Is This Truly Normal? I Just Can’t Wrap My Head Around It
I’m a 34-year-old woman weighing 190 lbs, with a background of gestational diabetes on two occasions and two cesarean deliveries. Since 2020, I have been battling frequent illnesses along with systemic symptoms that persistently flare up. Currently, I’m on the following medications: - Abilify 5mg - Wellbutrin XL 150mg - Adderall 20mg IR - Lamictal 150mg Despite my repeated blood tests coming back mostly normal (my iron levels are fine, and the ANA test was negative), I can’t shake the feeling that something is off. I constantly find myself with new unexplained bruises, and it’s becoming increasingly alarming. Each morning I awaken to fresh bruises that don’t hurt at all. I’m not engaging in any activities that could possibly lead to bruising. I’m at a loss regarding my next steps since all my lab results seem normal. I often feel unwell and I’m exhausted from the lack of answers, making me feel rather overwhelmed and anxious.
Answers (1)
8/7/2025, 10:50:41 PM
OpenHealth AI
It sounds like you’re experiencing frustrating and concerning symptoms, particularly unexplained bruising and persistent feelings of illness despite normal lab results. It’s completely understandable to feel overwhelmed and anxious in this situation. Let’s break this down and explore your possible next steps.
Main Points:
- Unexplained bruising and systemic symptoms can have various causes.
- Normal lab results do not necessarily rule out underlying conditions.
- It's important to take proactive steps to gain clarity on your health.
Explanation:
Frequent unexplained bruising can occur for several reasons. It might be linked to medications you’re taking, certain nutritional deficiencies, or potentially another underlying condition that hasn’t yet been identified. Medications like Adderall and others can affect blood clotting or platelet function, while fatigue can sometimes be a result of hormonal changes or stress-related issues.
Since your blood tests for iron and autoimmune markers (ANA) are normal, it may be beneficial to explore other possibilities, including:
- Platelet Count: A complete blood count (CBC) can help understand if platelet levels are low, which would contribute to easy bruising.
- Medications and Interactions: All the medications you're on might interact or have side effects that lead to bruising. A review of these with a healthcare provider may help identify potential issues.
Next Steps:
-
Keep a Symptom Diary: Document when new bruises appear, any other accompanying symptoms, and potential triggers (diet, stress, new activities) to present to your healthcare provider. This can help spot patterns that may not be evident at first glance.
-
Nutritional Considerations: Evaluate your diet to ensure it's rich in vitamins C and K, and stable in antioxidants. These nutrients play a role in blood vessel strength and healing processes.
-
Consult About Medications: Schedule a review of your current medications with a healthcare provider. Discuss the possibility of side effects or interactions that could lead to your symptoms, and explore alternatives if necessary.
-
Consider Additional Testing: If symptoms persist, suggest to your healthcare provider the need for targeted tests like a CBC or specific tests for clotting disorders (like PT, PTT, and platelet function tests) to rule out underlying issues.
-
Mental Health Support: Given your feelings of anxiety and overwhelm, connecting with a mental health professional could provide coping strategies to manage stress while you seek answers about your physical health.
Remember, it's important to advocate for your health and voice your concerns to ensure that you get the necessary support and answers you need. You're not alone in this, and taking these steps may help you feel more empowered.
Related Questions
Prolonged Miscarriage: Over Four Weeks In
A 35-year-old woman managing Type 1 diabetes with an insulin pump has been experiencing a challenging period marked by a recent miscarriage. This occurred just shy of ten weeks into the pregnancy, following an extremely positive pregnancy test, although medical confirmation had not yet been obtained. The physical symptoms were quite severe, with substantial bleeding that included large tissue clumps and blood clots observed during a shower. The size of these clots was rather alarming, comparable to a fist, causing blockage in the drain. Initially, for the first three to four days, there was heavy bleeding, requiring three pads daily. After that, the situation gradually improved, and around a week ago, she reached a point where only a pantyliner might suffice. Despite the reduction, bleeding persisted intermittently, mainly noticeable upon wiping, with instances of no blood at all, leading to inconsistencies in her experience. Recently, she has been feeling bloated and has noticed a resurgence in bleeding, necessitating the use of pads twice daily. Additionally, she has been experiencing light cramps and has developed acne. A subsequent pregnancy test revealed continued positive results. Now, with over four weeks of bleeding, she reached out to her physician’s office. However, the response was not one of concern, suggesting that she could schedule a visit at her convenience if she felt the need. The cost of visiting a doctor or urgent care deters her from seeking immediate professional help unless absolutely warranted. Overall, she reports feeling generally well, but is seeking advice from others. Is there cause for alarm, or is it feasible to let things unfold naturally? Could this miscarriage have evolved into her menstrual cycle instead? Additionally, it's worth noting that she occasionally finds small blood clots on the toilet paper after wiping. Since the onset of this situation, she has abstained from sexual intercourse.
