Seeking Answers for My Ongoing Health Crisis
Age: 44 | Weight: 174lbs | Height: 5'11 | Ethnicity: Caucasian | Duration of Issues: 6.5 Years | Current Medications: None | Lifestyle: Non-smoker, non-drinker. During the spring of 2019, I experienced a sudden illness that has perplexed my healthcare providers. After numerous consultations and conversations with various medical professionals, I turn to the Reddit community in hope of finding some clarity or insight. My range of symptoms includes persistent rhinitis, cognitive difficulties such as brain fog and memory issues, heightened anxiety and depression correlated with dietary intake, chronic fatigue, early awakenings around 3 or 4 a.m., diminished libido, erectile dysfunction, blurriness in vision, dizziness, relentless tendonitis and joint pain, and symptoms of Raynaud's phenomenon more prominently affecting my right hand. I also face tingling sensations in my extremities and experience itchy, burning skin. In the initial stages of this condition, I struggled significantly with nausea, frequent vomiting, gastrointestinal disruptions, and severe muscle tightness particularly throughout my arms, legs, hips, neck, pelvic area, and jaw. Over the past year, I have lost between 41 to 43 pounds, dropping from 215 pounds to 174. I’ve undergone a multitude of tests, including MRIs, hip X-rays, an extensive array of blood tests, a colonoscopy, an endoscopy, and consultations with specialists like a rheumatologist, gastroenterologist, sports physiotherapist, and allergist. All results have come back normal. My testosterone levels were on the lower side but remained within acceptable limits, and I was found to be deficient in Vitamin D. While I have seen some modest improvements over these six years, primarily through applying a methodical approach to identify foods that exacerbate my symptoms, I still maintain a chronic level of discomfort even when avoiding these triggers. My current diet largely revolves around eating mashed potatoes and chicken daily, as they seem to keep my symptoms manageable, allowing me to think more clearly while avoiding severe tendonitis and joint pain. I underwent an elimination diet and suspect that fructans could be at the root of my problems. However, I find it hard to believe that these and Small Intestinal Bacterial Overgrowth (SIBO) treated with rifaximin could explain the broad spectrum of my symptoms, particularly the painful joints and ongoing tendonitis that arise from certain foods. This seems excessive and quite unreasonable. I apologize for any lack of coherence; summarizing six and a half years of illness is no small feat. I was previously an avid runner with immense energy, and now I feel like a shadow of my former self. I’m open to any questions and will provide further details if it would help clarify my situation. Thank you for your support in this matter.
Answers (1)
7/29/2025, 12:40:49 AM
OpenHealth AI
I'm sorry to hear about the long and challenging journey you’ve been on with your health. Your symptoms are complex, and it's understandable to seek clarity given the extensive medical evaluations you've undergone. Let’s break down what you are experiencing and prioritize actionable steps to help you manage your condition and potentially find some relief.
Main Points:
Your symptoms suggest multiple potential underlying issues, including possible food intolerances or autoimmune conditions. Since tests returned normal, it's crucial to focus on symptom management and lifestyle modifications.
Explanation:
The combination of persistent rhinitis, cognitive difficulties, anxiety, chronic fatigue, joint pain, and skin sensations may hint at several interconnected issues, including:
- Food Intolerances: Your insight regarding fructans and SIBO could play a role in gastrointestinal symptoms, which might be exacerbating your overall health.
- Nutritional Deficiency: Vitamin D deficiency can lead to fatigue and joint/muscle pain. Addressing this deficiency could be crucial.
- Autoimmune Considerations: Conditions like autoimmune disorders can produce widespread symptoms, but they can be challenging to diagnose if tests are mostly normal.
Given the duration and complexity of your symptoms, a multi-faceted approach is often most effective.
Next Steps:
-
Nutrition Focus:
- Continue with your elimination diet but consider working with a dietitian who specializes in gastrointestinal issues. Since you suspect fructans and potentially other triggers, structured reintroduction of foods can help clarify your intolerances.
- Focus on increasing your vitamin D through supplements as guided by a healthcare provider. Safe sunlight exposure can also help, depending on your geographical location.
-
Exercise and Physical Therapy:
- Gentle exercise can help manage joint pain and fatigue. Consider engaging in low-impact activities like swimming or walking as tolerated. Stretching routines or physical therapy might assist in your tendonitis.
-
Mental Health Support:
- Since you've noted heightened anxiety and depression linked to dietary intake, incorporating mindfulness practices like yoga or meditation could help improve your mood and cognitive focus.
- Consider speaking with a therapist about the psychological impact of chronic illness; cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT) may be particularly beneficial.
-
Symptom Monitoring:
- Keep a detailed symptom diary that records your food intake, symptoms, and emotional state. This can provide insights during subsequent consultations and help identify patterns or triggers.
-
Consult a Specialist:
- Given the complexity of your case, a consultation with a gastroenterologist familiar with functional gastrointestinal disorders could provide an avenue for exploring conditions like SIBO further.
- Additionally, consider discussing your joint symptoms with a rheumatologist who can evaluate for conditions like reactive arthritis or other inflammatory responses.
It’s important to remember that while these changes may take time, gradual adjustments can lead to substantial improvements in your quality of life. If any new symptoms arise or if there are significant changes in your condition, ensure to revisit your healthcare providers for further assessment.
Please let me know if you have more questions or need further clarification on any of these points. You're doing an important task by seeking support for your health.
