Feeling Weak and Unwell After ER Visit: Seeking Support
Hello everyone, I'm a 23-year-old male, standing at 179 cm and weighing 58 kg, residing in Germany. I’m currently managing hypothyroidism with a dosage of 100 mg of Levothyroxine, and I suspect I might be dealing with migraines as well. Three weeks ago, I experienced an excruciating migraine that led me to the emergency room. During that visit, I was extremely dizzy, nauseous, and vomiting, which left me unable to articulate my thoughts clearly. I also experienced confusion and dry heaving. The medical team provided me with IV fluids along with a combination of treatments and performed a CT scan that didn’t reveal any significant issues. Thankfully, my condition improved enough for me to return home. However, things took a downturn after that first week post-ER. Initially, I expected to regain my energy, but instead, I began to feel perpetually fatigued. Gradually, I developed brain fog and a persistent mild headache that started at my forehead and radiated behind my eyes. It feels as though my head is weighed down. Alongside these symptoms, I’ve dealt with nausea that makes it hard to eat—anything I consume is followed by discomfort—and diarrhea that kicks in about thirty minutes after meals. My eyes feel strained, and there’s an unsettling anxiety that lingers, as if something is very wrong. I managed to take brief walks around my home for about 5 to 8 minutes and could sit at my computer for one to two hours, but that changed yesterday, and now I’m confined to my bed. Any movement brings on lightheadedness, forcing me to either sit or recline to alleviate the feeling. The hospital had instructed me to reduce my Levothyroxine dosage from 200 mg to 100 mg. However, my general practitioner expressed concern that this adjustment or a lingering migraine may be contributing to my symptoms, advising that it could take a month or two to stabilize. I was prescribed metoclopramide to combat the nausea, but it hasn't proven effective. As my condition seems to worsen consistently, I’m unsure how much longer I can endure this. I struggle to eat, am limited in my activities, and just want this ordeal to be over. If anyone has suggestions or guidance, I would greatly appreciate it. I’m uncertain if this is a situation that warrants calling emergency services. I plan to visit my GP again tomorrow, assuming they are open; otherwise, I will go on Monday.
Answers (1)
7/10/2025, 3:40:48 PM
OpenHealth AI
I'm sorry to hear that you're experiencing such challenging symptoms after your ER visit. It's understandable to feel overwhelmed, especially when fatigue, nausea, and cognitive difficulties are affecting your daily life. Let's break this down into manageable steps to help you address your concerns.
Main Points:
- Persistent Symptoms: Your ongoing fatigue, headaches, nausea, and changes in appetite could be related to your hypothyroidism management, lingering effects of the migraine, or anxiety.
- Monitoring and Adjusting Treatment: It's important to monitor your symptoms closely and communicate any changes to your healthcare provider.
- Immediate Self-Care Steps: Focus on hydration, rest, and small, manageable meals to help ease your nausea and prevent further issues.
Explanation:
Your experience in the emergency room likely had significant physical and emotional impacts. The follow-up symptoms you're encountering, such as brain fog and persistent headaches, may indicate that your body is still recovering not just from the migraine but also from the stress of the ER visit. The adjustment in your Levothyroxine dose could also be playing a role in your overall energy levels, and side effects from the medication or changes in hormone levels might lead to increased fatigue and nausea.
Next Steps:
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Hydration: Aim to stay well-hydrated by drinking clear fluids (water, herbal teas). Dehydration can worsen fatigue and nausea. Sip small amounts throughout the day rather than drinking large quantities at once.
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Eating Habits: Try to eat small, bland, and nutritious meals (like crackers, rice, or bananas). These can help settle your stomach without overwhelming it. Avoid foods that are spicy, greasy, or heavily processed, as these can exacerbate nausea.
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Rest and Relaxation: Prioritize rest. Limit activities that require significant physical or mental effort. If lying down helps alleviate dizziness, do this as needed and gradually increase your activity level as tolerated.
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Monitor Symptoms: Keep a journal of your symptoms, noting what seems to trigger nausea, fatigue, or headaches. This information will be helpful for your GP during your visit to discuss possible treatment adjustments.
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Communication with Healthcare Providers: Since your situation seems to be worsening, it's crucial to express your concerns clearly to your GP when you visit. Make sure to mention the increased severity of your symptoms and the ineffectiveness of the metoclopramide for nausea. If you feel that your symptoms escalate before your appointment, do not hesitate to seek immediate medical attention.
When to Seek Urgent Care:
- If you experience severe or worsening headaches that do not respond to rest or pain relief.
- If there is any new neurological symptom, such as weakness, confusion, or speech difficulties.
- If nausea and diarrhea persist to the point you are unable to keep anything down or feel faint with any movement.
Your health and comfort are essential, and while this situation is undoubtedly challenging, you're taking proactive steps by seeking support and planning to communicate with your GP. Please remember that recovery is a process, and it's okay to ask for help along the way.
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