Concerns About My Blood Test Results
I’m a 19-year-old female with thalassemia minor (I'm uncertain if it's alpha or beta), and I have a congenital cholesteatoma; in addition, I underwent a mastoidectomy in March this year. I do not smoke or consume alcohol, nor do I partake in any recreational drugs. Historically, I’ve dealt with various health issues, but recently my condition has shifted dramatically. I experience severe fatigue that leaves me feeling weighed down, making it challenging to rise from bed. There are moments when I briefly lose vision, as if everything goes black even though my eyes remain open, and I might be perfectly fine in other respects. Additionally, I’ve noticed a significant decline in my ability to concentrate, coupled with an unsettling sense of disorientation and worsening memory issues. I’ve undergone a complete blood count and am eager to know if any results might be alarming. Despite numerous visits to various doctors seeking clarity, I often feel dismissed, receiving referrals to specialists who similarly overlook my concerns. Therefore, I’m reaching out here as a final effort to find some reassurance. I will share the results in the comments and would greatly appreciate feedback on whether I’m overreacting or if my symptoms warrant attention.
Answers (1)
8/3/2025, 7:40:52 AM
OpenHealth AI
It’s understandable to feel concerned given your symptoms and medical history. Severe fatigue, visual disturbances, concentration loss, and memory issues can have various underlying causes, particularly in someone with thalassemia minor and a history of surgeries.
Explanation
Thalassemia minor often causes mild anemia, but the symptoms you’re experiencing—such as fatigue and vision changes—require deeper evaluation. These might not directly relate to thalassemia. Other factors like nutritional deficiencies (iron, vitamin B12, or folate), thyroid issues, neurological conditions, or even anxiety could contribute to your symptoms.
Next Steps
-
Prioritize Symptom Tracking: Keep a diary of your symptoms. Note when they occur, how long they last, and any triggers (like stress or fatigue). This information is valuable for healthcare providers.
-
Nutritional Assessment: Ensure you're maintaining a balanced diet rich in vitamins and minerals, particularly if you're feeling fatigued. Focus on foods rich in iron (like leafy greens, legumes, and lean meats) and vitamin B12 (found in fish, meat, dairy).
-
Stay Hydrated: Dehydration can exacerbate fatigue and concentration issues. Aim to drink plenty of fluids throughout the day.
-
Regular Rest: Prioritize sleep and rest. Create a relaxing bedtime routine to help improve sleep quality.
-
Mindfulness and Relaxation Techniques: Practices such as deep breathing, meditation, or light yoga can help manage stress and improve focus.
-
Follow-up with Your Doctor: Since you mentioned that you feel dismissed, try to express your concerns clearly, using the symptom diary as a reference. Don’t hesitate to seek a second opinion if you feel your concerns aren’t taken seriously.
-
Consider Neurological Evaluation: Given the visual disturbances and cognitive symptoms, it might also be beneficial to discuss these with a neurologist if symptoms persist or worsen.
I understand this can be a frustrating journey, but you're taking an important step by seeking to understand your health better. Keep me posted on your blood test results, and I can help interpret them further.
Related Questions
Resources for Safe Mouse Cleanup
While it may not be a typical inquiry for a healthcare professional, I find myself in need of guidance. Recently, we had an uninvited mouse visitor in our home, and unfortunately, it left droppings in my children's toy storage and on the changing table. I am seeking advice on how to effectively disinfect all affected items or determine if disposal is necessary to prevent any health risks. My children are quite young, at 2.5 years and just 4 months old. If they’ve potentially been exposed to mouse droppings, should I reach out to their pediatrician? For reference, I’m a 32-year-old female, standing at 5'6" and weighing 140 pounds, not currently on any medications.
Excessive Electrical Shocks Encountered
Hello everyone! This is my inaugural post here since I don't frequently use Reddit. I'm a 15-year-old male, and I've recently been experiencing an unusual frequency of electrical shocks. Whenever I come into contact with anything that is either highly charged or conductive, I receive a sharp, irritating jolt. This situation has become increasingly bothersome. For instance, I can only grasp my Mac charger by the cord and not the plug itself. I'm curious if anyone has insights into why this is happening. Please let me know; I hope it's nothing serious! 💕
Urinalysis Inquiry
Subject: Urinalysis Results Review Age: 23 Height: 5'2" Weight: 101 lbs Greetings! I would appreciate it if you could review my urinalysis findings. The test was conducted yesterday, just one day prior to the start of my menstrual cycle, and I am now currently on my period. Below are the details of my results, as I need this information to fulfill a prerequisite for my employment. Additionally, I would like to know whether my menstrual cycle may have influenced the outcome of the test. I typically experience frequent urination, yet I do not have any discomfort or pain while urinating.
Concerns About My Eye Condition
I'm a 19-year-old female, weighing 190 pounds and standing 5'5". Lately, I’ve noticed some troubling changes in my eyes. There are prominent, red veins extending from the inner corners of my eyes into the irises. Additionally, there are bright red streaks and pools forming at the lower part of both eyes beneath the eyelids, bordered by a yellowish hue. When I consulted two different doctors, they were unable to pinpoint the issue and simply recommended lubricating eye drops. Unfortunately, the condition seems to be deteriorating, with the redness spreading further. While there is no significant pain, keeping my eyes open feels like a struggle, and my vision has become increasingly blurry, leading to some headaches. I’ve been unwell recently, but I’m uncertain if this has any relevance to my eye problems. Any advice or insights would be immensely helpful.
Experiencing Numbness in the Right Arm or Leg?
Hello! I’m a 17-year-old assigned female at birth, weighing approximately 110 pounds and standing around 5 feet 2-3 inches tall. At the moment, I’m not taking any medications and I don’t smoke. Recently, I’ve been facing a peculiar issue where my right leg or arm occasionally becomes numb. This sensation only impacts my right side and never the left. It can occur at any time, both during day and night. Typically, the numbness in my leg arises when I’m lying in bed, although I also experience it randomly throughout the day. I’m curious if anyone has any insights or thoughts about whether this could be something more serious than just a problem with my posture, haha!