Seeking Guidance: Battling Chronic Illness for Over a Decade
I'm in dire need of assistance. For years, I've been feeling unwell, experiencing an almost constant state of illness. It's difficult to convey precisely what I'm going through, but I will attempt to articulate it as best as I can. My daily existence is overshadowed by overwhelming fatigue, lingering headaches, an absence of energy, and an unsettling sense of unease—though I wouldn't classify it as nausea. The demands of a workday have become increasingly challenging. One silver lining during the pandemic was the shift to remote work, which made my days more manageable. However, I've recently transitioned to a new role that requires me to commute to the office weekly for a 100-mile round trip. We've now been informed that starting mid-January, attendance will be mandatory from Tuesday to Thursday, and it's likely a full return will be expected in the future. Currently, I find myself rising nearly two hours earlier than necessary just to have time to drink coffee, catch up on the news, and mentally prepare to shower and begin my day. Whether it's a workday or a weekend where I can potentially sleep in, I still find myself needing to sit quietly for an extended period before I can muster the energy to move. Regardless of whether I've had 6, 8, 10, or even 12 hours of sleep, I never feel truly well. I force myself to complete essential chores: cleaning the house, cooking, doing laundry, caring for pets, working, and even showering. Shopping has largely migrated online for me, including grocery deliveries. Although my husband and I look forward to going out for drinks with friends at our local American Legion on Friday nights, the exhaustion afterward seems to linger throughout the weekend. Although my mind craves activities and I long for the hobbies I used to enjoy, I feel restricted by a lack of energy. I miss feeling like my old self—active, engaged, and capable of doing the things I love. This nagging sense of discomfort has persisted for around 13 years, escalating from just fatigue to a pervasive feeling of illness over the last six years. Despite discussions with my doctor, I haven't found satisfactory answers. All my blood tests yield normal results, and during routine check-ups, no issues are identified. ### My Background: I am a Caucasian female approaching 62 years in February. - **Height:** 5'5" - **Weight:** 150 lbs (I’ve experienced a weight increase of approximately 20-25 lbs due to menopause; my menstrual cycle has never been consistent, often skipping several months.) - **Mental Health:** I've dealt with depression since childhood, starting treatment in 2004 with 30mg of Cymbalta three times a day, which was later increased to a 60mg time-release version (Duloxetine) once daily in 2016 due to constant fatigue. - **Hypertension:** I take 100/25mg of Losartan HCTZ once daily, 5mg of Amlodipine Besylate once daily, and 25mg of Spironolactone once daily. This condition is hereditary; I began medication at 37 during my peak physical fitness, having maintained a healthy diet and regular exercise routine. Both my mother and maternal grandmother also had high blood pressure and relied on medication. I typically indulge in a few beers weekly during our outings, and I do not use recreational drugs. Three years ago, I had pre-cancerous polyps removed during my first colonoscopy, and I underwent a second colonoscopy six months ago with another scheduled for February. I've also been experiencing loose stools on a regular basis, likely a side effect from my medications. This issue began around ten years ago. Could there be a possibility that I have an autoimmune disorder? What steps can I take moving forward? I cannot continue to live my life constantly feeling unwell. Any guidance or suggestions would be immensely appreciated. Thank you!
Answers (1)
12/13/2025, 3:20:52 PM
OpenHealth AI
I understand that living with chronic illness for many years can be incredibly challenging, and your feelings of exhaustion and discomfort are very valid. It's important to address both your symptoms and your need for answers moving forward. We will explore potential factors contributing to how you feel and steps you can take.
Main Points:
- Your symptoms have persisted for a long time with no clear diagnosis, which can be frustrating.
- Chronic fatigue, headaches, and general malaise can have multiple potential causes, including autoimmune disorders, hormonal changes (such as menopause), and medication side effects.
- Taking actionable steps can help in managing your symptoms and improving your quality of life.
