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Digestive Issues Questions

Went to the ER Due to Severe Stomach Pain; CT Revealed Ileus and Ongoing Symptoms

Greetings, I'm an 18-year-old Caucasian male, standing 5 feet 8 inches tall and weighing 120 pounds. My daily medication consists solely of 30mg of Vyvanse. About two weeks prior, between November 28th and 29th, I awoke to experience mild abdominal discomfort, yet I decided to proceed with my work shift. As a pharmacy technician, my job isn't particularly strenuous, though it does involve frequent bending, crouching, and reaching. I quickly realized that any slight physical activity seemed to exacerbate the pain. During my lunch break, I left for a job interview. However, while driving, I began to feel a sharper, stabbing sensation in my abdomen. Despite this discomfort, I pushed through the interview and intended to head to the emergency room afterward, which I did. Upon arriving at the ER and checking in, the pain intensified to an unbearable level. In extreme discomfort, I was grunting, crying, and occasionally screaming, which drew the attention of other patients. Thankfully, my wait time was significantly reduced, and two nurses came over to assist me into a wheelchair. I was administered 0.5mg of dilaudid, but unfortunately, it did little to alleviate my suffering. After a series of scans and tests, the doctors concluded that I exhibited "air-filled mildly distended loops of large and small bowel" throughout my abdomen, noting no substantial stool retention or obstruction; they suspected an ileus pattern. Recently, while the pain has somewhat diminished, it still hurts to lie down or sit in various positions, leading to troubles with sleep. Additionally, I haven't experienced regular bowel movements for nearly two months; my stools have turned entirely liquid, with minimal output. The whole experience has been incredibly stressful, leaving me uncertain about the best course of action. Although I considered returning to the ER, it doesn't feel critical enough to warrant a visit just yet, despite the ongoing discomfort that appears to be worsening. Any guidance would be greatly appreciated.

Stomach PainIndigestionConstipation
Male • 25-34
33 seconds ago

Seeking Clarity on My Abdominal Pain

INFO: 18-year-old female, currently weighing just under 250 pounds (embarking on a weight loss journey), height of 5'5", and experiencing a minor heart valve issue that doesn’t close properly. Hello, Reddit. I’m reaching out because I’m feeling quite lost and unsure of where to turn for help. About two days ago, I found myself in the emergency room, grappling with excruciating upper abdominal discomfort that felt even worse than what I imagine kidney stones would feel like. They conducted an ECG and a chest X-ray, which I understand were precautionary measures. However, I was initially told I could go home as it was attributed to my (insert name of diagnosis here). In my state of exhaustion and distress, I made the doctor clarify, and he mentioned that my stomach was positioned in my diaphragm. After a quick online search, I discovered the term “hiatal hernia,” but what he mentioned didn’t seem to start with an 'H.' I am planning to schedule an appointment with a gastroenterologist after the weekend, but I would appreciate any insights or information from medical professionals who have encountered similar cases or can shed light on what this diagnosis could entail, aside from a hiatal hernia. Thank you for your assistance!

Stomach PainGastroenterologyAcid Reflux
Male • 25-34
37 seconds ago

Should I Consider Dental Factors Before Opting for Surgery?

