Request for Insight on Persistent Symptoms
I am seeking advice while I await appointments with cardiology and gastroenterology. Over the past year, I have experienced various symptoms that remain unexplained. Age: 26 | Height: 5’4” | Weight: Approximately 10 stone Current Medications: Sertraline, omeprazole, and piritizine (an antihistamine) Medical History: Corrected B12 deficiency, anxiety, and obsessive-compulsive disorder **Key Symptoms:** - My resting heart rate usually fluctuates between 80 and 100 bpm but can exceed 150 bpm when I walk or am exposed to heat. - Upon standing, my heart rate sometimes increases by more than 30 bpm, though this isn't consistent. - I frequently feel fatigued, experience brain fog, suffer from headaches, and hear ringing in my ears (tinnitus). - I occasionally have tingling or numbness in my hands and legs, along with tremors. - I experience pain in my ribs and upper back, sometimes presenting sharply. - Despite taking omeprazole, I still struggle with acid reflux, congestion, difficulties swallowing, and a sensation of food being stuck. - My skin can become itchy and flushed at times. - There was a brief period where the entire upper right side of my back felt numb; while this has improved, I still contend with considerable itching in that area. **Tests Conducted Thus Far:** - Blood tests (including TSH, inflammatory markers, B12, and iron) returned mostly normal results, though my ferritin levels were low-normal but are improving. - An ultrasound of my liver and kidneys showed normal findings. - An MRI of my ear nerve also yielded normal results. - My elevated ALT levels have normalized, although gamma-GT remains mildly elevated but stable. - An ANA test returned negative. - An endoscopy is scheduled, but I feel quite anxious about that procedure. - A 72-hour heart monitor test is forthcoming. **Questions I Have:** 1. Do these symptoms suggest conditions like POTS or MCAS, or could they indicate something different? 2. Is it advisable to proceed with the endoscopy and mild sedation considering my heart rate issues? 3. Are there any other conditions I should discuss with my healthcare providers? I appreciate any insights you might offer.
Answers (1)
8/28/2025, 12:24:03 PM
OpenHealth AI
Thank you for sharing your detailed symptoms and medical history. It's understandable to feel anxious given the complexity and persistence of your symptoms. While I can’t diagnose your condition, I can provide some insights based on the information you've provided, along with actions you can take.
Overview of Key Points:
- Your symptoms could align with conditions like Postural Orthostatic Tachycardia Syndrome (POTS) or Mast Cell Activation Syndrome (MCAS), but further evaluation is necessary.
- Proceeding with the endoscopy is important and can typically be done safely even with your heart rate concerns, but please share your anxieties with your healthcare team beforehand.
- Considering additional conditions with your providers might be advisable based on your ongoing symptoms.
Explanation:
- POTS is characterized by an excessive heart rate increase upon standing and can include fatigue and other symptoms like brain fog and palpitations, which aligns with your experience. MCAS may explain symptoms like flushing, itching, and gastrointestinal issues, but diagnosis requires specific tests.
- Your heart rate fluctuations are significant and should be monitored closely, especially during procedures. It's good that you're scheduled for further evaluation with the heart monitor.
- It's normal to be anxious about an upcoming endoscopy. Mild sedation is usually safe, but it’s crucial to discuss your heart rate fluctuations and any concerns with your medical team. They may adjust your sedation or monitor you closely for safety.
Next Steps:
- Communicate with your healthcare team about your symptoms, especially the heart rate issues, before the endoscopy. This will help them tailor the procedure to your needs.
- Track your symptoms consistently leading up to your appointments. Note when symptoms worsen or improve, as it may help your doctors understand patterns that could point to a diagnosis more quickly.
- Discuss potential conditions like POTS, MCAS, or any other you feel might be relevant during your next appointments with your cardiologist and gastroenterologist. Bringing a list of your symptoms and their timing can support this discussion.
- Practice relaxation techniques or mindfulness to help manage anxiety, especially regarding your endoscopy. Techniques may include deep breathing, meditation, or guided imagery to help calm your mind.
Remember, while it’s normal to feel uncertain with undiagnosed symptoms, you're taking proactive steps by seeking further evaluations, which is essential. Let me know if you have questions about any specific symptoms or strategies.
