Feeling Overwhelmed and in Pain
I’ll keep it brief. I’m an 18-year-old female, 5 feet tall, and weigh 108 pounds. Currently, I’m taking iron supplements. I visited the doctor because I was feeling terrible—completely exhausted, facing brain fog, and sleeping excessively. Concerned that my iron levels might be an issue again, I had some lab tests done. Surprisingly, my iron levels were normal, but my white blood cell count was low. Specifically, my Absolute Neutrophils, Absolute Lymphocytes, and Absolute Monocytes were lower than normal. My primary care physician raised some concerns and suggested that this could either be a benign issue or related to an autoimmune condition. To explore this further, she ordered an ANA test and a titer pattern lab test. After waiting for three days, the results came back positive for NUCLEAR, DISCRETE NUCLEAR DOTS, and SCL-70 Serological Antibodies. This was quite a shock for me. I had also undergone an ANA test when I was 10 years old due to severe joint pain and consistently experienced discomfort, but the focus back then was solely on ruling out RA, and my symptoms were largely dismissed. Now, at 18, I am in constant pain, have significant hair loss, and am often confined to bed. My immune system seems compromised; I used to get COVID and the flu monthly. I recently started college, and just on the third day, I caught a virus that left me with an awful sore throat and difficulty swallowing after just attending class. I’m so fatigued that my limbs feel numb and weak, and I sometimes find myself limping. Although I sleep through the night, after only two hours of class, I feel faint and need to sleep for several hours upon returning home, even if it's only just before 10 PM. Additionally, I’ve started experiencing new symptoms, including chest pain. It’s genuine; when I walked to class, I felt a severe and pounding pain on my left side. I have to wait three months for my appointment with a rheumatologist, and I’m really struggling to cope at this point. I’m in pain every single day.
Answers (1)
8/21/2025, 10:22:06 PM
OpenHealth AI
I'm sorry to hear that you're feeling this way; it sounds incredibly tough to deal with constant pain, fatigue, and the uncertainty of your health. It's understandable that you're feeling overwhelmed, especially with the waiting and the various symptoms you're experiencing. Let’s break this down and look at the most important steps you can take for immediate relief and to manage your situation while you wait for your rheumatologist appointment.
Main Points:
- Managing pain and fatigue is crucial.
- Monitor and document your symptoms for your upcoming appointment.
- Focus on supportive self-care practices.
Explanation:
It’s clear that your recent tests, particularly the positive ANA and specific antibodies, indicate a need for further evaluation of possible autoimmune conditions. Your symptoms (fatigue, pain, hair loss, and frequent infections) can be linked to several conditions, including lupus, which can cause joint pain and affect various systems in the body.
While you wait for your rheumatologist visit, it's vital to prioritize managing your symptoms and maintaining a supportive environment for your health.
Next Steps:
-
Pain Management:
- For immediate relief, consider over-the-counter pain relievers such as acetaminophen or ibuprofen, if you’re able to take them. Be sure to follow dosing guidelines.
- Heat therapy (like warm compresses on painful areas) can help ease discomfort.
-
Fatigue Support:
- Break down your day into manageable tasks. If possible, try to rest between classes. Even short breaks can help refresh your energy.
- Prioritize healthy snacks (like fruits, nuts, and yogurt) that provide steady energy without causing sugar crashes.
-
Symptom Diary:
- Keep a record of your symptoms, pain levels, fatigue, and any new developments. Note when they occur, their intensity, and any potential triggers. This information will be beneficial during your appointment.
-
Emotional Well-Being:
- Consider connecting with supportive people, whether friends or family. Sharing your feelings can help lift some mental burden.
- Practicing relaxation techniques, such as deep breathing or gentle yoga, can minimize stress, which might exacerbate your symptoms.
-
Stay Hydrated:
- Drink plenty of fluids to help your overall well-being, especially if you're feeling run-down or if you're experiencing symptoms of infection.
-
Monitor New Symptoms:
- Keep a close eye on any new symptoms, particularly the chest pain and changes in your mobility. Although you may need reassurance, don’t hesitate to seek urgent care if you experience severe symptoms.
In conclusion, handling this period can be challenging, but with a focus on self-care and symptom tracking, you can empower yourself while you await your rheumatologist appointment. If anything worsens or if new, concerning symptoms develop, seek medical attention sooner. You're not alone in this, and it's important to take care of yourself as best as you can.
Related Questions
Understanding Night Sweats
At 31 years old, I've been experiencing night sweats since around February or March. Initially, I suspected that my medication—100 mg of sertraline—was to blame, but I’ve been taking it for over a year, so this sweating is something new. I underwent a series of blood tests, checking for various conditions like lipase, insulin levels, thyroid function, calcitonin, albumin, cholesterol, a comprehensive metabolic panel, and tuberculosis, all of which returned negative or within normal ranges. I also had a celiac test last year, which came back normal. Although my TSH levels were elevated last year, they are now within the expected range. I’ve noticed that whenever I consume gluten, I experience significant bloating and diarrhea, leading me to eliminate it from my diet; however, it often finds its way into items like soy sauce. Could this be connected to my night sweats? I wear an Oura ring that occasionally indicates breathing disturbances during sleep, but my partner claims I've never stopped breathing, adding to the confusion about whether this could indicate sleep apnea or if it's simply an anomaly. Recently, a different doctor suggested that elevated cortisol and stress might be the culprits behind my night sweats, yet my blood tests showed that my cortisol levels are normal. I started to think that perhaps stress was indeed playing a role and tried to move on with my life. However, this morning was particularly challenging; the night sweats reached an intensity I've never experienced before. I woke up drenched, feeling sweat trickling from my skin and pooling around me. Despite keeping the room at a cool 65 degrees and sleeping under a lightweight blanket while wearing only a t-shirt and shorts, the sweating was overwhelming. I am at a loss regarding what further tests might be needed. It feels as though the issue could be stress-related, yet I am an avid marathon runner, exercise regularly, and make an effort to maintain a healthy diet, which makes it hard to believe that my life is particularly stressful. I'm unsure of what steps to take next.