Age: 29, Gender: Female, Location: USA Hello! For the past two and a half years, I have been dealing with persistent mucus production. On average, I find myself needing to clear my throat every ten minutes, and if I don't, I struggle to speak, leading the mucus to eventually come up in an uncomfortable way (please excuse the bluntness, but it does describe my situation). I don’t experience any additional symptoms; my primary issue is the excessive mucus, which of course causes significant breathing difficulties due to a blocked airway. I've followed the recommendations of both my general practitioner and ENT specialist, but unfortunately, I've seen little to no improvement from the treatments I've tried: - Saline solutions - Chlorpheniramine (ChlorTabs) - Cetirizine (Zyrtec) - Guaifenesin (Mucinex) - Ipratropium bromide nasal spray - Cefuroxime 500 mg - Azelastine nasal spray Here's a summary of my recent CT scan results: Date: 12/8/2025 Procedure: CT scan of maxillofacial/sinus (no contrast) Reason for Scan: Chronic maxillary sinusitis; considering functional endoscopic sinus surgery - Frontal sinuses: Clear, no air-fluid levels - Ethmoid sinuses: Clear, no air-fluid levels - Sphenoid sinuses: Clear, no air-fluid levels - Maxillary sinuses: Mild mucosal thickening present bilaterally, no air-fluid levels - Ostiomeatal units: Clear - Nasal cavity: Normal - Orbital cavities: Normal, globes are unremarkable - Bones: No abnormalities - Soft tissues: Normal - Dental issues noted: Periodontal disease affecting the right maxillary premolar Summary of findings: - Bilateral maxillary sinuses show mild mucosal thickening without air-fluid levels. - Periodontal disease identified in the right maxillary premolar. My ENT has suggested surgery to address the sinus issues, but we have not discussed the potential relevance of my dental health regarding these concerns. What I'm trying to understand is whether these findings justify surgical intervention without first considering the dental aspect. Is dental health a factor that should be evaluated in this context? I'm committed to taking whatever steps necessary to alleviate my mucus problem; I just want to ensure that we're not overlooking any key evaluations before moving forward with surgery. Thank you for your insights!

VomitingStomach PainGastroenterology
Male • 25-34
30 minutes ago

Ongoing Abdominal Discomfort

Hello, I'm a 19-year-old female, 5'4" and weighing 105 pounds. Lately, I've been experiencing a persistent and annoying pain in my stomach that tends to arise about one or two hours after I eat. It resembles gas pains or the sensation of having eaten too quickly—even when I haven't chowed down hastily. Initially, these episodes were infrequent, beginning around a month ago, but they've escalated to nearly every day since last week. This change coincided with indulging in my mom's extremely rich meatloaf, followed by a heaping portion of holiday poutine from Swiss Chalet the next day (it was delicious, but I definitely paid for it!). Usually, the discomfort is manageable, but at times it intensifies to the point where I find it challenging to engage in any activities until it subsides. To better understand my situation, I have been conducting some self-assessments at home. I've noticed that spicy foods, greasy meals, and even peanut butter seem to exacerbate the issue, while fizzy beverages surprisingly alleviate the discomfort most of the time. Additionally, lying down with a pillow against my abdomen brings relief, as does keeping active—standing or moving around feels much better than sitting still. Another point that might be relevant is that I began taking birth control three months ago for the first time. Normally, I would have sought medical guidance already, but since I visit the doctor quite often, I figured this might not be serious enough to warrant a trip. Instead, I thought I could explore some home remedies to address the issue myself.

BloatingStomach PainIndigestion
Male • 25-34
1 hour ago

18-Year-Old Male, 250 Pounds: Are My Symptoms Indicating GERD or Something More Serious?

I've just received my blood test results and I'm curious to know if my symptoms could be linked to GERD. Here’s some background information: I'm an 18-year-old male weighing 250 pounds and standing at 5 feet 7 inches tall. I maintain a regular exercise routine and practice intermittent fasting. During my recent visit to my doctor, I reported experiencing several symptoms commonly associated with GERD, including excessive burping, discomfort in my chest and back, fatigue, a reduced appetite, and instances of low blood pressure in the mornings, accompanied by occasional hot and cold sweats. In response, the doctor ordered some blood tests and prescribed pantoprazole at a dosage of 40 mg. Upon reviewing the results, it came to my attention that several markers were flagged as abnormal: high levels of calcium (10.5H), total protein (8.3H), albumin (5.5H), bilirubin (1.2H), platelet count (408H), as well as low absolute eosinophils (7L). Unfortunately, my doctor has yet to reach out regarding these results, leaving me anxious and wondering if anyone has experienced similar findings. I've been on pantoprazole for two days, and while I've noticed some improvement in my appetite and reduction in burping, I continue to struggle with the hot and cold flashes, along with mild tremors in my hands. Any insights or shared experiences would be greatly appreciated!

