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Digestive Issues Questions

Awaiting Results from Stool Tests

A 28-year-old woman who has had a hysterectomy and does not have a gallbladder seeks insights on some tests performed at the emergency room. I visited the ER last night as the discomfort I was experiencing intensified and became more persistent. After a peculiar bowel movement, I began to feel pain in my back which heightened my anxiety; I felt it was necessary to seek medical attention. They conducted blood tests and a urine analysis, which revealed some elevated levels and a low potassium count. Although the ER physician indicated that the results from these tests weren't overly alarming, I am currently waiting for the outcomes of the stool analysis. My primary concern is whether the abnormal results could indicate issues beyond gastrointestinal problems, especially since my urea nitrogen was reported at 20.9, glucose at 108, CRP inflammation at 5.8, urine ketones at 5, albumin protein at 30, and urobilinogen at 2. My mother mentioned the abnormal findings seem unusual, especially compared to my previous tests conducted on the 11th of this month when values were stable, though I had still been experiencing issues albeit to a lesser extent. I’m curious to hear others' thoughts on this situation.

IBSStomach PainConstipation
Male • 25-34
1 hour ago

Exploring Natural Remedies for Stomach Issues

Hello everyone! I hope you’re all doing well. I’m experiencing some persistent stomach troubles that have resulted in diarrhea lasting for eight days now, with about three to four episodes each day. Alongside this, I’ve been dealing with significant abdominal pain, fatigue, and excessive gas, as well as an ongoing urge to use the restroom that often ends in frustration. I’ve also noticed mucus in my stools. For added detail, I find that there are small pieces of hard stool mixed with mucus that sometimes emerge when I urinate. Moreover, I’ve sensed a slimy feeling around the anal area after passing gas, which is oddly not odorous like typical stool. To clarify my situation, I haven’t consumed any unfiltered water, but I did eat a salad washed in possibly contaminated water just a couple of days before these problems emerged. I’ve consulted with my physician, and I have a follow-up appointment scheduled for Monday. She mentioned her reluctance to prescribe medication without conducting some tests first. Meanwhile, the pain is quite severe, and I’ve struggled to eat anything since even a few bites can trigger discomfort and nausea. Moreover, the persistent sensation of needing to defecate makes it challenging to relax or sleep. I’m seeking advice on what I might do to alleviate these symptoms without resorting to medication. Any suggestions would be much appreciated!

DiarrheaStomach PainIndigestion
Male • 25-34
4 hours ago

Ongoing Diarrhea and Weight Loss Post H. Pylori Treatment

Greetings, medical professionals, I’m a young male experiencing significant digestive difficulties for the last three months subsequent to a two-week course of triple therapy for H. pylori, which involved two antibiotics alongside a proton pump inhibitor. Shortly after completing this treatment, I began encountering multiple troubling symptoms including: - Consistent diarrhea, characterized sometimes by greasy or loose stools, - Noticeable decrease in weight, - Indications of malabsorption, - Occasional mild abdominal pain. A stool analysis I underwent revealed: - High levels of undigested food: +++ - Presence of bacteria: +++ - White blood cells in stool: 15-17 per high power field (hpf) - Absence of parasites. Subsequently, I was prescribed Rifaximin (Xifaxan) for a duration of 10 days, taking it twice daily. This only resulted in slight improvement of my condition. At this moment, I’m using digestive enzymes and probiotics; however, my symptoms continue to persist. What could be the most probable cause behind these ongoing issues? Is it possible that I am experiencing post-infectious irritable bowel syndrome (IBS), small intestinal bacterial overgrowth (SIBO), or an imbalance in gut flora (dysbiosis)? Should I consider further examinations such as a stool culture or calprotectin test? Any insights or guidance you could provide would be immensely valuable.

DiarrheaIBSIndigestion
Male • 25-34
5 hours ago

Digestive Concerns in a Three-Month-Old

Subject: Uncovered Digestive Challenges in My Infancy Stage Summary of Baby's Details: - Age: 3 months - Gender: Female - Height: 21.5 inches - Weight: Approximately 10 pounds - Ethnicity: Caucasian Concern Duration: Roughly 2.5 months Current Location: Michigan, USA Around the time my little one was four weeks old, she began to face considerable digestive hurdles. We initially started with breastfeeding, and at first, we noticed what we believed could be severe gas and colic. To address these issues, we administered Mylicon at home. When that proved ineffective, we reached out to her pediatrician, who later examined one of her diapers and discovered traces of blood in her stool. In response, she suggested that I remove dairy from my diet if I wished to persist with breastfeeding or to introduce Nutramigen. We immediately transitioned her to Nutramigen, hoping for her to find some respite while I eliminated dairy from my meals. This lasted around two weeks. Upon attempting to reintroduce my breast milk, she rejected it both from the breast and the bottle, which marked the end of our breastfeeding experience. Despite being on the hypoallergenic formula, her condition deteriorated – she began projectile vomiting, incessantly crying as if in pain, and never appeared satisfied post-feeding. Consequently, we were referred for an urgent abdominal ultrasound to exclude the possibility of pyloric stenosis, which thankfully was ruled out. We proceeded with treatment for Cow's Milk Protein Allergy (CMPA) and reflux, which involved administering famotidine and switching her to an amino acid-based formula. This change has notably improved her condition, but I still observe discomfort surrounding her feeding and digestion – she cries following meals, tenses her body and arches her back, strains and screams during bowel movements, and frequently spits up even hours after eating. Recently, I stumbled upon the results from the ultrasound in her MyChart account, which I had neglected to check since the pediatrician informed us of the results by phone. Out of curiosity, I reviewed the report, which stated, "No sonographic evidence of pyloric muscular thickening. Only trace gastric contents are seen passing through the pylorus. Alternative etiologies for gastric distention should be considered." Now I am left wondering whether I should push for further investigation into the gastric distention or if CMPA might be the underlying cause. Would it be prudent to ask for a referral to a gastrointestinal specialist? I am anxious about potentially overlooking something critical, yet I do not want to subject her to unnecessary tests fueled by my worries. Thank you for taking the time to read this lengthy correspondence. I aimed to provide you with all pertinent information regarding her situation.

