OpenHealth Q&A

Understanding My Mysterious Health Issues

Greetings. I am a 49-year-old woman grappling with what appears to be a persistent infection affecting my shoulder, lung, or potentially both. Background: I struggled with chronic strep throat during my childhood, which unfortunately led to excessive antibiotic use. I suspect I may have experienced rheumatic fever at some stage. In my early twenties, I developed Small Intestinal Bacterial Overgrowth (SIBO), following my treatment for strep, during which I fear I contracted Clostridium difficile (c-diff). Shortly thereafter, I found myself hospitalized at 32 due to an empyema in my right lung, a condition that arose after enduring agonizing back spams. Despite my time in the hospital, my health did not improve, and medical professionals were unable to provide a definitive diagnosis. In a bid to understand my condition, I identified a sensitivity to gluten, which allowed me to make some progress in my recovery. However, I now manage a low-carb and sugar-reduced diet, as deviations sometimes lead to a resurgence of discomfort, characterized by a sense of heaviness and pain in my lung area. In my twenties, I underwent arthroscopic surgery on my knee, during which doctors noted significant deterioration of my cartilage. This degradation seems to have spread to my other joints over time. An immunologist later informed me that I have an IGG immune deficiency, complicating my health further. Additional symptoms include the appearance of “water blisters” behind my ears and along my neck, intermittent joint pain, and a range of cognitive issues like brain fog and overwhelming fatigue. Mood fluctuations often accompany my infections, and I occasionally experience an itchy sensation across my body, which can feel like either insects crawling on me or severely dry skin. For the past five years, I have battled stiffness in my back and neck alongside intermittent burning sensations and inflammation. On multiple occasions, I sought emergency care, fearing meningitis; however, tests yielded no conclusive results, and a spinal tap was never performed. To manage my symptoms, I take garlic supplements and various antibacterial and antifungal products, which provide some relief. In recent months, I have noticed mild chest discomfort. Cardiac evaluations returned normal. Nonetheless, it seems whatever I am experiencing has progressed to the opposite side of my chest. Following a mild bout of COVID, the symptoms appear to have intensified, now affecting my left lung and shoulder. While I initiated adjustments to my diet and resumed garlic supplementation, improvement has been limited. Despite consulting rheumatologists and specialists in infectious diseases, I often feel dismissed. Many suggest that only individuals with AIDS or existing autoimmune disorders exhibit similar symptoms. Considering my history of chronic strep infections, excessive antibiotic treatments, and compromised immune response, shouldn’t there be a valid reason for further investigation? I am reaching out for insights into what I might be facing and guidance on whom to consult next. I suspect there may be lingering strep or a fungal issue at play, but I am unsure how to communicate this effectively to medical professionals. I am desperate to avoid additional invasive procedures like chest tubes and feel incredibly lost and frustrated in this situation.

Answers (1)

8/2/2025, 10:40:51 PM

OpenHealth AI

It sounds like you're facing a complex and challenging health situation with a long history of various symptoms and conditions. Understanding your concerns, I want to help identify some of the key issues you face and provide actionable suggestions to improve your health journey.

Key Points:

1. Complicated Health History: You have several interconnected health issues, including past infections, immune deficiencies, dietary sensitivities, and current symptoms affecting multiple systems.
2. Ongoing Symptoms: Your symptoms, such as chest discomfort, joint pain, and cognitive issues, may be related to your medical history, and further evaluation could be warranted.
3. Communication with Healthcare Providers: It’s crucial to effectively communicate your concerns to healthcare professionals to facilitate a comprehensive approach.

Explanation:

Your symptoms are potentially linked to multiple factors - chronic infections, immune response issues, and dietary sensitivities. Given your history of strep throat and gastrointestinal issues, it's understandable to suspect lingering infections or sensitivities. The involvement of multiple body systems suggests a need for a detailed investigation, particularly into immune function and chronic inflammatory responses.

Next Steps:

1. Symptom Tracking:

   • Keep a detailed diary of your symptoms, including their frequency, intensity, and any potential triggers (food, stress, etc.). Note when your chest discomfort worsens or improves.

2. Dietary Adjustments:

   • Continue your gluten-free and low-carb diet, but consider consulting a dietitian for personalized advice that can address your specific needs and nutrient deficiencies related to your immune condition.

3. Healthcare Communication:

   • When visiting specialists (rheumatologists, infectious disease experts):
     • Share your detailed symptom diary and history of treatments and their effects.
     • Clearly express your concerns about lingering infections or fungal issues, and advocate for further specific tests such as:
       • Comprehensive immune panel
       • Testing for chronic infections (like strep or fungi) via cultures or specific antibody tests.

4. Holistic Approach:

   • Explore complementary therapies like physical therapy for joint pain and stiffness, as well as cognitive therapies for brain fog.
   • Consider discussing the use of anti-inflammatory supplements, as they might help manage overall inflammation.

5. Regular Follow-Ups:

   • Schedule regular appointments with your physicians and keep them updated on any new symptoms or changes. Persistence in communication is key to getting the care you need.

It’s understandable to feel overwhelmed, especially when you've felt dismissed in the past. Continuous advocacy for yourself is important, and seeking out practitioners who specialize in complex, chronic conditions may provide a more holistic understanding of your health. You're taking a proactive step by seeking information and support, and I encourage you to keep pushing for the answers you deserve.