Mystery Health Issues After Persistent Lip Spot
For a duration of three months, I (20F) experienced a peculiar spot on my upper lip that refused to fade away. Unlike typical blisters, it did not possess any bumpiness; rather, it was a swollen area measuring approximately one centimeter that maintained an unusual redness. At times, this region affected the color of the surrounding lip skin, but it was neither episodic nor similar to cold sores I had often heard about. I've ruled out herpes and Epstein-Barr virus through testing and I’ve never encountered cold sores or related lip issues before or after this incident. Interestingly, the spot vanished for a week, only to not return thereafter. However, during my time at school, an alarming event occurred: my heart rate skyrocketed to 145 beats per minute. Since then, my heart rate has fluctuated daily between 40 to 160 beats. While I occasionally meet some criteria for postural orthostatic tachycardia syndrome (POTS), I endured a serious period of illness that left me bedridden for about two months, feeling as exhausted as if I had run a marathon. Thankfully, I can go out again now, but it has been seven months since that fateful day. Since then, I have also grappled with multiple symptoms: persistent abdominal pain, low blood pressure (ranging from 80/50 to 100/70, which rises an estimated 20 points upon standing), along with sensations of numbness and tingling in my limbs. I experienced Bell's palsy, vertigo, tinnitus, random bruises along my chin and under my knees, and feelings of faintness, alongside head pressure. Whenever I lie down or wake up, I often feel terrible, presumably due to symptomatic low blood pressure. In the initial month, I also woke up drenched in sweat and suffering from chills for a week or two but haven’t had that happen again since. After attempting to drink alcohol again, I've developed "alcoholic neuropathy"; a mere half drink results in painful, tingly limbs and intense head pressure lasting for several hours. This is shocking given my previous drinking habits, as I used to enjoy maintaining a heavier tolerance, drinking around eight drinks per event at birthdays or holidays, yet I only consumed alcohol about ten times a year. The only notable life change around this period was receiving the Gardasil vaccine, though I suspect the symptoms may have initiated beforehand. Additionally, I was working as a daycare teacher at the time, and, until this episode, I had not encountered any significant health issues. Despite consulting numerous medical professionals, none have been able to pinpoint the cause of these troubling symptoms, and I lack a definitive diagnosis for any of my conditions. The only peculiarities in my blood tests were low ACTH, elevated MCV, and low fibrinogen levels. Is there anyone who might shed light on what this unusual experience could have entailed or whether it relates to the onset of my troubling health issues?
Answers (1)
7/21/2025, 12:11:17 AM
OpenHealth AI
It's understandable to feel overwhelmed with the combination of symptoms you're experiencing, especially given the complexity and duration of your health issues. Your concerns about the unusual spot on your lip and the range of symptoms that followed are legitimate and deserve careful consideration.
Main Points:
You've experienced a persistent upper lip spot that later disappeared but coincided with an array of troubling symptoms, including heart rate fluctuations, low blood pressure, and sensations of numbness and tingling. You have also experienced episodes of vertigo, tinnitus, and the new development of symptoms following alcohol consumption.
Explanation:
The facial spot could have been related to an inflammatory condition or an allergic reaction, but since it has resolved, it may not be directly tied to your ongoing symptoms. Your heart rate fluctuations and low blood pressure indicate a potential autonomic nervous system issue, possibly relating to conditions such as postural orthostatic tachycardia syndrome (POTS), which you've already mentioned. Your other symptoms—like numbness, tingling, and faintness—are concerning and could stem from several underlying issues, including possible neurological conditions or chronic fatigue syndrome.
The fact that your symptoms intensified after the Gardasil vaccine raises questions about whether this could be related to an unusual post-vaccine response or something else entirely. It's notable that your blood tests revealed low ACTH and fibrinogen levels, which are aspects that should be investigated further given their potential implications on your endocrine and coagulation system.
Prioritized Next Steps:
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Symptom Tracking: Start keeping a comprehensive diary of your symptoms, including their frequency, intensity, and any potential triggers (like changes in activity levels, diet, or stress).
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Hydration and Nutrition: Focus on adequate hydration, as it can help to manage low blood pressure and enhance overall energy levels. Aim to consume a balanced diet rich in vitamins and minerals.
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Avoid Alcohol: Given your increased sensitivity to alcohol, it is advisable to avoid it altogether until you have a clearer understanding of your condition.
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Postural Changes: When changing positions (like standing up), do so slowly to mitigate low blood pressure symptoms. Consider incorporating leg exercises or compression garments before standing to improve blood flow.
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Consult a Specialist: If you haven't yet, seek a consultation with a neurologist or a cardiologist who has experience with dysautonomia or unexplained multi-system symptoms. They may consider further evaluations, like autonomic testing or imaging studies, to gather more insight.
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Mental Health Support: The stress and uncertainty surrounding your health conditions can be taxing. Engage with a mental health professional if you find the emotional burden overwhelming.
It's important that you're persistent in seeking answers and treatments that align with your needs. Continue sharing updates about your symptoms with your health providers, as this information can guide them in providing better care. You're not alone in this; take one step at a time.
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