Related Questions
A Mysterious Illness That Resembles Strep Throat
As an 18-year-old college student, standing at 5'4" and weighing 140 pounds, I maintain an active lifestyle. I do not smoke or have any preexisting health issues, aside from the vitamins and supplements I take daily. Approximately five days ago, I began to feel unusually fatigued and achy. Within just a day, my symptoms escalated to include a high fever reaching between 101°F and 102°F that ibuprofen couldn’t seem to alleviate. I experienced extreme tiredness that kept me bedridden all day, along with a persistent headache and intense throat pain, which was compounded by swollen lymph nodes and the familiar white patches often associated with strep throat. Having dealt with strep throat before, I recognized a need for antibiotics. Two days into feeling unwell, I visited an urgent care facility for an assessment and received a rapid strep test, which unfortunately came back negative. I recalled a previous incident where my rapid strep test also indicated a false negative, only for the culture sent for further testing to confirm the presence of strep bacteria. Given my symptoms and the findings from the examination, the healthcare provider prescribed Cefdinir, as I am allergic to amoxicillin, despite the negative rapid test results. The antibiotics proved effective, and I felt nearly back to normal, leading me to believe that my culture results would also come back positive for strep, suggesting a recurrence of my previous infection. However, I received the culture results yesterday, and to my surprise, they came back negative for strep. While I lack medical expertise, I’ve been led to believe that false negatives in cultures are exceedingly rare. Now, I find myself puzzled about what kind of bacterial infection I might have had if it wasn’t strep. Any insights or information regarding my situation would be greatly appreciated. Thank you!
Bleeding Concerns with IUD and Yeast Infection Treatment
I’m a 20-year-old female, standing at 5’4” and weighing 155 pounds. Hello everyone! Approximately three weeks ago, I had the Kyleena IUD placed, and everything felt fine afterward—I can still feel the strings. I noticed some mild spotting that was brown for about a week, followed by my menstrual period, then continued with light spotting. Recently, I suspect that I might have developed a yeast infection, which I am currently addressing using Monistat 7. I applied the first dose yesterday. To clarify, I am certain that I am not dealing with a sexually transmitted infection. However, I’ve observed an increase in bleeding, significantly more than what I’ve experienced before. The blood appears to be light red, and I would compare the amount to the lightest day of my period. I could comfortably go an entire day without needing to change my pad, though I still do it for hygiene reasons. Is this a common occurrence? Most of the bleeding took place this morning after I woke up, coinciding with the Monistat cream leaving my body. Under what circumstances should I seek medical advice regarding this issue instead of waiting to see how the treatment progresses?
Understanding Recurrent Symptoms: Are They Histamine-Related?
Hello, health professionals, I am seeking your expertise regarding a variety of symptoms I have been experiencing intermittently over the years. While they appear linked, I'm having difficulty pinpointing their root cause. **Personal Summary:** - 27 years old, Female - Non-smoker (formerly vaped for about eight years, cessation initiated two years ago) - No diagnosed autoimmune conditions - Background of anxiety (which might exacerbate some symptoms, though it doesn't account for all) - Currently taking Flonase and a multivitamin **Skin Reactions:** - I've dealt with recurring itchy rashes and hive-like bumps since childhood. They manifest suddenly and usually resolve without intervention. - These rashes are often itchy, can be raised, and tend to appear sporadically without identifiable triggers. - Antihistamines provide consistent relief, leading me to suspect a role of histamines in these eruptions. - These episodes do not align with typical contact allergies or classic food allergies. - They can happen multiple times daily, and I've often dismissed them as merely anxiety-related rashes. - Sometimes the itching precedes the visible rash, while other instances present with a red, inflamed area that stirs inquiries about my well-being from others. **Foot Discomfort:** - Over the last few years, I’ve encountered severe itching on the soles of my feet. - These episodes typically include small pale or white spots with redness surrounding them, occasionally featuring a red center. - Itching intensity can be overwhelming, yet these lesions usually arise suddenly, - They frequently improve upon avoiding scratching and may resolve within a range of 30 minutes to two days. - The first episode was triggered after swimming in a freshwater lake, though I’ve also experienced it while wearing specific footwear like Crocs or boots, but not consistently. - Certain events coincide with my typical skin rash, hinting at a potential systemic condition rather than merely a localized issue. - The symptoms do not mirror those of warts, ringworm, or fungal infections. **Ear and Sinus Issues:** - Itchy ears have been a recurring issue for the past few years; I initially attributed it to overly aggressive