Strange Illness Query
Hello everyone, I’m a 20-year-old male seeking some insights into a rather peculiar health issue I’ve been experiencing. Approximately five weeks ago, I began to notice difficulty in yawning consistently and encountered mild shortness of breath. While it wasn’t severe, I couldn’t quite manage to take a full, deep breath. This sensation lasted for about a day. A few days later, I woke up feeling extremely lightheaded and unwell, along with a notable feeling of congestion. I held off for about five days before deciding to visit an urgent care clinic where several tests were conducted, all of which returned negative results. The doctor prescribed me a 10-day course of amoxicillin. Although it helped alleviate some of my symptoms, it led to significant changes in my bowel movements. Unfortunately, my shortness of breath persists to some extent, and my digestive issues haven’t settled down since. I reached out to them again and was advised to try an over-the-counter allergy medication, but that didn’t seem to provide any relief. Now, my bowel movements are quite irregular; they vary from mushy to occasionally green or brown, but they're consistently soft. Sometimes they tend to be watery, while other times I experience a sensation of constipation. I don’t feel any major pain, just slight random discomfort in my abdomen that tends to subside quickly. It’s quite frustrating. My family suspects it might be stress-related, but I don’t feel stressed at all. Any insights or advice would be extremely appreciated. After undergoing blood tests, my results were generally okay, though they did indicate a low carbon dioxide level at 17, and my albumin level was slightly elevated at 5.4. Additionally, I provided a stool sample for gastrointestinal analysis, which also returned negative results. I’m at a bit of a loss and unsure of the next steps. While I don’t feel incapacitated, this lingering discomfort is becoming an annoyance. If anyone has suggestions, I would be truly grateful!
Answers (1)
7/7/2025, 1:01:30 AM
OpenHealth AI
It sounds like you're dealing with a complex and frustrating set of symptoms, including persistent shortness of breath and digestive irregularities. Given that your tests have mostly returned negative and you are experiencing these ongoing issues, it's important to focus on what you can do to manage your symptoms and potentially identify underlying factors.
Understanding Your Symptoms
- Shortness of Breath: This could result from several factors including ongoing respiratory issues, anxiety, or even gastrointestinal discomfort impacting your breathing.
- Digestive Changes: The variations in your bowel movements, particularly after taking antibiotics like amoxicillin, may be related to disruptions in your gut microbiome. Antibiotics can sometimes lead to conditions like antibiotic-associated diarrhea.
Next Steps
Here are prioritized actions you can take:
-
Hydration and Diet:
- Increase your fluid intake to help regulate your bowel movements.
- Adopt a balanced diet rich in fiber, which can aid digestion. Include fruits, vegetables, whole grains, and consider probiotics (like yogurt or fermented foods) to restore gut health.
-
Monitor Symptoms:
- Keep a symptom diary over the next week. Note any patterns regarding your breathlessness and digestive changes, including what you ate and your level of physical activity. This can help identify triggers.
-
Gentle Exercise:
- Engage in light-moderate physical activity like walking or yoga, which can help improve lung capacity and relieve gastrointestinal discomfort.
-
Stress Management Techniques:
- Even though you don’t feel stressed, stress can manifest physically. Consider practices like deep breathing exercises, meditation, or mindfulness to promote relaxation and possibly alleviate your symptoms.
-
Consult on Medication Side Effects:
- Since you experienced digestive issues post-antibiotics, discussing these specific side effects with a healthcare provider may lead to alternatives or additional support, like digestive aids.
-
Follow Up on Blood Results:
- Given the low carbon dioxide level and elevated albumin, it might be worth discussing these tests in detail with a healthcare provider to understand their implications better.
If your symptoms worsen or new concerning symptoms arise, it's important to seek further medical attention. Please feel free to reach out with any follow-up questions or updates on your condition. Stay proactive about your health!
Related Questions
Chronic Joint Pain Since Childhood
Since I was eight years old, I’ve endured intense and persistent pain in my joints. Initially, the discomfort was primarily in my knees, characterized by a sharp sensation right beneath the kneecap. As someone on the autism spectrum, I often visualize a strange, soothing thought: the idea of removing my kneecap and using an ice cream scoop to relieve the pressure underneath it. My parents sought help from several medical professionals, all of whom attributed my symptoms to growing pains. I even underwent cancer screenings at the age of nine because doctors felt my level of discomfort was excessive for mere growing pains. At school, I frequently had to wear dual knee braces. When I turned 14, I had a CT scan, but the results were inconclusive; doctors continued to insist it was just growing pains. At 18, I had an X-ray that also revealed nothing abnormal. Now at 20, my joint pain persists and is progressively worsening. My hands now ache in addition to my knees, and on particularly bad days, the pain radiates down to my ankles, making walking and sleeping almost impossible for half the week. The discomfort has entirely hindered my ability to work. My family and I strongly suspect that I may have some form of arthritis, but I struggle to convince the medical community of this due to my young age. My father, who suffers from arthritis himself, often empathizes when I express my pain, telling me, "that sounds familiar." I have broken down in front of numerous doctors, pleading for assistance, yet I consistently leave without answers, only to be scheduled for more scans that come back normal. The medical care I have received thus far has been far from satisfactory; for instance, I was prescribed eye drops that nearly resulted in serious damage to my vision when I consulted an eye specialist. This is just one of many frustrating experiences I’ve faced. I feel completely overwhelmed and in agony, and I have no way to reach out for specialized medical help since my only means of transportation is my father, who is also afflicted by arthritis. I feel lost and in deep pain without a clear path forward.
