What Are the Chances of Hospitalization? UK Perspective
I am a 14-year-old girl, standing at 161 cm tall and weighing 40 kg. I reside in the UK and have been diagnosed with Postural Orthostatic Tachycardia Syndrome (PoTS) and Myalgic Encephalomyelitis/Chronic Fatigue Syndrome (ME/CFS). For the past three months, I have been battling disordered eating and have recently been referred to Child and Adolescent Mental Health Services (CAMHS). These past two weeks have seen a significant deterioration in my condition. Currently, my daily caloric intake is around 500 calories, which I've maintained for the last 14 days. As a result, I am experiencing extreme physical weakness, excessive fatigue beyond my usual tiredness, persistent dizziness, and a feeling of nausea. Additionally, I often feel extremely cold, suffer from heart palpitations, chest discomfort, and struggle with serious brain fog. Moreover, an additional concern is that I experienced a single menstrual period three months ago and have not had another since. I appreciate any feedback or insight you could provide on my situation. Thank you.
Answers (1)
9/11/2025, 3:40:48 PM
OpenHealth AI
It's understandable to feel overwhelmed given your current challenges with PoTS, ME/CFS, and disordered eating. Your symptoms indicate a need for immediate support, especially since you've experienced a significant drop in caloric intake and worsening health. I will outline some key points regarding your situation and provide actionable steps to help you navigate it.
Key Points:
- Health Risks: Consuming around 500 calories a day is significantly below the necessary intake for someone your age and size, leading to serious health risks such as malnutrition and exacerbation of your existing conditions (PoTS and ME/CFS).
- Menstrual Irregularities: Not having a menstrual period can indicate hormonal imbalance, which may be related to low body weight and nutritional deficiencies.
- Symptom Deterioration: Your symptoms—extreme fatigue, dizziness, and nausea—worsening over the past two weeks is concerning and suggests that urgent action is needed.
Next Steps:
-
Increase Caloric Intake Gradually: Aim to gradually increase your caloric intake to at least 1,200-1,500 calories per day, focusing on small, nutrient-dense meals. Consider adding soft foods that may be easier to tolerate, like smoothies or soups, to make eating more manageable.
-
Stay Hydrated: Proper hydration is crucial, especially with PoTS. Drink plenty of fluids, ideally with electrolytes (like sports drinks or oral rehydration solutions), to help manage symptoms.
-
Monitor Symptoms Closely: Keep a diary of your symptoms, noting when they worsen or improve. This record will be useful for your healthcare providers, including CAMHS, to tailor your treatment effectively.
-
Utilize Support Services: Engage actively with the support offered by CAMHS. Make sure to discuss your eating patterns and any concerns about your physical health, as they can coordinate care with other healthcare professionals.
-
Connect with Trusted Adults: Talk to someone you trust about how you are feeling, such as a parent, guardian, or friend. It’s important to have emotional support during this time to help you address both mental and physical challenges.
-
Focus on Mental Well-being: Incorporate gentle activities such as mindfulness or yoga, as tolerated, to help manage stress and improve your overall mood.
Encouragement:
It's important to recognize that your health struggles are serious and deserve attention. By taking these steps and reaching out for support, you're moving towards a healthier future. Remember that progress may be slow, but every small step is significant. If your symptoms continue to worsen or you feel critically unwell, seeking emergency medical attention would be crucial. Please take care of yourself, and know you are not alone in this journey.
Related Questions
Unexplained Bruising and Intense Itching
Hello, I’m a 20-year-old female, standing at 5 feet 2 inches and weighing 135 pounds. Recently, I have been experiencing intense itching that has resulted in significant bruising on my skin. Currently, I’m on several medications including spironolactone (which I haven’t taken for the last two weeks), Effexor, Aimovig, Wegovy, and Linzess. I do not use tobacco or consume alcohol. Apart from experiencing a generally sluggish digestive system, I have no pre-existing health issues. However, my family medical history indicates occurrences of Multiple Sclerosis, Hashimoto’s disease, diabetes, and eczema. The itching has become severe, leading to large bruises forming on my body. I consulted a virtual urgent care service, which advised me to visit the emergency room to check for potential blood clots or internal bleeding. Upon arriving at the ER, I underwent various tests, and I noticed that my resting heart rate has been notably elevated between 120 and 140 beats per minute, though I am uncertain if this is a new development. Eventually, I was discharged without any conclusive information, except with the advice to refrain from scratching. I have shared images of the tests conducted during my visit.
