OpenHealth Q&A

Get answered by medical professionals

Navigating Unexplained Symptoms: Seeking Solutions

7/11/2025, 2:10:22 AMMale25-34

For the last five years, I've been grappling with various persistent issues. My left tonsil has remained enlarged, and my left armpit often experiences discomfort, sometimes resembling a heaviness. Alongside this, an overwhelming sense of fatigue has been a constant companion. The sole of my left foot and my left palm have also been unusually sensitive. On occasion, I experience tingling in my limbs and headaches that compel me to rest. Additionally, my left leg and left shoulder intermittently ache, although these instances occur sporadically. It feels as if the left side of my body is consistently carrying more weight than the right.

ArthritisLupusFibromyalgia

Answers (1)

Cony

7/11/2025, 2:10:37 AM

OpenHealth AI

I understand that you’ve been dealing with a range of persistent and concerning symptoms for several years, which can be quite overwhelming and frustrating. It’s important to address these issues thoughtfully. Your symptoms, including the enlarged tonsil, discomfort, fatigue, sensitivities, tingling, and pain on the left side of your body, may involve multiple systems and could stem from various causes.

Explanation

The combination of symptoms you've described can be interconnected and may involve infections, inflammatory conditions, or chronic pain syndromes. For example:

  • Enlarged Left Tonsil: Chronic tonsil enlargement can indicate ongoing infection or inflammation.
  • Fatigue: This may stem from underlying conditions like fibromyalgia, autoimmune diseases, or chronic infections.
  • Left-Sided Sensitivity and Pain: This could relate to nerve problems, vascular issues, or musculoskeletal conditions.
  • Tingling and Numbness: These symptoms could suggest nerve irritation or possibly systemic issues.

Next Steps

Here are some prioritized steps you can take to help manage your symptoms and gain more insight into your condition:

  1. Symptom Diary: Keep a detailed record of your symptoms, noting the frequency, duration, and any potential triggers. Include how these symptoms affect your daily life.

  2. Focus on General Health:

    • Prioritize a balanced diet rich in fruits, vegetables, whole grains, and lean protein.
    • Stay hydrated and consider moderate exercise, such as walking or stretching, unless it exacerbates your pain.
  3. Monitor Symptoms: Pay close attention to any significant changes in your symptoms, especially new developments or increased severity.

  4. Explore Supportive Strategies:

    • Consider relaxation techniques like mindfulness, yoga, or meditation, which may help with fatigue and pain management.
    • Over-the-counter pain relief, like NSAIDs (e.g., ibuprofen), may help with discomfort, but should not be used long-term without guidance.
  5. Consult a Healthcare Provider: Given the complexity and duration of your symptoms, consider seeking a thorough evaluation from a healthcare provider who can assess your symptoms holistically. They might suggest blood tests, imaging, or refer you to specialists.

Understanding the root cause of your symptoms is a key step to managing your health better. Please take care, and let me know if you have any questions or need further guidance.

Related Questions

Changes in a Puncture Hematoma: From Injury to New Concerns

Summary: An injury caused by a tack remover resulted in a large internal bruise that has since left a hard lump in my leg. Recently, after bumping it, the lump shifted position and became smaller. Last year, while trying to clear out screw holes on my metal roof in a rushed manner, I improperly wielded a tack remover. The tool slipped, resulting in a painful stab just below my knee. I quickly removed it and descended from the roof, reassured to find the bleeding ceased almost instantly. After carefully cleaning and bandaging the wound, I went about my day. However, after about two hours of activity, I noticed that the bandage was feeling unusually tight. Upon inspection, I discovered that the wound had been bleeding internally, causing a sizeable hematoma which began to grow significantly. I sought help from an EMT, concerned it might lead to compartment syndrome, and was advised to head to the emergency room. An X-ray confirmed extensive internal bleeding, with the hematoma nearly reaching the size of my knee. Fortunately, the wound eventually healed, albeit leaving a hard, immobile lump that felt like bone. Some months later, I accidentally fell on that area. To my surprise, the lump appeared to be smaller than before. A couple of weeks later, two identical lumps emerged overnight on every distal joint of my fingers. Just two weeks after that, the same phenomenon occurred on all ten toes. X-rays of my hands showed no abnormalities, leading me to consider the possibility of reactive arthritis, for which I have an appointment scheduled with a rheumatologist in September. Each time I discuss my knee lump with different doctors, they examine it briefly before expressing mild concern. This morning, I accidentally hit my leg against a drawer. An hour later, I squatted down and experienced familiar pain, noticing that the lump had shifted again—it was now smaller and seemed to have moved closer to my kneecap, rather than being located an inch below as it used to be. I am filled with questions regarding this unusual development. What exactly is this lump? Could it consist of metal fragments my body has surrounded? Is there a possibility of having it surgically removed? Moreover, could this lump be linked to the recent appearances of similar lumps on my fingers and toes? How can I seek further assistance if my primary care physicians dismiss these concerns?

