Struggling with Undiagnosed Symptoms: My Journey
I want to share a chronological account of my health struggles, including lab results and symptoms I've experienced. However, please keep in mind that the symptoms and tests I mention shouldn't be assumed to connect directly to any specific diagnosis. I simply aim to provide a comprehensive overview of my situation. At 29, I encountered a range of health issues, and notably, I have never contracted COVID-19. My three vaccine doses were administered only after I began experiencing these health challenges. Since early 2020, I've been dealing with tingling sensations (paresthesia) affecting both legs. On August 3, 2021, I noticed a significant loss of sensation in the glans of my penis. The day prior, everything was functioning normally. This has led to what I believe may be erectile dysfunction, as I struggle to achieve and sustain an erection without manual stimulation, and my erectile firmness has diminished. I had a TSH test on September 3, 2021, that showed a level of 5.12, which surpasses the reference range of 0.40-4.5—this was my first indication of an abnormality in thyroid function that I’m aware of. I received my first COVID vaccine on September 5, 2021, shortly after which a lumbar spine MRI on September 8 returned normal results. My second vaccine dose was given on September 26, 2021, and an ANA test conducted on September 30 yielded negative results. On October 25, another MRI was performed to exclude the possibility of MS lesions, and that too came back normal. Fast-forwarding to February 16, 2022, my ALT level was measured at 58, which is outside the acceptable range (9-46). Meanwhile, my AST remained normal at 28 (10-40), B12 was notably high at 1419 (200-1100), and my LDL was 126 (0-100) with a non-HDL level of 147 (0-130); my cholesterol was otherwise normal. A fibroscan on March 7, 2022, indicated NASH, and following my third and final COVID vaccine on March 24, I underwent an EMG on April 12 that returned normal results. By June 24, my LDL had risen to 142, my non-HDL was at 169, and my total cholesterol reached an abnormal 218 (0-200). On August 24, EMG, EEG, and Carotid Doppler tests were conducted, all revealing normal outcomes. On November 8, I initiated a regimen of two 300mg Gabapentin pills to tackle nerve pain; unfortunately, if it was effective, it wasn't apparent to me. On February 25, 2023, I noticed a wound on my finger that seemed to be developing ‘proud flesh’ or overgranulation, which persists to this day. By May 2023, I began suffering from sleep disturbances that continue. Soon after, I began experiencing pain in my lower left torso on June 11, 2023. Additionally, I dealt with back pain throughout June that lingered for two months but now comes and goes intermittently. At this point, I weighed 145 lbs at a height of 5'3". In September 2023, I observed noticeable thinning of my hair as I approached my 34th birthday. On February 11, 2024, I felt weakness in my knees while navigating stairs, causing them to shake during the ascent and descent. As of July 19, 2024, a fibroscan returned to normal readings, yet I still experience occasional discomfort in my lower left torso. A skin biopsy completed on November 21, 2024, ruled out small fiber neuropathy. On October 3, 2025, I recognized a startling reaction: every time I drank chilled water, my heart rate accelerated. As of now, my lipid profile is still concerning; I recently began a low-dose statin treatment. The ongoing struggle with erectile dysfunction, persistent fatigue, and the issues with tissue granulation weigh heavily on my mind.
Answers (1)
2/9/2026, 9:20:37 AM
OpenHealth AI
I'm sorry to hear about the multitude of health challenges you've been experiencing; it sounds like a complex situation that can understandably feel overwhelming. It’s important to approach your symptoms systematically, considering both the physical symptoms you're facing and their potential underlying causes. Let’s break this down while keeping in mind that a definite diagnosis may still be elusive.
Main Points:
- Multiple Symptoms: You are dealing with tingling sensations, erectile dysfunction, abnormal lab results, and other persistent health issues.
- Potential Underlying Causes: It's crucial to consider hormonal, neurological, or metabolic conditions, given your thyroid abnormalities, nerve symptoms, and liver findings.
- Focus on Key Symptoms: Prioritize manageable action steps that may help improve your quality of life.
Explanation:
Your symptoms ranging from sensory issues to erectile dysfunction and abnormal liver enzyme levels suggest that multiple systems in your body may be affected. Thyroid dysfunction is known to potentially impact sexual function and energy levels, while NASH can indicate metabolic concerns. The tingling sensation in your legs might have a neurological basis, but clear tests like MRIs have ruled out major conditions like multiple sclerosis.
Symptoms of fatigue, hair thinning, and changes in libido may be interconnected, possibly pointing to hormonal imbalances or chronic stress impacting your overall health. Your recent observation about heart rate changes in response to chilled water could indicate an autonomic nervous system response, which can happen in certain other health conditions.
Next Steps:
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Review Your Thyroid Function: Regularly monitor your thyroid levels (TSH, T3, T4) with your healthcare provider. Thyroid hormones can significantly influence various bodily functions, including mood, energy, and sexual health.
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Address Lipid Profile: Continue working with your healthcare provider to optimize your lipid profile through diet and low-dose statin therapy. A heart-healthy diet rich in omega-3 fatty acids, fiber, and lean proteins can be beneficial.
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Evaluate Erectile Dysfunction: Since you’ve linked erectile dysfunction with sensory issues, consider discussing this with your healthcare provider. They may recommend hormonal assessments (e.g., testosterone levels) or treatments targeting erectile dysfunction.
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Manage Stress and Sleep: Implement stress-reduction strategies like mindfulness, yoga, or gentle exercise. Consider sleep hygiene practices to improve your sleep quality, as disturbances can exacerbate fatigue and overall sense of well-being.
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Monitor Symptoms & Document Changes: Keep a daily symptom journal tracking when symptoms occur, their severity, and any potential triggers. This will help create a clearer picture of your health over time and assist your healthcare provider in evaluating trends.
Remember, it’s essential to stay connected with your healthcare provider for guidance on managing your symptoms and discussing any new developments. Your efforts to keep track of your health journey are important, and there is hope in finding effective strategies to improve your overall health.
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