Explanation:
Many factors could influence your current state, such as hormonal changes due to menopause, chronic stress, potential side effects from medications, or even the effects of prolonged depression. Autoimmune conditions, while a possibility, often require specific symptoms and testing to diagnose accurately. Given your history and current symptoms, it's essential to consider all possible angles to gain insight into your health.
Next Steps:
-
Symptom Diary: Start a detailed diary to track when your symptoms occur, their severity, and any potential triggers (diet, activities, stress levels). This can help identify patterns and provide valuable information for your healthcare provider.
-
Schedule a Comprehensive Review: Request a follow-up appointment with your healthcare provider to discuss your chronic fatigue and other ongoing symptoms, focusing on potential testing for autoimmune disorders or other conditions that may not have been previously discussed.
-
Discuss Medications: Review your current medications with your doctor, especially concerning the side effects related to fatigue and gastrointestinal issues. A medication review might reveal alternatives or adjustments that could help alleviate your symptoms.
-
Lifestyle Adjustments:
- Nutrition: Consider enhancing your diet with anti-inflammatory foods (like fruits, vegetables, oily fish, nuts, and whole grains) and reducing processed foods and sugars.
- Physical Activity: Incorporate gentle exercises like walking or yoga, which may help increase your energy levels gradually.
- Stress Management: Explore relaxation techniques such as mindfulness, meditation, or breathing exercises to reduce stress and improve your mental wellness.
-
Support Network: Engaging in support groups, either in-person or online, can provide emotional support and additional strategies from others with similar experiences.
-
Monitor Changes: After implementing any changes, continue to observe any changes in your symptoms and report them back to your healthcare provider.
It's crucial to remain proactive in seeking answers and advocating for your health. You deserve a better quality of life and effective solutions to help restore your well-being. Remember, you're not alone, and there are steps you can take to feel more like your old self again. If you need further guidance or specific resources, please let me know.
Related Questions
Multiple Sclerosis Diagnosis: Is My Current DMD Sufficient or Should I Consider a More Potent Option?
**Personal Details:** - **Age:** 33 years - **Gender:** Female - **Height:** 170 cm - **Weight:** 59 kg - **Smoker:** Yes **Current Medications:** - Tecfidera (for Relapsing-Remitting Multiple Sclerosis) - Venlafaxine 150 mg and Flupentixol 0.5 mg daily for anxiety My journey with multiple sclerosis began back in 2019 when I experienced optic neuritis in my left eye, which I opted not to treat at that time. An MRI I had performed revealed no lesions. A year later, a follow-up MRI uncovered several lesions: - One lesion in the right middle temporal area, approximately 9 mm in diameter, situated next to the temporal horn of the lateral ventricle. - One lesion located in the left temporal subcortical region. - One in the right parahippocampal area. - Two lesions within the left superior frontal and parafalcine regions. - Between two to three lesions present in the corpus callosum. There were also poorly defined hyperintense foci found around the frontal and occipital horns of the lateral ventricles. The lesions varied in shape, predominantly irregularly oval and punctate, some of which displayed a distinct orientation relative to the brain's surface. Importantly, they did not cause any mass effect or focal atrophy in the surrounding tissue. The imaging indicated limited involvement of the short association fibers, with other structures, including the basal ganglia, brainstem, and cerebellum appearing unaffected. Following the administration of a contrast agent, the blood-brain barrier was intact, with no indicators of additional focal lesions in the brain parenchyma. Initially, I did not begin any disease-modifying therapy (DMT). However, after more than four years, I experienced my second relapse characterized by double vision. It commenced with an odd feeling as if my glasses were misaligned, lasting a few days, followed by actual double vision that lasted three days, which returned to normal at night without any treatment. After this incident, I had another MRI which fortunately showed no new lesions, indicating stability in my condition. Approximately three months later, another relapse occurred, this time manifesting as left optic neuritis once again. I began a course of low-dose corticosteroid pills, though my recovery wasn't complete as my vision in the left eye worsened slightly. Since then, I have not had any further relapses. Months later, I pondered beginning a DMT, finally opting for Rebif after nearly five years without treatment. However, after one month, my anxiety heightened significantly, prompting me to need Xanax just to manage daily activities. My neurologist attempted to reduce the dose for a week, but unfortunately, my situation didn't improve leading to the discontinuation of Rebif. He then suggested a transition to Copaxone, but I expressed a desire for a more potent medication. Eventually, we reached a compromise with Tecfidera, which I have now been on for nine months without any significant issues. Nevertheless, I find myself constantly in a state of worry wondering if this medication is sufficient, especially as many discussions suggest starting with high-efficacy options. Aside from these three relapses, I experience no mobility challenges, cognitive issues, or brain fog; my overall health feels the same as prior to my diagnosis, apart from the slight deterioration in my left eye after the optic neuritis. My Expanded Disability Status Scale (EDSS) remains unchanged at 1.5. Therefore, I’m reaching out to medical professionals, particularly neurologists: is Tecfidera adequate for my situation? While I realize this may seem an unusual inquiry, I'm eager to gain insights from medical experts rather than relying solely on anecdotal patient experiences found online.