cleaning with cotton swabs, which I realize is harmful. - I have a history of chronic sinus problems, including post-nasal drip and regular ear infections. - The inflammation appears to flare up sporadically rather than constantly. - Recently, I experienced a painful ear issue that began with what I thought was a pimple. The next day, my ear was swollen. After visiting a clinic, I was diagnosed with a double ear and sinus infection, treated with antibiotics. My pain persisted, leading to a follow-up with my primary care physician, who prescribed Flonase and noted ongoing nasal inflammation. Missing doses led to increased ear discomfort, prompting me to take Flonase more regularly. Unfortunately, a recent flare of swelling and discomfort in my ear led me to consider consulting an ENT specialist. **Gastrointestinal Symptoms:** - I was diagnosed with gastritis through an upper endoscopy procedure. - Testing for H. pylori returned negative. - I've since developed food sensitivities and gastrointestinal discomfort not previously experienced. - I saw significant improvement after removing gluten and dairy from my diet, with tests for celiac disease yielding negative results. - Symptoms tend to flare up in response to stress or specific food intake rather than being a constant presence. **Additional Context:** - A history of childhood asthma (now occurs infrequently) - Sensitivity to heat - Past instances of feeling lightheaded, resembling vasovagal symptoms, alongside vertigo - Symptoms across various systems often flare together, but not in every instance - While my anxiety can intensify symptoms, both antihistamines and diet modifications have had notable positive effects **My Inquiry:** While I don’t wish to self-diagnose, I'm curious if my range of symptoms might suggest: - Histamine intolerance - Mast-cell overactivity (not necessarily MCAS, but an increased reaction) - Physical or contact urticaria I'm primarily seeking: - Recommendations for a suitable specialist - Insight on whether this symptom pattern fits a recognized mechanism - A clearer understanding of what warning signs to be concerned about **Summary:** I contend with a long-standing pattern of episodic itchy rashes and hives, significant but transient foot itching along with bumps, persistent ear irritation coupled with sinus problems, and gastritis accompanied by food sensitivities that improved on an elimination diet. Antihistamines aid multiple symptoms. Could this suggest underlying histamine-related issues manifesting across multiple systems rather than in isolation?
Understanding Mild Uncomplicated Diverticular Disease
I am a 29-year-old female, standing at 5'7" and weighing 130 pounds. Recently, a CT scan revealed that I have mild diverticulitis. About a week ago, I experienced significant discomfort, particularly in the pelvic region, along with pain in my right leg and hip, and some mild discomfort on the left side. After undergoing a CT scan, which confirmed the presence of mild diverticular disease, I was surprised that no one from my medical team provided any follow-up or acknowledged the condition. My blood tests returned normal results, and I was discharged without further information. While the pain subsided after about three days, it has unfortunately reappeared four days later. Is this something I should be worried about? What does this mean for me? I had a colonoscopy around 11 months ago, which indicated no issues.
Understanding the Reality of End-Stage Pancreatic Cancer
Navigating the complexities of end-stage pancreatic cancer can be overwhelming, and I'm seeking clarity on what lies ahead. My mother, who is 59 years old and weighs about 115 pounds, received her diagnosis of terminal pancreatic cancer in October 2025. Unfortunately, she has largely rejected the option of chemotherapy and is consuming her pain relief medications—specifically oxycodone and morphine—at an alarming rate. While I’m not worried about the dosage, the severity of her pain has reached a level that is becoming unbearable. Despite this, she is adamant about avoiding any hospital treatment, even though that's where she would receive the most effective pain management. I’ve attempted multiple times to get her medical attention, calling both hospitals and emergency services. However, due to her refusal for assistance, they have also turned us down. It was explained to me that taking her against her will could be considered kidnapping. After consulting with various healthcare professionals, I have been informed that her time may be measured in days or weeks. There’s also a chance that she could slip into unconsciousness, leaving me deeply unsettled. I am already in a state of mourning, yet I am desperate to understand what to expect in the coming days. It is crucial for me to prepare myself—emotionally and mentally—so that I can help ensure her comfort in these final moments. Plans are underway to engage hospice care, but the uncertainty fills me with apprehension. This is my mother, and I want to alleviate my fear so I can provide her with the support she needs as she nears the end of her journey. I yearn to be present for her without being entirely consumed by grief before she passes away. Any guidance or insight you could provide would be invaluable. I'm at a loss for what steps to take next and truly desire to navigate this situation with as much grace and readiness as possible.