Food IntoleranceGastroenterologyAcid Reflux
Male • 25-34
6 hours ago

Strange Digestive Symptoms Affecting My Sleep

I have some unusual digestive issues that have been impacting my ability to rest at night. To give you some background, I have Small Intestinal Bacterial Overgrowth (SIBO) accompanied by irritable bowel syndrome with diarrhea (IBS-D). Just this evening, while on my way home, I found it nearly impossible to control my bowels, resulting in an urgent need to use the restroom that couldn't be suppressed. Fast forward a few hours later, and I felt as if I had expelled everything my body could produce. Yet, I am still experiencing persistent urges to relieve myself, but to no avail. This has left me with a discomforting sensation that makes me fear I might develop hemorrhoids again. Since I'm uncertain about which medical professional to consult, I thought I’d reach out to the online community for advice. This ordeal isn't something I regularly deal with, and it's specific to what I've experienced tonight. Unfortunately, it’s quite distressing. Any insights or guidance would be greatly welcomed.

DiarrheaIBSConstipation
Male • 25-34
7 hours ago

Experiencing Bloating and Stomach Discomfort: Seeking Guidance

At 14 years old, I have been grappling with persistent bloating and abdominal pain, but it didn't really register as a problem until recently. My daily caloric consumption is between 800 and 900 calories. Although I realize that I should ideally be consuming more, I feel satisfied with this amount. However, alongside these eating habits, I have also missed my periods for the past few months, which I know I need to address, but it's not my primary worry right now. The most pressing issue for me is the bloating. It's unusual; at times, my stomach expands to the point where I can't even see my pelvic area when I look down, while other times I maintain a flatter appearance throughout the day. Lately, though, the bloating has intensified, and I suspect it's linked to my ongoing constipation issues. This new level of bloating has also brought along significant stomach aches. I’ve tried over-the-counter pain relief, like ibuprofen, and using a hot water bottle, but these remedies haven't provided any relief. Additionally, I used stool softeners, which I believe were Ducolax, along with some IBS-specific supplements, but they have done little to alleviate my constipation. I'm left wondering whether these symptoms could be connected to my low calorie intake, the absence of my menstrual cycle, or something more like Irritable Bowel Syndrome. Should I discuss this with my mother and request a visit to the doctor, or would it be wiser to explore options available at the pharmacy? Any advice or insights would be really appreciated.

BloatingStomach PainConstipation
Male • 25-34
7 hours ago

Seeking Guidance on Persistent Stomach Problems

Greetings everyone—I'm in search of some insights regarding an ongoing stomach issue. I'm a generally healthy 40-year-old Caucasian male with no previous health concerns and an athletic physique. About a week ago, I experienced what seems to be a viral gastroenteritis episode, marked by significant nausea and severe diarrhea at the onset. Since that time, I've been mainly consuming bland foods like rice, toast, and bananas but my recovery has been hit or miss. Here's a breakdown of the situation: - **Days 1-2**: Experienced severe diarrhea accompanied by abdominal cramps. - **Days 3-5**: Drastic reduction in bowel movements; only one small, pale stool produced. - **Days 6-7**: Noticed gas and a few soft stools, indicating slight improvement. I managed to eat chicken and rice by day 7. - **Day 8**: Introduced dairy into my diet with the same chicken and rice, without experiencing bloating. I initially thought my digestive system was back to normal. However, after consuming a richer afternoon snack (some banana bread), I encountered a return of dull and prolonged stomach cramps along with gas. Throughout this period, I haven’t had fever or vomiting, just persistent cramping and a lack of normal bowel movements. I've been keeping hydrated, using Hydralyte, and sticking primarily to bland foods. I also possess some high-strength probiotics (100 billion CFU) but am uncertain if taking them now would be beneficial or potentially harmful. I consulted a GP a few days back, but felt as if my concerns were dismissed and the appointment was too brief. With a trip abroad looming, I won't have the chance for any pathology testing. Leaving the country shortly makes me anxious about possibly carrying an unresolved health issue that could escalate while I'm away. --- I have a few questions: 1. Should I be worried about pale stools and infrequent bowel movements a week after experiencing gastroenteritis? 2. Are the dull stomach cramps that reoccur after eating something slightly richer a cause for concern? 3. Is it safe to consume high-strength probiotics at this time? Will taking more than one dose be advantageous or detrimental? 4. What practical steps can I take to manage my condition prior to my departure? 5. Should I completely avoid steak or rich foods for the time being? Any advice would be greatly appreciated. I'm just trying to ensure I'm not heading off on a trip with an underlying serious issue. Thank you in advance!