CONCERNS BEYOND SIMPLE ANXIETY
Age 32, female. I have been experiencing intermittent heaviness in my right leg since October 2024, accompanied by weakness in both knees. Comprehensive tests, including EMG, NCV, a plain CT of the brain, a CT angiogram, and an EEG, all returned normal results. Additionally, I have been diagnosed with cervical spondylosis and lordosis. My visit to the emergency room was prompted by a feeling of tightness throughout my body, and my jaw has been noticeably tense, along with my tongue. Basic blood tests, including potassium levels, yielded normal findings. Currently, I continue to experience this tightness multiple times each day. I have also observed that it tends to worsen after meals, notably since I no longer have a gallbladder. On August 26, I have an MRI scheduled for my thoracic spine and lumbosacral region. I am reaching out for insights or thoughts on what might be causing these symptoms. I was recently diagnosed with fibromyalgia prior to the onset of this bodily tension. I was prescribed pregabalin at a dose of 75 mg twice but discontinued it, as I didn't find it beneficial. I am feeling increasingly frustrated with the constant search for a diagnosis as I visit various doctors.
Addressing Symptoms: Left Nostril Blockage and Abdominal Distress after Eating or Drinking
Greetings everyone, I am a 35-year-old male, weighing 185 pounds and standing at 6'1". Reddit has been a valuable resource for me in uncovering various life mysteries, and I hold hope that I might find clarity regarding this puzzling situation I've been dealing with for over a year. I only began to consume alcohol in my thirties, and it was only last year that I started to gauge my limits. Shortly thereafter, I began experiencing discomfort in my lower right abdomen, along with episodes of hair loss, and the blockage of my left nostril. These symptoms seem to arise unpredictably after I eat, take medicine, or drink any beverages. During the peak of my issues, I found myself in the emergency room due to a droopy eyelid. After undergoing a spinal tap, I developed a significant rash on the right side of my face, which left me struggling to think clearly and articulate my thoughts. Additionally, I've perceived floaters in my vision, noticed a decline in my eyesight, and find myself exhausted even after minimal physical activity. I tested positive for Lyme disease, but many specialists have since deemed those results as questionable. The abdominal discomfort I experience has been distinctly unfitting for Lyme’s usual symptoms. Furthermore, I frequently find blood in my urine, yet there has been no conclusive diagnosis. Unfortunately, medication doesn’t seem to agree with me. I've consulted with various specialists, including allergists, dermatologists, nephrologists, rheumatologists, gastrointestinal experts, infectious disease doctors, functional medicine practitioners, and a Lyme specialist. As of now, no diagnosis has been reached, so I would greatly appreciate any insights or suggestions you may be able to offer. As a side note, a small cyst was discovered in one of my testicles during my medical evaluations.
Concern Regarding Lump on Shin
Greetings, I’m a 37-year-old woman living with systemic lupus and experiencing significant anxiety. For nearly nine years, I’ve had a soft, movable lump around the size of a pea beneath my shin. I frequently bump this area against various items, which causes it to become sore. Should I be concerned about this lump, or does it seem more likely to be a lipoma or perhaps scar tissue? I would greatly appreciate any information that could help alleviate my worries regarding this issue. Thank you very much!
Feeling Like a Medical Enigma: Searching for Answers
I am a 32-year-old woman standing at 5 feet 5 inches tall and weighing 160 pounds. I do not smoke. My health journey began roughly a decade ago, and I'll aim to succinctly summarize my experiences. After pushing myself too hard, I suffered a mental breakdown in 2016, which ultimately led to a diagnosis of Postural Orthostatic Tachycardia Syndrome (POTS). Following this, I visited a rheumatologist who conducted various tests, all of which returned negative results except for an elevated SED rate. He diagnosed me with seronegative Sjögren’s syndrome but indicated that there were no further treatment options available. As a result, I found myself unable to continue working due to debilitating fatigue, significant shortness of breath, and a peculiar rash on my cheeks that appears sporadically. In 2022, after contracting COVID-19, my condition deteriorated dramatically. I was hospitalized with suspected encephalitis—though much of my experience during that time is a blur. After my discharge, it took approximately 18 months to regain some stability. Currently, I'm experiencing severe and progressively worsening shortness of breath along with intense body pain. Here are the abnormal test results I've received: - SED rate around 100 - ANA fluctuating between positive and negative - Oxygen levels occasionally dropping into the high 80s for about 30 seconds - ST segment depression noted on my EKG - Slightly low values for MCV, MCHC, and MCH (this has been the case for several years) - An MRI of my brain revealed a spot in the right frontal lobe subcortically. On the other hand, my normal test results include: - TSH - CMP - Hemoglobin - Autoimmune disease antibodies - BNP - Five chest X-rays - EKG (noting ST depression on just one occasion) - CRP - CBC - ECHO I find myself in a state of desperation after ten long years of uncertainty. My inflammatory markers remain elevated, which I suspect might be contributing to my issues, yet all autoimmune screenings result negative. I am open to any suggestions or advice regarding potential next steps in this ongoing struggle.