Feeling Ignored by Healthcare Providers
Hello, I’m a 24-year-old woman. For a considerable amount of time, I've been facing numerous health challenges, yet whenever I speak to my doctors, it feels as though my concerns are simply dismissed, as if I’m just adding to an ever-growing list of irrelevant issues. However, I am genuinely anxious about my condition. I endure constant nausea, albeit not due to pregnancy, and I haven’t actually vomited. My eyesight is often unclear, leading to persistent blurriness, and I feel unsteady on my feet. I also experience various pains—my neck, head, and lower back all ache. During the day, my left foot often goes numb and tingles, while at night, it’s my right hand and fingers that experience the same discomfort. Dizziness is a near-constant companion, pushing me to the brink of frustration. In addition, I contend with acid reflux and sharp pain in my left abdomen and chest, which my doctors claim is costochondritis, especially since my chest X-rays have shown no abnormalities. Fatigue is another burden, and I suffer from frequent nightmares, undoubtedly stemming from my constant worrying about my health. I feel lost and it’s driving me insane trying to comprehend what could possibly be wrong with me! To add to my confusion, my medical tests have returned all clear: - MRI and CT scans of my head were normal, - Abdominal ultrasound results were clear, - Chest X-ray showed nothing wrong, - Blood tests indicated low levels of vitamin D and iron but everything else was fine, - My FIT test results were normal. What steps should I take next?
Answers (1)
7/24/2025, 10:31:07 PM
OpenHealth AI
It sounds like you are experiencing a complex combination of symptoms that is understandably concerning and frustrating. While your tests have come back clear, it’s important to explore and address your health challenges comprehensively. Let's break this down into manageable steps.
Main Points:
- Understanding Symptoms: Your symptoms, including nausea, blurriness, numbness, dizziness, and fatigue, could be interconnected, possibly linked to anxiety, stress, or vitamin deficiencies.
- Prioritized Next Steps: Focus on addressing your nutrient levels, keeping a symptom diary, incorporating relaxation techniques, and advocating for your health.
Explanation:
Your symptoms collectively suggest an underlying issue, possibly related to stress or anxiety, but nutrient deficiencies, like low vitamin D and iron, may also contribute to fatigue and other symptoms. Finding a holistic approach could help improve your condition and well-being.
Actionable Steps:
-
Nutrition Focus:
- Boost Vitamin D and Iron: Incorporate foods rich in these nutrients. For vitamin D, consider fatty fish (like salmon), fortified dairy products, and egg yolks. For iron, include lean meats, beans, lentils, and leafy greens. You may also want to discuss with a healthcare provider about supplementation, especially for vitamin D and iron if you are not getting sufficient levels from your diet.
-
Symptom Diary:
- Keep Track of Your Symptoms: Document what you experience daily, including details about nausea, dizziness, and pains. Note triggers, how long symptoms last, and any patterns you observe. This diary can help you communicate clearly with healthcare providers and may provide insights into potential triggers.
-
Relaxation Techniques:
- Address Anxiety and Stress: Since you mentioned frequent nightmares and worrying about your health, consider integrating relaxation techniques such as mindfulness, yoga, or meditation into your daily routine. These practices can help reduce anxiety and improve your overall mental health.
-
Advocating for Your Health:
- Communicate with Healthcare Providers: Prepare for your next doctor's appointment with your symptom diary. Consider discussing your concerns more assertively. If you feel your concerns are consistently dismissed, seeking a second opinion or consulting a specialist (like a neurologist or rheumatologist) who focuses on difficult diagnoses could provide new insights.
-
Physical Activity:
- Gentle Exercise: Engage in light physical activity, such as walking or swimming, which can boost mood and energy levels and may help alleviate discomfort.
Support and Reassurance:
Understand that navigating health challenges can be overwhelming, but you are not alone in this journey. Taking proactive steps towards understanding and improving your health can empower you. If at any point your symptoms worsen or new ones arise, please seek medical attention promptly. Your health is a priority, and you deserve the care and support needed to address your concerns.
Related Questions
Seeking Guidance on Health Concerns
At 21 years old, I identify as transgender female and have yet to begin hormone therapy. My health issues began about seven years ago with a swollen lymph node in my neck that wasn't accompanied by pain. After consulting a physician, I was reassured that it was merely a swollen lymph node, leading me to dismiss my concerns at the time. Over the years, I've noticed additional lymph nodes appearing, and while their sizes have fluctuated, I didn't think it warranted further attention. Recently, however, I have been experiencing more troubling symptoms. Eating has become a challenge due to nausea, and I find myself feeling full much sooner than normal. Additionally, I struggle with insomnia, waking up soaked in sweat multiple times each night. My overall energy levels have been declining gradually as well. With these developments, I've started to worry that lymphoma could be a possibility. This thought feels daunting, especially considering my age and the absence of any family history related to the condition. I'm uncertain about whether I should seek medical advice and what specific concerns I should bring up during a visit to the doctor.
Understanding the Lines on My Fingertips
For the past few years, I've noticed some peculiar lines resembling scars across my fingertips. This phenomenon appears on both my hands, and it is important to clarify that these markings are not due to dryness. I'm curious about what they might signify or if anyone else has experienced something similar.
Elevated Heart Rate and Trembling Post Steam Bath
I recently had an experience that raised some concerns about my heart health. Despite not having any previously diagnosed heart conditions, I sometimes grapple with anxiety related to my heart. A recent medical check-up and blood work came back normal, which brought some relief. After a swimming session, I spent approximately 25 to 30 minutes unwinding in a steam room. However, upon exiting and moving to the shower, I noticed a dramatic spike in my heart rate, jumping from around 100 to 170 beats per minute as indicated by my smartwatch. This sudden elevation in heart rate left me feeling quite shaky. Fortunately, I was able to sit down, focus on calming myself, and avoided any fainting spells. In a short period of about three minutes, my heart rate decreased from the 160s back to 100. I frequently use the steam room without experiencing such a reaction previously. I can’t help but wonder if perhaps I didn’t hydrate adequately, consumed too much caffeine, or stayed in the steam room longer than usual. Could this episode indicate a more serious underlying issue, or was it just an isolated occurrence?
Unusual Tongue Condition
Last weekend, I participated in a three-day sleepover with my younger cousin, who seems to have a habit of coughing openly. Upon returning home, I began to feel unwell; I woke up with a pounding headache and a painful throat. By the final day of the sleepover, my discomfort intensified. I noticed a rash spreading across my face, and my throat was incredibly sore, similar to the experience of having stage 2 sunburn (an ordeal I went through last year) but without the blistering. Eating and drinking became increasingly painful, and even resting caused discomfort. Though the rash eventually faded, I was left with a peculiar appearance on my tongue. Frustratingly, my parents refuse to seek medical attention, dismissing my concerns as typical hypochondria. I find myself wondering about the strange changes happening with my tongue and whether I should urge them for a doctor’s visit.
Are There Lasting Effects from Long-Term Use of Montelukast?
Hello everyone! To provide some background, I was prescribed montelukast at a young age—around 4 or 5 years old—continuing until I was about 10 or 11. During that time, I experienced significant levels of aggression. Unfortunately, none of the medical professionals we consulted suggested discontinuing the medication or indicated that my symptoms could have been related to its use. This has left me with some unresolved feelings so I’d rather not delve deeper into that right now. Currently, it has been some time since I stopped taking montelukast, but I find myself grappling with certain challenges. While I’m hesitant to elaborate unless absolutely necessary, I’m curious whether anyone knows about potential long-term side effects from prolonged use of this medication during childhood. Thank you so much for your insights! Much appreciated! <3