Seeking Guidance for Health Challenges
I appreciate any insights or suggestions you might have, as I'm facing numerous health challenges. **Personal Details:** - Age/Sex/Height/Weight: 49 years old, Female, 5'2", 180 lbs **Medical Conditions:** - Diagnosed with endometriosis, Ehlers-Danlos Syndrome, POTS (Postural Orthostatic Tachycardia Syndrome), asthma, hypothyroidism, obstructive sleep apnea, chronic migraines, mild chronic creatinine elevation (approximately 1.2 for over 15 years), generalized anxiety disorder, major depression, idiopathic insomnia, and allergic rhinitis. **Significant Medical History:** - Underwent a hysterectomy nine years ago. **Current Medications:** - Vilazodone 40mg, tramadol 75mg daily, symbicort 160-4.5, midodrine 5mg twice daily, cyclobenzaprine 10mg, levothyroxine 25mcg, trazodone 100mg, esomeprazole 20mg, Flonase. **Recent Health Timeline:** - Up until 2024, despite my ongoing conditions, I managed to maintain a full-time role as a research scientist in reproductive physiology, which I found fulfilling. However, in spring 2024, I contracted COVID-19. Although I seemed to recover after a couple of months, things took a downward turn. - After my employment contract ended in fall 2024, I began looking for new opportunities, but in December 2024 and January 2025, I experienced a range of troubling new symptoms. These included blurred and double vision, which my optometrist could not explain, worsening headaches, and an increase in fatigue and chronic pain. - By spring 2025, the severity of my symptoms forced me to pause my job search, and I relocated from California to Illinois during the summer for financial support from my mother. The act of moving exacerbated my fatigue, and my daily energy has since dwindled to merely two usable hours, complicating even basic hygiene. Additionally, my hand pain and vision issues have made a return to laboratory work seem impossible. **Diagnostic Exclusions:** - Tests have confirmed normal MRI results, ruling out structural neurological or ocular problems. Lyme disease and long COVID have been excluded, as well as interactions between medications (attempting to switch some drugs produced no improvement). Although my ANA is historically abnormal (40:1 speckled), other rheumatological tests have all returned negative, leading to the conclusion that this abnormality is likely related to my connective tissue condition. My thyroid levels remain stable, and I utilize my BiPAP machine nightly, indicating no thyroid or obstructive sleep apnea issues are to blame. There have been no recent exposures that could account for the symptoms I'm dealing with. I have a forthcoming appointment with a rheumatologist and plan to consult with an ophthalmologist for further evaluations. Unfortunately, every healthcare professional I’ve consulted so far seems at a loss for answers. This situation has deeply affected my mental health due to the significant impact on my career and independence. I would greatly appreciate any recommendations for specialists I might consult or tests I should advocate for. Any advice you can offer would be immensely helpful. Thank you!
Answers (1)
2/12/2026, 10:20:48 PM
OpenHealth AI
It sounds like you are navigating a complex mix of health challenges that have profoundly impacted your life, both physically and emotionally. Your situation is understandably distressing, and I commend you for seeking guidance. Here’s a structured approach to help you manage your health concerns, especially as you prepare for your upcoming appointments.
Main Points
- Prioritize Symptom Management: Focus on alleviating the most debilitating symptoms, particularly fatigue and chronic pain, to improve your daily functioning.
- Mental Health Support: Given the significant impact on your mental well-being, strengthening your mental health support is crucial.
- Advocate for Comprehensive Evaluations: Be proactive in your upcoming appointments to explore holistic treatment options and further specialty consultations.
Explanation
Your list of medical conditions is extensive and interrelated, particularly concerning fatigue. This can be exacerbated by chronic pain, medications, and anxiety/depression, all of which can contribute to a cycle of worsening symptoms. Finding a way to manage these symptoms effectively can help restore some daily function and improve your quality of life.
Next Steps
-
Symptom Management:
- Fatigue:
- Energy Conservation Techniques: Plan your day around your most productive hours. Schedule essential activities during your peak energy times to maximize productivity.
- Hydration and Nutrition: Ensure you are well-hydrated and consume balanced meals rich in nutrients to support energy levels.
- Gentle Movement: Explore gentle exercises like stretching or walking short distances to maintain mobility without overexertion.
- Fatigue:
-
Mental Health Support:
- Regular Therapy: Continue engaging in therapy; cognitive-behavioral approaches can be especially useful in managing anxiety and depression.
- Support Groups: Look for online communities or local support groups where you can connect with individuals facing similar health challenges. Sharing experiences can provide emotional relief and practical coping strategies.
