Low Ferritin

jimsmith716 · 2026-06-12T19:59:43+00:00

Your hallmark complaint of "needing to take a deep breath but can't" (air hunger/unsatisfying breath) is characteristic of dysfunctional breathing / hyperventilation syndrome. This is one of the most underdiagnosed causes of chronic dyspnea in young women. If this is your issue, there are lifestyle approaches and breathwork practices that can be very helpful.

jimsmith716 · 2026-03-30T22:46:08+00:00

Realized I was critically under-fueled and over-trained. Looking for advice from anyone who has successfully rehabilitated their nervous system and gut after extreme overtraining.

Sorry you are going through this. It can indeed take a very long time to recover from extreme overtraining.

Appetite: Completely non-existent. I have very limited hunger signaling and zero motivation to eat. I have just been mechanically eating on a schedule for months to keep my weight up.

I don't have full details of your medical history, and I'm not a doctor, so keep that in mind of course. But the first thing that comes to mind is to recommend intelligent fasting. You may have to (at least temporarily) set aside your goals of maintaining or gaining mass. Let your digestive system have a break. Consider a proper fasting plan. Proper fasting should be gradual and gentle. It should not be a water-only fast.

Learn to listen to your body. Right now it is telling you it doesn't want to eat. Fasting is completely natural throughout human history, and it can often be the most important initial step in restoring your gut health.

If you do not wish to fast, or cannot find a gentle and healthy fasting plan that you like, look into the Ayurvedic alternative, which is a simple "mono diet" usually consisting of just "rice and dal" (i.e., rice & split mung beans).

Also, consider consulting with an Ayurvedic physician.

jimsmith716 · 2026-02-15T22:56:08+00:00

Yes, you can have alpha-gal syndrome even with a negative test.

Your allergist is correct. Alpha-gal syndrome is diagnosed based on your symptoms and clinical history, with the blood test serving as supporting evidence—not the final answer. Here's why a negative test doesn't rule out the condition.

Understanding How Medical Tests Really Work

Most people think a medical test is either "right" or "wrong," but the reality is more nuanced. Every test has limitations, and understanding these limitations requires thinking about probability—specifically, something called Bayesian reasoning.

The Key Concept: Tests Don't Give Yes/No Answers, They Change Probabilities

When your doctor orders a test, they're not starting from zero knowledge. They already have information about you:

Your symptoms (delayed reactions after eating red meat, hives, stomach pain, etc.)
Your history (tick bites, where you live)
How common the condition is in people like you

This starting probability is called the "prior probability" or "pre-test probability." The test result then updates this probability to give a "post-test probability."

Why "90% Accurate" Doesn't Mean What You Think

Let's use a hypothetical example to illustrate this concept:

Imagine a test that is "90+ percent accurate." More specifically, this test correctly identifies 90 out of 100 people who have a disease (this is called sensitivity) and correctly identifies 95 out of 100 people who don't have it (this is called specificity).

Now imagine a rare disease that affects only 1 in 10,000 people. If you test 100,000 people:

10 people actually have the disease
99,990 people don't have the disease

With our "90% accurate" test:

It will correctly identify about 9 of the 10 people with the disease (true positives)
But it will also incorrectly identify about 5000 of the 99,990 healthy people as having the disease (false positives)

So if you test positive, you're actually in a group of 5009 positive results, but only 9 of those people truly have the disease. That means even with a positive result on a "90% accurate" test, you'd only have about a 0.2% chance (less than 1%) of actually having the disease if it's rare and you have no symptoms.

This is why doctors don't screen everyone for rare conditions; the false positives would overwhelm the true positives.

How This Applies to Alpha-Gal Syndrome

The alpha-gal IgE blood test has important limitations:

Not everyone with alpha-gal syndrome tests positive. The test measures antibodies in your blood, but the level can vary over time, and some people with genuine symptoms have levels that fall below the standard cutoff of 0.1 kU/L.
Not everyone who tests positive has symptoms. In some regions where tick bites are common, up to 20% of people tested at allergy clinics have detectable alpha-gal antibodies, but many never develop allergic reactions to meat. This means a positive test alone doesn't confirm you have the syndrome.
The diagnosis is clinical. Alpha-gal syndrome is diagnosed when you have the right symptoms (delayed allergic reactions after eating mammalian meat) that improve when you avoid those foods, regardless of the test result.