ArthritisThyroid DisordersRheumatology
Male25-34
14 minutes ago

Concerns About Abnormal Blood Test Results in a 54-Year-Old Non-Drinker

I’m a 54-year-old woman who recently underwent routine blood testing for the first time in many years. Typically, I’ve enjoyed good health, maintaining a healthy weight and stable blood pressure, which is why I hadn’t felt the need for regular check-ups. My doctor expressed some concerns regarding my results and has referred me for both a colonoscopy and an endoscopy. I would appreciate any insights into the following abnormal blood work results: - Hemoglobin: 9.9 - Iron: 16 - Percentage Saturation: 4% - Hematocrit: 32.3 - MCV: 67.3 - MCH: 20.6 - MCHC: 30.7 - RDW: 17 - ALT: 102 - Bilirubin: 0.2 - Hemoglobin A1C: 6 - Vitamin B12: 1469 All other tests returned results within the normal range. In addition to these lab findings, I’ve been experiencing: - Occasional bright red blood in my stool, often described as clots, which I have been advised in the past is due to internal hemorrhoids and not to worry about. - Unintentional weight loss over the last year, approximately 6-8% of my body weight. - Persistent fatigue. I want to add that I do not consume alcohol, and I’ve had an IUD for two decades prior to reaching menopause, resulting in no menstrual periods for many years. What could be potential explanations for these lab findings? While I understand that the colonoscopy scheduled for next week will provide more information, I’m looking for some reassurance to help me cope until then. Thank you!

ArthritisThyroid DisordersInternal Medicine
Male25-34
44 minutes ago

Seeking Guidance

I understand that this may not belong to the appropriate category, however, I am unable to locate one that addresses symptoms of illness. My mother, who is in her 60s, has been experiencing significant memory issues, slurred speech, and excessive sleep—often up to 15 hours a day—for the last year. Medical examinations have ruled out both dementia and stroke, as she has undergone numerous brain scans and assessments. Last night was particularly concerning; she asked me how to send an email, stating she couldn’t manage it. This is a woman who has run her own business since she was 20, making this incident alarming for both of us. Approximately 15 years ago, she received radiotherapy for a non-cancerous brain tumor, which was inoperable due to her history of multiple heart attacks at that time. Despite our concerns, doctors have consistently reassured her that there is nothing physically wrong or have suggested it is merely anxiety. The situation has been deteriorating, and it feels as though no one is taking us seriously. We are in desperate need of assistance and guidance.

Multiple SclerosisLupusEndocrinology
Male25-34
1 hour ago

Concerns About Colon Cancer at 19

Hello, I'm a 19-year-old female, weighing 46 kg, and I have no known family history of colon cancer. Recently, I've observed bright red blood in my stool on two occasions. While the initial amount was small, the second time, it appeared to be more significant. Although I struggle with constipation, I didn’t experience any pain during bowel movements, aside from a brief burning feeling, perhaps due to a slight push. Lately, I’ve been having discomfort in my hips, which seems to worsen after using the restroom and persists throughout the day. It feels as if gas is building up or that I'm being jabbed with something sharp. It also resembles a muscle cramp. My stool’s shape isn’t excessively thin, but one end is thicker and round while the other tapers to a point. Upon researching, I came across information suggesting a connection to colon cancer, and there were mentions of bowel obstructions, which frightened me. I feel a sense of incompleteness when I try to empty my bowels; after using the bathroom, although there’s some relief, the urge quickly returns, which is bothersome. Up until 2-3 months ago, I didn’t have any of these issues, but everything escalated within the last month. I attributed these changes to heightened stress levels, but now that I’ve seen blood, my perspective has shifted. I haven’t experienced any weight loss, yet I haven't been able to gain any either. I’ve always had a slight frame and a poor appetite since I was young, but recently, I’ve been eating more frequently, including high-fiber snacks. I thought I had gained some weight since the scale indicated the same reading, but I find myself waking up every day still at 46 kg. I can’t help but worry whether this points to a serious issue. Despite not having symptoms like bloating or abdominal pain, I was diagnosed with iron deficiency anemia (IDA) last year. My doctor indicated that my iron stores were low, and even though I don’t consume much fish or many vegetables, I do include red meat in my diet. While I initially thought my deficiency was due to my menstrual cycle or erratic eating patterns, the current symptoms are making me question whether they may signal a problem like cancer. It feels as though I’m displaying nearly all the warning signs of colon cancer, which is terrifying. I recognize that self-diagnosis isn’t advisable, yet my anxiety is overwhelming. Reading stories on Reddit about young individuals without familial predispositions being diagnosed with colon cancer has heightened my concern, especially since many shared similar symptoms to mine. I have an appointment with my doctor next week, but I felt compelled to share my experiences here in hopes of connecting with others who might have faced similar issues but ultimately did not have cancer, just to bring some comfort before my visit.

ArthritisLupusCrohn's Disease
Male25-34
1 hour ago

Is This a Sign of Throat Cancer?

33-Year-Old Male from the USA I've been experiencing a sensation of fullness in the back of my throat recently. Occasionally, there's slight ear discomfort that seems to fluctuate. Additionally, I sometimes suffer from severe acid reflux. Many years ago, around 13-15 years back, I was involved in a sexual relationship with someone who had a positive HPV diagnosis. For quite some time, I have noticed a lump behind my tonsils. I’m curious whether this growth is a natural part of my tonsils or possibly a tumor.

LupusFibromyalgiaThyroid Disorders
Male25-34
1 hour ago