I may also have irritable bowel syndrome (IBS). Additionally, I deal with fatty liver and kidney stones, though I assume these last two conditions are not related to my current concern. Occasionally, I experience a peculiar sensation that jolts me awake; it feels like a quick pulsing in my stomach. I’ve noticed it tends to affect the left side when I’m lying on my left side and the right side when on my right. Remarkably, it can occur even when I’m on my back. This strange feeling often escalates into a surge that fully rouses me. Alongside this, I sometimes feel prickling sensations throughout my body and fleeting lightheadedness. When this sensation disturbs my sleep while I’m turned to my side, shifting onto my back or the opposite side might alleviate it, but not always. In instances where I awaken while lying on my back, I discovered that gently pressing my hands on either side of my stomach can help, as can rising to a sitting or standing position. However, during my last two episodes—one a couple of weeks ago and another tonight—those techniques weren’t effective right away, which made me feel a bit anxious, prompting me to seek advice. Does anyone have insight into what might be going on? By the way, I’ve undergone routine ultrasound examinations of my abdomen by two different physicians during check-ups, both of whom assured me that everything appears normal, including my abdominal aorta and internal organs. They didn’t identify any issues at that time.