Husband is Undiagnosed

[MB404]

My husband has been experiencing health issues for the past several months. For reference, he is 42; not overweight; eats a mostly organic, balanced, healthy diet; (used to) run 17 miles twice a week; and an avid rock climber. Over the past year his energy levels have gradually declined and recently became so bad that he was functioning at 30% of normal. Note, he has Barret's esophagus from years of acid reflux due to a Hiatal hernia. In addition to the exhaustion, these are his symptoms:

~ Pain in left ear and left side of throat
(This is aggravated when talking for an extended period of time of at least an hour.)
~ Pain in left shoulder area and chest
~ Tingling sensation on left side of head (ear area) and back of head
~ Pain in left kidney area
~ Has had a few episodes that appear to be like anxiety attacks
(One was at night where he honestly felt like he was dying.)

All these symptoms come and go frequently, with the left side throat and ear pain most prevalent. And the reduced energy level fluctuates between 30-50% of normal.

He has been to several doctors and has had a number of tests...MRI, CT scan, Endoscopy, EKG, blood tests, etc. Only the Barret's esophagus was discovered, but no diagnosis related to his issues. Also, he has been on Prevacid now for the past month, which has eliminated all of his acid reflux...I was hoping this would mitigate his issues, but it has not.

He is not one to talk about not feeling well and is a calm, rational, sensible character. This is greatly affecting his life and no doctor has diagnosed what is happening to him. I am posting this is hopes that maybe someone out there knows what may be causing this.

[MB404]

Thank you for those responses. He has already had an endoscopy, ruling out stomach ulcers, esophageal cancer, etc. And he no longer experiences acid reflux since switching to taking Prevacid. His Barret's esophagus formed from years of his hiatal hernia causing continuous acid reflux and not taking an effective antacid. Blood work has ruled out anemia, mono, low thyroid, etc.; however, I do not believe he has been tested for H Pylori yet nor testosterone levels.

Thus far he has been to all of these doctors-specialists...Ear Nose & Throat twice, Neurologist, Gastroenterologist, ER twice, and a GP. Still, at a loss.

[caregiver222]

Doctornee has raised some interesting issues.

Helibactor pylori can cause ulceration. Ulceration can cause anemia. Anemia can cause fatigue.

Reflux syndrome can cause acid to go upwards and expose raw tissue which ended up infected, particuliarly in the sinus area. These are a bear to get rid of.

Gine out what his hematocrit is as well as his iron levels.

[optometrist]

I hope he doesnt drink any coffee or soda, even no decaf coffee.  Read what Jack LaLanne eats and drinks.  Jack takes 40 supplements a day (I take around 5).   (I am 70, no drugs or problems)  

[Dr. Kokil Mathur]

Hi
Welcome to the MedHelp forum!
I have a feeling, that since all other tests are normal, his problems are related to the reflux. He may be on medication but at times a combination of medication is required for full control. Your husband will need to take a combination of medications like a proton pump inhibitor such as omeprazole,  lansoprazole or pantoprazole empty stomach in the morning and an antacid gel after meals for complete relief.Helicobacter Pylori or H pylori bacteria found in stomach area is strongly linked with gastric and duodenal ulcer. Antibiotics given to clear up the bacteria also take care of the hives. Diagnosis is generally by carbon urea breath test. Hence it is important to test for this bacteria.
Life style changes that will help include: Avoid heavy meals and eat frequent small meals. Avoid too much of caffeine, tea, smoking, fried food and drinks both alcoholic and non alcoholic fuzzy ones. Avoid heavy exercises within 4 hours of a heavy meal. Raise the head end of the bed by pillows to 30 degrees. Go to bed at least 2 hours after food. Maybe these tips will help your husband.Since he has all these symptoms for some time, anemia is a strong possibility.
It is difficult to comment beyond this at this stage. Please let me know if there is any thing else and do keep me posted. Take care!

[aldunn72023]

Has his testosterone levels been checked?  There is a hormonal disorder than can cause some of these symptoms, not sure if it causes all, but I know it does cause some of the symptoms mentioned.   However, I am concerned since it seems that it is mainly his left side affected.  I would probably seek a second opinion.

Also, you said he is an avid rock climber?  Just a shot in the dark but I am guessing he is close to mother nature since he seems to like the outdoors and eats mostly organic foods.  It could be that he is picking up on the energy coming from the earth due to all the disasters.  I know this sounds crazy but it can be true.  Some people are just in tune this way.  Recently, many people sensitive to the energy of the earth have been experiencing fatigue, aggitation, irritability, pain in certain areas, etc. Im not saying this is it, but it could be.  Not sure if he practices meditation, but if so, have him listen to music or meditate in nature and see if this helps any.  Its always a non medical option to try and if it doesnt work the only thing you lose is a few minutes of your day.

Ok hope this helps. Good luck.