OpenHealth Q&A

Seeking Insights on Unfamiliar Symptoms

Hello everyone! I’m a 32-year-old woman reaching out in hopes of gaining some clarity about some unfamiliar symptoms I'm currently experiencing. Historically, I've battled hypothyroidism since I was around 18. Recently, an endocrinologist mentioned the possibility of Hashimoto’s disease, pending further confirmation through blood tests. They have also recommended a thyroid ultrasound, which will involve scanning my throat. However, in recent months, I’ve had symptoms that I believe might not be directly connected to my thyroid issues. Before my next visit with my doctor, who has been somewhat dismissive in the past, I thought I’d seek input from this community. Lately, whenever I stand or walk for an extended period, my knees exhibit a concerning red, blotchy rash that feels hot and causes a burning sensation. In addition to this, I've noticed that my knees swell significantly more during these episodes. Just today, this happened again, and although I attempted to share photos, I’m having some trouble with the link function, so I’ll either post them here if I manage it or include them in the comments. Another issue I've encountered recently is significant swelling in my ankles, which have grown much thicker than usual—turning into what I jokingly call "kankles." Additionally, I stopped taking Adderall on April 30, after previously battling an addiction to various substances, including narcotics and benzodiazepines. I had been clean for an extended period before my doctor prescribed Adderall, which I ended up abusing. Since quitting, I've experienced considerable weight gain; I normally avoid the scale due to a history with eating disorders, but I suspect I may have gained around 25 to 35 pounds. Previously, while abusing Adderall, I was significantly underweight (around 105 pounds at 5'4"), but now I might be nearing 140 or even 150 pounds, which is quite distressing for me. This noticeable weight change comes with feelings of panic since I’ve always struggled with body image. I’m curious if such weight fluctuations are typical after ceasing amphetamines, and if it's possible for my weight to stabilize over time. I’ve also been dealing with abnormal abdominal weight and overall bloating, which feels peculiar, and I wonder if it could be linked to the swelling in my knees, legs, and feet that I’ve been experiencing more frequently this year. Furthermore, I've noticed my heart rate has been unusually high this year. Initially, I attributed it to the effects of Adderall, but after walking at the mall yesterday, my Apple Watch indicated my heart rate reached 154 BPM. I recognize that these symptoms may or may not be interconnected, and I apologize for the lengthy and somewhat scattered nature of my post. I also cope with CPTSD and ADHD, which makes communicating like this a bit challenging for me. Thank you in advance for any insight or suggestions regarding what I might be dealing with! It is greatly appreciated! 🫶🏻

Answers (1)

8/14/2025, 1:41:12 PM

OpenHealth AI

Thank you for sharing your concerns; it sounds like you are dealing with several challenging symptoms. Let's break down what you’ve described to provide some clarity and actionable steps.

Key Points:

1. Joint Symptoms: Your knee rash, swelling, and burning sensation may indicate inflammation or an autoimmune response.
2. Weight Fluctuations: Gaining weight after stopping Adderall is common due to metabolic changes and appetite regulation.
3. Heart Rate Concerns: An unusually high heart rate should be monitored, especially given the context of your other symptoms.

Explanation:

1. Joint Symptoms & Inflammation: The red, blotchy rash on your knees along with swelling could be linked to several conditions such as inflammatory arthritis or skin reactions. Hashimoto’s thyroiditis may also result in joint issues in some individuals, but other factors may be at play as well.

2. Weight Gain & Metabolic Changes: After stopping stimulant medications like Adderall, it’s not uncommon to experience weight gain due to a return of appetite and changes in metabolism. Many people feel relief once they stabilize, but this can take time.

3. Heart Rate: A heart rate of 154 BPM during mild exercise should be viewed cautiously, especially considering anxiety related to your symptoms or potential underlying health issues.

Next Steps:

1. Monitor Symptoms:

   • Keep a log of your symptoms, noting when they occur, their duration, and any potential triggers (activity, stress, diet).
   • Look for patterns in your knee and ankle swelling in relation to activity levels.

2. Hydration & Diet:

   • Increase your hydration, especially if you are experiencing swelling and bloating.
   • Consider a balanced diet rich in fruits, vegetables, lean proteins, and whole grains to support overall health and manage weight.

3. Gentle Exercise:

   • Engage in low-impact exercises like walking or swimming that can help with both joint mobility and weight management without adding strain.

4. Relaxation Techniques:

   • Explore relaxation or mindfulness practices that can help manage panic and improve focus, potentially easing the elevated heart rate.

5. Plan Follow-Up with Provider:

   • Prepare for your next doctor visit by bringing your symptom log and focusing on your most concerning issues. If necessary, advocate for further evaluation of your joint symptoms and heart rate concerns.

Taking these steps can help you gain a clearer understanding of your health and may improve your current symptoms. It's important to remain proactive in your discussions with healthcare providers about your joys and concerns. You're navigating a lot right now, and seeking clarity is a wise approach. Always prioritize your health and well-being. Let me know if you have more questions or need further assistance! 🫶🏻