Any suggestions as to what could be wrong?

[davidgiants55]

Hey guys, I’m a 21 y/o male desperate for answers.
Two years ago, I started to get bad nausea, change in bowl movements and general malaise. I lost 15 pounds in 3 months and was unable to workout. These symptoms seemed to go in cycles where I would feel tired and lethargic a couple days and then feel worse 3-5 days in and finally feel better and then start over again.
I ended up going in for blood work and all vitamin, mineral, and CBC came back normal.
In Jan 2017, I went gluten free. This made my stomach symptoms go away almost completely. However, I still had flare ups and the fatigue, malaise continued. I went in for stool tests, and also a colonoscopy and endoscopy and they found just mild acid reflux. I’ve seen an immuneologist and got tested for mast cells, and I’ve gotten all blood levels retaken including thyroid and that was fine as well. I did take the western blot and the bands 41 and 57(?) came bavk positive but there’s not enough to call it lyme. I did go on antibiotics and those did not help.
Over time, I started to keep track of my own symptoms and foods I eat.
My symptoms seem to change in duration and severity during the day sometimes.
Here are my CURRENT symptoms:
Headaches (sometimes migrane like)
Facial tightness/tingling to where it is very uncomfortable. It’s my worst symptom
Fatigue
General malaise and feelingvof needing to lay down
Nasal congestion on one side of nose

I noticed that these symptoms are made worse by alcohol, sugars, stress and working too much and not getting enough sleep or lack of activity.

Another note is that these symptoms aren’t as bad after I eat and while I’m eating. I also have been working out for an hour a day for the past 4 months and I feel better when I workout. When I’m out with friends and I get symptoms, I feel drunk, like in a daze and my face gets tight, my body feels tight as well and that’s when my skin feels hot and I get the nasal congestion.

Sorry for the long post and kind of unorganized info. Ask any questions!
Thank you in advance!

[EchoeP]

You're very young, some if what you described possibly aren't all symptoms to one thing or another. It could be several things going on. Although I didn't hear anything very serious. From what I read it almost to me and I'm no expert but to me I took away possible depression which could explain weight loss. Then sinus infection sounds very possible. I'm a suffered of chronic sinus infection they suck and would explain the symptoms you included. I'm rather taken by all the test you had run for those symptoms though especially at your young age. Worry much!? I think unless you're leaving much out then you should be fine with time!

[davidgiants55]

Yes I have to admit I’m quite a worry wart. I used to have OCD when I was in 6th grade. I am actually in the process of setting up an appointment with a psychologist. My mom seems to think it’s somethig “minor” (ie food intolerance, allergies, IBS or sinusitis) than is exasterbated by my worriedness. Is there any way to treat chronic sinusitis? I did end up taking a strong dose of an antibiotic when they bought I could have lyme.

[SassyLassie]

Hello~Have they tested you for Candida? Here are some of the symptoms of it:
•Chronic fatigue
•Brain fog
•Digestive issues
•Recurring yeast infections
•Oral thrush
•Sinus infections
•Food allergies/intolerances
•Fungal infections on the skin and nails
•A weak immune system
•Joint pain
•Low mood
If you have a wide selection of seemingly-unrelated symptoms, Candida albicans might be to blame.
•Acid reflux
•Acne
•Allergies
•Asthma
•Bleeding gums
•Bloating
•Body odor
•Constipation
•Cracked tongue
•Cravings for sugary snacks
•Crying spells
•Diarrhea
•Dizziness
•Flatulence
•Flu-like symptoms
•Fungal skin rash
•Halitosis
•Inability to focus
•Inability to lose weight
•Indigestion
•Insomnia
•Irritability
•Itchy anus
•Itchy eyes
•Low libido
•Mucus in stool
•Muscle aches and stiffness
•Nausea
•Panic attacks
•Persistent extreme fatigue
•Poor coordination
•Poor memory
•Psoriasis
•Sensitivities to fragrances and chemicals
•Sensitivity to light
•Stomach cramps
•Water retention
Here is a link to where I got my info:  https://www.thecandidadiet.com/candida-symptoms/
I hope this helps. Ask you doctor for a stool test as this is the most accurate in detecting the Candida.

[davidgiants55]

Thank you so much for your response. I will look more into it! They did do a stool test and I believe they did test for it but I will double check exactly what they tested for. Thank you so much again!

[Red_Star]

There are plenty of articles on food intolerances. Here are a few excerpts...

"Symptoms of food intolerance can include:

nervousness
tremor
sweating
palpitations
rapid breathing
headache, migraine
diarrhoea
burning sensations on the skin
tightness across the face and chest
breathing problems – asthma-like symptoms
allergy-like reactions"

Better Health - Food Allergy and intolerance

***

"When you have a food intolerance, symptoms usually begin within a few hours of eating the food that you are intolerant to.

Yet, symptoms can be delayed by up to 48 hours and last for hours or even days, making the offending food especially difficult to pinpoint (4)."

Common symptoms include (5):

Diarrhea
Bloating
Rashes
Headaches
Nausea
Fatigue
Abdominal pain
Runny nose
Reflux
Flushing of the skin

Food intolerances are commonly diagnosed by elimination diets specifically designed to narrow down offending foods or through other testing methods."

Healthline - The 8 Most Common Food Intolerances

[davidgiants55]

Thank you! I’ve been trying to keep a very strict food log over the past 4 months. It’s such a pain but I’m in talks with a dietitian to take a look at it and see if she sees any patters. But the food intolerance route is one I’ve beeb trying to tackle but as your comment pointed out, it’s sometimes hard to point out.

[Red_Star]

Someone I know has food intolerances to salicylates. Just also note if you are intolerant to a certain chemical you'll have to research in depth for both food and non food sources. For eg: salicylates are found in fruits, vegetables, spices as well as aspirin. There are numerous intolerances including gluten (also found in non food sources such as medications and shampoo/conditioner), lactose, amines, sulfite, FODMAPs,
fructose, glutamates (including MSG)...