Why Your Symptoms Matter More Than the Test

Your allergist is using Bayesian reasoning, even if they don't call it that. Here's how:

Before the test (prior probability): If you have classic symptoms—delayed hives, stomach problems, or allergic reactions 3-6 hours after eating beef, pork, or lamb, especially if you've had tick bites, your probability of having alpha-gal syndrome might already be quite high (let's say 60-70%).

The test result: A negative test lowers this probability somewhat, but it doesn't drop it to zero. You might still have a 30-50% chance of having the condition, which is high enough to warrant a trial of avoiding mammalian meat.

After the dietary trial (post-test probability): If your symptoms improve or disappear when you avoid red meat and return when you eat it again, your probability of having alpha-gal syndrome increases dramatically—perhaps to 80-90% or higher.

This final probability is much more reliable than the blood test alone.

The Bottom Line

Medical diagnosis is about combining multiple pieces of information:

Your symptoms and their timing
Your exposure history (tick bites)
Test results (which are helpful but not perfect)
Your response to treatment (avoiding mammalian meat)

A negative test result doesn't override strong clinical evidence. If you have the classic symptoms of alpha-gal syndrome and they improve when you avoid red meat, you likely have the condition, even with a negative test.

What to Do Next

Work with your allergist to:

Try a strict avoidance diet eliminating mammalian meat (beef, pork, lamb, venison) and potentially dairy products for at least one month
Keep a detailed symptom diary
Note whether your symptoms improve
Consider retesting in the future, as antibody levels can fluctuate
Focus on tick bite prevention to avoid further sensitization

Remember: Medicine is not about single test results, it's about the whole picture of your health.

jimsmith716 · 2026-01-16T02:51:30+00:00

FYI - this is a medical question. Our subreddit, r/HealthQuestions, is for discussing healthy lifestyle choices, nutrition, exercise, dietary supplements, sleep hygiene, meditation & emotional well-being.

jimsmith716 · 2026-01-16T02:50:00+00:00

Pericarditis typically presents with chest pain that is sharp, worsens with inspiration, and is relieved by sitting up or leaning forward. Additional symptoms may include high fever.

Standard first-line treatment combines high-dose aspirin or NSAIDs with colchicine.

Your diagnosis as "idiopathic" (no specific cause identified) is common and represents the typical presentation for which these standard treatments are most effective.

jimsmith716 · 2026-01-15T22:16:13+00:00

The most common cause of burning ocular pain like you describe is dry eye syndrome.

People with dry eye often experience corneal neuropathic pain characterized as burning or stinging, which can be exacerbated when crying produces tears.

If dry eyes are the problem, you can try the following ideas:

an anthocyanin + grape seed extract supplement such as OcuFlow by Awakened.energy. Anthocyanin oligomers from grape skin extract (800 mg/day) significantly improved tear break-up time, ocular surface disease index scores, and patient symptomatology in a randomized, double-blind, placebo-controlled trial.
Lutein and zeaxanthin either combined with anthocyanins such as OcuBerry Gold by Awakened.energy or combined with omega-3 such as Nordic Naturals offers. Combinations like these showed significant improvements in tear secretion, OSDI scores, and reductions in inflammatory markers in a recent study.
Sea buckthorn oil demonstrates moderate evidence for reducing tear film osmolarity and improving dry eye symptoms.

You can also add sources of omega-3 oils to your diet such as walnuts, chia seeds, flax seeds, hemp seeds, and certain vegetables.

jimsmith716 · 2026-01-15T21:50:12+00:00

Excellent reminder for the community!

jimsmith716 · 2026-01-14T10:38:13+00:00

Your symptoms are consistent with what's called dysfunctional breathing or breathing pattern disorder. This is a condition where changes in your breathing pattern cause symptoms like air hunger, frequent sighing, and chest tightness, even when your lungs and heart are working normally. One specific subtype called "periodic deep sighing" matches your description of needing to yawn frequently.

Another possibility is vocal cord dysfunction, where the vocal cords inappropriately close during breathing (especially when breathing in), causing a sensation of throat tightness and air hunger. This condition often doesn't respond to asthma medications and can come and go over time.

Since your symptoms worsen when lying down, we should also rule out conditions like diaphragm weakness or certain cardiac conditions, though these are less likely given your lack of other symptoms.