Understanding Prednisone Usage and Withdrawal
A 38-year-old woman, measuring 5’10 and weighing 125 pounds, with no smoking or drinking habits and a background of autoimmune disease, encountered a viral infection in December. In response to her condition, a specialist recommended a tapering regimen starting with a 40mg dose of prednisone for five days, followed by a gradual reduction through 30mg, 20mg, and 10mg over a total period of 20 days. After completing the course and halting the medication, she experienced severe symptoms approximately 36 hours later, including intense vomiting, debilitating headaches, and widespread pain throughout her body. Any physical contact provoked discomfort, leaving her in distress. Unable to reach her original provider, she consulted another physician who prescribed a lower dosage of 4mg of prednisone, instructing her to decrease the amount by 1mg every three days. Remarkably, she felt relief upon returning to the 4mg dose. However, she expressed concern regarding the potential effects when she ultimately weans off the medication entirely. She is seeking guidance on whether this method of tapering is typical and which specialist might be best suited to manage her prednisone treatment moving forward.
Recurring Mysterious Rash Every Year, All Tests Negative
Hello everyone! I'm an 18-year-old female, and I don't consume alcohol, smoke, or engage in any recreational drug use. Around the middle of January last year, I noticed a gradual appearance of a rash across my body that escalated into a severe illness after approximately a week and a half of its onset. Currently, I find myself in a similar situation, suggesting that this might be a yearly recurring issue. At the moment, the rash isn't itchy, although I've recently had a mild sore throat. Thankfully, I don't have any other signs of illness right now. Last year, when I was unwell, it was an incredibly challenging experience; I felt extremely weak, had a runny nose, persistent cough, sore throat, and even experienced moments of confusion due to fever. The rash did become itchy once I fell ill. During last year's episode, I sought medical advice and underwent several tests while dealing with the rash. All results came back negative, including tests for mononucleosis. The only positive result was for a common cold. Having received vaccinations for measles, mumps, and rubella during my childhood (despite having had those diseases), I'm fairly certain this isn't related to any of them, and I believe I tested negative for those as well last year. Any insights or advice would be greatly appreciated! Thank you from a financially struggling college student!
Concerns About Abdominal Distension
Hello, I'm a 25-year-old female, weighing approximately 51 kilograms and standing at 155 centimeters tall. I have established allergies to Prospan and certain vitamins, which I actively avoid in my diet. My daily caloric intake is around 2250 kcal, and I supplement my nutrition with B complex vitamins, omega-3 fatty acids, and vitamins C and D. I do not have any identified food allergies that I know of. I maintain a workout regimen that spans four days each week, followed by a day of rest. However, I’ve noticed a consistent issue where my lower abdomen noticeably swells after each meal. To me, it resembles the growth associated with early to mid-pregnancy, and it seems to occur only in that specific area. This situation is worrying me, and I would greatly appreciate any advice you might be able to provide. I am contemplating visiting a gastroenterologist soon, but I thought I’d ask for perspectives here as well, just in case. Thank you for any insights you can share. Best, 'Not Pregnant, Just Full' girl
Navigating MALS Challenges: Seeking Guidance
Hello everyone! I’m a 36-year-old female dealing with multiple health conditions, including EDS (Ehlers-Danlos Syndrome), MALS (Median Arcuate Ligament Syndrome), and ulcerative colitis, among several other unrelated issues. I wanted to share my experience with MALS, which has been confirmed for me. Back in May 2024, I underwent revision surgery. Unfortunately, the recovery did not go as hoped. Due to my EDS, the celiac artery lacks the ability to function independently, which my surgeon described as it being "too floppy." At that time, I accepted this outcome because the excruciating pain had subsided, and I was able to eat and gain weight again. However, now I find myself facing a resurgence of pain that is quite intense. A CT scan I had last week revealed severe stenosis in my celiac artery, coupled with a soft tissue prominence at the diaphragmatic crus and the beginning of the celiac axis. Currently, I’m taking Norco 10-325 three times a day and Lyrica 75 mg three times daily. While these medications provide some relief, the pain is overwhelming, and I can’t help but feel as if I’ve returned to my previous struggles from two years ago. Doctors are suggesting that the only option is to go in and "clean out the adhesions". I come to you all for your insights: Do you think pursuing a clean out procedure is advisable, or could it pose too much risk considering my EDS? I appreciate your thoughts and thanks for reading my story.