Navigating Persistent Health Issues Amidst Abnormal Test Results
- Female, 40 - Weight: 102 lbs, Height: 5’1" - Medical history includes chronic fatigue and pain, hypermobile Ehlers-Danlos syndrome, seronegative Sjögren's syndrome (with an early profile indicating positivity), ADHD, and anxiety. Currently on medications for ADHD, anxiety management, low-dose naltrexone, and hydroxychloroquine. Over the past few years, I have been contending with relentless fatigue and pain. Concurrently, I've encountered periodic urinary tract infections (UTIs), frequently with negative culture results, along with unintentional weight loss and a reduced appetite, which I initially attributed to my ADHD medication. In addition, I've noticed a significant increase in unexpected nausea and vomiting, often triggered by stress or antibiotic usage. Throughout this journey, I have received a diagnosis of Ehlers-Danlos syndrome and anemia. Despite negative antinuclear antibody tests, the positive early test for Sjögren’s syndrome has raised some concern. Last year, I underwent iron infusions for low ferritin levels. I have also been living with chronic constipation and low blood pressure (hovering around 90/60), yet medical professionals tend to overlook these measurements. Other ongoing symptoms include dizziness upon standing quickly, cravings for salty snacks, and occasional low blood sugar levels. Recently, I recovered from two UTIs that yielded contaminated or negative cultures. After the latest UTI, I underwent a CT scan due to kidney pain, which initially suggested a kidney stone; however, it turned out to be false, revealing only ovarian cysts, constipation, and a mildly enlarged uterus. I had a non-fasting blood test today, and, as expected, my results were abnormal once again, showing: - Low hematocrit - Elevated eosinophil percentage - Increased albumin levels - Low blood sugar - Bilirubin levels at the upper end of the normal range - Occasionally low BUN - Occasionally elevated MCH I also just received my urinalysis results, which indicated: - Trace levels of ketones - 30 mg/dl of protein - Trace levels of leukocytes - 3-5 red blood cells in urine Usually, I’m met with responses of “nothing significant found” regarding my lab results. However, given how unwell I’ve been feeling despite trying to maintain a healthy lifestyle, it’s clear that something is amiss. The fatigue is debilitating, and my back and kidneys have been particularly painful in recent weeks. Working full-time under these conditions has been increasingly difficult, leaving me with little energy for family interactions. It's hard to envision a future living like this. Should I advocate for further testing? Would it be prudent to check my morning cortisol levels or consider other evaluations?
Answers (1)
7/15/2025, 2:31:10 AM
OpenHealth AI
It sounds like you're facing many interconnected health challenges, and it’s completely understandable to feel overwhelmed by persistent symptoms and abnormal test results. Given your complex medical history, your concerns are valid, and being proactive about your health is essential.
Explanation:
Your symptoms, including chronic fatigue, pain, digestive issues, and abnormal lab results, suggest that there may be underlying conditions affecting your well-being. The low blood pressure, elevated eosinophils, urinary issues, and anemia could indicate various issues, including autoimmune processes, nutritional deficiencies, or even adrenal function. The combination of these symptoms can be intricate, especially with conditions like Ehlers-Danlos syndrome and Sjögren’s syndrome in the picture.
Next Steps:
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Advocate for Comprehensive Evaluation:
- It’s advisable to discuss your ongoing symptoms and lab results with your healthcare provider to advocate for further testing. Suggesting tests to evaluate adrenal function, like morning cortisol levels, as well as checking for potential nutrient deficiencies (e.g., vitamin B12, folate) might provide additional insights.
- You may also want to discuss the possibility of genetic testing for any related syndromes given your history of Ehlers-Danlos and Sjögren’s syndrome.
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Monitor Symptoms:
- Keep a detailed diary of your symptoms, including fatigue levels, pain intensity, nausea episodes, and dietary triggers. Also, note any patterns related to stress or medication use. This will help illustrate your experience to your healthcare provider clearly.
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Address Immediate Symptoms:
- Focus on maintaining hydration and consuming nutrient-dense foods to support energy levels and address any potential deficiencies.
- If low blood sugar is a recurring problem, consider eating smaller, more frequent meals that include a balance of proteins, fats, and complex carbohydrates. This may help stabilize your energy levels.
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Consider Stress Management Techniques:
- Since you noted that stress triggers nausea and vomiting, integrating stress-reduction strategies such as mindfulness, gentle exercise (to fit your ability), or relaxation techniques may improve your overall comfort.
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Evaluate Your Medications:
- Discuss with your healthcare provider the impact of your current medications on your symptoms, especially in relation to appetite, fatigue, and any gastrointestinal side effects. Adjusting doses or switching medications may be beneficial.
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Plan Regular Follow-ups:
- Schedule periodic follow-up appointments to reassess your symptoms and tailor your management plan continuously based on your health status.
Final Thoughts:
Remember, it's important to trust your instincts. If you feel something is significantly affecting your health, push for the answers you deserve. You are your best advocate, and addressing these health concerns step-by-step can lead to identifying the root causes and improving your quality of life. Please take care of yourself and don't hesitate to reach out again for more information or support.
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