-
Advocacy for Evaluations:
- Rheumatologist and Ophthalmologist: Provide your specialists with a concise symptom diary that details the onset, duration, and impact of your symptoms to facilitate their evaluation.
- Consider Other Specialists: If new symptoms persist, you might also consider:
- A neurologist with experience in chronic pain or conditions like Ehlers-Danlos Syndrome.
- A specialist in fatigue syndromes or a chronic illness management clinic that takes a comprehensive approach.
- Discuss Diagnostic Testing: Explore whether tests for conditions like mitochondrial dysfunction or mast cell activation syndrome (MCAS) might be considered, given your array of symptoms.
Final Note
Your health journey is uniquely yours, and it's understandable to feel overwhelmed at times. By focusing on manageable steps and continuing to reach out for support, you can navigate these challenges. Please keep a dialogue open with your healthcare providers, and don’t hesitate to seek additional opinions if you feel uncertain about the medical advice you receive. Remember, you are not alone in this, and your efforts to seek help and clarity are important for regaining control over your health.
Related Questions
Unusual Control Over My Heart Rate: Seeking Insights or Shared Experiences
Summary: I’ve discovered that I can consciously elevate my heart rate just by remaining still and creating what feels like an internal tension. Importantly, this doesn’t involve engaging any visible muscles as far as I can tell. About Me: I’m a 20-year-old male, standing six feet tall and weighing 140 pounds. I’m Caucasian, have no underlying health issues, and currently take no medications. My alcohol consumption is occasional, and I neither smoke nor use recreational drugs, apart from infrequent cannabis use. I reside in Canada. I lack formal training in medicine or neuroscience, but this ability has been part of my life for as long as I can remember, until I realized it's not commonly discussed. After some AI-generated research led me to terms like “Voluntary Sympathetic Activation,” I found myself at a dead end online, prompting me to seek insights from this community. What I Experience: When I sit in complete stillness and concentrate, I can induce a sensation of internal tension that doesn’t seem to involve any actual muscle tightening. Describing it is challenging; it’s akin to activating something within my nervous system. This sensation escalates the longer I maintain it, but I can only do so for about ten seconds at most before losing focus. I experience a bit of chest pressure, and while it’s oddly soothing for my muscles, it can also be overwhelming—not in a sexual manner, despite how it might sound. Key Features: - My heart rate surges significantly, similar to the effect of strenuous exercise, even when I’m perfectly still. - I find it impossible to breathe normally while maintaining this tension, as my concentration is entirely devoted to it. - Upon releasing this focus, I feel breathless, and my heart rate gradually returns to normal. Recent Observations: While practicing this phenomenon more intentionally, I’ve noticed I can guide this internal sensation to various body parts. - Focusing it on my legs allows for a deep sense of relaxation and maintains a normal heart rate. I feel heavy and anchored, leading me to wonder if this is linked to parasympathetic activation, related to relaxation responses. - Conversely, if I direct this energy toward my chest or throughout my body, I experience heart rate spikes, difficulty breathing, and heightened intensity. An AI interaction suggested this might relate to sympathetic activation—essentially a self-triggered fight-or-flight response without an external trigger. I seem to have control over the outcome based on my directional focus. This aspect leaves me puzzled about its feasibility. I’ve explored resources on platforms like YouTube and PubMed, and my search yielded: - Basic explanations about how the nervous system operates. - Information surrounding methods like controlled breathing, cold exposure, meditation, and the Wim Hof Method. - Studies focused on frisson or chills linked to music and emotion. However, I found nothing that accurately reflects my experience, as all references require some external stimulus, such as music or temperature variations, or merely outline autonomic processes without mentioning any kind of voluntary regulation. Despite trying various search terms and reviewing numerous papers, I’ve been unsuccessful in finding research on the capacity to facilitate these responses through mere mental focus, while remaining entirely motionless and without triggers. I have read that Buddhist monks engage in practices that might resemble this but found few writings that delve into their effects, mostly centered on "mindfulness" without specific parallels to my experience. Questions I Hope to Answer: 1. What exactly am I able to influence? Which tissues or pathways are involved? 2. Is there anyone here who has gone through a similar experience or knows of it? 3. Does this phenomenon have a recognized name? 4. Are there any relevant studies, even obscure ones, that involve individuals who can do this? 5. Is it safe to practice regularly? Although it feels fine during the process, I remain uncertain. 6. Could this ability be an area of interest for researchers, or is it merely a personal peculiarity? 7. What potential applications might this ability hold? My main motivation is curiosity rather than practicality. I recognize that this sounds peculiar, and I’m not claiming anything extraordinary or mystical. I genuinely want to comprehend what is occurring in my body. If anyone has valuable keywords or is able to relate to this experience, that would be amazing. I intend to share this on several relevant subreddits. Thank you for taking the time to read this! I truly appreciate any help you can provide in understanding this phenomenon better!
