OpenHealth Q&A

Living with Unexplained Symptoms at 22

At the age of 22, I find myself grappling with debilitating symptoms that are severely impacting my quality of life. Despite consulting a range of specialists—including immunologists, rheumatologists, psychiatrists, neurologists, and sleep disorder experts—the medical community has yet to provide satisfactory explanations for my condition. As time passes, my symptoms continue to escalate, and I’m reaching out for any advice or insights that might help. **Profile Overview:** - **Gender:** Male - **Height:** 6 feet 3 inches - **Weight:** 206 pounds - **Smoking:** No - **Drugs:** None - **Alcohol:** None - **Location:** United States - **Current Medications:** - Adderall (10 mg) - Gabapentin (2,400 mg) - Cymbalta (40 mg) - Seroquel (200 mg) - Risperidone (2 mg) - Memantine (20 mg) - Spravato (84 mg) - Depakote Sprinkles (750 mg) - Xanax (0.75 mg) - Metformin (750 mg) **Diagnosed Conditions:** - Atopic Dermatitis - Major Depressive Disorder (resistant to treatment) - Generalized Anxiety Disorder (resistant to treatment) - Obsessive-Compulsive Disorder (resistant to treatment) - Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder (resistant to treatment) - Autism Spectrum Disorder (Level 1) - Social Anxiety - Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder (ADHD) **Experiencing the Following Symptoms:** - Atopic Dermatitis - Joint discomfort - Intense nerve and muscle pain—characterized by involuntary nerve firings and muscle overactivity - Muscular weakness and aches, coupled with twitching and jerking - Impaired coordination - Occasional fevers and feelings of overheating - Rapid heart rate and breathing difficulties, including choking sensations - Numbness and tingling in the extremities - Severely distressing anxiety and depression resistant to thirty psychiatric medications - Cognitive fog, diarrhea, persistent nausea (with sporadic vomiting), and constant fatigue regardless of sleep quality - Profuse sweating, especially during rest - Numbness and discoloration in hands under specific conditions - Recurrent throat sores, initially misidentified as tonsillitis by my immunologist - Significant fluctuations in weight, exacerbated by medications contributing to weight gain Each day feels like a struggle; waking up drained is more common than not, and there are times I feel even more fatigued than when I went to bed. My symptoms first surfaced years ago, long before I started any treatments, and they have progressively worsened despite various interventions. **Blood Test Results:** The most significant findings include: - Elevated eosinophil count (Eos) - High IgG subclass 4 levels - Positive antinuclear antibody (ANA) results, speckled pattern 1:80 - Positive ANA IgG - High levels of RNP antibodies and anti-PM/Scl-100 antibodies - Positive Lyme total antibody and equivocal results for Lyme IgM Indicators that approached alarmingly abnormal levels: - Erythrocyte count bordering high - Low levels of MCH and MCHC - A low absolute count of monocytes - A decreased A/G ratio **Imaging Results:** A recent chest X-ray revealed perihilar and peribronchial cuffing along with hyperaeration in my lungs. Additionally, an MRI of my brain and an EEG, conducted approximately four years ago, returned normal findings.

Answers (1)

2/6/2026, 8:50:47 PM

OpenHealth AI

I'm truly sorry to hear about the struggles you're facing with your health, especially at such a young age. Living with unclear symptoms can be incredibly frustrating and exhausting. While I cannot provide a definitive diagnosis, I can offer some insights and actionable steps you might consider to help improve your situation and manage your symptoms better.

Key Points:

1. Complexity of Symptoms: Your combination of symptoms suggests a multifactorial issue, potentially involving immune dysregulation, neurologic involvement, and the psychological impact of chronic symptoms.
2. Monitoring and Self-Care: It's important to focus on self-care measures and closely monitor your symptoms for patterns or triggers.
3. Collaborative Approach: Engaging in a collaborative care routine with your healthcare providers can enhance management strategies.

Explanation:

Given the extensive list of specialists you've consulted and the medications you're taking, it appears you've already tried many traditional avenues for relief. Notably, some of your symptoms, like joint pain and muscle issues, alongside the elevated eosinophil count and positive ANA results, suggest there may still be some immune or autoimmune components to explore further.

Next Steps:

1. Symptom Tracking: Begin maintaining a daily symptom diary to identify patterns, triggers, or associations with specific activities, foods, or environments. Note when symptoms worsen or improve and any potential correlations with changes in medication or lifestyle.

2. Lifestyle Adjustments:

   • Diet: Consider working with a nutritionist to evaluate if specific foods might be exacerbating your symptoms. An anti-inflammatory diet may help with overall discomfort.
   • Hydration: Ensure you are adequately hydrating, as dehydration can worsen fatigue and cognitive fog.
   • Exercise: Gentle, low-impact physical activity, like walking or swimming, may help improve your muscle strength and overall energy levels. Tailor the intensity based on how your body feels each day.

3. Stress Management: Engage in regular practices for anxiety and stress management, such as mindfulness techniques, meditation, or yoga that take into account your physical limitations. This could also include cognitive behavioral strategies to help with the emotional toll of your symptoms.

4. Specialized Tests: Consider discussing with your healthcare team about the potential for further autoimmune testing or referral to a specialists in chronic pain or fatigue syndromes, such as a rheumatologist with expertise in complex cases.

5. Support Systems: Find a support group or counseling tailored to individuals with chronic illness, which may provide emotional support and coping strategies from others who understand what you're going through.

Lastly, remember that you’re not alone in this journey. Continue advocating for your health, express your concerns with your healthcare team, and seek support from friends or communities who can empathize with your experience. Always prioritize any changes based on your ongoing evaluations and in collaboration with your healthcare professionals for personalized guidance.