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.
Answers (1)
12/13/2025, 6:30:48 PM
OpenHealth AI
Thank you for sharing your medical history and concerns. It sounds like you are dealing with complex health challenges, and it's understandable you are seeking insights. While I can't replace professional medical advice, I can offer some perspectives on your symptoms and suggest possible next steps you might consider discussing with your healthcare team.
Main Points
- Diverse Symptoms: Your symptoms may be interrelated, especially considering your history of vascular issues and recent diagnoses.
- Investigate Potential Links: Conditions like vasculitis, hyperhomocysteinemia, and prior neurological problems could connect various symptoms.
- Monitor and Document: Keeping a detailed record of your symptoms and any triggering factors can help healthcare providers understand your situation better.
Explanation
You’ve experienced several significant health events, including a stroke and vasculitis. Symptoms such as dizziness, nausea, and recurrent skin lesions, combined with elevated D-dimer and CRP levels, suggest inflammation or vascular issues could be at play.
Your migraines and cluster headaches are also notable, as they can sometimes coexist with vascular conditions. Moreover, hyperhomocysteinemia may pose additional risks for vascular problems, which could contribute to both ischemic events and symptomatic issues.
Next Steps
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Symptom Diary: Start tracking your symptoms closely, noting any triggers or patterns related to your dizziness, nausea, and skin lesions. This can help your healthcare providers in identifying correlations and potential causes.
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Discuss Vasculitis Further: Given the skin lesions and C3 complement deposition, following up on the possibility of leukocytoclastic vasculitis is important. Make sure to discuss the biopsy results with your healthcare provider once available.
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Comprehensive Review of Medications: Review your current medications and potential interactions with your doctor to ensure they’re optimally managed.
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Consider Referral to Specialists: You might benefit from consultations with:
- A vascular specialist for your hyperhomocysteinemia and any vascular implications.
- A rheumatologist, given your symptoms suggestive of potential autoimmune activity.
- A neurologist familiar with complex cases, especially one who specializes in headaches or post-stroke care.
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Environment and Lifestyle Adjustments: Ensure you maintain a healthy lifestyle that includes:
- Adequate hydration.
- A balanced diet that may help manage homocysteine levels (increasing B vitamins).
- Regular gentle exercise, as your knee pain allows, to improve overall circulation and wellness.
Your situation is intricate, and it's clear you have a strong awareness of your health. Continue to communicate openly with your healthcare team, bringing your symptom diary and any concerns to their attention. You're doing important self-advocacy by exploring these symptoms further. If there's more you'd like to discuss or clarify, feel free to ask!
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