Seeking a Second Opinion on My Health Issues
**Age:** 38 **Recreational Drugs:** None **Alcohol Consumption:** Not Applicable **Smoking Habit:** Non-smoker **Gender:** Male **Duration of Report:** Last 8 Weeks **Timeline of Symptoms and Treatments** **Week 1** (Around 8 weeks ago) - Awoke with an itchy sensation in the armpit (no visible rash; changing soap didn't alleviate the issue) - Experienced a crawling feeling in the ear while lying down - Cognitive disturbances: unexpected irritability and anxiety surfaced in conversation - Intense lower back pain (difficulty sitting) - MRI conducted on May 28 revealed a small L1 vertebral osseous hemangioma without marrow involvement - Initial blood tests showed: • Vitamin D level at 11 ng/mL • B12 at 314 pg/mL • B6 at 9.6 ng/mL • Magnesium at 2.1 mg/dL • TSH at 1.64 µIU/mL • HbA1c at 5.2% - Comprehensive Metabolic Panel (CMP) & Complete Blood Count (CBC) returned normal results - Ferritin level at 64 ng/mL - Iron at 111 µg/dL, TIBC 323, Saturation at 34% - Awaiting results from imaging and additional lab tests **Week 2** - Developed a painful cramp in the right calf during sleep - Beginning of nerve sensations in the legs and subsequently the upper body - Symptoms intensified following a prescription muscle relaxant - Felt nerve sensations in the chest while walking, necessitating an ER visit - Persistent cognitive and sensory disturbances - ER evaluations included: • AST at 40 • MCH at 27.2 • Chest X-ray and EKG results were normal - Muscle relaxant was prescribed but discontinued due to negative side effects - Primary care physician linked symptoms to low vitamin D levels - Started vitamin D supplementation at 50,000 IU weekly **Weeks 3-6** - Nerve-related symptoms fluctuated (in legs, chest, back, and waist) - Symptoms exacerbated after prolonged walking - Encountered dizziness and mental fog after social events - Experienced disrupted sleep patterns (frequent awakenings at night) - Appetite diminished - Noticed persistent tinnitus - Dark circles formed under the eyes - Follow-up test for vitamin D indicated a rise to 51 ng/mL after 4 weeks of high-dose Vitamin D and magnesium - Discontinued supplementation by week 5 **Week 6** - Symptoms persist without notable improvement - Recent vitamin D measurement showed 45 ng/mL - CRP level at 3.5 mg/L - ESR recorded as 2 mm/hr - No alterations to the treatment plan following the cessation of vitamin D supplementation **Weeks 7-8** - Ongoing, varied symptoms include: • Nerve sensations • Persistent sleep issues • Dizziness and lightheadedness • Muscle twitching • Cognitive fatigue - No progress noted regarding energy levels or sleep quality - Currently awaiting a second opinion on my condition - No new treatments initiated
Answers (1)
7/16/2025, 11:10:53 PM
OpenHealth AI
Summary: You have been experiencing a range of complicated symptoms over the past eight weeks, including nerve sensations, cognitive disturbances, and sleep issues. Although you’ve started vitamin D supplementation, your symptoms persist. It’s good that you are seeking a second opinion, as coordinating multiple aspects of your health may provide better insights.
Explanation: Your symptoms could potentially relate to several factors, including your low vitamin D levels, anxiety, or a neurovascular issue. The MRI showing a benign vertebral hemangioma suggests structural issues in the spine are not contributing, but it's important to consider systemic factors as well. Persistent nerve sensations, cognitive fatigue, and sleep disturbances can stem from various causes, including deficiencies, stress, inflammation, or neurological considerations.
Next Steps:
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Consistent Vitamin D Supplementation: Continue your vitamin D supplementation as recommended by your healthcare provider. Given that your levels were previously quite low, aim to maintain therapeutic levels as low vitamin D can contribute to nerve and muscle issues.
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Hydration and Nutrition: Ensure you are well-hydrated. Focus on a balanced diet rich in vitamins and minerals that might also help alleviate some symptoms. Addressing possible deficiencies in B vitamins—like B6 and B12—might be beneficial. Foods like leafy greens, almonds, and fish can support overall nerve health.
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Monitor Symptoms: Keep a detailed journal of your symptoms, noting their occurrence, duration, and what triggers or alleviates them. This can help your healthcare provider in evaluating your condition and determining the next course of action.
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Sleep Hygiene: Work on improving your sleep environment and hygiene. Establish a consistent sleep schedule, limit screen time before bed, and create a calming pre-sleep routine. Consider relaxation techniques, such as meditation or deep breathing, particularly if anxiety impacts your sleep.
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Physical Activity: Engage in light physical activity that you can tolerate. Gentle exercises like stretching, walking, or yoga can help manage symptoms and improve overall well-being. Since prolonged walking exacerbates your symptoms, be mindful of the distance and pace.
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Follow-Up Care: Continue with your follow-up appointments and communicate any changes in your symptoms to your healthcare team. If your symptoms worsen or new ones arise, prioritize urgent evaluation.
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Explore Mental Health Support: Consider speaking with a mental health professional regarding the cognitive and emotional symptoms you are experiencing, as these can be interconnected with physical health conditions.
Await the second opinion to assess any additional recommendations based on further evaluations. You are taking the right steps by seeking clarification, which can help create a more comprehensive approach to your care. Let me know if you need additional guidance on any specific area!
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