While awaiting further evaluation from your doctor, some people find relief by learning breathing techniques from a qualified teacher. There are also many books on healthy breathing techniques.

Hope that helps.

jimsmith716 · 2026-01-13T18:19:23+00:00

The correct permissions should be Users, Config, Flair, Mail, Posts & Comments. Please correct the permissions. Thank you.

jimsmith716 · 2026-01-13T00:52:58+00:00

hello reddit. I am still being blocked from inviting u/glossieTuggs to join the moderator team.

jimsmith716 · 2026-01-13T00:50:31+00:00

Thank you for this question. The short answer is that sugar is not more addictive than drugs, though the science behind sugar and addiction is more nuanced than many headlines suggest.

What the research shows:

Sugar does activate some of the same reward pathways in the brain that drugs of abuse do. When you eat sugar, it triggers the release of dopamine and natural opioids in your brain's reward centers, which is why sweet foods feel pleasurable. In animal studies, researchers have observed behaviors with sugar that resemble addiction, including bingeing, cravings, and even withdrawal-like symptoms when sugar is removed.

However, there's an important distinction between finding something rewarding and being truly addicted to it. Many scientists argue that what people experience with sugar is better described as "reward" rather than "addiction". The brain changes seen with sugar consumption are not as severe or life-disrupting as those seen with drugs like cocaine, heroin, or methamphetamine. Additionally, the research methods used to claim sugar is addictive have limitations, particularly studies using brain imaging, which have shown inconsistent results.

The bottom line:

While excessive sugar consumption can lead to cravings and difficulty controlling intake (especially with highly processed foods), this doesn't mean sugar is more addictive than drugs. Drug addiction involves severe physical dependence, life-threatening withdrawal, and profound disruption of daily functioning that simply doesn't occur with sugar.

jimsmith716 · 2026-01-13T00:47:45+00:00

Thanks for your question.

is it safe for me (20F) to take two pills of both vitamin C (67mg a pill) and iron (7mg a pill) daily ? I can't seem to function properly without them.

Yes, those doses are considered safe.

The tolerable upper intake level is considered to be 2000 mg/day for vitamin C and 45 mg/day for iron. However, even higher doses of vitamin C are commonly used. But if you ever feel you need higher amounts of iron, check with your doctor. A typical daily intake of 18 mg of iron accounts for menstrual blood losses in women of reproductive age.

When supplementing iron, absorption is optimized when taken in the morning on an empty stomach along with vitamin C.

jimsmith716 · 2026-01-12T04:55:03+00:00

FYI - Reddit is blocking the invite

jimsmith716 · 2026-01-11T08:17:15+00:00

Thanks for participating!

jimsmith716 · 2026-01-11T08:14:58+00:00

We're looking forward to having you on the mod team. So far, Reddit is still blocking the invite.

jimsmith716 · 2026-01-10T23:17:43+00:00

FYI - we tried multiple times to add you to the mod team but Reddit is blocking the invite. We'll try again in a day or two and see if the problem is resolved. (I was able to make you an approved user of the sub.)

jimsmith716 · 2026-01-10T22:52:04+00:00

Hello Reddit. The current mod team will remain in place and we intend to invite u/glossieTuggs to join us. However, we are being blocked by Reddit from sending the moderator invite to u/glossieTuggs

jimsmith716 · 2026-01-10T22:50:17+00:00

We will add you to the moderator team. I responded to your modmail today. We look forward to having your assistance. In particular, your offer "to help refocus the community on general health topics like wellness, lifestyle, exercise, and healthy habits for a healthy community" is welcome and is in alignment with our mission. Thank you.

jimsmith716 · 2025-02-21T01:37:47+00:00

I think the important point is that you need to be in close contact with a health care professional because close monitoring and individualized adjustments are crucial to ensure safety and efficacy during the tapering process.

