My Ongoing Health Struggles: A Personal Account
I am a 27-year-old woman with a height of 5’4” and a weight of 150 pounds, having gone through four pregnancies, none of which were typical vaginal deliveries. My medical history includes traumatic brain injury (TBI), postural orthostatic tachycardia syndrome (POTS), major depressive disorder (currently in partial remission), ADHD, and a mini-stroke. I am currently on a medication regimen that includes Adderall XR (20 mg), Wellbutrin XR (300 mg), and Pristiq (100 mg). To summarize my experiences: On September 10, 2024, while pregnant at 35 weeks and 6 days, I unexpectedly lost consciousness while driving, leading to a serious accident where my truck flipped. As a result, I sustained a broken ankle, a fractured nose, and a TBI, which is believed to have triggered a lacunar infarct. On October 11, 2024, just four days after my delivery, I experienced severe dizziness that felt unlike any vertigo I had previously encountered. This sensation persisted for four days, prompting me to visit the emergency room after a full day of this disorientation. I was hospitalized for several days, during which I had another MRI, revealing the infarct. Strangely, the medical staff did not inform me about the findings; instead, they attributed my severe vertigo to sleep deprivation due to the childbirth, despite me being bed-bound with a full cast on my ankle, affording me plenty of rest. In the months following, I experienced noticeable cognitive decline, memory issues, and increasing clumsiness. After further evaluation, I was diagnosed with POTS, which explained my episodes of losing consciousness while driving. I began physical therapy and, for a period of six weeks, showed some improvement until a recent setback. On July 31, 2025, while dining with my family, I suddenly felt a sharp pain in the upper right side of my chest, as if it was being constricted. The intensity of the pain made it difficult to breathe. My husband drove me to the emergency room, but the medical staff suspected I was having a panic attack. After waiting for four hours, and as the pain subsided, I chose to leave against medical advice. Since that incident, I have experienced a significant decrease in strength and agility in my right arm and leg, accompanied by a droop on the right side of my face and pronounced pain. Following the recommendation of my physical therapist, I returned to the ER. They confirmed the weakness on my right side, but subsequent MRI results displayed no abnormalities. I received a low-dose narcotic to alleviate the pain, but it has proven ineffective. I have been referred to a neurologist for further examination. I feel increasingly distressed as it seems that no one else shares my urgency regarding my deteriorating condition.
Answers (1)
8/12/2025, 10:31:04 PM
OpenHealth AI
I understand that you're navigating a complicated health journey with significant challenges and concerns. Your experiences with multiple serious health issues, including your traumatic brain injury, POTS, the recent chest pain, and the right-sided weakness, are understandably distressing, and it’s crucial to prioritize your immediate needs and ongoing care.
Main Points:
- You are experiencing troubling symptoms including right-sided weakness and facial drooping.
- Monitoring and further assessment of your neurological symptoms is critical.
- Effective self-management strategies can help improve your quality of life and reduce distress.
Explanation:
Your medical history, coupled with the acute symptoms you’re experiencing, paints a complex picture that requires careful attention. The right-sided weakness and facial drooping, in particular, could indicate neurological involvement given your history of a mini-stroke and TBI. It's reassuring that you've been referred to a neurologist who can provide specialized care.
It’s also important to recognize how these health challenges can affect your overall well-being, including emotional health. Many individuals facing similar circumstances find it helpful to adopt a comprehensive approach that includes both physical recovery and mental health support.
Next Steps:
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Neurological Follow-Up: Keep the appointment with your neurologist and prepare a detailed list of your symptoms, including when they began, their duration, and any triggers you've noticed. This will help facilitate a thorough evaluation.
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Monitor Symptoms: Keep a daily journal of your symptoms. Note any changes, new symptoms, or patterns, especially concerning your upper body strength, cognitive function, and mood. This can be helpful for your healthcare team.
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Self-Care Strategies:
- Hydration and Nutrition: Ensure you are staying hydrated and eating a balanced diet, which can support your overall health and potentially diminish some symptoms.
- Gentle Physical Activity: If physical therapy was initially beneficial, discuss with your therapist or neurologist about ways you can safely continue movement. This might include light stretching or seated exercises.
- Mental Health Support: Consider reaching out to a mental health professional who understands chronic illness and can help you cope with your distress.
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Advocacy: If you feel your symptoms are not being taken seriously, don't hesitate to advocate for yourself. Bringing a supportive family member or friend to appointments can help convey your concerns and ensure you’re heard.
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Emergency Signs: Be vigilant about new or worsening symptoms. Seek immediate medical help if you experience severe headaches, severe dizziness, sudden vision changes, or breathing difficulties.
Your situation is significant, and I encourage you to maintain ongoing communication with your healthcare provider team. You're not alone in this, and seeking support in multiple areas can help you navigate these challenges. Please feel free to share more about what specific concerns you have going forward or if you seek additional strategies for managing your symptoms.
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