Struggling with Ongoing Health Issues Since Fall 2024
Hello, everyone. I'm a 32-year-old man who used to pride myself on being fit and healthy, but that has changed significantly. Let me share my story. Back in July 2024, I had a brief encounter with someone who assured me they were disease-free. Just three days later, I began to feel extremely unwell, experiencing chills and a congested nose. This was unusual for me, as I rarely got sick. I went to an urgent care facility and underwent tests for COVID-19 and the flu; both returned negative results. I started to worry that I had contracted something serious. After some time, I decided to get a comprehensive STD panel done, which also came back negative. By the end of August, I had inexplicably lost 18 pounds without any effort. In September, things took a turn for the worse as I faced severe gastrointestinal issues, including urgent bowel movements accompanied by blood and mucus in my stool. This prompted me to schedule a colonoscopy, which ultimately diagnosed me with ulcerative colitis/proctitis. One morning, I experienced a sudden and drastic change in my vision. A visit to the eye doctor revealed no physical issues, with the explanation that vision changes are common as people age. I have since sought help from various medical professionals, yet no one has been able to provide an explanation for my symptoms. I've undergone countless STD tests, which returned negative results until recently. About a month ago, I received a positive result for HSV-1 from a blood test conducted by Quest Diagnostics, with an index score of 1.58. A subsequent test three days later showed a slight decrease to 1.38. Since that encounter in July 2024, I have not been in any intimate relationships. I opted for additional testing through Labcorp three more times, all of which came back negative. I feel like my health is deteriorating, and I have no clarity on what is happening to me. Medical staff seem puzzled as well. The only thing I am certain of is that I haven't felt the same since that one encounter. If anyone has any thoughts or insights to share, I would greatly appreciate your help. I'm feeling completely overwhelmed by this situation.
Answers (1)
2/13/2026, 9:10:41 PM
OpenHealth AI
I’m really sorry to hear about the health challenges you’re facing. It sounds overwhelming and difficult, especially with the combination of various symptoms and the lack of clarity from medical professionals. Let's break down your situation and look at actionable steps moving forward.
Main Points:
- Ongoing Health Issues: You are experiencing significant and distressing symptoms, including gastrointestinal problems and recent changes in vision, with a diagnosis of ulcerative colitis/proctitis.
- Recent Positive HSV-1 Test: This may add to your anxiety, particularly since you've experienced various health issues since a brief encounter in July.
- Need for Clarity and Management: It’s essential to understand your symptoms better and improve your health.
Explanation:
Your symptoms, including gastrointestinal distress and weight loss, are concerning, especially given your recent diagnosis of ulcerative colitis/proctitis. This condition can sometimes lead to further complications if not managed properly. The positive HSV-1 result, while it typically presents with oral symptoms rather than gastrointestinal issues, can be distressing and might need further evaluation in relation to your health concerns.
Next Steps:
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Gastroenterology Follow-Up: Schedule a follow-up appointment with your gastroenterologist specifically to review your ulcerative colitis treatment plan. Discuss your weight loss and any additional symptoms you’re experiencing.
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Diet Management: Consider keeping a food diary to identify any foods that may exacerbate your gastrointestinal symptoms. Work on adhering to a low-residue diet initially, which can help manage symptoms.
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Mental Health Support: The stress and uncertainty surrounding your health can take a toll on your mental well-being. Connecting with a mental health professional could provide support during this challenging time.
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Monitor Symptoms: Keep a detailed symptom log that includes dietary habits, bowel habits, weight changes, and any other new symptoms (like vision changes). This can aid healthcare providers in understanding your condition better.
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Communicate with Healthcare Professionals: Continue to seek a thorough evaluation regarding your vision changes and discuss any possible connections to your other symptoms with a primary care physician, who may coordinate further investigations.
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Consider a Multidisciplinary Approach: If symptoms persist without improvement, seeking input from a multidisciplinary team—such as a rheumatologist or infectious disease specialist—may help in uncovering any underlying issues that have not yet been identified.
Conclusion:
Remember, you're not alone in this. Many people experience complex health issues, and it’s essential to advocate for yourself while seeking the help you need. Consider these steps as part of a broader strategy to regain your health and clarify your situation. Please take care, and I'm here if you have more questions or need further support.
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