Unexplained Symptoms Over the Past Few Years
Greetings, Around three years ago, I started to experience a variety of symptoms that appeared quite abruptly. They seemed to improve briefly, only to return later. This initial onset threw me into a panic, leading me to suspect something severe, like cancer. After consulting my physician, I underwent tests through a neurologist and had multiple lab analyses, yet no definitive diagnosis emerged. Frustrated by the ongoing uncertainty, I ceased my attempts to find answers and have not revisited the doctor for these issues in years. This situation dates back to approximately 2021, coinciding with my time as a nursing student. While I can't be sure if there's a connection, it was around this period that I contracted COVID-19 for the first time and also received my annual flu shot as part of my nursing curriculum. Additionally, I was treated for melanoma during this time, undergoing a Mohs procedure to eliminate it, which was part of the initial anxiety surrounding my symptoms. Below are the symptoms I’ve documented: The first change I noticed was an unrelenting muscle fatigue. Simple tasks such as carrying groceries or working outdoors left me feeling immensely winded. I began to realize that the muscles in my neck felt excessively weak, and my arms and legs, although still functional, felt distinctly weaker than before. Although I could still perform my usual activities, I often felt unsteady, especially when descending stairs. Shortly thereafter, I began suffering from frequent muscle cramps at night and persistent twitching in my muscles during the day, particularly in my legs. I also observed involuntary movements in the inner arches of my feet, which, while somewhat common, were consistently present and unusual for me. Another concerning symptom was the onset of intermittent blurred vision. This issue varies in intensity, making it particularly troublesome during episodes that seem to flare up, often exacerbated by bright lighting, like that from screens or sunlight streaming through open windows. I found myself increasing the font size on screens and printed material because reading became quite challenging. While I haven’t seen an eye care professional yet, the suddenness of these vision problems caught me off guard. Additionally, I observed a significant size disparity between the muscles in my arms; my left arm appeared noticeably bulkier than my right. As a left-handed individual, I had never paid much attention to this before, though it’s possible it’s been like this for some time. The most perplexing symptom, one that’s been difficult to research, involves my right shoulder area. The deltoid region developed an odd squishy sensation. This prompts me to mention the flu and COVID-19 vaccinations. I’ve found no information on this symptom, and inquiries yield little guidance. Initially, it felt as if a lump had developed beneath my deltoid. Gradually, the entire area became squishy, resembling fibrous, lumpy tissue rather than muscle. In contrast, when I flex my left arm, it feels muscular and firm, whereas the right arm feels substantially softer. This strange condition raises questions—could a flaw in the vaccine administration by classmate healthcare students have contributed to this issue, or is it related to my other unexplained symptoms? As for medical evaluations, my Basic Metabolic Panel and Magnesium levels were unremarkable, as was my Complete Blood Count. Further inflammatory markers including CRP, CK, and ESR all returned normal results. My hemoglobin A1c was towards the high end of normal but did not classify as pre-diabetic. Autoimmune tests yielded no significant findings, and a nerve conduction study did not reveal any abnormal results either. The results from an EMG suggested mild increased insertional activity in several tested muscles, though it was deemed possibly normal, yet it might indicate an EMG disease. Unfortunately, I was unable to undergo MRI imaging due to insurance challenges at that time. I am a 42-year-old male with no significant past medical history beyond the prior melanoma and not currently using medication, aside from over-the-counter Benadryl for sleep issues. Apologies for the detailed narrative, but I felt this could be a valuable forum for seeking perspectives. I appreciate your time. It’s important to clarify that I am not prone to hypochondria; prior to these developments, I rarely sought medical care and, oddly enough, didn’t even have a primary care provider when these symptoms began.
Answers (1)
2/7/2026, 10:20:32 PM
OpenHealth AI
Thank you for sharing your detailed experience and symptoms. It sounds like you've been through quite a lot over the past few years, and it’s understandable that you would feel frustrated and anxious about the lack of clarity around your health. It’s important to address both your physical symptoms and the emotional distress they may cause.
Summary of Main Points
You have been experiencing a range of unexplained symptoms for about three years, including muscle fatigue, weakness, cramps, vision issues, and an unusual feeling in your right shoulder. Despite multiple tests, no definitive diagnosis has been found.
Explanation
The combination of muscle fatigue, weakness, and cramps, along with vision issues and changes in muscle feeling, can occur due to various reasons, including neurological conditions, autoimmune disorders, or even post-viral syndromes like those observed after COVID-19. Your experience of symptoms coinciding with your COVID-19 infection and vaccinations, combined with a history of melanoma, is relevant but not straightforward. The squishy sensation in your shoulder may or may not be related to previous vaccinations, but understanding how it impacts your health is essential.
Prioritized Next Steps
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Keep a Symptom Diary: Documenting the severity and triggers of your symptoms can provide valuable insights and help facilitate discussions with healthcare professionals.
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Seek a Neurologist Referral: Given the persistent and multifaceted nature of your symptoms, pursuing a consultation with a neurologist who specializes in neuromuscular disorders could provide more targeted evaluation and possibly additional tests, like imaging or advanced nerve tests.
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Schedule an Eye Exam: Since you are experiencing vision issues, it's important to consult an eye care specialist. They can evaluate for conditions such as optic neuritis or other potential causes of blurred vision.
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Reassess Your Overall Health: After a lengthy absence from regular checkups, consider arranging a comprehensive evaluation with a primary care provider. This could help monitor any new or evolving symptoms, ensure preventive care, and reassess any prior issues like the melanoma.
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Consider Support Groups: Engaging with others who have chronic or unexplained health conditions can provide emotional support and different perspectives on managing symptoms.
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Practice Self-Care: Focus on lifestyle modifications, such as maintaining a balanced diet, regular low-impact exercise (like walking or swimming), and stress management techniques (like mindfulness or yoga), which can help improve overall well-being.
Overall, while it may feel overwhelming, taking these steps can help you regain a sense of control over your health journey and work towards finding clarity about your symptoms. Let me know if you have any questions, or if there's anything specific you'd like to discuss further.
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