Inquiry Regarding Potential Rabies Exposure
Age: 22 Gender: Male Height: 5'9" Location: Azuay Province, Ecuador I reside in the mountainous region of Ecuador at an elevation between 2,600 and 2,700 meters above sea level. This area is known to host vampire bats. I’m writing to seek clarification on whether my recent experience constitutes a possible rabies exposure. After finishing work, I was descending the mountain with my mother when I approached a small stone wall about my height. I attempted to climb but ended up backing off. Around 6:55-7:00 PM, it was nearly dark, and I didn’t use my flashlight, thus visibility was poor. As night fell, I placed my hand onto the rocky wall, positioning it slightly behind some stones. This well-worn structure had crevices that could potentially shelter small creatures, but I didn’t hear any movement or sounds from the area when I got close. At that moment, I didn’t feel anything bite or touch me. My mother mentioned that she shone a flashlight from behind the wall but did not observe anything flying away. After I moved away, she also checked and found nothing there. However, upon returning home, I discovered a minor, shallow cut on my finger. This led me to consider the possibility that a bat could have been resting there, and I startled it to the point that it might have bitten me without my noticing, as I was distracted by my mother speaking to me. Contrarily, I also pondered the scenario of how I got scratched. Earlier, while collecting firewood in the mountains, I may have inadvertently scraped my finger on a blackberry branch. I distinctly remember pricking my palm with one of the thorns, which captured my focus completely. Given this context, it’s quite plausible that I merely nicked myself on something earlier in the day and didn’t notice the minor injury until I got home. Is this situation categorized as a potential rabies exposure? My region has not reported any rabies cases among animals or humans for many years. I became aware of this when, about eight months ago, my mother and I consulted various veterinarians and animal vaccinators involved in disease prevention campaigns. They indicated that rabies is not a concern in our area. Just the other day, my mother spoke to a local vet regarding vaccinations for our dogs, and he confirmed that there have been no rabies cases reported this year. Despite our sheep being regularly targeted by bats over the past four years, they have never shown any signs of rabies. Am I overreacting due to anxiety, potentially concocting unreasonable fears? The presence of this lesion makes it difficult for me to maintain clarity on whether this is a genuine concern or just a product of my health anxiety leading to an overthinking spiral. I would greatly appreciate any professional insights on this matter.
