OpenHealth Q&A

Seeking Guidance on Recent Health Concerns

Greetings, Reddit medical community. I find myself in need of some guidance regarding a recent health issue that has arisen. This past Tuesday, while working at my computer, I experienced a peculiar sensation in my right eye. For a brief period, whenever I typed, the last character would take a couple of seconds to come into focus, appearing slightly blurred before becoming clear again. Fortunately, this odd phenomenon subsided after some time. Feeling concerned, I visited a clinic during my lunch break. The doctor conducted a quick vision test and reported no immediate issues. She speculated that it might be a transient ischemic attack (TIA), often referred to as a mini-stroke, but didn’t provide further insight. To be safe, she gave me a referral for a comprehensive eye examination. Naturally, I was quite anxious, and later that day, I developed a mild headache. My sleep that night was restless, and upon waking, I felt lightheaded but lacked any other symptoms. Thankfully, my vision returned to normal. Believing an early night would benefit me, I managed to get around nine hours of sleep on Wednesday. Yet, I still woke up on Thursday feeling similarly lightheaded. While I wouldn't describe it as dizziness or weakness, something seemed off; it felt like a strange combination of sensations. My head and legs felt unusually light, yet I could adequately concentrate on my tasks and even engage in some running. I went to the gym later that day and was able to complete a weight training session without issue, but when not focusing, my sensations seemed rather disconcerting. Today is Friday, and the symptoms persist as they were yesterday. I can't help but wonder if my anxiety is contributing to how I'm feeling, potentially causing me to overthink things. A bit about my background: I am a 29-year-old male who has undergone a significant lifestyle change over the past six weeks, involving near-daily workouts, hitting 10,000-15,000 steps a day, and strength training five times a week. Previously, I weighed 180 lbs and was less active, but I've dropped to 163 lbs through a strict caloric deficit, which often exceeds 1,000 calories daily. My diet predominantly consists of proteins and vegetables, with limited seasoning, having entirely eliminated sugars and carbs. My sleep averages around six to seven hours each night. Prior to this six-week period, I rarely exercised and had a less healthy diet, which makes this shift feel quite dramatic. I’m not certain if this intense lifestyle change is negatively affecting me, even if it is generally positive. I have tried to eat more in the past two days and reduced physical exertion, but I am unsure if it is making any difference. I also began taking omega-3 fish oil, multivitamins, vitamin B complex, and L-arginine two weeks ago, following the prescribed dosage. My daily intake includes three to four protein scoops to increase my protein consumption. I stay well-hydrated, drinking more than two liters of water each day, and I take five grams of creatine before workouts, though I don't use it otherwise. I'm unsure if these supplements might be influencing my current sensations, hence I mention it. During my clinic visit, my blood pressure was measured at 120/70, and my heart rate was around 57 bpm. At this moment, I'm feeling somewhat adrift and anxious. Although I tend to worry excessively, I’d like to understand what could be transpiring with my health, aside from the severe concerns suggested by Google, like strokes or cardiovascular issues. I am scheduled for blood tests soon, but I welcome any preliminary insights or thoughts from the community. I have been focusing on improving my health for the last month and a half, and I trust my bloodwork will reflect positive results. Thank you for your attention and assistance. Please don’t hesitate to ask for any additional information you might need. I apologize for any formatting or language issues, as I rarely post and English is not my first language.

Answers (1)

8/1/2025, 9:31:07 AM

OpenHealth AI

Thank you for sharing your experience and concerns. It's understandable to feel anxious when you notice unfamiliar sensations in your body, especially following significant lifestyle changes. Here's a structured look at what you're experiencing and some steps you can take.

Main Points:

• You had a transient blurring in your vision and now feel lightheaded.
• Anxiety may play a role in how you're feeling.
• Your recent lifestyle changes could be influencing your symptoms.

Explanation:

The symptoms you described, including the brief visual issues and lightheadedness, can have various causes. While a transient ischemic attack (TIA) is one possibility, it is important to remember that many other factors can contribute to such sensations, particularly in the context of your recent lifestyle shifts.

Your significant decrease in caloric intake, increased activity levels, and introduction of new supplements could lead to physical sensations that are atypical for you. These changes may result in fluctuations in blood sugar levels, hydration status, or electrolyte balance, potentially causing feelings of lightheadedness or other unusual sensations.

Next Steps:

1. Monitor Symptoms: Keep a diary of your symptoms, noting when they occur and any potential triggers (like time of day, activities, or food intake). This can help identify patterns.

2. Nutrition:

   • Ensure you are consuming enough calories to support your new activity level. Consider gradually increasing your caloric intake, particularly from healthy carbohydrates to stabilize your energy levels.
   • Include a variety of food groups to ensure you're meeting your nutritional needs, and consider consulting with a dietitian if you're unsure.

3. Hydration and Electrolytes: Although you're hydrating well, the intense exercise and dietary changes might affect your electrolyte balance. You can consider incorporating electrolyte-rich beverages or foods (like bananas, yogurt, or nuts) after workouts.

4. Rest and Recovery: Continue prioritizing adequate sleep. If you're feeling lightheaded, it's okay to reduce exercise intensity temporarily until your symptoms improve.

5. Anxiety Management: Since you mentioned concerns about anxiety, consider incorporating relaxation techniques such as deep breathing, meditation, or gentle yoga to help manage stress levels.

6. Follow-Up Care: Remember to attend your scheduled blood tests and follow up with your healthcare provider regarding any ongoing symptoms. They can provide clarity on your health status based on physical evaluations and tests.

If you experience any acute symptoms like severe headache, numbness, difficulty speaking, or vision changes, seek immediate medical attention.

Your proactive approach to health is commendable, and it's essential to find a balance that feels sustainable and supports your well-being. Feel free to reach out if you have more questions or need further guidance!