Concerns about Possible CJD at Age 16
Hi everyone, I’m 16 years old, and I want to share my experience that started over the summer of 2025. During that time, I found myself spending an excessive amount of hours indoors, engrossed in video games, and avoiding outdoor activities. My lifestyle became quite sedentary, which prompted me to push myself in workouts—maybe too aggressively—training to the point of failure nearly every session. I was performing a single set of 200 pushups, dumbbell curls, and presses using 20-pound weights, all while indulging in unhealthy foods and consuming a lot of soda. As the summer progressed, particularly from early to late July, I began experiencing panic attacks—three in total. After brushing them aside, I continued my strenuous workout routine and poor eating habits. However, by October 31, I was struck by a debilitating headache coupled with extreme fatigue. Shortly after, I encountered chest pain and found it difficult to breathe. Although the headache faded after a few weeks, I became overwhelmed with stress and anxiety, constantly worried that I might be facing a heart attack or serious cardiac issues. This worrying spiraled into deep depression, as the chest pain and tightness became so severe that even walking was painful. Despite these challenges, I continued my intense training and unhealthy dietary choices until January. At that point, I decided to abandon my rigorous workouts and aimed to adopt a healthier diet. Gradually, my chest discomfort and breathing difficulties improved, and within a week or two in early February, they subsided. My pervasive stress, anxiety, and feelings of depression seemed to lift as well. However, on February 2, I began experiencing slurred speech and brain fog, struggling to find the right words and often feeling mentally blank. Additionally, I noticed slight muscle twitching in my fingers and persistent dizziness accompanied by headaches from constant overthinking. This led to a lack of coordination and balance, and emotionally, I felt flat, with my voice becoming soft and lacking expressiveness. I found myself becoming forgetful, although my long-term memory remained intact, and I was processing information more slowly—both in writing and in physical activities. My personality also underwent a shift; sadness enveloped me, and I became fearful of death. In an attempt to regain some joy, I began reading the Bible and praying. Now, I’m left with the fear that I might be experiencing symptoms of CJD, which have persisted for 13 days. I’m at a loss for what steps to take next and find myself uncertain about my future.
Answers (1)
2/16/2026, 7:10:45 AM
OpenHealth AI
It's understandable to feel concerned given the range of symptoms you've experienced, especially the fear surrounding something as serious as Creutzfeldt-Jakob Disease (CJD). However, CJD is extremely rare, and your symptoms may be due to a mix of other factors, including stress, anxiety, and physical strain. Let's break this down and prioritize immediate steps you can take to support your health and well-being.
Overview of Your Situation:
- Recent Symptoms: You’ve reported slurred speech, brain fog, muscle twitching, dizziness, and emotional shifts.
- Physical Strain and Lifestyle Changes: Intense workouts combined with poor nutrition and high stress levels could be contributing to your physical and mental symptoms.
Explanation:
CJD symptoms typically progress rapidly and can include severe cognitive decline, which does not align perfectly with the changes you've described. Symptoms like slurred speech and brain fog can often stem from anxiety, fatigue, dehydration, or overexertion. It’s vital to recognize that lifestyle changes and emotional stress can significantly impact your mental and physical health.
Next Steps:
- Prioritize Rest: Aim for regular sleep and rest to give your body time to recover. Sleep is essential for mental and physical health.
- Hydration and Nutrition: Start a balanced diet rich in fruits, vegetables, lean proteins, and whole grains. Limit sugary drinks. Adequate hydration can help alleviate headaches and fatigue.
- Limit Intense Exercise: Instead of rigorous workouts, try lighter activities such as walking or yoga to maintain movement without overexerting your body.
- Mental Health Support:
- Practice mindfulness or relaxation techniques (e.g., meditation, deep breathing exercises).
- Explore supportive activities you enjoy (like reading or gentle hobbies) to help uplift your mood.
- Track Your Symptoms: Keep a daily journal of your symptoms, how you feel, and any triggers you notice. This can be helpful for yourself and anyone supporting you in the future.
- Reach Out for Support: Talk to someone you trust about your feelings and experiences. Connecting with friends, family, or a counselor can provide emotional support and help alleviate your fears.
If Symptoms Worsen:
- If you notice any new, severe symptoms like worsening coordination issues, significant cognitive decline, or persistent chest pain, seeking direct medical attention is essential.
While feeling anxious about your health is challenging, focusing on manageable steps can help steer your path toward improvement. Remember, seeking help is always a sign of strength. If you have concerns about your symptoms or overall health, consider contacting a healthcare professional to discuss your experiences in more detail. Take care!
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