Mixed Messages on Abnormal Pap Results
As a 38-year-old mother of two, I recently underwent a Pap smear, and the result indicated the presence of AGC (atypical glandular cells). A staff member from the clinic contacted me with these results, expressing that such findings are common, highlighting that the follow-up tests they recommend are standard procedure, performed routinely without cause for alarm. Her upbeat demeanor, complete with lighthearted banter, made it seem as if it were merely a routine appointment. However, during my recent visit for a colposcopy and endometrial biopsy, I posed a direct question to my doctor regarding the non-serious implications of the abnormal cells. In stark contrast to the earlier conversation, she openly stated that AGC is an unusual and concerning result that warrants further investigation to exclude cancer. Her serious tone and lack of reassurance were daunting. Additionally, she requested a pelvic ultrasound and outlined further follow-up steps, including the possibility of a LEEP procedure. I entered the appointment feeling completely at ease but left unsettled. This significant shift in tone has left me perplexed regarding the actual implications of my results. For added context: Over the past few years, I’ve experienced hormonal imbalances and fluctuations in my cycle following my second child’s birth. In my youth, my periods were heavy and painful, but now they are much lighter and of shorter duration. I’ve also noticed frequent spotting between cycles and pronounced breast sensitivity in the two weeks leading up to my period, a change that has emerged more recently. My main symptoms seem to be hormonal and mood-related during the luteal phase, and additionally, I have a history of retained placenta and underwent a D&C after my last delivery. I appreciate any insights you may have.
Exploring Benzodiazepine Options for Anxiety Management
Hello everyone, I’m a 27-year-old female from the Metro Detroit area, currently navigating a challenging period of my life. Anxiety has been a constant companion throughout my adulthood, particularly intensified after the passing of my mother, who was 69 and lived with a disability prior to her diagnosis and death from cholangiocarcinoma in December 2024. The emotional toll was compounded by my brother experiencing a severe episode of paranoid schizophrenia after our mother’s death. Given that I have lost most of my immediate family, I now find myself largely alone, with my only support being my boyfriend whom I see twice a week. My mother’s death left me with significant trauma. With great courage, I visited my primary care physician (who was also my mother's doctor) to discuss my anxiety and undergo blood tests. During my first appointment, she recommended Hydroxyzine along with either Zoloft or Lexapro. However, I have reservations about SSRIs due to past experiences in my family; particularly, my brother's personality changes when he was on medication left a lasting impression. Given my current responsibilities and the absence of family support, I’m concerned about potential side effects. Initially, Hydroxyzine at 25mg seemed effective for the first couple of days, though I was mostly sleeping. Over two weeks, I found it unhelpful for sleep and instead, it heightened my anxiety, prompting irrational fears about my safety and vivid nightmares involving loved ones. Next, my doctor prescribed Buspar at 7.5mg around Thanksgiving. It seemed to provide some relief for a short while when taken regularly, but I continued to experience pronounced nightmares and ongoing anxiety. Dosage adjustments did not result in significant improvements; lower doses offered minimal relief, while higher doses left me feeling foggy and spacey. I was still encountering panic attacks and bouts of overwhelming emotion. Last Monday, I conveyed my ongoing struggles to my doctor and expressed a desire for a psychiatrist referral, considering it’s been some time, and I wanted to explore alternatives to SSRIs. My anxiety predominantly manifests as racing thoughts and an overwhelming sense of guilt for feeling isolated and financially strained, particularly after dealing with issues stemming from my mother’s estate. In response, my PCP prescribed Xanax at 0.25mg as I await my psychiatrist appointment. I’ve started using it and, so far, it appears to provide more relief compared to the prior medications. I’ve been taking half of a 0.25mg Xanax each day and it helps alleviate my anxiety, enabling me to sleep better and feel more like myself. After experiencing a panic attack Tuesday, a full dose of Xanax was beneficial, but I wished its effects lasted longer. My doctor mentioned the option of Klonopin, which typically stays in the system longer, while Xanax provides quicker relief. I have only been prescribed ten pills to use until my upcoming psychiatric evaluation. My main concern is whether it would be inappropriate to discuss with the new psychiatrist the possibility of a daily benzodiazepine at a low dose. Should I also consider requesting Klonopin since it tends to be longer-lasting? The fact that splitting the 0.25mg Xanax has been effective makes me uncertain whether this low dose could raise concerns versus the likelihood of trying a different medication. After several months of experimenting with various treatments, which often came with undesirable side effects, I find myself leaning toward continuing with what appears most effective. I welcome any guidance or insight you might offer on this matter. Thank you for taking the time to read my post.
