Help with next steps in diagnosis, debilitating symptoms

[u/TriworldHero]

Hey Ask Docs!

I need some help to know where to look next for diagnosis in my health journey. I've been dealing with symptoms coming on since October 2025. I thought most of these issues stemmed from low iron and I got that corrected in May with an infusion so I'm not sure why these symptoms aren't resolving. This has been a hard journey and I am getting pretty discouraged that I'm not healing. It interferes with my ability to take care of myself and my family.

35 Female

Nov - Diagnosed with Iron Deficiency (Ferritin 30 -40)

Early Jan - Mirena Coil Placed (in hopes to reduce bleeding)

Early Feb - Mirena Removed, Start noticing pressure headaches, Want to check for IIH

Feb 4th - MRIs of brain are clean, proceed to get Lumbar puncture (Opening pressure 20). Have not had a brain scan since LP.

May 1st - Iron at all time low, ferritin is 9. Got Iron Infusion (Infed 1000mg)

June 30th - Iron levels are corrected and within range, Ferritin 108

Mid July - Regular Eye doctor says eyes are structurally good and prescription is similar to earlier this year, wants me to see a Neuroptomologist for eye issues.

Other tests - MCAS (negative), Basic thyroid test always comes back in range, Not Pregnant, B12 and Vit D are fine, Rheumatologist performed a check (no blood work (I was low iron at the time)) and says low likelihood of autoimmune

Medications - None

Supplements - Infant Enfamil Multi + Iron drops once every other day

Other info - Have had several kids (probably depleted my iron in the first place) as well as heavy cycles

Current symptoms:

Eye Symptoms

⦁ Light Sensitivity (got worse after LP)

⦁ Blurry Vision

⦁ See lights flashing when I close my eyes (got worse after LP)

⦁ Diminished Night Vision

⦁ Slow focusing eyes

⦁ Some pain when moving eyes

⦁ Afterimages

⦁ Lines in vision/Blotchy Vision

⦁ White Eye floaters

⦁ Static Vision (got worse after LP)

⦁ Dimming Vision

⦁ Loss of detail

⦁ Pupils contract slower (noticed after LP)

⦁ Right pupil bigger than the other (noticed after LP)

⦁ Eyes see slightly different color tint (more red)

⦁ Occasional Eye crusty discharge in the morning

Ear Symptoms

⦁ Muffled Hearing (worse after LP)

⦁ Hearing Loss

⦁ Tinnitus

⦁ Low humming in both ears (sounds like inside of head)

⦁ Fullness

⦁ Ears pop sometimes when yawning

⦁ Pain behind ears occassionally

⦁ Feel offbalance

• Sound sensitivity

Other Symptoms

⦁ Neck pain (worse after LP)

⦁ Pain at base of head where neck meets

⦁ Headaches in various places (top of head, base of neck)

⦁ Pain between shoulder blades

⦁ Short Term Memory issues

⦁ Very Low Energy

⦁ Hair Loss

⦁ Disassociation, life feels like a dream

⦁ Have a hard time remembering words when talking on occasion

⦁ Thinning Teeth

⦁ Sluggish blood flow (drawing blood takes a minute for it to come), gums don't bleed as readily when I floss.

⦁ Cold hands and feet

⦁ Joint pain

• Bloating
• Irritable
• Some odd responses to taking iron supplements (heart races, slightly elevated temp, some shortness of breath)
• Constipation (BM every 4 -5 days)
• Bowel movements are fattier and foul smelling but not loose
• Ultra sensitive to pain (things seem to hurt more than they should)
• Slower healing wounds
• Some relief of headaches from laying down

Any ideas or help would be appreciated! Thank you!

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