OpenHealth Q&A

Navigating Six Months of Unexplained Physical Symptoms

**Age:** 19 **Height:** 186 cm **Gender:** Male Hello everyone, I’d like to share my experience over the past several months. In my early years, I was thought to possibly have ADHD due to my high energy and impulsive behavior, although it was never officially diagnosed. Then, about a year and a half ago, I suffered a motorcycle accident resulting in a type III open fracture on my left foot's fifth toe. After undergoing surgery, it took me around two months to fully recuperate. Alongside this, I also faced damage to my upper right molar, leading me to favor eating on my left side for the past year. Five months post-accident, I enrolled in an aviation course and began biking to my school, which was a 140-kilometer round trip, five days a week, for two months. Throughout this time, I also had been using marijuana regularly, often traveling 25 kilometers to meet friends for smoking sessions. One day, a friend from our group suffered a heart attack, which shook me. Four days later, another friend and I went to visit him. After chatting, we ended up smoking some weed that had visible mold on it; I wasn’t a fan of it but took some home. I smoked it that night, and for the next couple of days. Then one Saturday, while relaxing in bed after smoking, I experienced a sudden spike in heart rate, numbness on the left side of my head and face, shortness of breath, and blurry vision. I panicked and consulted Google, leading me to believe I might be having a stroke. My mother confirmed my face looked different, which only intensified my fear. We rushed to a local clinic where my blood pressure was alarmingly high at 160/90. They conducted an ECG, which showed irregularities, and referred me to a hospital where they ran further tests to check for heart attack indicators. Fortunately, everything returned to normal, and my blood pressure fell to around 140/80. I thought I was in the clear. However, a couple of days later, after using marijuana again, I experienced another panic attack. This time, I recognized it and began researching panic attacks to understand better. In the days following, I faced a plethora of physical sensations including: * A constricted feeling around my head * Increased sensitivity to cold * Shivering hands * Heightened sensitivity to light and sound * Excessive sweating * Unilateral headaches * Pressure around my face and eyes * Tenderness in my neck * Small bumps near the back of my head I consulted with a neurologist and an endocrinologist on the same day. Tests for thyroid and blood sugar levels yielded normal results, but the neurologist suggested I might be dealing with migraines and prescribed medication. He deemed a CT scan unnecessary, but I was given the option to undergo one later if still concerned. After a week on the medication, my headaches vanished, which felt miraculous. I stopped taking the meds, but shortly afterward, I smoked weed again, triggering yet another panic attack, reinforcing the realization that I needed to quit. I turned to alcohol as an alternative, which initially provided relief, but upon taking a trip 234 kilometers to an airport, I felt the panic rising again. Afterward, I experienced a sharp electric sensation spreading through my body while massaging my neck at the railway station. This sent me into a panic once more when I returned to my room and found myself alone. Eventually, I tried smoking hash oil, which kept my symptoms at bay initially, but this was not long-lasting. During a later attempt, I experienced an overwhelming panic attack while biking with a friend. Symptoms such as shortness of breath, palpitations, and visual disturbances bombarded me. Consequently, I visited a psychiatrist and began treatment. However, after consuming alcohol one day, I dealt with hives all over my legs and abdomen, prompting me to quit drinking and discontinue therapy. For three years, I also faced struggles with bowel movements; I eventually managed my constipation through manual evacuations, but this too caused anxiety. Even though my gastroenterologist recommended a colonoscopy, I couldn’t afford it at the time. Thankfully, my bowel issues improved over the following month. Fast forward to needing a break, I went for an interview in another state. Though I enjoyed time with friends, I encountered another, albeit milder, panic attack, prompting a trip to the emergency room, where my ECG readings were normal. Now, six months into this ordeal, I still experience varying symptoms daily—mostly concentrated in my head and face. At this stage, I’m at a loss regarding how to proceed as my family faces financial constraints, which adds to my feeling like a burden. I sincerely ask for any guidance or advice. My ongoing symptoms include: • Headaches • Tightness around the head • Weakness and numbness in my left arm • Sensitivity and pressure in facial areas, primarily on the left side • Sound sensitivity • Chest discomfort • Ear pressure, especially on the left side • Occasional eye pain • An odd perception of facial drooping • Overwhelming fear • Shortness of breath • Fatigue • Sensitivity to touch • Tingling sensations in various parts of my body • Difficulty swallowing • Sleep disturbances • Pain in different areas of the head • Trembling sensations in my legs and hands • Jaw discomfort • Hives and hair loss • Mental fog and forgetfulness • Blurred vision • Clicking sounds in my ear • Pressure spreading from my head to my face Sometimes, my symptoms diminish to just one, and though some have faded, the majority remain centered in my head, neck, and chest.

Answers (1)

2/3/2026, 12:11:08 PM

OpenHealth AI

It's understandable to feel overwhelmed after experiencing such a wide range of symptoms and events over the past six months. It seems you've been under significant stress, which can often exacerbate physical symptoms, especially those related to anxiety and panic attacks. You're not alone in this, and there are actionable steps you can take to help manage your situation.

Main Points:

1. Your symptoms likely stem from a combination of stress, anxiety, and possibly residual effects from prior health issues.
2. Addressing anxiety management and establishing a supportive routine can significantly help your physical symptoms.
3. Prioritize seeking accessible mental health resources and lifestyle modifications.

Understanding Your Symptoms:

The range of symptoms you describe—such as headaches, tightness around the head, chest discomfort, and fluctuations in mood—can be common in anxiety disorders and panic attacks. They can feel very real and distressing, especially when combined with a history of physical health challenges. Substance use (like marijuana and alcohol) can also aggravate anxiety and contribute to your experiences as they impact your mental state and physical sensations.

Next Steps:

1. Establish a Routine:

   • Create a daily schedule that includes regular sleep, exercise, and meal times. This structure can help reduce anxiety.
   • Incorporate gentle physical activity, such as walking or stretching, to alleviate tension.

2. Mindful Breathing Techniques:

   • Practice mindfulness and deep-breathing exercises. Techniques such as the 4-7-8 breathing method can help soothe panic symptoms and promote relaxation.

3. Limit Stimulants:

   • Steer clear of substances that can heighten anxiety (like caffeine, alcohol, and marijuana). These can worsen panic attacks and may prolong your physical symptoms.

4. Use Stress Management Techniques:

   • Explore relaxation methods such as yoga, meditation, or progressive muscle relaxation to help manage physical sensations related to anxiety.
   • Journaling can also be a great outlet for expressing your feelings and tracking your symptoms and triggers.

5. Seek Support:

   • Consider reaching out to local mental health organizations or support groups that may offer free or low-cost resources.
   • Chat with trusted friends or family members for emotional support during challenging times.

6. Consultation Options:

   • If your symptoms persist or worsen, consider exploring available services (like community health clinics) that might provide more affordable healthcare options for follow-up tests or therapy.

Conclusion:

Your situation, although challenging, can improve with consistent self-care and support. The goal is to manage your anxiety, create a healthier lifestyle, and seek help in a way that respects both your mental and financial well-being. You've already taken important steps in seeking help, and continuing on that path will lead to improvements in your symptoms over time. Remember to be gentle with yourself during this process. If you have questions about any specific techniques or further details, feel free to reach out.