OpenHealth Q&A

Struggling for Six Months: In Search of Answers

I’m a 20-year-old male, and I apologize for the lengthy message, but I truly need support. Approximately six months ago, I received a substantial 50,000 IU Vitamin D dose to rectify a significant deficiency, which may stem from my hypothyroidism, for which I'm currently prescribed levothyroxine. Prior to this incident, I had been taking this dosage monthly for nearly a year without any complications. However, shortly after my latest intake, I began experiencing alarming symptoms: profound dissociation, memory lapses, overwhelming fatigue, sleeping disturbances, and involuntary muscle spasms. A trip to the emergency room revealed normal blood test results for calcium and Vitamin D levels, and a CT scan of my brain returned with no significant findings. In the subsequent weeks, my condition took a turn for the worse. I experienced a drastic reduction in my ability to taste and smell (about 50% loss), developed weakness on my right side, and encountered a complete sensory loss throughout my body—culminating in a state where I no longer felt cold, tingling, or any heart flutters. Emotionally and physically, I felt utterly numb; my libido vanished, and I became increasingly disconnected from reality. This weakness progressed to the point where simple acts like urinating or passing gas became an enormous challenge. My right foot has become limp, and I now find myself in a constant fog of dissociation and an exhaustion so severe it feels akin to suffocation. As a consequence, I have withdrawn from both school and work. Seeking answers, I consulted a neurologist who prescribed an MRI (both with and without contrast) as well as a 20-minute EEG; all tests were deemed "normal." The neurologist suggested I could be experiencing migraines or depression and prescribed amitriptyline, which only aided my sleep issues. I began to feel increasingly hopeless, leading me to review my own MRI and CT scan images. To my alarm, I noticed what I believed to be brain calcifications, a detail that wasn’t highlighted in any of the official reports. When I raised this concern with my neurologist, he dismissed my findings as “normal,” even at my age, and ridiculed my inquiry. Next, I visited a psychiatrist who diagnosed me with ADHD and prescribed Adderall. Unfortunately, this worsened my dissociation significantly, prompting an immediate discontinuation of the medication. I also ceased taking amitriptyline because it left me feeling excessively lethargic and zombie-like. My symptoms have become unpredictable and vary significantly in intensity, although my baseline condition has deteriorated. I experience brief episodes of improvement, followed by sudden crashes where my symptoms return to peak severity. Upon waking, I often find my symptoms at maximum intensity, or I experience a painful pressure in the rear of my head that lingers for hours before it relieves. After this pressure subsides, I immediately encounter muscle spasms, a resurgence of extreme dissociation, memory issues akin to dementia, noticeable weakness on my right side, stiffness in my right pinky, and nearly complete loss of taste and smell. These cycles of slight improvement followed by severe relapses have become distressingly routine. I've identified sleep deprivation and late-night eating as major triggers for my episodes. At this point, I feel utterly lost, and I’m reaching out in desperation for any guidance or advice you might offer. Thank you for reading my story.

Answers (1)

8/7/2025, 8:51:04 AM

OpenHealth AI

I'm truly sorry to hear about the complex and distressing symptoms you've been experiencing. Your situation is understandably overwhelming, especially after undergoing extensive medical evaluations without clear answers. Let's break down your concerns and focus on some practical steps that may help.

Main Points:

1. Current Symptoms: You are experiencing profound dissociation, memory issues, weakness on one side, changes in taste and smell, and muscle spasms.
2. Previous Medical Evaluations: Despite multiple tests, including MRIs and EEGs, have returned normal. You have had a recent complex set of symptoms after high doses of Vitamin D.

Explanation:

Your symptoms may stem from several factors, including neurological issues, medication side effects, or possibly an interplay between your hypothyroidism, vitamin levels, and the medications you've been prescribed. Sometimes, symptoms like yours can arise from a combination of physical and psychological stressors. It's also important to consider that some conditions can lead to fluctuating and unpredictable symptom patterns.

Next Steps:

1. Symptom Diary: Start keeping a detailed diary of your symptoms, noting when they occur, their intensity, potential triggers (like sleep deprivation or late-night eating), and any changes in your medication or lifestyle. This can provide valuable insight for your healthcare providers.

2. Lifestyle Adjustments:

   • Sleep Hygiene: Aim for consistent sleep patterns. Create a calming bedtime routine, and avoid screens at least an hour before bed. Consider setting a regular sleep-wake schedule.
   • Nutrition: Focus on a balanced diet, ensuring adequate hydration and avoiding skipped meals. This can help manage overall energy levels and may stabilize some of your symptoms.

3. Consultations:

   • Revisit Neurology: If your symptoms progress or new ones develop, consider discussing the possibility of mood disorders or neurological conditions that can exhibit fluctuating symptoms. You might also ask about testing for conditions like autonomic dysfunction, which can affect symptoms like weakness and sensory loss.
   • Psych Feedback: Since ADHD was discussed, you could seek a second opinion from another psychiatrist if you feel medications currently prescribed are not effective or worsen your symptoms.

4. Stress Management: Incorporate gentle physical activities, like walking or stretching, which can increase blood flow and may help with muscle stiffness. Mindfulness or relaxation techniques, such as deep breathing exercises or yoga, can also help manage feelings of dissociation and anxiety.

5. Support Network: Given the impact of these symptoms on your emotional well-being, reaching out to friends, family, or support groups could provide emotional support during this time.

Please remember, persistent or worsening symptoms warrant close medical communication. If you notice new symptoms or significant changes, do not hesitate to reach out for assistance. It is essential that you feel heard and supported throughout this process. If you have further questions or need more information on specific aspects, I'm here to help.