Understanding Mild Uncomplicated Diverticular Disease
I am a 29-year-old female, standing at 5'7" and weighing 130 pounds. Recently, a CT scan revealed that I have mild diverticulitis. About a week ago, I experienced significant discomfort, particularly in the pelvic region, along with pain in my right leg and hip, and some mild discomfort on the left side. After undergoing a CT scan, which confirmed the presence of mild diverticular disease, I was surprised that no one from my medical team provided any follow-up or acknowledged the condition. My blood tests returned normal results, and I was discharged without further information. While the pain subsided after about three days, it has unfortunately reappeared four days later. Is this something I should be worried about? What does this mean for me? I had a colonoscopy around 11 months ago, which indicated no issues.
Understanding the Reality of End-Stage Pancreatic Cancer
Navigating the complexities of end-stage pancreatic cancer can be overwhelming, and I'm seeking clarity on what lies ahead. My mother, who is 59 years old and weighs about 115 pounds, received her diagnosis of terminal pancreatic cancer in October 2025. Unfortunately, she has largely rejected the option of chemotherapy and is consuming her pain relief medications—specifically oxycodone and morphine—at an alarming rate. While I’m not worried about the dosage, the severity of her pain has reached a level that is becoming unbearable. Despite this, she is adamant about avoiding any hospital treatment, even though that's where she would receive the most effective pain management. I’ve attempted multiple times to get her medical attention, calling both hospitals and emergency services. However, due to her refusal for assistance, they have also turned us down. It was explained to me that taking her against her will could be considered kidnapping. After consulting with various healthcare professionals, I have been informed that her time may be measured in days or weeks. There’s also a chance that she could slip into unconsciousness, leaving me deeply unsettled. I am already in a state of mourning, yet I am desperate to understand what to expect in the coming days. It is crucial for me to prepare myself—emotionally and mentally—so that I can help ensure her comfort in these final moments. Plans are underway to engage hospice care, but the uncertainty fills me with apprehension. This is my mother, and I want to alleviate my fear so I can provide her with the support she needs as she nears the end of her journey. I yearn to be present for her without being entirely consumed by grief before she passes away. Any guidance or insight you could provide would be invaluable. I'm at a loss for what steps to take next and truly desire to navigate this situation with as much grace and readiness as possible.
Prolonged Miscarriage: Over Four Weeks In
A 35-year-old woman managing Type 1 diabetes with an insulin pump has been experiencing a challenging period marked by a recent miscarriage. This occurred just shy of ten weeks into the pregnancy, following an extremely positive pregnancy test, although medical confirmation had not yet been obtained. The physical symptoms were quite severe, with substantial bleeding that included large tissue clumps and blood clots observed during a shower. The size of these clots was rather alarming, comparable to a fist, causing blockage in the drain. Initially, for the first three to four days, there was heavy bleeding, requiring three pads daily. After that, the situation gradually improved, and around a week ago, she reached a point where only a pantyliner might suffice. Despite the reduction, bleeding persisted intermittently, mainly noticeable upon wiping, with instances of no blood at all, leading to inconsistencies in her experience. Recently, she has been feeling bloated and has noticed a resurgence in bleeding, necessitating the use of pads twice daily. Additionally, she has been experiencing light cramps and has developed acne. A subsequent pregnancy test revealed continued positive results. Now, with over four weeks of bleeding, she reached out to her physician’s office. However, the response was not one of concern, suggesting that she could schedule a visit at her convenience if she felt the need. The cost of visiting a doctor or urgent care deters her from seeking immediate professional help unless absolutely warranted. Overall, she reports feeling generally well, but is seeking advice from others. Is there cause for alarm, or is it feasible to let things unfold naturally? Could this miscarriage have evolved into her menstrual cycle instead? Additionally, it's worth noting that she occasionally finds small blood clots on the toilet paper after wiping. Since the onset of this situation, she has abstained from sexual intercourse.
Exploring Inositol and CoQ10 for Managing PCOS Symptoms
As a 28-year-old female, I have faced the challenges of polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS) since my teenage years. Starting from the age of 16, I have dealt with highly irregular menstrual cycles, occurring anywhere from three to eight months apart. My diagnosis has been substantiated through two ultrasounds and blood tests revealing elevated androgen levels. Despite maintaining a healthy diet and leading an active lifestyle—balancing my work as an environmental biologist with gym sessions alongside my husband—I continue to wrestle with weight management. Other symptoms impacting my daily life include significant hair loss, unwanted facial hair, and persistent fatigue. In my journey to manage PCOS, I previously sought counsel from a gynaecologist, who primarily suggested hormonal birth control as the main approach to alleviate my symptoms. Although I adhered to this recommendation for several years, the hormonal changes negatively impacted my mood, leading me to discontinue its use. Another alternative proposed by my gynaecologist involved androgen blockers, but these are not suitable for me since my husband and I plan to start a family in the next two to three years. Recently, my research led me to discover that supplements like Inositol and CoQ10 might effectively combat insulin resistance and lower androgen levels. They are purported to improve various symptoms associated with PCOS, including the regulation of ovulation, all while boasting minimal adverse effects. I am curious about the viability of these supplements as alternatives to hormonal birth control or androgen blockers in managing my PCOS symptoms.