OpenHealth Q&A

Struggling with Unexplained Health Symptoms

**Profile Summary** - Gender: Male - Age: 36 - Height: 6 feet 2 inches - Weight: 220 lbs - Alcohol Consumption: 1-2 drinks monthly - Nicotine Usage: Pouch user, previously a smoker for 20 years until quitting last August - Current Medications: None For several months now, I've been experiencing a strange series of symptoms. At the end of last year, I started noticing a bizarre sensation when trying to fall asleep. It’s like my brain, amidst trying to initiate the sleep process, sends electric waves coursing through it, making me feel as if I'm plummeting. This overwhelming sensation triggers intense fear, leaving me hyper-aware yet confused about my surroundings and identity, as if I were on the brink of death. While the frequency of these episodes has decreased this year, they still occur 2-3 times weekly. Since February, my stools have been consistently abnormal. Instead of the usual brown, they have turned loose and a yellowish-brown with occasional darker streaks, sometimes floating. In late May while at work, I experienced sudden tunnel vision accompanied by an ominous feeling of near-vanishing. The previous night, I had dealt with chest discomfort and a racing heart that impeded my sleep. This discomfort lingered and peaked when I felt an unexpected twitch or palpitation in my chest. I left work to seek urgent care where I underwent blood tests, an EKG, a CT scan, and chest X-rays. Fortunately, these tests did not reveal any serious issues. Blood test results were mostly within normal limits, except for elevated levels of Calcium (10.5 mg/dl), Albumin (5.1 g/dl), and AST (87 U/L); additionally, AST reached 150 U/L. My HCT (38.6%) and RDW (11.6%) were lower than expected. When my doctor inquired about gallbladder pain, I confirmed that I had not experienced any. Ever since, life has felt surreal. I often reassure myself that I won’t collapse, despite feeling as though the opposite were true. Since late June, I have begun to experience random pains and muscle twitches throughout my body — in my feet, chest, eyes, arms, legs, and hands. Notably, the most frequent twitches are in the area of my gallbladder, although pain is minimal there. The most concerning discomfort has been in my testicles. Last week, the tissue under my nipples became sore and slightly swollen, with lumps forming on each side, roughly the size of large almonds. These lumps have persisted without improvement. Additionally, I developed what feels like a peculiar pressure headache last week. Today, I visited a different urgent care center where I had another chest X-ray, a scrotal ultrasound, and further blood work. My latest results indicated an ALT of 154 U/L, AST at 55 U/L, TSH of 8.851 mclU/ml, Total protein at 8.5 g/DL, and a Sed Rate of 69 mm/HR, all outside the normal ranges. The doctor diagnosed me with Complex Hydrocele, Elevated TSH, and Transaminitis. He advised a follow-up with a primary care physician and a urologist. However, I currently do not have a primary caregiver but intend to schedule an appointment at a clinic. I’m apprehensive about possibly missing work for it. Surprisingly, there was no mention of my nipple issues, which has me worried. Also, I anticipated an ultrasound of my gallbladder, but the doctor dismissed it, believing everything to be fine. Notably, both my parents had gallbladder surgeries around my age. My mom experienced pain from gallstones, whereas my dad simply felt unusual sensations. My stools remain abnormal, and my nipples continue to hurt. I have not felt like myself in months, and maintaining a clear state of mind has been quite challenging. Daily, I find myself persuading my mind to avoid unnecessary panic attacks. As a full-time single dad of two wonderful teenagers, I am deeply concerned about the impact on them should anything happen to me. I don’t want to leave them; they still need me here. Thank you for taking the time to read my account. Any insights or thoughts would be immensely appreciated.

Answers (1)

8/16/2025, 5:31:29 AM

OpenHealth AI

I'm really sorry to hear about the difficult symptoms you're experiencing. It sounds overwhelming to deal with so many changes in your health and the associated anxiety. Let’s break this down to help you prioritize your next steps and address your symptoms.

Main Points

1. You have a range of symptoms that may be interrelated, including unusual sensations, gastrointestinal changes, and recent lumps.
2. Elevated thyroid levels and liver enzymes (AST/ALT) may suggest underlying health issues that need follow-up.
3. It's important to find a primary care provider to effectively manage your symptoms, ensure comprehensive evaluation, and address your concerns.

Explanation

Your symptoms are complex and could stem from a variety of sources, such as hormonal imbalances (indicated by elevated TSH, which suggests hypothyroidism) or possible liver issues with elevated liver enzymes (AST and ALT). The new lumps in your chest area, along with the nipple discomfort, should be carefully evaluated, especially considering family history factors related to gallbladder issues and your overall health context. The gastrointestinal changes you’re experiencing with your stool may indicate something related to digestion or possibly even gallbladder function, which the previous evaluations may not have fully explored.

Feeling surreal and battling anxiety can be challenging, especially as you manage the responsibilities of being a single dad. It's understandable to feel concerned about your health and the impact on your family.

Next Steps

1. Schedule an Appointment with a Primary Care Physician: It's crucial to establish care with a primary care provider who can coordinate all your symptoms, review past tests, and develop a comprehensive evaluation plan. Look for clinics that can accommodate your schedule, even if you might have to miss short periods of work.

2. Follow Up on Nipple Lumps: Ensure you have a discussion about the lumps and soreness around your nipples during your appointment. They might need further examination or imaging to rule out any serious conditions.

3. Monitor Your Symptoms: Keep a symptom diary noting when you experience abnormal sensations, lumps, or changes in bowel movements. This record can be helpful during your medical evaluation to provide clear information on symptom patterns.

4. Manage Anxiety: Given the heightened level of anxiety you've reported, consider mindfulness practices or relaxation techniques (like deep-breathing exercises) that can help you cope with panic and stress as you navigate this situation. If possible, tap into support from friends, family, or mental health professionals.

5. Stay Hydrated and Eat Well: Maintain a balanced diet and monitor your hydration, particularly given the gastrointestinal symptoms. Focus on high-fiber foods if possible, as they can support digestive health.

Please take one step at a time. Your health and wellbeing are important, not just for you but also for your teenagers. It's commendable that you're seeking help and being proactive about your health. Don't hesitate to reach out with further questions or updates on your situation.