OpenHealth Q&A

Persistent Health Issues Since January 2025

I am a 21-year-old female who experienced a troubling series of health challenges starting early this year. Following a brief trip abroad during December, I returned home on the 28th, only to develop a nagging dry cough shortly after. This cough continued uncontrollably for several days into January, without any other noticeable symptoms at that point. I initially dismissed it as just a cough. However, things escalated when I suddenly awoke on December 29 with severe pain located in my right lower quadrant, resembling appendicitis. Alongside this pain, I experienced sweating and chills, likely indicating a fever. In a state of discomfort, I opted to ignore it and instead found relief by lying down with a cold water bottle. The pain was agonizing, making it difficult to move about. Despite feeling I should seek medical attention, I hesitated, worrying I might be bothersome due to my sweaty state. The next day, after consulting with a friend's mother who had previously undergone an appendectomy, she urged me to visit the ER due to my symptoms. Thus, I reluctantly went to the emergency room that evening. The doctor I saw dismissed my concerns, asserting that I was too young for appendicitis, which I found difficult to accept, especially knowing someone who had the surgery as a teenager. They administered an injection meant to reduce inflammation, which caused burning upon administration, but I left the hospital shortly after, feeling somewhat better. Days later, as I prepared to return to school, things took a turn for the worse. I was gripped by a night of tremors, nausea, and shortness of breath that made sleep impossible. This night was particularly harrowing for me, and despite taking melatonin to alleviate the distress, I could hardly find rest due to my shaking. As mid-January approached, I continued to suffer from persistent nausea, breathing difficulties, a lack of appetite, and feeling full after only small bites. On January 16, when I experienced severe tightness in my chest, I called a doctor for advice due to my background on birth control and recent travels. The risk of a pulmonary embolism was flagged, prompting me to rush back to the ER. My vital signs upon arrival were concerning: a temperature of 98.3 °F, heart rate of 127, and elevated respiratory rate. The doctor conducted an EKG, indicating sinus tachycardia without defining changes, along with a positive D-dimer test, leading to a CT scan that ultimately showed no signs of embolism. Even after being discharged, I continued to face significant symptoms: tightness in my chest, nausea, and heartburn. I was treated with zofran and albuterol, but no explanation was provided regarding my concerning D-dimer results. The doctor suggested I might still have residual mucus from my earlier illness, which I reluctantly accepted as a plausible explanation. My condition, however, did not improve. The nausea and abdominal pain worsened, prompting me to schedule an appointment with a nurse practitioner. During this visit, I underwent another EKG. The results revealed sinus arrhythmia, but I did not receive adequate answers regarding its cause. Instead, I was repeatedly questioned about anxiety, which I strongly felt was unrelated given the intensity of the pain I was experiencing in my chest. Consequently, an echocardiogram was scheduled, but the soonest appointment was not until April. In late March, I was prescribed omeprazole, which was ineffective, and later switched to famotidine, which slightly alleviated my stomach discomfort. Despite my efforts to eat a balanced diet, the nausea continued to hinder my appetite, resulting in significant weight loss — dropping from 132 lbs to 118 lbs in a month. An upper endoscopy revealed mild inflammation but yielded no definitive diagnosis. Frustratingly, the officer responsible for my care did not follow up with any further recommendations. As the months wore on, I kept experiencing various gastrointestinal symptoms, including severe bloating and burning sensations. Avoiding coffee, which historically had no adverse effects, was a contentious decision as it seemed to exacerbate my conditions. One recent assessment indicated a significant degree of gastric retention during a gastric emptying test. Adding to the discomfort, I began to notice cramping pain in my chest, especially on the left side, a persistent issue amidst other symptoms. I remain perplexed and distressed about my healthcare journey, having undergone tests including checks for diabetes and scans that revealed ongoing constipation issues without any clear answers or solutions. A technician suggested checking for scoliosis based on spinal alignment issues visible in an X-ray, prompting me to inquire further about these findings with my doctor. In summary, I am grappling with severe symptoms that emerged this January, which significantly impact my daily life as I navigate classes while managing shortness of breath, nausea, abdominal pain, and constipation. I realize my situation requires ongoing monitoring and management with prescribed medications, including metoclopramide. However, I find myself wondering about the underlying cause, potentially an autoimmune condition, despite my health provider's reassurance against it. The complex interplay of symptoms has left me feeling helpless and unwell, and I continue to seek clarity and support in my pursuit of better health.

Answers (1)

7/31/2025, 5:31:07 AM

OpenHealth AI

It sounds like you've been through a challenging health journey, and I want to reassure you that seeking clarity and understanding regarding your symptoms is an essential part of managing your health. Given the complexity of your ongoing issues—dry cough, abdominal pain, nausea, chest discomfort, and significant weight loss—it’s clear that you deserve a thorough evaluation and answers.

Key Points:

1. Multiple Symptoms: Your symptoms are interconnected. The combination of gastrointestinal issues, respiratory problems, and chest discomfort can be indicative of various conditions.
2. Need for Comprehensive Evaluation: There may be an underlying issue that has yet to be addressed properly, which can include gastrointestinal disorders, autonomic dysfunction, or even potentially an autoimmune condition.
3. Importance of Further Follow-Up: Given your experiences and the impact on your daily life, proactive follow-up with healthcare providers is crucial.

Explanation:

Your symptoms—ranging from severe abdominal pain and gastrointestinal distress to respiratory challenges—could occur due to several reasons. These may include gastrointestinal disorders (like gastroparesis, which your gastric emptying test may indicate), anxiety-related somatic responses, or even issues related to your respiratory system.

1. Gastrointestinal Issues: The nausea, weight loss, and bloating suggest a significant gastrointestinal challenge. The gastric retention you mentioned may be affecting your capacity to eat and should be monitored more closely.

2. Chest Discomfort and Breathlessness: While many healthcare providers initially focus on anxiety, the severity and nature of your chest pain warrant exploration beyond anxiety alone. Conditions affecting the lungs (like asthma or other respiratory issues) or the cardiovascular system should also be ruled out systematically.

3. Comprehensive Assessment of Autoimmune Conditions: Though your healthcare providers may have reassured you against autoimmune conditions, persistent symptoms often require further testing for conditions like lupus or Crohn's, which may manifest with various systemic symptoms.

Next Steps:

1. Follow-Up with Specialists:

   • Given your situation, I recommend seeking an appointment with a gastroenterologist for your gastrointestinal symptoms, emphasizing your experiences with nausea, bloating, and the gastric emptying test results.
   • Consider scheduling visits with a pulmonologist to address your respiratory symptoms and chest discomfort.

2. Symptom Diary: Keep a detailed diary of your symptoms, noting their timing, intensity, and potential triggers. This can help your doctors identify patterns related to your issues.

3. Nutrition and Diet Management: While you’re taking medications like metoclopramide and famotidine, maintaining a balanced diet can be challenging with your reduced appetite. Focus on small, nutrient-dense meals and consult a dietitian for tailored nutritional support if possible.

4. Mental Health Support: Managing a chronic health issue can be emotionally taxing. Seek support from mental health professionals who specialize in chronic illness, as they can help alleviate some of the anxiety intertwined with your symptoms.

5. Regular Monitoring: Ensure you have scheduled follow-ups to keep assessing your condition, especially regarding any new symptoms or changes in your health status.

Finding answers to complex health issues takes time and persistence. Please remember that your experience is valid, and continuing to advocate for your health is crucial. Take care, and I hope that soon you will have clearer answers and a path to recovery.