OpenHealth Q&A

Ongoing Health Concerns and Emerging Symptoms

Age 22, height 5'8", weight 202 lbs. Recently, I have been facing numerous escalating health issues that seem to multiply by the day. Initially, I experienced minor ailments, but now the situation has intensified. The more significant concerns include respiratory difficulties characterized by a persistent dry cough that remains unaffected by my inhaler or any breathing treatments, alongside frequent chest discomfort. I also struggle with nausea, as I find it hard to keep food down, compounded by relentless pain in my lower abdomen, which worsens when lying down. Additionally, I suffer from continuous pain in my back and joints. I have hypermobility in several areas, such as my hips, shoulders, fingers, and wrists, which often results in discomfort due to their tendency to pop or bend excessively. Moreover, I've been dealing with bouts of lightheadedness. In recent weeks, I've experienced episodes of my blood pressure plummeting unexpectedly, alongside some unusual symptoms. I have been informed that my blood pressure can fluctuate from about 130/80 to as low as 90/50 within ten minutes, often leading to dizziness and sometimes vomiting. My heart rate shows erratic behavior too, swinging from 60 to 120 beats per minute without a clear pattern. Today, I discovered small, unexpected bruises appearing on my legs, hands, and occasionally my arms, seemingly overnight. I'm not seeking a diagnosis or a miracle cure from my healthcare provider; I am simply having difficulty managing my situation. I maintain a reasonably active lifestyle when I am able to, although lightheadedness sometimes hinders my activities. I push through discomfort to go for jogs when I can. Despite my efforts to follow a balanced diet, I struggle to lose weight, consistently hovering around the same number. My frustration is mounting, and I find myself questioning whether I should consider changing doctors. My current physician tends to attribute my issues either to my weight or to depression. I am limited to appointments every three months, and each follow-up typically involves the same refrain: "we'll monitor your symptoms." I dislike monopolizing emergency room resources, yet urgent care often directs me back to my primary physician for ongoing issues. I primarily want to know if I should advocate for a new doctor and if there might be other measures I should consider. Thank you for your assistance. Additional medical context includes: - I have a diagnosis of bipolar disorder along with anxiety and am prescribed Lamictal and Escitalopram. - Occasionally, I experience unexplainable allergic reactions despite having only known allergies to certain insects. - My symptoms often appear in pairs; for instance, I might present with a severe cough and a rash without stomach pain, or stomach discomfort may occur alongside a rash but without any cough.

Answers (1)

7/9/2025, 8:31:00 AM

OpenHealth AI

It sounds like you are experiencing a complex set of health issues that are significantly affecting your quality of life. Given the combination of respiratory difficulties, gastrointestinal issues, fluctuating blood pressure, unusual bruising, and joint pain associated with hypermobility, it's important to take a careful and thorough approach to managing these symptoms.

Key Points:

1. Seek a Comprehensive Evaluation: Your symptoms are multifaceted and may require a systemic approach to diagnosis and management.
2. Symptom Tracking: Keeping a detailed record of your symptoms and how they correlate over time can provide valuable insights for your healthcare providers.
3. Consider Changing Healthcare Providers: If you feel unheard or that your concerns are not being adequately addressed, seeking a second opinion might be beneficial.

Explanation:

Your respiratory symptoms, like the persistent dry cough not responding to your inhaler, combined with nausea, abdominal pain, and fluctuating blood pressure, could indicate underlying conditions that need specific attention. The presence of sudden bruises and the erratic nature of your pulse also suggest that these might not be isolated issues.

Given your mental health history and current medications like Lamictal and Escitalopram, it's essential to consider how they might interact with your physical symptoms. Chronic symptoms can also lead to feelings of anxiety and depression, complicating the overall picture.

Next Steps:

1. Keep a Symptom Diary: Document when each of your symptoms occurs, their intensity, and any correlation with activities or foods. This information will help your healthcare provider understand the patterns and triggers.

2. Research Conditions Related to Your Symptoms: Look into conditions that interconnect these symptoms (e.g., POTS - Postural Orthostatic Tachycardia Syndrome, autoimmune diseases, etc.)—this might help when discussing concerns with your doctor.

3. Advocate for a Comprehensive Evaluation: If you continue to feel dismissed by your current provider, it may be worthwhile to seek a specialist such as a rheumatologist or a neurologist who can evaluate your symptoms holistically.

4. Explore Lifestyle Adjustments: While you maintain an active lifestyle, consider gentle exercises that are less likely to exacerbate your joint pain, such as swimming or yoga. Focus on nutrition that might ease your gastrointestinal issues (e.g., small, frequent meals and avoiding trigger foods).

5. Weight Management Considerations: If weight loss is a goal, it might be helpful to consult a registered dietitian who can work with your health concerns to create a tailored meal plan.

Feel free to return if you'd like more specific information or resources, and take care of your health as you navigate these complex symptoms.