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.
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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.
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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.
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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.
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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.
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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.
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