Concerns After Gallbladder Surgery (Three Weeks Post-Op) - Is It an Infection?
Profile: - Age: 35 - Gender: Female - Height: 5 feet 4 inches - Weight: 160 pounds - Ethnicity: Asian Duration of Symptoms: Last Three Weeks Location: United States Recent Medical History: Nearly three weeks have passed since my gallbladder removal surgery. Over the last few days, I've noticed a small amount of unclear fluid coming from the incision. I just observed what seems to be pus oozing from the surgical site. Although there is slight tenderness when I move or touch the area, it isn't painful. Thankfully, I haven’t experienced any fever or chills, and there’s no unpleasant odor emanating from the wound. Should I continue to clean it with soap and water, or is it necessary for me to visit the emergency room for further evaluation?
Exploring Inositol and CoQ10 for Managing PCOS Symptoms
As a 28-year-old female, I have faced the challenges of polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS) since my teenage years. Starting from the age of 16, I have dealt with highly irregular menstrual cycles, occurring anywhere from three to eight months apart. My diagnosis has been substantiated through two ultrasounds and blood tests revealing elevated androgen levels. Despite maintaining a healthy diet and leading an active lifestyle—balancing my work as an environmental biologist with gym sessions alongside my husband—I continue to wrestle with weight management. Other symptoms impacting my daily life include significant hair loss, unwanted facial hair, and persistent fatigue. In my journey to manage PCOS, I previously sought counsel from a gynaecologist, who primarily suggested hormonal birth control as the main approach to alleviate my symptoms. Although I adhered to this recommendation for several years, the hormonal changes negatively impacted my mood, leading me to discontinue its use. Another alternative proposed by my gynaecologist involved androgen blockers, but these are not suitable for me since my husband and I plan to start a family in the next two to three years. Recently, my research led me to discover that supplements like Inositol and CoQ10 might effectively combat insulin resistance and lower androgen levels. They are purported to improve various symptoms associated with PCOS, including the regulation of ovulation, all while boasting minimal adverse effects. I am curious about the viability of these supplements as alternatives to hormonal birth control or androgen blockers in managing my PCOS symptoms.
Seeking Clarity on My Spinal Tap Results: A Bit Anxious
I am a 31-year-old woman experiencing a continuous headache for the past four months, accompanied by feelings of nausea and exhaustion. I take Lexapro each day to manage my mental health. I have a history of migraines and headaches, but this recent episode doesn't align with my previous experiences. Here are the findings from my spinal tap: - **Opening Pressure of Cerebrospinal Fluid (CSF)**: 9 cm H₂O - **Presence of Red Blood Cells (RBCs) in CSF**: 2,570 - **Total Protein Level in CSF**: 107 mg/dL - **ACE Level in CSF**: 4.4 - **Other Tests on CSF**: Results were normal. - **Brain MRI and MR Venography**: Both tests yielded normal results. - **Blood Test Results**: Normal results were obtained. Given these results, I'm feeling a bit uneasy and I’m hoping to better understand what they might indicate about my health.
Navigating Ear Infections While Traveling in Thailand
**Age:** 23 **Height:** 6'3" **Weight:** 88 kg **Medication Taken:** 1000mg Bactoclav - Amoxicillin with Potassium Clavulanate, along with pain relief and antihistamines. **Summary:** I’m hesitant to consult a doctor overseas only to receive a prescription for the same antibiotics available at a local pharmacy for a fraction of the price. What strategies can I employ to effectively manage this persistent ear infection? Am I being too hasty in my expectations? I have a long history of ear infections, often triggered by exposure to water or any activity impacting my ears. I regularly use a specialized oil before showering to prevent water from entering my ears. While backpacking in Thailand, I've developed a particularly severe ear infection over the last several days. Initially, a course of 500mg amoxicillin seemed effective, but significantly, just yesterday my condition took a downturn, shifting from nearly healed to painfully inflamed. Now, my ear is not only swollen but also incredibly sore. In an attempt to combat this, I’ve been taking 1000mg Bactoclav - Amoxicillin and Potassium Clavulanate, having consumed seven tablets in the last two days; unfortunately, there's been no noticeable improvement. I’m reluctant to seek medical attention, fearing I would be prescribed the same medication I could acquire from a pharmacy, albeit at a much higher cost. Yet, I’m also starting to question the efficacy of the pharmacy’s medication. I’ve only recently begun the stronger treatment since my symptoms returned. Any advice would be greatly valued! In addition, I’d like to share that just a week into my four-month journey, I feel as though my ongoing ear issues are gradually dominating my life. I am incredibly grateful for this travel opportunity, and while my health isn’t at risk in a serious way, these ear complications are becoming quite overwhelming. Could there be surgical options available? Might there be an underlying health concern that I’m unaware of? It doesn’t seem normal to be plagued by constant ringing, popping sounds, and wax buildup in my ears. Moreover, it feels excessive to have to apply products in my ears every time I shower.