Struggling for 23 Days with Unexplained Symptoms
For the past 23 days, I've frequently visited the hospital, facing a persistent set of symptoms that remain undiagnosed. My heart rate has been fluctuating, with peaks reaching between 130 and 140 beats per minute, while consistently lingering between 105 and 118. My blood pressure has shown heightened readings, spiking to 140/90 and reaching a maximum of 152/89, yet it often stabilizes back to normal at around 111/70. Alongside these, I've been experiencing digestive problems, including continuous burping, excessive gas, and abdominal pain. Additionally, my hands are a bit shaky, my feet feel perpetually cold, and my skin seems to be in a state of constant perspiration—although there are no visible sweat droplets, it feels damp to the touch. Tests reveal that my liver function, ECG, and CT scan results are all within normal limits. However, yesterday, while I wasn't taking any medications, I did experience severe dizziness and numbness in my lower back, which required me to lie down for about two hours until it subsided. Today, after taking prescribed amoxicillin, my symptoms returned; my skin feels unusually hot despite my internal temperature staying within the normal range. Some notable lab results that deviated slightly from the norm include: - Antibody levels - Neutrophils measuring 13.89 x 10^9 L - Free T4 level at 20.59 pmol/L - TSH at 1.870 mU/L (thyroid tests conducted on the first day) I also underwent an H. pylori stool test, which yielded negative results; however, the results were available in just 30 minutes, and I'm unsure if that's standard. Any insights or suggestions would be greatly appreciated, as I'm eager to find answers and relief.
Answers (1)
8/24/2025, 11:11:38 AM
OpenHealth AI
I understand that you're experiencing a complex set of symptoms that have persisted for an extended period, and it's understandably distressing to seek answers without diagnosis. The combination of heart rate fluctuations, blood pressure changes, digestive issues, and other symptoms suggests a multifactorial problem, possibly involving stress, hormonal imbalances, or underlying systemic issues. It's important to address both your immediate symptoms and the overall context of your health.
Summary of Key Points:
- Fluctuating heart rate and blood pressure.
- Digestive issues, including burping and abdominal pain.
- Neurological symptoms such as dizziness and numbness.
- Normal results from liver function tests, ECG, and imaging, but laboratory values indicate some anomalies.
Explanation:
Your symptoms suggest that there could be multiple factors at play, such as anxiety, potential thyroid function issues (as indicated by your T4 and TSH levels), or possibly a hormonal imbalance. The elevated neutrophil count might indicate inflammation or an underlying infection. It’s important to interpret these lab results in the context of your overall symptoms, and they might suggest a need for follow-up testing or evaluation.
Next Steps:
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Symptom Diary: Start keeping a detailed diary of your symptoms. Track when they occur, their duration, and any potential triggers (food, stress, activities). This can help you and your health providers spot patterns.
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Hydration & Nutrition: Maintain good hydration, and ensure you’re eating a balanced diet that includes plenty of fiber to help with digestive symptoms. Avoid known irritants like caffeine, alcohol, and spicy foods.
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Stress Management: Try relaxation techniques such as mindfulness, yoga, or gentle exercise to help manage stress that could be exacerbating your physical symptoms.
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Follow-up on Thyroid Function: Discuss with your healthcare provider the possibility that your thyroid levels may need further assessment, given the symptoms you described. Sometimes, subclinical thyroid issues can cause symptoms despite normal TSH levels.
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Monitor Neurological Symptoms: Pay close attention to any recurrence of neurological symptoms like dizziness and numbness. If these get worse or repeat, it is important to seek medical attention urgently.
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Consult a Specialist: If your symptoms persist without improvement, consider seeing a specialists such as an endocrinologist for hormone-related issues or a gastroenterologist for ongoing digestive problems.
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Medication Review: Inform your healthcare provider about your response to medications, including amoxicillin. Sometimes, side effects from medications can worsen symptoms.
I empathize with your frustration in seeking answers and relief. It’s important to remain proactive and advocate for your health as you navigate through this challenging time. Please keep track of your symptoms closely, and I hope you find the clarity and healing you are looking for soon.
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