what could it be?

Question:

Hi. I am 23 years old and weigh 100 lbs. I'm 5'2. For the last month I have had bouts of fatigue throughout the day with light headedness/ dizziness. I also feel weak. This makes it hard to live. I have also had the chills, with no fever. My hands and feet are tingly and change color which has been diagnosed as Raynauds Phenomena. My feet are always cold. I have had an MRI, Abdominal CAT Scan,Hepatitis Tests, and numerous complete blood counts. All they have found is that my bilirubin is 2.5 which is elevated (note that all liver enzymes are fine). So then they sent me to get a C Reative Protein test and the numbers were elevated. They want to send me to a blood specialist which can take up to 2 weeks . . . I am really concerned and worried. What could be wrong with me?

Answers:
First and foremost I agree with CuteWriter - your Body Mass Index is 18.2 - the lowest it should be is 18.5 making you clinically underweight. You should consult a dietician about how to improve your diet and put on some weight. To be a normal BMI for your height you should aim for a weight of at least 105lbs - you can actually be 131lbs before you reach the limit of normal weight.

First lets talk about your tests:
You say your bilirubin is raised to 2.5. You dont say if this is in umol/l (which would be perfectly normal) or in mg/dl (which would be abnormal) - so it is important to check this before you say whether it is raised or not.
A raised CRP is indicative of active inflammation. Remember that if you have a cold or sore throat your CRP increases. Without knowing how high it is it is difficult to suggest a diagnosis.
You say your blood counts are normal so let me put you at ease: most of the severe things might be running through your mind (leukaemia, autoimmune anaemia, lymphoma) would show an abnormal full blood count.

I think you are suffering the effects of malnutrition. It has been found that a raised CRP can be linked with malnutrition. You are also suffering with some of the symptoms of malnutrition - weakness, fatigue and dizzy spells (you need to clarify this - is it vertigo where it feels the room or yourself is spinning or is it lightheadedness)

I don't think you have anything to worry about. I would strongly advise that you see the specialist - they have access for more powerful tests than your GP does but I suspect a lot would resolve if you were to put on some weight. Look at your diet and if you cant see anything wrong yourself keep a food diary and ask to see a dietician.

Best Wishes

Sounds like you need some nutrition...you're underweight.

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what could it be?

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