Concerns Over Abrupt Cessation of Long-term Ativan Use and Path Forward
I am seeking a broader medical viewpoint regarding my anxiety management issues. For an extended period, I was prescribed: - Ativan (lorazepam), 1 mg as needed - Total quantity: 30 tablets - Refill frequency: every two months In practice, my consumption included: - Never going beyond 1 mg in a single day - Frequently taking less than the prescribed amount - Using strictly as directed - Never distributing or misusing the medication This medication profoundly enhanced my daily functioning. Before treatment began, I suffered from severe agoraphobia, making it extremely challenging to leave my house. With the help of the PRN lorazepam, I found the ability to attend appointments and travel comfortably. However, my general practitioner unexpectedly halted this prescription without any forewarning. There was no plan for tapering, no strategy for transitioning to alternative treatments, and only vague explanations that cited safety and policy reasons. As a result of this sudden withdrawal, my symptoms have intensified: - Daily panic attacks - Noticeable decline in daily function - Difficulty stepping out of the home - Inability to attend university courses - Challenges maintaining work, fitness routines, or social engagements - Necessary cancellation of all external commitments After experiencing a severe panic attack that left me feeling overwhelmed, I went to the emergency department at CAMH in Toronto. There, I learned that they do not prescribe benzodiazepines and were insistent that I should begin a course of SSRIs instead. In terms of my medical history: - I have previously tried SSRIs with little to no benefit. - There has been no pattern of misuse or increase in benzodiazepine dosages. - I have no history relating to substance use disorders. I am grappling with several questions: 1️⃣ Does it align with modern best practices to abruptly stop a long-term low-dose PRN lorazepam regimen? 2️⃣ How do healthcare professionals generally assess the risk-reward balance in scenarios involving: - Consistent, low-dose, as-needed usage - No increases in dosage over time - Documented improvement in function 3️⃣ What are acknowledged options when: - SSRIs have proven ineffective or have caused adverse reactions - Benzodiazepines had previously been effective in enhancing function 4️⃣ Is it common for a tapering approach to be suggested even with intermittent usage of ≤1 mg per day? I acknowledge the worries surrounding benzodiazepine reliance and dependency. My main goal is to gain a clearer understanding of the clinical rationale and typical evidence-based techniques applied in circumstances like mine. The previous month has been incredibly challenging, leading to a loss of confidence in the healthcare system. I am sharing my story here in hopes of comprehending the clinical justifications behind the adjustments to my treatment and to better educate myself moving forward. I appreciate any insights you might provide.
Seeking Guidance on Trauma from Surgery Experience
I'll keep this short. I’m a 40-year-old woman, classified as overweight at 225 pounds and standing 5’7”. I'm of Caucasian descent and have a habit of vaping regularly. I’m not currently on any medication. Recently, I underwent a minor procedure to excise a cyst located behind my ear. The surgery required complete anesthesia, which included a breathing tube inserted down my throat. During the procedure, I unexpectedly regained consciousness while fully immobilized. My eyes were shut, I was unable to move, and I couldn't make a sound or signal for assistance. It felt as if I couldn’t breathe because of the tube, and it proved to be the most terrifying experience of my life—an eternity in that state. Suddenly, I found myself awake in the recovery room, and the ordeal was over. This incident occurred just two days ago, and I’m struggling to cope with the aftermath. Nightmares of reliving that moment plague me, and I feel a constant tension in my body accompanied by anxiety. Panic attacks have been frequent. I’m reaching out for any suggestions on how to overcome this ordeal. What caused this to happen? Is there a way to prevent a recurrence in the future? The prospect of needing further surgeries frightens me, especially considering my weight and vaping habits—it's likely I'll undergo anesthesia again. I genuinely feel traumatized by this experience. Is there anything I can do to alleviate both the physiological and psychological tension I’m experiencing? My body feels incredibly tight, especially in my chest and back, yet I’m also trembling. I would greatly appreciate any insights or advice. Thank you for your help!