OpenHealth Q&A

23-Year-Old Female Struggles with Severe Symptoms

Since last Thursday, I have been experiencing a severe decline in my health. It all started unexpectedly on Thursday afternoon after I had lunch. Suddenly, I felt extremely nauseous, clammy, and dizzy, as though I might either lose consciousness or be sick. My gag reflex was overactive, contributing to an overwhelming sense of sickness. I ended up making several trips to the bathroom; although it wasn't full-blown diarrhea, my stools were noticeably looser. After this episode, I didn't eat anything else for the rest of the day except for some tea in the evening, and I struggled to sleep that night. On Friday, I went to the bathroom once more and spent the majority of the day resting. The nausea and clamminess persisted, inhibiting my ability to eat properly. I barely managed to consume saltines and a light toast throughout the day. By Saturday, my condition had worsened. I felt increasingly dizzy and clammy, unable to sit up for extended periods. Concerned about dehydration, I decided to visit urgent care, where they administered an IV. Based on previous experiences of severe dehydration, I expected to feel better shortly after receiving fluids. They also included anti-nausea medication in my IV treatment. Even yesterday (Sunday), eating remained a challenge; I would quickly feel uncomfortably full and nauseous after just a few bites, leading to bloating and further gagging. I did manage to eat a bit more, consuming toast, saltines, and dry Cheerios, followed by some mashed potatoes with a bread roll, but my intake was still limited. Today, I find myself feeling even worse. Instead of improving, my symptoms have intensified. I am still clammy, lightheaded, weak, and shaky, even when lying down, which often makes me feel so ill that I don't want to eat at all. I understand this is likely due to insufficient nutrition, but my body's adverse reactions complicate things greatly. I'm doing my best to manage but growing increasingly frustrated; my body feels achy and heavy, and when I attempted to do laundry earlier, I had to lie down due to a sudden wave of clamminess and lightheadedness. Additionally, I've been experiencing intense waves of anxiety, leading to panic and fear, which come and go. I wake up feeling anxious, and this distressing sensation has only occurred a couple of times in the past during serious illnesses, like when I had a concussion in March. On top of everything, I have noticed persistent pain in my lower back, particularly around my tailbone, and a sharp discomfort on my right side. While the tailbone pain is dull, the discomfort on the right is more pronounced and bothersome but not unbearable. Furthermore, my legs are painfully sore and achy, adding to the overall body aches I am experiencing. I'm at a loss regarding what might be happening; I initially thought this was solely dehydration, but it feels much more complex now. The recovery process this time feels significantly harder than my previous experience with an IV. If anyone has insights into what might be wrong or guidance on what I should pursue for support, I would greatly appreciate it. I'm worn out from feeling like my life is on hold and long to return to work and a normal routine. What could possibly be causing this? As a woman who was tested for pregnancy at the urgent care clinic where I received the IV, I can confirm that I am not expecting. I also had my period at the start of this month, so while I understand there was a chance of pregnancy, the test ruled it out. The uncertainty of my situation is exhausting, and I am desperate for answers. Please, if anyone can help, I would be forever grateful.

Answers (1)

9/8/2025, 7:31:16 PM

OpenHealth AI

I'm sorry to hear you're enduring such a challenging time with your health—your symptoms sound quite distressing. Let’s break down what you’re experiencing and outline actionable steps you can take.

Main Points:

1. You're experiencing persistent nausea, clamminess, dizziness, and fatigue, along with changes in bowel habits and emotional distress.
2. These symptoms suggest a potential underlying issue that may not solely be dehydration or anxiety.

Explanation:

Your symptoms, including severe nausea, dizziness, and feelings of clamminess alongside changes in bowel habits and pain, could be indicative of a variety of conditions. They might stem from viral gastroenteritis (a stomach virus), food-related issues, or other gastrointestinal disturbances. The ongoing nausea and inability to keep food down can lead to dehydration and subsequent fatigue. Additionally, the anxiety you're experiencing could be linked to the overall stress your body is under from being unwell.

It's important to consider that while some of your symptoms may interrelate, others—particularly the localized pain on your right side and lower back ache—could warrant further investigation.

Actionable Next Steps:

1. Continue Hydration: Since you're struggling to eat, focus on staying hydrated. Sipping clear fluids like water, herbal tea, or electrolyte solutions in small amounts throughout the day can help prevent dehydration. Avoid caffeine and sugary drinks, as they can worsen nausea.

2. Monitor Symptoms: Keep a symptom diary for the next few days. Document how you feel, what you eat, and any pain or acute symptoms you experience. This will be valuable for understanding patterns and for any future consultations.

3. Gentle Nutrition: When you feel ready, gradually try to expand your diet with bland, easily digestible foods (like rice, bananas, plain pasta, or applesauce) in small amounts. Try to eat small meals frequently rather than large portions.

4. Rest: Your body is likely fatigued from the illness. Allow yourself time to rest and recover. Avoid exerting yourself with activities that may exacerbate dizziness or fatigue.

5. Seek Further Evaluation: Given the persistence and intensification of your symptoms, particularly the lower back pain and right-sided discomfort, it's wise to seek further medical evaluation. If you're unable to eat, feel extremely weak, or experience severe pain, please consider going back to urgent care or your physician for a thorough examination.

6. Manage Anxiety: Consider gentle breathing exercises or mindfulness practices to help manage anxiety when it arises. Making time for relaxation and focusing on your breathing can provide some relief.

It’s understandable to feel frustrated and desperate for answers. Remember that your health is a priority, and addressing these issues can take time. If you continue to feel this way or your symptoms worsen, engaging with a healthcare professional for a more comprehensive diagnosis is crucial. You deserve support, and I hope you find the relief you need soon.