Struggling with Unexplained Health Issues: Seeking Effective Solutions

There are many health conditions?

Hello, doctor.
I have been experiencing many health issues, but I have encountered obstacles in seeking medical help and have not been able to find the cause of my problems or receive effective assistance.
Therefore, I would like to seek your opinion.
Since childhood, I have been in poor health, and as an adult, my weight has remained around 30 kilograms, with no ability to gain weight.
When I was one year old, I underwent a Kasai procedure due to biliary obstruction.
After that, my various health indicators stabilized during the observation period.
I have had issues with low stamina, easy shortness of breath, and excessive sleepiness since childhood, averaging over 12 hours of sleep per day.
During my school years, no other problems were identified, but I have always been in a state of malnutrition.
In the past two years, my health has deteriorated sharply, making it difficult to maintain a normal life.
I suffer from anxiety and insomnia, experience shoulder pain and headaches weekly, and my appetite has decreased to the point where I can only eat half a lunch box per day.
I also experience weekly digestive issues and constipation, occasional gastroesophageal reflux, and stomach pain.
My heart rate is elevated (100-140 beats per minute) when not on medication and without exercise.
I suffer from sarcopenia and fatigue, making it difficult to carry out daily activities (work, personal hygiene, household chores, etc.).
My menstrual cycle is irregular, and I almost always experience severe chills and shivering before sleep.
I cannot sleep without taking hot baths or using an electric blanket.
The chills are often accompanied by unexplained low-grade fever, body aches, and night sweats.
I have already sought similar help at the hospital, including consultations in the following departments: Internal Medicine, Family Medicine, Urology, Cardiology, Metabolism, and Immunology.
Blood tests for liver and kidney function and thyroid levels showed no abnormalities.
However, no department has been able to identify the cause of my symptoms, and after reporting no abnormalities, I was asked to leave by the doctors.
Some doctors even suggested that my anxiety was exaggerating my condition, which made me feel even more upset, as I truly feel uncomfortable every day.
I would like to ask if you have any other effective suggestions.
😢

Ruby, 20~29 year old female. Ask Date: 2024/02/20

Dr. Lin Wufu reply Internal Medicine

Hello, you may need to schedule a follow-up appointment with the Infectious Disease Department for further examination to determine if there are any physiological issues.
Additionally, please measure your body temperature daily to check for fever after experiencing chills and shivering.
If you have a fever, it is less likely to be caused by anxiety.

Reply Date: 2024/02/20

More Info

It sounds like you are going through a very challenging time with your health, and I want to acknowledge the frustration and distress that can come from feeling unwell without a clear diagnosis. Your symptoms are complex and multifaceted, and it’s understandable that you are seeking effective solutions.
From what you’ve described, it seems that you have a history of health issues, including significant weight loss, fatigue, anxiety, and various gastrointestinal problems. It’s important to recognize that these symptoms can be interrelated, and addressing them may require a comprehensive approach.

1. Understanding Your Symptoms: Your history of being underweight and experiencing fatigue, along with your anxiety and gastrointestinal issues, suggests that there may be underlying factors contributing to your overall health. Nutritional deficiencies, hormonal imbalances, and psychological factors can all play a role in how you feel physically and mentally.
2. Nutritional Assessment: Given your history of being underweight and experiencing poor appetite, it may be beneficial to consult with a registered dietitian. They can help assess your nutritional intake and identify any deficiencies that may be contributing to your symptoms. A tailored nutrition plan that focuses on calorie-dense, nutrient-rich foods could help you gain weight and improve your overall health.

3. Mental Health Support: Your anxiety and sleep issues are significant and can exacerbate physical symptoms. It may be helpful to engage with a mental health professional who specializes in anxiety disorders. Cognitive-behavioral therapy (CBT) is an evidence-based approach that can help you manage anxiety and develop coping strategies. Medication may also be an option to discuss with a psychiatrist if you haven’t already.

4. Physical Activity: While you may feel fatigued, incorporating gentle physical activity, such as walking or stretching, can help improve your energy levels and mood. Exercise has been shown to have positive effects on mental health and can also aid in digestion and overall physical well-being.

5. Holistic Approaches: Consider exploring complementary therapies such as mindfulness, yoga, or acupuncture. These practices can help reduce stress and anxiety, improve sleep quality, and enhance your overall sense of well-being.

6. Follow-Up with Specialists: Since you have already seen multiple specialists without a clear diagnosis, it may be worthwhile to seek a second opinion or consult with a specialist in functional medicine. Functional medicine practitioners often take a more holistic approach, looking for underlying causes of symptoms rather than just treating them.

7. Monitoring Symptoms: Keeping a detailed symptom diary can be helpful. Documenting when symptoms occur, their severity, and any potential triggers can provide valuable information to healthcare providers and may help identify patterns that could lead to a diagnosis.

8. Support Networks: Connecting with support groups or communities, either in-person or online, can provide emotional support and practical advice from others who may be experiencing similar challenges.

In conclusion, while it can be disheartening to feel like you are not getting the answers you need, it’s important to continue advocating for your health. A multidisciplinary approach that includes medical, nutritional, and psychological support may provide the best chance for improvement. Remember, you are not alone in this journey, and there are resources available to help you navigate these challenges.

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