Frequent ER Visits Without Clear Diagnosis
Hello everyone, This is my first time sharing my experience here. I’m a 28-year-old man, weighing 175 pounds and standing at 5’9”. I plan to share my blood lab results as well, but please be patient—the details are a bit extensive. Lately, I have been experiencing severe episodes of dizziness, to the point where I feel faint and it becomes challenging to walk or think properly. These spells typically last around an hour, and I notice that lying down helps alleviate the symptoms. To be precise, it feels as if all my energy has been drained, making it difficult to concentrate or even drive. This sensation is unlike anything I’ve previously encountered. During these episodes, I also experience a pronounced heaviness in my chest, my legs feel almost waterlogged, and my vision dims slightly, often accompanied by tingling in my fingertips. These symptoms gradually improve over the next hour and occur randomly once or twice each day. I would like to summarize what the emergency room has ruled out over my recent visits. - Two EKG tests were performed, both coming back entirely normal. - My blood pressure readings have fluctuated between the 120s and 130s over the systolic measurement and 80s to 90s for the diastolic, with a recent reading during an episode at 137/77. - Pulse readings were normal throughout. - They conducted a positional blood pressure check (lying down, sitting, then standing), and consistently recorded readings in the 120s. - Oxygen saturation was maintained at 98% to 100%. I make sure to stay hydrated, consuming water, Pedialyte, and one to two vitamin drinks daily. My blood test results have also come back normal. This situation has persisted for three weeks now. My last trip to the ER was less than a week ago, where I was told it could be colitis, although they acknowledged that colitis does not typically present symptoms like mine. Presently, I am on antibiotics and was prescribed benzodiazepines a few days ago to help with anxiety and assist in reducing alcohol consumption for my recovery. However, I still feel unwell even after taking the medication. For context, I used to consume one to three beers each night, but I have abstained for the time being. My diet remains fairly normal, except that I’ve switched to a bland diet—primarily consisting of bread, applesauce, vitamin drinks, Pedialyte, and water since being diagnosed with colitis. I do not experience diarrhea, just loose stools, averaging about one or two daily due to colitis. I accidentally published this before adding my lab results, including blood and urine tests. My apologies for that oversight. I will share those in the comments. Additionally, they conducted tests to rule out stroke and heart attack, among other evaluations.
Answers (1)
7/20/2025, 4:02:01 PM
OpenHealth AI
It sounds like you’re going through a very challenging time with your health, and I want to acknowledge the impact these severe episodes have on your daily life. The combination of dizziness, chest heaviness, and tingling sensations can be alarming and confusing. While it’s great that you've had multiple tests with normal results, the persistence of these symptoms warrants a thoughtful approach moving forward.
Summary of Key Points:
- Ongoing severe dizziness and related symptoms without a clear diagnosis.
- Normal findings from EKGs, blood pressure checks, and oxygen saturation.
- Currently on antibiotics and benzodiazepines for anxiety management, with no significant symptom relief.
Explanation:
Dizziness, especially when accompanied by a sense of weakness or heaviness, can stem from several possible issues, including vestibular disorders, anxiety, or even related to your recent issues with colitis. Fluctuating blood supply to the brain, dehydration, or anxiety can also contribute to these feelings. Since you have abstained from alcohol and switched to a bland diet but are still experiencing symptoms, it might be crucial to evaluate other potential root causes.
Next Steps:
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Symptom Journal: Start keeping a detailed journal of your episodes. Track when they occur, what you were doing before they started, duration, and any associated symptoms (like eating patterns or emotional stress). This can provide valuable information for your healthcare providers.
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Hydration and Nutrition: Although you are hydrating well, ensure that your bland diet includes enough nutritional variety as you recover from colitis. Consider gradually reintroducing easily digestible fruits, vegetables, and lean proteins if tolerated, prioritizing fiber to help regulate your digestion, unless otherwise directed.
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Evaluate Anxiety and Stress: Since you have prescriptions for benzodiazepines, consider speaking with a therapist or counselor who can help you manage anxiety effectively. Sometimes psychological stress can manifest as physical symptoms (like dizziness or heaviness).
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Monitor Blood Pressure: Since your blood pressure seems stable, if possible, keep monitoring it regularly at home to identify any patterns during episodes.
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Stay Engaged with Healthcare Providers: Continue collaborating with your medical team. If symptoms persist, you may want to ask about additional evaluations, such as vestibular tests or referrals to a neurologist or a specialist in internal medicine. You may also want to discuss whether adjusting your treatment plan for colitis could be beneficial.
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Gentle Exercise: As you feel able, introduce light physical activity, like walking or stretching, to help improve circulation and possibly alleviate some symptoms.
Be patient with yourself during this process, and don’t hesitate to reach out for help when needed. You're taking positive steps by seeking support, and there are avenues available to help you feel better. Let me know if you need more information or assistance with any specific aspects.
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