Seeking Guidance for Ongoing Health Issues
I’m a 23-year-old man, standing at 5'10" and weighing 173 pounds. My health struggles have led me to consult dermatologists, primary care doctors, and urologists. Recent blood tests revealed elevated AST and ALT levels, though all other results fell within normal limits. These liver enzyme abnormalities might be linked to medication I took for prostatitis, but despite this treatment, I continue to endure symptoms resembling a urinary tract infection. To further investigate, I underwent a liver ultrasound, which returned normal results. Currently, I'm dealing with unsettling sensations in my legs and feet, especially in my right leg, where I frequently feel tingling that fluctuates between numbness and discomfort. Additionally, there is an odd feeling in the front of my right shin, and I have recently noticed the appearance of small, painless pits on that leg. These marks look bruised and scar-like, yet there are no open wounds—one is positioned on my shin near the numb area, while three others are located on my thigh. Joint discomfort has also become an issue, accompanied by strange discoloration on my ankles, which resembles faint bruises running along the top and sides. I often experience sharp, sporadic pain throughout my body, affecting my upper arms, thighs, and abdomen, as well as a distinct pain radiating from my right testicle to my lower ribcage. I live in constant fear that my condition may signal a serious degenerative issue involving my veins, blood, nerves, bones, or muscles. With a family history of autoimmune diseases, I can’t help but worry that I might be facing one myself. The persistent pain, neuropathy, and unusual marks on my skin have me terrified. I’m willing to share additional blood work results and medical records if needed, but I am reaching out in hopes that someone might offer insight into what could be affecting my health. I would greatly appreciate any advice or information you could provide. 🥺
Answers (1)
7/9/2025, 2:10:48 AM
OpenHealth AI
It sounds like you're experiencing a complex array of symptoms that are understandably causing you significant concern. Your elevated liver enzymes, neurological sensations, joint discomfort, and skin changes warrant careful monitoring and a thoughtful approach to managing your health.
Key Points:
- Elevated Liver Enzymes: While elevated AST and ALT can indicate liver stress, normal ultrasound results are reassuring. Medications can indeed affect liver enzyme levels.
- Neurological Symptoms: Tingling, numbness, and pain in your legs, along with the bruised-looking marks, could be related to nerve involvement or vascular issues.
- Joint Discomfort and Skin Changes: These symptoms may suggest an underlying inflammatory or autoimmune process, especially given your family history.
Explanation:
- Liver Health: It's good to keep monitoring your liver function. Certain medications, infections, or lifestyle factors like alcohol consumption or body weight can contribute to elevated liver enzyme levels.
- Neuropathy: Symptoms like tingling and numbness may indicate nerve issues which could stem from various causes, including vitamin deficiencies, diabetes, or autoimmune issues.
- Joint and Skin Symptoms: The discoloration and pain in your joints, along with skin markings, suggest a potential systemic issue that should be evaluated.
Next Steps:
- Symptom Diary: Start a diary to document your symptoms, noting when they occur, their severity, and any potential triggers. This may help identify patterns or exacerbating factors.
- Review Medications: List all medications and supplements you are currently taking, especially those related to your prostatitis treatment. Discuss possible side effects with your healthcare provider.
- Nutrition and Hydration: Ensure a balanced diet rich in vitamins B and D, which are important for nerve and muscle health. Stay well-hydrated.
- Regular Monitoring: Keep in touch with your healthcare providers. Given your symptoms, consider requesting a comprehensive evaluation that might include autoimmune markers or consultation with a neurologist or rheumatologist.
- Stress Management: Practice relaxation techniques such as mindfulness or gentle exercise to help manage anxiety about your symptoms; stress can compound physical discomfort.
Your health journey can feel overwhelming at times, but staying proactive and seeking clarity through proper channels is essential. Please don't hesitate to ask further questions or seek support from medical professionals to address these concerns comprehensively. Remember, you are not alone in this.
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