Potential Consequences of Ignoring Pink Eye
To start off, I’d like to say that the likelihood of me returning to the hospital for this or for any other issue is extremely minimal. I realize that's not a great mindset, but I want to at least make an informed yet reckless choice. Two weeks ago, I sought treatment at the emergency room for pink eye, where I was given a prescription for antibiotic ointment. Unfortunately, I haven’t been diligent about applying it, primarily due to my struggling mental health – but that’s a topic for another day. I did attempt to revisit the hospital for further assistance, and while the staff were not at fault, I found myself stuck in a nearly empty waiting room for two hours before I decided to leave. Now, I’m experiencing several new health concerns that I suspect are connected to my immune system being compromised by the eye infection. I’ve noticed multiple scabs forming, some of which are the result of my anxious habit of picking at them (I understand the gravity of this issue). Many of these have become infected and are failing to heal as they should. Additionally, I’m dealing with a chest cold and other minor ailments that seem to linger due to the initial infection. This makes me reflect on the potential seriousness of my pink eye condition. With my ointment supply nearly exhausted, I will soon have to manage the discomfort on my own. If there’s a chance this could lead to more severe health problems, I would prefer to be informed about it.
Concerned About Dismissal by My Rheumatologist Due to Lack of Symptoms
I'm a 23-year-old female and have been experiencing eye swelling since July. I only realized how pronounced the swelling was in November when I took a closer look, pressing on the area and confirming the swelling. Fortunately, the swelling doesn’t cause any pain, and I don’t have any known allergies. Upon discovery, I had some blood tests conducted; my Erythrocyte Sedimentation Rate (ESR) came back at 108, while my C-Reactive Protein (CRP) levels were within normal limits. My anti-DsDNA level was recorded at 10, and my Sjögren's test result was 8. Thankfully, my kidney and liver function tests yielded normal results. My iron levels are also within the normal range, but my Total Iron Binding Capacity (TIBC) and Unsaturated Iron Binding Capacity (UIBC) were slightly low. Additionally, I found out that my Vitamin D levels are below optimal. I also have a hereditary issue with high cholesterol; I was on a low dose of rosuvastatin (5mg), but I stopped after completing my prescription. I conducted further lab tests, believing my situation was stable, only to learn that I should have continued the medication. Consequently, my bad lipid levels have now doubled due to what I've learned is a "rebound" effect. I find myself perplexed because I feel perfectly fine even as several indicators suggest an underlying auto-inflammatory condition.
Seeking Insight into My Health Concerns
Hello everyone, I am a 28-year-old female looking to decipher whether my diverse symptoms might be interrelated. While I understand that platforms like Reddit cannot replace professional medical advice, I would appreciate any insights or shared experiences to discuss with my healthcare providers. **Medical Background** - Have dealt with migraines since my childhood. - Experienced an ischemic stroke at 26 years old (in 2022) prompted by a spontaneous dissection of the left internal carotid artery, which resulted in full occlusion. - Underwent IV thrombolysis and a successful thrombectomy attempt, followed by the placement of a stent in the false lumen. - Chronic occlusion of the left internal carotid artery has been noted. - Suffered a central retinal artery occlusion in my left eye, leading to a lasting scotoma. - Numerous MRIs have revealed recurring ischemic lesions in the left anterior capsular/frontal subcortical regions, with no signs of new acute strokes since 2023. - Have therapy-resistant cluster headaches that have been managed using oxygen, triptans, and occipital nerve stimulation. - Diagnosed with aseptic meningitis in 2024. - Found to have hyperhomocysteinemia due to a homozygous mutation in the MTHFR gene. - Possible vasculitis has been suggested: - I have had skin lesions on my legs on five different occasions. - Two biopsy analyses indicated C3 complement deposition, leading to a suspicion of leukocytoclastic vasculitis, although not yet confirmed. - Recently, I developed another active skin lesion which has led to another biopsy. - Additionally, I experience recurrent knee pain that can last for several weeks, but I do not have any ankle discomfort. **Lab Results:** - D-dimer levels remain consistently elevated. - Occasional increases in C-reactive protein. - Antinuclear antibody test returned negative. **Other Symptoms:** - I frequently feel dizzy and unsteady. - Experience nausea and bouts of vomiting. - Previously had oral aphthous ulcers, but no genital ulcers. - Have not had any fever. Could anyone provide any perspectives on what this might indicate? Thank you for taking the time to read my post! Any thoughts, similar experiences, or recommendations for additional tests or specialists to consult would be immensely helpful.