Seeking Insights on Blood Test Results and Symptoms
Hello everyone, I’ve been dealing with persistent nausea and vomiting for about two weeks, accompanied by a relentless sense of fatigue. I've also experienced dizziness upon standing, occasionally losing my vision and seeing flashes of light. Additionally, I've been suffering from joint pain and noticeable hair thinning. Despite undergoing numerous tests, I still have not received clear explanations for my symptoms, which is why I’m turning to this Reddit community in search of insights. My latest blood test results, which my doctor considers satisfactory, are detailed below. Given the information provided (including my blood tests, medications, and existing diagnoses), is it typical to feel this way? What steps can I take to enhance my quality of life and restore my energy and motivation? My current well-being is impacting my professional and social engagements. I am a 28-year-old female, do not smoke, and drink socially. I maintain an active lifestyle and my weight is approximately 10.5 stone. I am currently awaiting a final assessment for suspected autism. I also have a history of self-harm, suicidal thoughts, and drug use, which occurred over four years ago. Here’s a summary of my current medications and diagnosed conditions: - 15mg methotrexate - 40mg adalimumab -Ondansetron - 50mg sertraline - Folic acid -(Additionally, I’m taking multivitamins to improve my health) Diagnoses include: - Bilateral intermediate uveitis - Thalassaemia trait - Microcytic hypochromic anaemia - Non-necrotising granulomatous inflammation (associated with tattoo pigment and axillary lymphadenopathy) - Hypermobility syndrome - Eight lumps identified in gums (referred for further examination) Here are my blood test results: - Total white blood count: 5.4 (normal range 4.0 - 11.0) - Red blood cell count: 4.95 (normal range 3.8 - 5.3) - Hemoglobin concentration: 102 (below normal range 120.0 - 150.0) - Hematocrit: 0.324 (below normal range 0.37 - 0.45) - Mean cell volume: 65.6 (below normal range 83.0 - 100.0) - Mean cell hemoglobin level: 20.6 (below normal range 27.0 - 32.0) - Mean cell hemoglobin concentration: 314 (normal range 310.0 - 350.0) - Red blood cell distribution width: 17.6 (above normal range < 15.6) - Platelet count: 245 (normal range 150.0 - 450.0) - Neutrophil count: 2.2 (normal range 1.5 - 8.0) - Lymphocyte count: 2.5 (normal range 1.0 - 4.0) - Monocyte count: 0.38 (normal range 0.2 - 1.0) - Eosinophil count: 0.21 (normal range < 0.51) - Basophil count: 0.05 (normal range < 0.2) - Plasma viscosity: 1.48 (below normal range 1.5 - 1.72) Liver function test results are as follows: - Serum bilirubin level: 22 (above normal range < 21.0) - Serum alkaline phosphatase: 42 (normal range 30.0 - 130.0) - Serum total protein: 74 (normal range 60.0 - 80.0) - Serum albumin: 45 (normal range 35.0 - 50.0) - Serum alanine aminotransferase: 11 (normal range 10.0 - 40.0) - Serum globulin: 29 (normal range 24.0 - 41.0) I would greatly appreciate any feedback or advice regarding this situation.
Answers (1)
7/21/2025, 2:40:56 PM
OpenHealth AI
I'm sorry to hear about the challenges you're experiencing with your health. It’s understandable to seek clarity and support given your myriad symptoms and blood test results. Your symptoms of persistent nausea, vomiting, fatigue, dizziness, joint pain, and hair thinning can be distressing and may have various underlying causes.
Main Points
- Symptom Complexity: Your symptoms, alongside your blood test results indicating anemia and low hemoglobin, suggest that there may be underlying conditions affecting your well-being.
- Autoimmune Considerations: Given your medications for autoimmune conditions, such as methotrexate and adalimumab, it's important to evaluate if side effects or disease activity might be contributing to your current state.
- Next Steps: Focus on symptom management and tailored lifestyle modifications while ensuring close monitoring of your health.
Explanation
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Anemia and Fatigue: The low hemoglobin and hematocrit levels in your blood tests indicate anemia, which can cause fatigue, weakness, and dizziness. This may explain why you're feeling so drained and lightheaded, especially upon standing.
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Nausea and Vomiting: Persistent nausea can arise from various factors, including medication side effects or gastrointestinal issues linked to your current health conditions.
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Joint Pain & Hair Thinning: These can have multifactorial origins, often linked to autoimmune conditions, nutritional deficiencies, or stress.
Given your complex medical history and current medications, these symptoms highlight a possible need for a reassessment by your healthcare provider.
Next Steps
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Hydration and Nutrition: Prioritize staying well-hydrated and consider a balanced diet rich in iron (leafy greens, beans, fortified cereals) to address anemia. Eating smaller, frequent meals can help manage nausea.
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Monitor Symptoms: Keep a daily symptom diary to track occurrences of nausea, fatigue, joint pain, and any other changes. This can help identify patterns that may be useful in discussions with your healthcare provider.
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Physical Adjustments: When standing, try to take it slow to prevent dizziness. Using support (like holding onto a wall or furniture) may help until you gain stability.
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Stress Management: Incorporate relaxation techniques, such as mindfulness, meditation, or light exercise like yoga, which can sometimes reduce symptoms of fatigue and anxiety.
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Follow-up: Make a follow-up appointment with your doctor to discuss your worsening symptoms, focusing on anemia and the side effects of your medications. It might be worthwhile to ask about adjusting your treatment plan or running additional tests.
Remember, communicating openly with your healthcare team about your concerns and symptoms is key. You're actively seeking solutions, and that’s an important step toward improving your health. I wish you the best on your journey to recovery.
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