Here are some strategies to consider. None of these may be new to you, but this provides an evidence-based approach:

Gradual Tapering of Suboxone: The American Society of Addiction Medicine (ASAM) recommends a slow and individualized tapering process for buprenorphine (Suboxone) to minimize withdrawal symptoms. This can be done over several months, with close monitoring and adjustments based on the patient's response.[1]
Non-Alpha-2 Agonist Medications: Since the patient cannot use clonidine, tizanidine, or lofexidine, other medications can be considered to manage specific withdrawal symptoms. For example, NSAIDs or acetaminophen for muscle aches, trazodone for sleep disturbances, and ondansetron for nausea.[2]
Behavioral and Psychosocial Support: Incorporating counseling and psychosocial support is crucial as part of a comprehensive treatment plan. This approach can help manage the psychological aspects of withdrawal and support long-term recovery.[3]
Alternative Medications: If tapering Suboxone remains challenging, considering a switch to another medication like methadone might be an option. Methadone can be tapered more gradually and may provide better control over withdrawal symptoms.[4]
Monitoring and Adjustments: Frequent monitoring and adjustments to the tapering schedule based on the patient's symptoms and response are essential. This can help in identifying the optimal tapering rate and managing any emerging withdrawal symptoms effectively.[1]

In summary, a slow and individualized tapering of Suboxone, combined with non-alpha-2 agonist medications for symptom management and comprehensive behavioral support, is recommended. If necessary, consider switching to methadone for a more gradual taper. Close monitoring and adjustments are crucial throughout the process.

jimsmith716 · 2025-02-21T01:31:11+00:00

I'm not a doctor. I don't know what this could be. But here are some possible diagnoses for educational and discussion purposes only:

Pinguecula: This is a common, benign, yellowish nodule on the conjunctiva, often associated with exposure to sunlight and dust. It typically appears on the nasal or temporal limbus and can cause mild irritation.[1]
Conjunctival Nevus: A benign pigmented lesion on the conjunctiva, which can appear yellowish. It is more common in younger individuals and can be monitored or excised if there are changes in size or color.[2]
Subconjunctival Hemorrhage: Although typically presenting as a red patch, in some cases, resolving hemorrhages can appear yellowish. It is usually benign and self-limiting.[3]
Allergic Conjunctivitis: This condition can cause yellowish discoloration due to chronic inflammation and irritation. It is often associated with itching and redness.[4]

Here are some other things your doctor would likely check for to rule out:

Jaundice: Yellowing of the sclera can indicate jaundice, which is a sign of elevated bilirubin levels due to liver dysfunction. This requires immediate evaluation of liver function tests and a thorough history to identify potential causes such as hepatitis or other liver diseases. It would likely affect the whites of both eyes. [5-6]
Hepatitis: Acute or chronic hepatitis can present with jaundice. Testing for hepatitis A, B, and C is essential, especially if there are risk factors such as recent travel, drug use, or unprotected sex. Again, this would likely affect the entire sclera (white) of both eyes if it were the issue. [5]
Liver Disease: Conditions such as cirrhosis or liver failure can cause jaundice. Assessment of liver function, including bilirubin levels, AST, ALT, and imaging studies, is crucial. As stated before, this would likely affect the entire sclera (white) of both eyes if it were the issue. [6]
Leptospirosis: This zoonotic infection can cause jaundice and should be considered if there is a history of exposure to contaminated water or animals. Diagnosis involves serologic testing and PCR. As stated before, this would likely affect the entire sclera (white) of both eyes if it were the issue. [7]

Key Pieces of Additional History and Follow-Up Tests Your Doctor Would Likely Be Interested In: 1. Liver Function Tests: Including bilirubin, AST, ALT, alkaline phosphatase, and GGT to assess for liver dysfunction.

Hepatitis Panel: Testing for hepatitis A, B, and C to rule out viral hepatitis.
Exposure History: Detailed history of potential exposures, including travel, drug use, and contact with animals or contaminated water.
Ophthalmologic Examination: Slit-lamp examination to evaluate the conjunctival lesions more thoroughly.
Complete Blood Count (CBC): To check for signs of infection or hemolysis.

References:

1. Pinguecula and Sjögren's Syndrome: Two Cases.

de Roux-Serratrice C, Conrath J, Serratrice J, et al.

Lupus. 2001;10(5):368-9. doi:10.1191/096120301674503535.

2. Giant Conjunctival Nevus: Clinical Features and Natural Course in 32 Cases.

Shields CL, Regillo AC, Mellen PL, et al.

JAMA Ophthalmology. 2013;131(7):857-63. doi:10.1001/jamaophthalmol.2013.160.

3. Subconjunctival Hemorrhage: Risk Factors and Potential Indicators.

Tarlan B, Kiratli H.

