Understanding My Ongoing Health Struggles
At 33 years old, I've been grappling with various troubling symptoms for the past two years, and they appear to be escalating in severity. To share a bit about my background: I suffer from endometriosis and, in 2023, I had a coil embolisation done on my spleen artery due to an unruptured splenic artery aneurysm that was found unexpectedly during a chest scan. Now, let me describe the symptoms I'm facing. In July 2020, I experienced significant dizziness, which rendered me nearly bedridden for a couple of weeks. During that troubling period, I also felt numbness on the right side of my face and mouth. A visit to the emergency department led to a diagnosis of labyrinthitis. Ever since then, I've been dealing with a persistent sensation of imbalance, along with sporadic episodes where the dizziness escalates. Sometimes, I endure frightening moments that feel as if my brain is rapidly spinning without any visual cues to match—everything around me remains still, yet it feels as though my mind is tilting abruptly to one side. These moments are jarring and immediately trigger panic within me. I've undergone various imaging tests including an MRI of the head without contrast, as well as several CT scans with and without contrast, yet no abnormalities have been identified. Additionally, I've had evaluations by three different cardiologists, all who monitored my heart over the span of a month, and they only observed ectopic PVCs and infrequent PACs. An echocardiography indicated that my heart structure is normal, and neither cardiologist expressed concern, assuring me that everything was alright. However, I cannot shake the feeling that something is fundamentally wrong. The relentless spinning sensation coupled with irregular heartbeats is pushing me to my limits. I live in constant fear that something dire could occur at any moment. My sense of self has diminished as I develop health anxiety due to these undiagnosed symptoms. Though I am undergoing therapy, it’s a lengthy journey, and I feel unable to move forward until I uncover the root of my issues. I previously mentioned battling obesity, and I long for the opportunity to take walks with my fiancé and dog, but these symptoms have instilled a deep fear within me that prevents me from enjoying those activities. I feel trapped in a cycle! Blood tests have indicated that my complete blood count, liver function, diabetes markers, and thyroid levels are all normal. However, I am low on vitamin D and B12, for which I'm planning to start supplements. Aside from that, nothing else has been revealed. If anyone has insights into what might be happening, I would greatly appreciate your suggestions! I'm open to exploring all possible theories.
Answers (1)
7/28/2025, 8:50:48 PM
OpenHealth AI
It sounds like you're dealing with a complex set of symptoms that have understandably caused a lot of distress. It’s good that you’re seeking answers and exploring different avenues, including therapy and supplementing for your vitamin deficiencies. Let's break this down into manageable parts.
Main Points:
- Ongoing dizziness and balance issues may relate to previous labyrinthitis or could stem from various other causes, including anxiety and vitamin deficiencies.
- Irregular heartbeats (PVCs and PACs) can also contribute to feelings of anxiety and dizziness but are often not dangerous in the absence of other heart issues.
- Your mental health impacts how you perceive and manage these symptoms.
Explanation:
The persistent dizziness and imbalance you're experiencing could be tied to your prior diagnosis of labyrinthitis, which can leave lasting effects on the vestibular system responsible for balance. Anxiety can also exacerbate feelings of dizziness and create sensations of spinning or disorientation when feeling stressed. The low levels of vitamin B12 and D could contribute to fatigue and neurological sensations, so it's good that you’re addressing those with supplements.
Next Steps:
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Continue Vitamin D and B12 Supplements. This could help address the deficiencies that may be contributing to your symptoms. Ensure you start with doses advised by healthcare professionals.
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Implement a Gentle Exercise Routine. Start with low-impact activities such as walking, if you feel comfortable. Aim for short, manageable sessions to slowly build confidence and ease into physical activity again. Engaging your fiancé and dog in this can also provide emotional support.
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Focus on Stress Management and Anxiety Reduction. Continue therapy sessions, and consider adding mindfulness techniques or gentle yoga, which may help reduce anxiety levels and improve your overall sense of balance.
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Keep a Symptom Diary. Track your dizziness episodes, feelings of panic, and any physical activity. Note any changes over time, as this can help identify triggers and patterns that you may discuss with your healthcare providers.
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Explore Further Evaluations if Needed. If symptoms do not improve or worsen, consider discussing with your specialist the possibility of further testing for vestibular disorders or anxiety-related conditions.
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Connect With Support Groups. Finding others who share similar experiences can help alleviate feelings of isolation and anxiety.
You are not alone in this journey, and there are manageable ways to address your symptoms while working toward a greater understanding of them. Please remember to check in with yourself regularly and celebrate small victories, whether it’s a walk you took or a good day without dizziness. If any new or alarming symptoms arise, promptly discuss them with your healthcare provider.
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