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
-
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.
-
Nausea and Vomiting: Persistent nausea can arise from various factors, including medication side effects or gastrointestinal issues linked to your current health conditions.
-
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
-
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.
-
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.
-
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.
-
Stress Management: Incorporate relaxation techniques, such as mindfulness, meditation, or light exercise like yoga, which can sometimes reduce symptoms of fatigue and anxiety.
-
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.
Related Questions
Concerns About My Toes
Age: 30, Female Currently, I am on the lookout for a reputable podiatrist in my vicinity. However, I've encountered a perplexing issue with my foot. Just last night, I noticed a growth on the side of my toe, something entirely new to me. I maintain a nutritious diet and have a demanding job that requires me to be on my feet quite often. My footwear includes brands such as Brooks Ghost Runners, Hoka Bondi 9’s, and Nike Motiva’s, and I don’t opt for restrictive socks. I also apply Vick’s Vaporub to my feet, a practice handed down from my family, and stick with simple, non-fragrant lotions like Vanicream and CeraVe SA Cream for my skin. In addition, I am curious about the my big toenail's change in color. What might be the underlying reasons for this? Also, I have these persistent dark spots on my toes that I've struggled with since my days on the runway. Despite my efforts, nothing has succeeded in lightening or diminishing their appearance. I'm just looking to determine if there might have been a factor from the past that could have contributed to these issues. I’m not sure what else to include, but I’m open to answering any questions you might have. Thank you for your attention! Best wishes from a worried soul!
Strange Jelly-Like Substance Observed from Wound
I’m a 21-year-old female living with an auto-inflammatory condition known as hidradenitis suppurativa (HS). Recently, I've experienced a concerning issue with one of my wounds. This particular wound causes significant pain and excessive bleeding. However, whenever I attend to it, I tend to find this unusual jelly-like substance present within it. Interestingly, this phenomenon has only occurred with this one wound and not any of the others I have. The bleeding seems to persist until I manage to remove this jelly substance, after which it typically slows down and comes to a halt completely. I’m seeking insights into what this might signify so that I can effectively discuss it with my healthcare provider.
Battling Chronic Nausea and Vomiting for Over Two Years
For the past two years, I (age 26, female) have been enduring an incredibly challenging health situation. I experience intense nausea daily and find myself vomiting numerous times, with almost nothing providing relief. To provide some background, I’m from West Texas and I currently weigh around 190 pounds, standing at 5’7”. Initially, my weight was about 211 pounds when these symptoms began, and it fluctuates frequently between 190 and 225 pounds. I engage in vaping and consume THC. Previously diagnosed with hypothyroidism, my condition seemingly resolved, according to my healthcare providers. Additionally, I have polycystic ovarian syndrome (PCOS). I have consistently faced irregular bowel movements, with stools that are loose and sometimes appear to have mucus. Compounding my struggles, I've also suffered from migraines. I have had an IUD for over five years, experiencing two insertions of the Kyleena device. In December 2022, my battle with health took a severe turn when I was diagnosed with stage 4 Hodgkin’s Lymphoma, requiring chemotherapy treatment, specifically AVBD (Apologies for not recalling the exact medication names). By July 2023, I had fortunately achieved remission. However, after reaching remission, my vomiting worsened, transforming from primarily white foam to a mixture of 80% bile, any food I attempt to consume, and still white foam. This intense vomiting, accompanied by significant pain in my upper back, escalated to more than eight episodes daily by November 2023. At that time, THC seemed to be the only avenue for me to retain any food. During this tumultuous period, I consulted various doctors who, after confirming I wasn’t pregnant, attributed my symptoms to Cannabinoid Hyperemesis Syndrome (CHS). Immediately, I ceased THC consumption for over six months, yet the vomiting continued unabated. Each time, doctors would prescribe ondansetron, regardless of my claims that it provided no relief. I experimented with various diets recommended by medical professionals, but there