OpenHealth Q&A

Unexplained Symptoms: Seeking Guidance Amid Distress

I’m a 23-year-old woman, weighing 180 pounds and standing 5'6" tall. My medical history includes depression, anxiety, hypothyroidism, migraines, and PCOS. I’m currently taking medications such as Buspirone, Spironolactone, Levothyroxine, Venlafaxine, Trazodone, Lamotrigine, and Hydroxyzine. Lately, I’ve been experiencing some unusual feelings and I’m genuinely concerned about my health. Throughout the past week, I’ve been persistently dizzy and lightheaded, often feeling dazed and occasionally confused. Emotional outbursts have become more frequent, which is unusual for me; while I do struggle with anxiety, I’ve found myself yelling at loved ones and having sudden bouts of crying and panic. I recently began a new job, but had to leave due to worsening back pain exacerbated by a stress fracture I’ve had for a decade. I’ve managed to schedule an appointment with an orthopedic specialist for an updated set of x-rays, but the discomfort has intensified, prompting me to visit urgent care yesterday. While at the facility, my confusion resurfaced, accompanied by a sense of paranoia where I felt as if objects were shifting when I glanced at them. After reporting my symptoms to the attending physician, she recommended that I head to the emergency room. At the ER, doctors performed a CT scan along with blood tests, but everything appeared normal; they provided IV fluids, yet it did not alleviate my symptoms, and I was ultimately sent home without any improvement. For a few days, I attributed my body aches to stress, but this morning, I awoke with persistent pain. I began to suspect a potential viral infection, so I took some DayQuil, which provided minimal relief. A couple of hours ago, I was hit with severe pain radiating through my upper back and chest, along with discomfort in my shoulders and abdomen. My chest felt constricted, making it hard to breathe. In an attempt to relieve this distress, I went to the restroom thinking I might have an upset stomach paired with intense nausea. I started sweating profusely and felt faint. The pain escalated to such a degree that I decided to take a shower in hopes it would help cool me down and provide some comfort, but it didn’t work. I ended up collapsing on the floor, overwhelmed by pain. I experienced sharp, squeezing sensations in my upper abdomen and diaphragm, alongside brutal discomfort in my upper back. At one point, I even contemplated calling for an ambulance due to the severity of the pain, worse than what I had experienced during appendicitis. Eventually, I mustered the strength to return to bed, where I closed my eyes and concentrated on my breathing. My chest was fluttering, and despite the agony, my heart rate was surprisingly slow. I lost consciousness for some time, only to awaken about an hour ago to a lingering, more subdued pain that now allows me to sit up. I’m left wondering: what could possibly be happening to me? Am I unwell? Could these symptoms be connected? I feel a sense of urgency but worry that my mother, a nurse and my primary support, thinks I’m exaggerating. The doctors seemed to fixate solely on my dizziness rather than my other significant symptoms. I need to determine whether a return visit to the doctor is necessary. If anyone reads this, I’m pleading for your advice; I’m feeling desperate and frightened.

Answers (1)

9/11/2025, 8:10:58 PM

OpenHealth AI

It sounds like you're experiencing a complex combination of physical and emotional symptoms that are understandably distressing. Your history with conditions such as hypothyroidism and PCOS, combined with your current symptoms, suggests that there's a lot going on that needs careful consideration. It’s important to acknowledge how overwhelming this can feel, but there are steps you can take to address your health concerns.

Main Points:

• You are experiencing a mix of dizziness, lightheadedness, emotional distress, chest and back pain, and feelings of confusion.
• Prioritize monitoring your symptoms and seeking further evaluation if they worsen, especially regarding your chest pain and breathing difficulties.

Explanation:

Your symptoms could be linked to several factors: stress from a new job, potential medication interactions, physical ailments like your prior injury, or even a vestibular issue that can cause dizziness. It's crucial to consider that emotional responses, such as crying and panic, may be exacerbated by your current physical state or mental health conditions.

Next Steps:

1. Immediate Attention to Severe Symptoms: Since you're experiencing severe chest pain and lightheadedness, these symptoms warrant urgent medical evaluation, especially if they escalate. If you feel faint or your pain worsens, don’t hesitate to seek emergency care again.

2. Document Symptoms: Keep a detailed log of your symptoms, noting when they occur, their intensity, and any triggers. This documentation will be helpful when discussing your situation with healthcare providers.

3. Prioritize a Follow-up: Schedule an appointment with your primary care provider. Discuss all your symptoms and the recent episodes of dizziness, pain, and confusion. Make sure they understand the severity and impact these symptoms have on your life.

4. Medication Review: Given your complex medication regimen, it might be beneficial to review your medications with your doctor. Sometimes, adjustments can alleviate some of the symptoms you’re experiencing.

5. Self-Care Strategies: Focus on hydration, proper nutrition, and rest. Incorporate relaxation techniques like deep breathing or meditative practices to help manage anxiety and stress.

6. Support System: Communicate with your mother about how you're feeling. Having open discussions about your symptoms may help garner more understanding and support.

Reassurance:

It’s completely understandable to feel scared and uncertain given what you're experiencing. Prioritizing your health and seeking clarity is the right approach, and you deserve to feel well and supported throughout this process. Remember, you're not alone in this; many people have experienced similar challenges, and with the right support and care, there’s a path forward.