OpenHealth Q&A

Seeking Insights on Ongoing Health Struggles

I’m reaching out in hopes that someone can offer assistance, as my situation feels quite dire. I’m a 30-year-old woman with a history of obsessive-compulsive disorder and atopic dermatitis, and my family has a pattern of autoimmune conditions. If you have inquiries about my medical history, feel free to ask, and I'll gladly provide more details. In 2022, my healthcare provider prescribed me three medications: Trintellix to address depression stemming from my father’s passing, Mirtazapine at a dosage of 7.5 mg to manage nocturia, and Propranolol for mild anxiety. Shortly after starting these medications, I contracted COVID-19 for the second time, experiencing significantly different symptoms this time around, such as severe diarrhea, body tremors, and nausea. The experience was horrendous, particularly during the first night. After recovering from COVID, I began to face new issues, including anxiety attacks that made breathing difficult, intense shivering, an overwhelming urge to use the bathroom, and a bizarre sensation akin to being electrically charged. I decided to discontinue Trintellix and Propranolol, but the symptoms continued. It wasn’t until four months later that I followed my doctor’s advice to stop Mirtazapine. Just four days post-discontinuation, I experienced withdrawal symptoms, which persisted for four additional months. The withdrawal manifestations included insomnia, nausea, a loss of appetite, tremors, numbness in my limbs, depression, and a renewed sense of anxiety, as if I were constantly jolted by an electric current. To cope, I resorted to long daily walks, often pacing around my house. My stools contained an unusually high amount of bile, and I struggled with solid foods for an extended period. Additionally, I felt persistent tightness across my abdomen and in my head, particularly affecting the front. There were moments when I experienced sharp sensations up my left arm, radiating from my armpit to my jaw. After undergoing both a colonoscopy and an endoscopy, only a small hiatal hernia was discovered, while a Bravo test indicated low stomach acid, leading to a temporary cessation of certain proton pump inhibitors. Over three years, I have seen improvements in many symptoms, which I am thankful for, yet I continue to face struggles. I have a gastroenterology appointment with a new physician scheduled for early October, but here are the symptoms I currently contend with. Every morning between 6 AM and 7 AM, I wake up due to a strange electric sensation near my stomach, often accompanied by gas. This change in my morning routine has been unsettling, as I used to wake up gradually. Now, the abruptness of this feeling jolts me awake. Mornings tend to be the most challenging times for me; I frequently experience anxiety and a feeling of being overstimulated. Occasionally, I have gas build-up that heightens my anxiety, but relief usually follows once I am able to pass it. I also deal with some acid reflux, though eating typically alleviates discomfort, and I generally feel better in the evenings. Despite this, the tightness in my left arm and up to my jaw remains an ever-present issue. A recent stress test resulted in normal findings. Moreover, at times, food regurgitates while I’m eating, which exacerbates my sense of despair, as if my body is perpetually in a state of survival mode. Despite these feelings, I have experienced intervals where I felt more at ease, affirming that recovery is indeed possible. I can breathe without obstruction, yet it often seems challenging to take a deep breath. To be candid, the ordeals I experienced led me to distance myself from both the medical and pharmaceutical communities. The fear generated by those circumstances was overwhelming. Coming from a family of healthcare professionals, if a doctor suggested an unusual remedy, I would have followed it without question in the past. Now, while I appreciate the advantage of modern medicine, my experiences have led me to approach new treatments with considerable caution due to the trauma endured. After the dismissal following my colonoscopy and endoscopy, I sought help from a functional medicine specialist, seeing two different practitioners. I’ve undergone GI map testing twice and have adhered to their protocols aimed at gut health restoration. Additionally, I’ve explored various alternative treatments, including acupuncture, ozone therapy, foot detoxes, gut health regimens, meditation, consultations with medical mediums, energy cleanses, proton pump inhibitors, and currently, I am taking LDN at 4.5 mg for low-dose naltrexone to support my health. I’ve engaged with a chiropractor to address the hiatal hernia and have pursued therapy. Feel free to critique my willingness to explore these options, but when faced with prolonged discomfort, you might find yourself open to various solutions. So, does anyone have theories on what I might be experiencing? Could I have long COVID? Did the Mirtazapine disrupt my body and nervous system? Outside of consulting the gastroenterologist, can you recommend any other specialists or tests I might consider? Thank you for your insights in advance.

Answers (1)

9/9/2025, 7:01:39 PM

OpenHealth AI

Thank you for sharing your detailed experience; it sounds incredibly challenging, and it’s understandable to feel overwhelmed given all you’ve faced. Your description highlights several complex symptoms that can stem from both physical and psychological factors, especially following your COVID-19 recovery and the medication adjustments.

Summary of Main Points:

• Ongoing Symptoms: You have a range of persistent symptoms including anxiety, gut issues, and unusual sensations.
• Medication Concerns: Withdrawal from Mirtazapine was difficult, and your experience with medications has understandably caused caution.
• Next Steps: It's important to continue with your upcoming gastroenterology appointment for further evaluation, while also considering possible contributory factors such as long COVID or effects of past medications.

Explanation:

Your symptoms could potentially be linked to several factors:

1. Post-COVID Syndrome/Long COVID: Some people experience prolonged symptoms after COVID-19, such as gastrointestinal issues, anxiety, and sensory disturbances.
2. Medication Effects: Withdrawal symptoms from Mirtazapine can be significant and may have disrupted your body’s normal functioning, as you described. Some medications can have lingering effects even after they have been stopped.
3. Anxiety and Hyperstimulation: It seems that anxiety plays a significant role in your daily experiences, which can heighten physical symptoms and sensations of discomfort.
4. Gastrointestinal Health: Given the symptoms like acid reflux and gas, ongoing gastrointestinal evaluation (which you are continuing) is crucial.

Actionable Next Steps:

1. Continue Gastroenterology Follow-Up: Be open with your new gastroenterologist about the full history of your symptoms and any treatments you've tried, including alternative therapies. This will help to form a comprehensive view of your health.

2. Track Symptoms: Maintain a daily symptom journal, noting when symptoms occur, their severity, potential triggers, and anything that alleviates them. This can provide valuable information to your healthcare provider.

3. Mindfulness and Relaxation Techniques: Since anxiety appears to exacerbate your symptoms, incorporating daily relaxation techniques, such as deep breathing, meditation, or yoga, may help manage stress and reduce anxiety levels.

4. Nutrition and Lifestyle Adjustments: Focus on a gut-friendly diet, emphasizing whole foods while avoiding processed items. Consider keeping track of foods that trigger symptoms to identify any specific intolerances. Stay hydrated and maintain regular light exercise as tolerated.

5. Explore Mental Health Support: Given the traumatic aspects of your experience with medications and health care, consider connecting with a mental health professional who specializes in integration or trauma therapy. They can help address the anxiety stemming from these experiences.

6. Consider Additional Specialists: If symptoms persist or worsen, you might explore consultations with:

   • A neurologist focused on sensory disturbances and anxiety-related issues.
   • A behavioral therapist with a focus on somatic experiences.
   • A rheumatologist, given your family history of autoimmune diseases, to rule out any underlying conditions.

Conclusion:

The journey you are on is both difficult and complex, but it's clear that recovery is possible as you have already experienced periods of improvement. Continue to advocate for your health, and don’t hesitate to express your concerns during medical appointments, as this will ensure you receive the most appropriate care. You're taking steps in the right direction by seeking help and exploring options. Remember, you're not alone in this; many people experience similar pathways to health.