DiarrheaNauseaStomach Pain
Male • 25-34
11 hours ago

Iron Levels and Health Concerns

As a 43-year-old woman, I recently reviewed the findings from my iron blood screening. My physician indicated that the results fall within the normal range, yet I noticed several metrics are leaning towards the lower end. This has prompted me to consider whether my low iron levels might still be contributing to some persistent symptoms I’ve been experiencing, including fatigue, a constant chilly sensation, significant hair thinning, and night sweats without the presence of hot flashes. To address my iron intake, I have been taking a supplement that delivers 15 mg of vitamin C and 26 mg of fermented iron biglycinate daily at night. In conjunction with this, I also take Zyrtec and 200 mg of progesterone. Additionally, I am using a .75 mg Estradiol patch, applying .75 mg testosterone gel, and consuming 60 mg of Cymbalta. Upon examining my recent test results: - Ferritin: 35 ng/ml (notably, earlier evaluations this past year showed levels of 29 and 16, even after I started supplementation) - Iron: 41 mcg/dl - TIBC: 290 mcg/dl - Iron saturation: 14% - Transferrin: 203 mg/dl I’m contemplating whether it might be beneficial to seek a second opinion regarding my situation or if I should consider changing my iron supplement regimen.

Food IntoleranceNutritionInternal Medicine
Male • 25-34
21 hours ago

Experiencing Difficulty Swallowing After Botox Treatment

At 43 years of age and weighing 219 pounds, I have been diagnosed with hypermobile Ehlers-Danlos syndrome, thoracic outlet syndrome, along with several other connective tissue disorders attributed to EDS. My conditions also include POTS, MCAS, and occasional reactive hypoglycemia. While I suspect I may have cranial cervical instability, I haven't yet persuaded my healthcare providers to investigate this further. My current medications include famotidine, hydroxyzine, hydroxychloroquine, Dupixent injections, and Claritin. To manage my thoracic outlet syndrome, I receive Botox injections in my right scalene muscle every few months, a routine I've maintained for the past 18 months without issues. However, during my most recent injection, a resident administered the shot while my usual doctor supervised. It seemed the resident exerted significant pressure, making this injection noticeably more painful than usual. I experienced a headache shortly after the procedure, but it subsided in a few hours, leading me to believe everything returned to normal. Unfortunately, this morning brought an unexpected problem: my throat felt significantly swollen, causing immense difficulty in swallowing. Even basic activities like drinking water or saliva have become a challenge, and I've struggled to consume food all day—yogurt was particularly tough to swallow. I have no respiratory distress or pain, so I don't think I'm unwell. I am aware that difficulty swallowing can be a side effect of Botox. While I can breathe comfortably and feel no pain, I contacted my doctor's office for advice, and they suggested I visit the ER. However, from my research, it seems there isn't much anyone can do to alleviate my swallowing difficulties, and I’d simply have to wait for the Botox effects to diminish. I'm reluctant to spend several hours—plus the potential financial costs—visiting the ER only to be told that no immediate help exists. My spouse is encouraging me to seek emergency care, but I would prefer to avoid that unless they can provide meaningful assistance. Should I start experiencing any respiratory issues, I'll certainly seek help, but until then, I'm inclined to ride it out. I'd appreciate the insights of the Reddit medical community: should I go to the ER or should I just wait it out? Also, any tips on making eating easier would be greatly appreciated—I’m quite hungry! Thank you for your attention!

BloatingIndigestionAcid Reflux
Male • 25-34
21 hours ago

Swelling in Husband's Ankle During Antibiotic Treatment for Skin Infection

My husband, who is 45 years old, maintains a healthy weight and does not smoke. Recently, he developed two infected areas on his left leg. Initially, he was prescribed Bactrim to address cellulitis. However, as his condition worsened, we returned to urgent care. The physician there properly cleaned the wounds and prescribed a different antibiotic since they had been exposed to river water. Thankfully, the appearance of the wounds has improved since yesterday. We followed the doctor's advice by cleaning and rewrapping the affected leg. This morning, my husband was able to move around the house more comfortably due to reduced pain. However, when he laid down, I noticed significant swelling in his left ankle. He insists that the wrap is not too tight, and there is no coldness or discoloration. He claims it is not painful and that he has normal sensation. Could this swelling be a result of the infection progressing, or might it be due to increased activity today?

GastroenterologyNutritionInternal Medicine
Male • 25-34
21 hours ago
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