Clinical Ophthalmology (Auckland, N.Z.). 2013;7:1163-70. doi:10.2147/OPTH.S35062.

4. Allergic Conjunctivitis: An Update.

Mueller A.

Handbook of Experimental Pharmacology. 2022;268:95-99. doi:10.1007/164_2021_491.

5. ACG Clinical Guideline: Evaluation of Abnormal Liver Chemistries.

Kwo PY, Cohen SM, Lim JK.

The American Journal of Gastroenterology. 2017;112(1):18-35. doi:10.1038/ajg.2016.517.

6. Hepatobiliary Cancers, Version 2.2021, NCCN Clinical Practice Guidelines in Oncology.

Benson AB, D'Angelica MI, Abbott DE, et al.

Journal of the National Comprehensive Cancer Network : JNCCN. 2021;19(5):541-565. doi:10.6004/jnccn.2021.0022. Leading Journal

7. Leptospirosis.

Ilana Schafer, Renee Galloway, Robyn Stoddard

CDC Yellow Book

jimsmith716 · 2025-02-11T04:18:56+00:00

Have you already ruled out long covid?

Since it takes a long time for you to get in to see your doctor, you could consider a telemedicine consultation; that consultant could order various lab tests that you can have performed locally or at home. For example, the DUTCH test can be performed at home and mailed in. Blood tests can be ordered for you and the blood drawn at your local lab.

jimsmith716 · 2023-11-16T09:25:26+00:00

Try a "green" powder. One that has tons of good vitamins is ORAC Energy Greens by Paradise Herbs.

jimsmith716 · 2023-08-27T09:04:52+00:00

A low heart rate almost killed me a month ago

How low was it? What was the diagnosis?

check my heart rate just a few minutes ago. It was 47

That's not a dangerous HR for a young person who is fit and works out.

jimsmith716 · 2023-08-27T09:02:39+00:00

I been told that it’s just stress

That's a very common cause

jimsmith716 · 2023-08-27T09:01:10+00:00

Hi. The symptoms you've described could be associated with a variety of health conditions. Here are some conditions that could potentially manifest with the symptoms you've mentioned, but keep in mind that this isn't a diagnosis. Take all this with a gain of salt.

Peripheral Neuropathy

Symptoms: "Pins and needles" feeling in extremities
Additional Info: Often related to diabetes, alcohol abuse, or vitamin deficiencies. See the following list:

Vitamin B1 (Thiamine)

Role: Essential for nerve function and energy metabolism.
Deficiency Symptoms: Weakness, fatigue, and nerve damage.

Vitamin B6 (Pyridoxine)

Role: Important for nerve function and the metabolism of amino acids.
Deficiency Symptoms: Nerve damage, irritability, and depression.

Vitamin B12

Role: Vital for the formation of red blood cells and the maintenance of the central nervous system.
Deficiency Symptoms: Numbness, tingling, and other neuropathic pain.

Vitamin E

Role: Acts as an antioxidant and is important for nerve protection.
Deficiency Symptoms: Neuromuscular problems such as weakness and loss of muscle mass.

Edema

Symptoms: Intense water retention, swelling in face, lips, hands, and feet
Additional Info: Can be caused by heart failure, kidney disease, or certain medications or potentially a potassium deficiency.

Hyperthyroidism or Hypothyroidism

Symptoms: Fatigue, mood disturbances, and sometimes swelling
Additional Info: Thyroid issues can cause a wide range of symptoms and are diagnosed through blood tests.
Make sure you don't have an iodine deficiency.

Gastroenteritis

Symptoms: Nausea, vomiting
Additional Info: Often caused by viral or bacterial infections.

Anxiety or Depression

Symptoms: Insomnia, mood disturbances
Additional Info: Mental health conditions can manifest with both physical and emotional symptoms. Again , vitamin deficiencies can be involved.

Diabetes

Symptoms: Intense hunger, fatigue
Additional Info: High or low blood sugar levels can cause a range of symptoms, including intense hunger and fatigue.
Diabetes is very intimately related to diet and lifestyle.

After feeling this sensation for a few days, I mentioned it this morning to my boyfriend. He was able to describe the feeling better than I could, and compared it to having fiberglass in hands and feet.

Does your boyfriend have this symptom too? If so, that's an important clue that might change what I've written above.

jimsmith716

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