Related Questions
Understanding Post-Sepsis Challenges: How to Alleviate Symptoms
At 41 years old, I was recently diagnosed with Pelvic Inflammatory Disease (PID), which escalated to sepsis requiring hospitalization. A significant factor in my situation was a severe allergic reaction to previous antibiotics, including doxycycline, flagyl, levaquin, and a ceftriaxone injection, all of which I reacted to. To manage this, I underwent four days of continuous Benadryl IV treatment. Now, I am prescribed azithromycin (1000mg weekly for two weeks) and clindamycin (450mg three times per day for 11 days) on an outpatient basis, and fortunately, I'm not experiencing adverse reactions this time. However, I do not recall the specific three IV antibiotics administered for my sepsis, which complicates my situation further. I have a few inquiries related to my condition: A) Could the severe redness and inflammation I experienced be attributed to both sepsis and the allergic reaction? B) I am not well-versed in the concept of post-sepsis syndrome. My doctor advised me to be gentle with myself and to rest when needed, yet I have growing concerns regarding my memory lapses and mood fluctuations, which are certainly not characteristic of my usual self. C) What steps can I take if these symptoms are indeed common following sepsis? If they aren't, who would be the appropriate specialist to consult?
Is My Concern Justified? An Exploration of Possible Thoracic Outlet Syndrome Symptoms
Hello, I am a 23-year-old female, 5 feet 7 inches tall, and weighing 110 pounds. I've recently begun taking pregabalin in hopes that it will alleviate some of my symptoms. Additionally, I am on Vynase and Wellbutrin. While recording a video of myself, I experienced an unexpected and intense pinch that prompted me to withdraw my hand abruptly. In reflection, I noticed a small dot that caught my attention; I can’t help but wonder if this is simply a swollen lymph node, especially since I know I have several engorged ones in that vicinity. I suspect this might relate to my presumed diagnosis of thoracic outlet syndrome (TOS), which may be contributing to my lymphatic system not functioning at its best. I've dealt with various symptoms associated with TOS and have harbored worries about potential blood clots in my arm and armpit, particularly in my bicep and forearm areas. My hand frequently feels chilly and occasionally goes numb, which is quite discomforting. Once, I attempted to massage my pectoral minor muscle, which provided some temporary relief, but unfortunately, the discomfort seems to migrate to different parts of my body. I’ve also noted a throbbing sensation and prominent, bulging veins in my arm that understandably raise concerns for me. However, given that I have Ehlers-Danlos Syndrome (EDS), it's challenging to discern if my current condition is solely due to my weight or if it's related to my underlying issues. I perceive that certain areas of my tissue are lax, which leads me to describe the feeling as "bandy"—as if there’s a web being spun throughout my body making my muscles involuntarily spasm. Additionally, I experience significant scapular winging, which I feel is worth mentioning. If my worries seem excessive, I’m open to that possibility, but my concerns continue to linger!
Understanding Nosebleeds
Hi there! I’m a 26-year-old male, 6'1” and weighing 190 pounds. At present, I'm feeling unwell, and after experiencing vomiting, I noticed some blood coming from my nose. I managed to clean it up, and the bleeding has stopped now. I’m wondering if this warrants a visit to the emergency room or if it’s something I can just monitor. Interestingly, I had a similar incident a couple of days ago following another bout of vomiting, and it was accompanied by a headache. Is this something I should be concerned about?
Concerns About Possible Rabies Exposure
Location: California, Western United States While I was out for a daytime stroll in flip flops, I suddenly sensed something brushing against my ankle. It felt like it may have either scratched me or delivered a bite, which leads me to suspect it could have been a bat. I don't recall actually seeing a bat, but I was quite fatigued and chose not to linger and investigate further to identify what had touched me. Given that I can't completely dismiss the possibility of having been bitten by a bat, I’m seeking advice on the next steps. The information available online typically inquires if there was an actual bite or if I had a specific type of exposure, but I am unable to definitively answer either way.
Experiencing Irregular Spotting and Pelvic Pain for Several Weeks
I’m 30 years old and have been dealing with unusually long menstrual cycles that can stretch anywhere from three months to a year apart, averaging around five to six months. My last period began on March 11th. Recently, I've noticed abnormal spotting for the past two to three weeks, accompanied by dull aches and cramps, with additional lower back pain introducing itself two days ago. The spotting has been peculiar, occurring intermittently but seemingly peaking around 4 to 5 PM daily, worsening over time; now it's even visible on pads. I have been experiencing this dull ache consistently for the last couple of months. Fortunately, I have an OBGYN appointment scheduled in three weeks, and I made a visit to Urgent Care yesterday due to the unusual nature of the spotting. During my visit, they conducted both blood and urine tests. The urine test revealed the presence of ketones, a trace of blood, and a high pH value of 7.5. My blood work showed that my MCH level was elevated at 32.4 (which has remained consistently high for the past five years). Meanwhile, my absolute eosinophil count was low at 0.03. Despite these findings, the Urgent Care staff later informed me that my results were classified as normal. To provide some context, I have made several attempts this year to consult with an OBGYN. However, the offices that accept my insurance require a referral from a primary care physician. I had to advocate strongly to receive this referral due to my concerns regarding my excessively long cycles and the pelvic pain I've been experiencing for the past three months. Initially, my primary care provider suggested either returning to birth control (which I’ve been off for two and a half years while trying to conceive) or only referring me to an OBGYN if my husband underwent a semen analysis first. In April, my doctor did refer me to a fertility clinic, but they are fully booked until next year. With my increasing discomfort, I expressed a desire to investigate potential serious underlying issues, but my doctor declined to issue a new referral for the OBGYN office. This prompted me to escalate the matter due to my health fears, informed by my family history of endometriosis, uterine fibroids, and a concerning cancer history among my parents—my father was diagnosed with non-Hodgkin's lymphoma and passed away at 48, while my mother has been fighting colon cancer for the last seven years. Additionally, various types of cancer, including pancreatic, skin, and brain cancer, run in my maternal family. My situation has left me feeling anxious, so I am hopeful that my upcoming appointment will yield some clarity and much-needed answers.