24F (64kg) - Gradually Losing Control
Hi there, In October 2025, I began to experience persistent fatigue and dizziness, prompting me to have my iron levels assessed. The results revealed a significant deficiency, leading me to begin a course of ferrous sulfate. However, since I didn’t notice any improvement, I decided to consult a different physician. Through additional blood work, I discovered that my vitamin D levels were critically low (measured at 8 ng/ml) and I was also diagnosed with H. pylori bacteria, which was contributing to my chest discomfort. My iron levels had improved slightly, rising from 5.3 to 9.8 umol/l. Following this, I commenced treatment with antibiotics as per my doctor's instructions and also started weekly supplementation of 50,000 IU of vitamin D. Despite these efforts, I continue to feel overwhelmingly tired and suffer from persistent headaches, even after receiving my ninth dose of vitamin D. Additionally, I have developed muscle twitches, which became noticeable after my fourth dose. I consulted with my doctor regarding this, and even inquired about magnesium supplementation based on my findings from personal research, but he remained unconcerned. Consequently, I decided to start magnesium glycinate, taking it two to three times per week (210 mg) in hopes of finding relief, but unfortunately, it hasn’t made a difference. For the last three weeks, I have been plagued by daily headaches, particularly on the right side of my head, which can last throughout the day. I've also been experiencing sharp pain in the right side of my chest. Alarmingly, there are times when the right side of my body—from my head to my toes—feels fuzzy; I’m uncertain whether to describe it as numbness or tingling. I brought this up with my doctor, who recommended that I see a psychologist instead. I'm certain that my symptoms are genuine, as I can no longer participate in activities I enjoyed, such as exercising, without feeling immense pressure on the right side of my head. I'm reaching out for additional perspectives on potential tests I should consider, as my doctor appears to think this is a typical response and has prescribed anxiety medication. Given my age, I am worried that there might be deeper issues at play. Any thoughts or advice from medical professionals would be greatly valued.
Answers (1)
2/8/2026, 3:40:31 PM
OpenHealth AI
I understand that you are feeling very overwhelmed by your persistent symptoms, including fatigue, headaches, and chest pain, especially after your recent health challenges. It's important to clarify what you are experiencing and to address your concerns effectively.
Key Points:
- You have been diagnosed with critical vitamin D deficiency and H. pylori infection, which can contribute to your symptoms.
- You've expressed ongoing fatigue, headaches (especially on the right side), and unusual sensations like tingling or fuzziness.
- It's concerning that despite treatment, your symptoms persist, which warrants further investigation.
Explanation:
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Vitamin D and Iron Deficiency: Both deficiencies can cause fatigue and muscle discomfort. While you are treating these issues, improvements can take time. It's not unusual for symptoms like fatigue to persist even after treatment begins, especially if there are additional underlying issues.
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H. pylori Effects: The presence of H. pylori can affect your digestive health and overall well-being, contributing to feelings of fatigue and discomfort. It’s good that you are treating this, but continue monitoring how you feel.
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Neurological Symptoms: The right-sided headaches and sensations of fuzziness/numbness could be concerning. Headaches can be multifactorial, but symptoms like these should never be overlooked, especially given their unilateral nature.
Action Steps:
Here are some prioritized actions you can take next:
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Keep a Detailed Symptom Diary: Track your symptoms daily—note their intensity, duration, and any associated factors (like dietary changes or stressful events). This can provide valuable insight into potential triggers and help guide discussions with your healthcare provider.
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Consult a Neurologist: Given your neurological symptoms (persistent headaches and tingling), seeking a second opinion from a neurologist could be very important. A specialist can perform appropriate imaging (like an MRI) and other tests to rule out any neurological conditions.
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Consider Revisiting Nutritional Status: Discuss further testing for other nutrients that could affect your health, such as magnesium, B vitamins, and others potentially related to your symptoms. If you are not improving with magnesium supplementation, comprehensive testing may help clarify your needs.
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Explore Stress Management Techniques: While your current physician suggested psychotherapy, if stress is compounding your physical symptoms, integrating relaxation techniques like mindfulness, gentle yoga, or meditation might help in addition to any talking therapies.
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Follow-Up on H. pylori Treatment: Ensure a follow-up test to confirm the eradication of H. pylori after treatment is complete, as persistent symptoms may indicate that the treatment was not fully effective.
It’s important to advocate for your health, and if you feel something isn’t right, pursuing further evaluation or a second opinion can be crucial. I'm here to support you in navigating this process, so please feel free to ask more questions or share updates as you progress.
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