Is Artificial Intelligence (AI) revolutionizing healthcare? A recent story shared by a man online suggests it might be. He claims that ChatGPT identified his rare kidney condition, Rhabdomyolysis, even before doctors could, potentially saving his kidneys from severe damage.
Taking to Reddit, the man recounted his experience:
“About a week ago, I did a workout—nothing too intense—but woke up feeling like I’d been hit by a bus,” he wrote. He explained that despite doing only basic exercises like pushups, squats, and planks, his high coffee intake and dehydration may have exacerbated his condition. Feeling unwell for two days, he turned to ChatGPT for help, describing his symptoms to the AI-powered chatbot.
The Diagnosis
According to the man, ChatGPT analyzed his symptoms and flagged “moderate to severe Rhabdomyolysis,” advising him to seek immediate medical attention. Skeptical but concerned, he cross-verified the diagnosis through additional online research and decided to visit a hospital.
“At the hospital, lab tests confirmed that I had severe Rhabdomyolysis—a condition where muscle breakdown releases proteins into the bloodstream, which can clog the kidneys,” he shared. He was admitted for a week and closely monitored to prevent further complications.
ChatGPT’s Role Beyond Diagnosis
The man didn’t stop there. He revealed that he also used ChatGPT to interpret his lab results. “It aligned with what the medical team was saying. I knew what was happening even before the doctors explained it to me,” he added.
Understanding Rhabdomyolysis
Rhabdomyolysis, or “rhabdo,” is a rare but serious condition where muscle cells break down rapidly, releasing their contents into the bloodstream. If untreated, it can cause organ damage, kidney failure, or even death.
Common symptoms include:
- Muscle pain: Severe soreness disproportionate to activity or injury.
- Swelling: Particularly in the arms or legs.
- Urine discoloration: Dark red, cola-colored, or significantly reduced urine output.
- Weakness and fatigue: Extreme tiredness or inability to move muscles effectively.
- Additional symptoms may include nausea, vomiting, confusion, headache, or fever.
While AI like ChatGPT is showing promise in analyzing symptoms and offering potential insights, medical experts emphasize that it is no replacement for professional diagnosis and treatment. “AI can detect patterns and provide suggestions, but healthcare decisions should always be guided by trained professionals,” they caution.
The man’s story serves as a testament to how AI can complement medical care, offering timely insights that could prove lifesaving when paired with expert intervention.
