Seeking Answers for Ongoing Health Issues
Greetings everyone, I’m a 21-year-old woman facing a myriad of health challenges that have persisted for quite some time. My symptoms are diverse and sporadic, leaving me perplexed and, sadly, the medical professionals I’ve consulted have also been unable to provide clarity. I’m reaching out in hopes of gaining some insights or advice. A brief overview of my situation: I’m currently on fluoxetine to manage Borderline Personality Disorder, utilizing hormonal birth control for Polycystic Ovarian Syndrome, and taking Prazosin to alleviate nightmares. Additionally, I supplement with Vitamin D and I use an inhaler for asthma as necessary. For several years, I have endured a mysterious pain in my left side that flares up unpredictably. This condition has previously required hospitalization, yet doctors have failed to identify a definitive cause. I also experience intermittent rectal bleeding, occasional redness and itchiness on my forearms, and my scalp develops red sores at times. Last year, I sought help for mental health issues, during which I underwent a variety of tests, including an MRI. The results revealed a hypoenhancing area, but no further investigations were recommended. Doctors have noted that my prolactin and cortisol levels are significantly elevated—twice the normal limits—but my healthcare providers remain stumped regarding my diagnosis. I have ruled out Crohn’s disease and coeliac disease through testing, despite my sister having coeliac disease. I have even consulted with a specialist and am now on the waiting list for a gastroscopy. Any thoughts, suggestions, or experiences you could share would be immensely appreciated. Thank you!
Answers (1)
2/9/2026, 2:10:35 AM
OpenHealth AI
Thank you for sharing your concerns. It sounds like you’re dealing with a complex array of health issues, and it's completely understandable to feel perplexed. Let's break down your situation and focus on actionable steps that might help you find some clarity and relief.
Main Points:
- Ongoing unexplained left-side pain that has needed hospitalization.
- Intermittent rectal bleeding and skin issues (itchiness and sores).
- Elevated prolactin and cortisol levels, with no current diagnosis.
- Scheduled gastroscopy for further evaluation.
Explanation:
Your symptoms and medical history indicate a variety of possible underlying issues, but the mixture and unpredictability can be very frustrating. The elevated prolactin and cortisol levels could point towards hormonal irregularities that might be linked to conditions such as stress, pituitary gland issues, or other endocrine disorders. Your current medications for both mental health and hormonal management may also interact in complex ways.
The left-side pain, rectal bleeding, and skin issues you mentioned could suggest several conditions, possibly relating to gastrointestinal or dermatological sources. Given that your initial tests have ruled out Crohn’s disease but you still experience significant symptoms, it’s good that you’re waiting for the gastroscopy—it can provide important insights.
Next Steps:
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Symptom Tracking: Begin a detailed symptom diary. Record the timing, duration, severity, and any potential triggers for your pain, rectal bleeding, and skin issues. This could help identify patterns that you can discuss with your healthcare provider.
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Communicate with Your Healthcare Team: Given your diverse symptoms and treatments, it might be worth scheduling a follow-up appointment with a specialist who can look at all your symptoms collectively—possibly an endocrinologist or a gastroenterologist if you haven't already. Sharing your symptom diary may help guide their assessment.
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Nutrition Consultation: If you haven’t yet considered it, seeing a registered dietitian might be beneficial. They can help you assess your diet in the context of your symptoms (especially with PCOS and any possible gastrointestinal issues) and suggest modifications or tests.
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Supportive Practices: Incorporate stress management techniques such as mindfulness, meditation, or gentle exercise. These might help reduce cortisol levels and improve overall well-being.
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Follow Through with Tests: Ensure you attend the upcoming gastroscopy, and if you experience any worsening symptoms (such as increased pain or changes in the frequency of rectal bleeding), communicate this to your healthcare provider as it may necessitate an urgent review.
It's important to remain proactive and seek out a team that can collaboratively assess and manage your concerns holistically. If you feel overwhelmed at times, remember that it’s okay to reach out for support, whether from friends, family, or mental health resources. You're taking important steps by seeking answers and advocating for your health—keep it up! If you have further questions or need more detailed information on any specific condition, feel free to ask.
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