were no improvements in my condition. Eventually, I obtained a referral to a gastroenterologist who intended to perform an endoscopy. However, the procedure was prohibitively expensive even with insurance, and thus was never conducted. This doctor also ordered blood tests to rule out several gastrointestinal disorders, such as Crohn's disease, Irritable Bowel Syndrome (IBS), and gluten sensitivity, but all results came back normal. Afterward, I had another appointment with a different gastroenterologist, but the doctor failed to meet with me. Instead, a nurse informed me that the doctor had merely recommended promethazine without conducting any tests or scheduling further visits. When I mentioned the possibility of gallbladder issues, the doctor laughed dismissively at my suggestion. Discussing my situation with my oncologist, he suggested that my heightened sensitivity to food odors stemmed from my chemotherapy experiences while I was working in fast food. While food smells indeed affect me, I'm primarily triggered by medical scents such as rubbing alcohol and cleaning agents. This ongoing ordeal has been overwhelmingly distressing. I now experience episodes of vomiting accompanied by bright red blood, presumably due to a throat tear. When I first encountered this troubling symptom, I consulted a doctor who appeared unfazed and prescribed a promethazine suppository, which does help but makes me extremely drowsy. My nausea persists nearly around the clock, often feeling as if there’s a heaviness in the upper part of my abdomen. I frequent urgent care facilities when my symptoms intensify, only to be met with minimal assistance since this is a chronic issue. Currently, I lack a primary care physician. Whenever I sought one, I encountered skepticism regarding my condition, with some healthcare professionals implying that I was exaggerating my symptoms. Though many physicians who do take my situation seriously seem baffled, I've lost count of the diverse medical experts I've consulted about these ongoing issues. If anyone has insight or suggestions, I would genuinely appreciate it. I can share my latest bloodwork results if that would be helpful—just let me know!
Strange Stomach Sensation Leading to Waking Up
Greetings. I'm a 36-year-old male, standing at 172 centimeters and weighing 90 kilograms. I don't take any medications, nor do I smoke. I've been living with diastasis recti for several years now, and I may also have irritable bowel syndrome (IBS). Additionally, I deal with fatty liver and kidney stones, though I assume these last two conditions are not related to my current concern. Occasionally, I experience a peculiar sensation that jolts me awake; it feels like a quick pulsing in my stomach. I’ve noticed it tends to affect the left side when I’m lying on my left side and the right side when on my right. Remarkably, it can occur even when I’m on my back. This strange feeling often escalates into a surge that fully rouses me. Alongside this, I sometimes feel prickling sensations throughout my body and fleeting lightheadedness. When this sensation disturbs my sleep while I’m turned to my side, shifting onto my back or the opposite side might alleviate it, but not always. In instances where I awaken while lying on my back, I discovered that gently pressing my hands on either side of my stomach can help, as can rising to a sitting or standing position. However, during my last two episodes—one a couple of weeks ago and another tonight—those techniques weren’t effective right away, which made me feel a bit anxious, prompting me to seek advice. Does anyone have insight into what might be going on? By the way, I’ve undergone routine ultrasound examinations of my abdomen by two different physicians during check-ups, both of whom assured me that everything appears normal, including my abdominal aorta and internal organs. They didn’t identify any issues at that time.
Understanding Tuberculosis Exposure Risk
A 26-year-old male, who neither drinks alcohol nor smokes, seeks to understand the implications of exposure to tuberculosis (TB). As an anesthesia technician, I became concerned after I encountered a TB-positive patient about a month ago. I had to enter the patient’s room several times to perform blood gas tests. On my first entry, I mistakenly wore my N95 mask incorrectly due to the hectic nature of attending to multiple rooms. From my research, it appears that TB is quite transmissible; direct exposure can pose a serious risk of infection. Transmission usually requires prolonged contact with an infected individual, particularly in a close or face-to-face setting. In this case, the patient was lying face down and appeared to be sleeping when I entered. I have already undergone testing for TB, but I am eager to deepen my understanding of the risks involved in these situations.