OpenHealth Q&A

Seeking Answers for Unexplained Health Issues

At 21 years old, I find myself caught in a swirl of health problems that range from strange pains to episodes of fainting and nausea. My family often chuckles that I must have a unique illness—"(my name) disease"—because each day seems to bring a new, bizarre ailment. It's become a part of my routine to wake up and be in some sort of discomfort. Throughout my life, I've undergone several tests for rheumatoid arthritis, all of which yielded negative results. Recently, I visited a doctor due to ear discomfort and muffled hearing, where I was diagnosed with eustachian tube dysfunction after being told my eardrums were bulging. Shortly thereafter, I experienced severe pain in my right ankle that led me to believe I might have fractured it. I consulted another doctor who performed a blood test, revealing no signs of inflammation or RA markers. An X-ray also came back normal, and I was informed there was nothing wrong with my foot, despite how visibly pained I was when I left her office. A few nights later, I noticed my right foot had become numb and was cold to the touch, taking on a pale, bluish hue that was alarming. After elevating it and eventually falling asleep, I woke up to find it back to normal but still in pain. This discomfort soon spread to my left foot and upwards along my leg. I tried resting, icing my feet, and various self-care methods, all without relief. A week ago, I found myself in A&E after three weeks of being unable to walk, and my symptoms were intensifying. It felt as though the soles of my feet had been burned, my ankles were in agony, and my lower back was aching severely. I also started experiencing debilitating headaches, vision issues, and noticeable swelling in my right leg. Fearing sepsis due to the swelling, I contacted emergency services and was advised to go to A&E. While waiting at the hospital, I began to have sharp pains radiating through my spine and neck, along with chest pain on both sides. I was unable to bear weight on my feet and repeatedly asked for pain relief, but nothing they provided seemed to alleviate my suffering. Despite being administered five different strong medications, my pain remained unchanged. Waiting for ten hours was grueling; I found myself in tears for the first time in my life due to pain. A blood test was conducted, which came back mostly normal, showing only minor deficiencies in vitamins and iron without any inflammatory indicators, despite my leg swelling. Eventually, a doctor examined me but offered no diagnosis, apologizing for her inability to identify the issue. She suggested I might need to wait for an appointment with my regular doctor, which did little to quell my anxiety. I pressed her to rule out serious conditions, which she did before sending me home. Before leaving, I tried to grab a bite to eat at the hospital café but ended up violently throwing up right there. Afterward, I felt disoriented, cold, and extremely fatigued. I called my dad for a ride and went straight to bed upon arriving home. Upon waking, I booked an appointment for my foot and ankle pain, only to have my wrists suddenly begin to ache significantly the following day, resulting in difficulty using my hands. The pain seems to mirror on both sides of my body, affecting two areas simultaneously. While securing support bandages for my wrists, I observed a peculiar white patch in a rectangular shape on my left wrist. Despite my pale complexion, this area stood out, and somewhat astonishingly, a second similar patch has now appeared on my right wrist, resembling a Wi-Fi symbol. For a month now, I have been grappling with numerous debilitating symptoms that have rendered me virtually disabled. I’ve not even touched on all the issues I’ve experienced due to being overwhelmed by the situation. It has been over three weeks since I last worked, and my outings have been limited to those necessary for medical care. I am deeply troubled about what could be happening to my body. The unusual markings on my skin have left me puzzled, as every search yields no relevant information. Furthermore, I've come to a grim realization that local doctors often lack the willingness to take my concerns seriously. It took eight years to finally receive a diagnosis for my endometriosis due to their disregard for my symptoms. Tragedies in my family regarding medical negligence, including a relative’s mishap with meningitis, haunt my thoughts, leaving me skeptical about the likelihood of receiving accurate answers during my upcoming appointment. The constant nausea and severe pain are too much to bear. I had to pause this narrative midway just to deal with vomiting once more. All I seek is some guidance regarding the nature of my condition. I am anxious to understand if this might be a serious health issue demanding immediate attention. My intuition screams that something isn't right. What is causing these painful sensations, strange patches, and constant discomfort? Help me make sense of this confusion; I feel utterly lost in this situation.

Answers (1)

7/10/2025, 2:02:10 PM

OpenHealth AI

I'm truly sorry to hear about the overwhelming health challenges you've been facing. Your symptoms—persistent pain, fainting episodes, nausea, and the mysterious skin patches—are understandably distressing and raise significant concerns. Let’s break this down and focus on what steps you can take next to seek clarity and relief.

Key Points:

1. Multiple Symptoms: You are experiencing various symptoms that affect different parts of your body, along with changes in skin appearance and overall discomfort.
2. Previous Negative Tests: Despite several tests showing no clear diagnosis, your ongoing symptoms warrant further investigation.
3. Emotional Strain: It's clear that this has not only affected your physical health but your emotional well-being significantly.

Explanation:

Your symptoms—ranging from joint pain and numbness to episodes of fainting, nausea, and skin changes—could potentially indicate several underlying conditions, including autoimmune issues, inflammatory conditions, or neurological problems. Autoimmune disorders, such as lupus or other connective tissue diseases, often present with varied symptoms like joint pain, fatigue, and skin manifestations. The unilateral body pain, along with the unusual skin patches, may also be indicative of conditions that may require attention such as vitiligo or dermatitis.

The swelling and pain in your legs, along with the changes in color and temperature, are particularly concerning and might suggest vascular issues or complex regional pain syndrome. Your history of endometriosis might also play a role, especially if there are related systemic effects.

Actionable Next Steps:

1. Document Your Symptoms: Keep a detailed log of your symptoms, noting their onset, duration, triggers, and any relieving factors. Include information about when the skin patches appeared and any changes over time.

2. Follow-up with a Specialist: Given the complexity of your symptoms, consider requesting an appointment with a rheumatologist or a neurologist, who can conduct a thorough evaluation. Ask directly about conditions like lupus or other autoimmune disorders. A referral to a specialist might yield a more focused approach.

3. Advocate for Yourself: Be clear and assertive in communicating the severity of your symptoms and their impact on your life. Use your symptom diary during consultations to illustrate your experiences.

4. Nutritional Considerations: Discuss with your doctor the minor deficiencies found in your blood tests. Ensure you’re getting a balanced diet that includes all nutrients, especially iron and vitamins that could support your energy levels.

5. Symptom Management: For immediate relief of discomfort, explore options like physical therapy or gentle exercises, if feasible. Consider discussing pain management options with your doctor that may work better for you.

6. Seek Support: Since you’ve experienced distress due to the health issues and medical dismissals, consider talking to a mental health professional or joining a support group for chronic illness. This may help alleviate some emotional burdens.

Final Thoughts:

It’s commendable that you are seeking understanding and support during this challenging time. I encourage you to prioritize your health, trust your instincts, and keep pushing for answers. While it may take time and effort, gathering information and support will help you navigate these difficulties more effectively. Please don’t hesitate to reach out if you have further questions or need clarity on specific conditions.