HeartburnGastroenterologyAcid Reflux
Male • 25-34
1 hour ago

Seeking Assistance: Frightening Experiences After Starting Vyvanse

18m Ever since I began using Vyvanse, I've encountered some alarming episodes that occur randomly, particularly in the evenings. These incidents have happened about three times now, and they always seem to follow my evening showers. During these episodes, I suddenly feel incredibly lightheaded, almost as if I’m under the influence of something, coupled with an unusual sensation of pressure in my head. I’ve noticed that my limbs go numb sporadically—sometimes it’s one leg, other times it’s an arm—accompanied by tingling sensations and a racing heartbeat, despite the fact that I’m lying down and trying to relax. This overwhelming fatigue sets in, and I find myself gripped by panic, convinced I might be on the verge of dying. Earlier today, it happened again, and I began to suspect that it could be linked to my potassium levels. I consume a significant amount of potassium to reduce facial bloating (don’t ask; it’s a lookism/PSL thing) and utilize high-potassium electrolyte tablets because I've heard they can help mitigate Vyvanse’s effects. Plus, I stay well-hydrated. Initially, I feared I might have overdosed on electrolytes, which sent me into a frenzy as I guzzled water and scoured Reddit for answers, only to find similar symptoms mentioned by others. Additionally, I've noticed that my hands and feet sometimes turn a reddish or purplish hue, and my face feels uncomfortably warm. I've also been struggling with severe constipation and noticeable stomach bloating, as well as an odd difficulty in urinating—there's a lack of urgency, and I can't seem to empty my bladder completely.

BloatingFood IntoleranceConstipation
Male • 25-34
2 hours ago

Urgent Concerns Regarding Severe UTI Symptoms

A 36-year-old female, standing 5 feet 6 inches tall and weighing 120 pounds, with no history of smoking or known medical or sexual issues among relatives, is questioning whether a urinary tract infection (UTI) can progress rapidly from being asymptomatic or causing slight discomfort to presenting extreme pain, significant swelling, and blood discharge within just two hours. Is it common for UTIs to escalate to such severe symptoms so quickly? In her recent experience, she wonders if it was reasonable for an emergency room physician to inject a single dose of antibiotics without confirming if the urine sample—which predominantly showed blood and pus—was contaminated by bacteria from the external area rather than originating from within the urinary tract. Is it appropriate to send someone home with only an antibiotic prescription while they are in severe pain and experiencing bleeding and pus discharges? Furthermore, why was screening for sexually transmitted diseases deemed unnecessary, resulting in no tests being conducted? Her girlfriend’s condition has raised significant alarm; she witnessed alarming symptoms emerge within a couple of hours, culminating in her labia swelling to more than three times its normal size, accompanied by intense pain and abnormal discharge. These symptoms contrast sharply with the UTIs the poster has previously experienced, which never manifested this suddenly. They are reaching out to confirm if such a drastic and distressing reaction is possible with a UTI, as it feels highly irregular that someone would be discharged in this state with the limited treatment provided, especially considering they have insurance coverage.

Stomach PainAcid Reflux
Male • 25-34
4 hours ago

Seeking Guidance After Health Challenges

I am reaching out for guidance as I navigate my health concerns. In January 2022, I was diagnosed with hepatitis A. Since my recovery, I have experienced increased warmth in my liver area during the night. Despite visiting numerous medical professionals, I've often felt dismissed since I didn’t present any symptoms, and my test results came back normal. In May 2023, I faced issues with gastritis and discovered an H. pylori infection through endoscopy, which has likely been triggered by my sensitivity to spicy foods. Since then, I've completely eliminated chillies and have switched to consuming milder dishes. However, I continue to experience flare-ups, particularly in the liver region, where I struggle to digest lean proteins due to a burning sensation in my gut that has become a persistent issue. This discomfort has significantly impacted my quality of life, contributing to heightened anxiety that has led me to withdraw from social situations. While these flare-ups tend to come and go, I find myself in a particularly difficult phase at the moment where nothing seems to alleviate the burning. Even my beloved morning coffee, as well as citrus fruits, whey protein, and curd—things I used to enjoy—now cause me discomfort. I am also passionate about weightlifting, but the pain restricts me from engaging in any activities. The discomfort is specifically localized in the right quadrant of my abdomen, and I am frustrated that no medication has provided relief. I have undergone several tests, including an endoscopy, ultrasound, liver function tests, and a fibroscan, all yielding normal results, including inflammation markers. Despite consulting various doctors, I am left without a clear diagnosis or solution. I'm in need of advice or suggestions that could assist me in managing these issues. As a note, I previously consumed alcohol but have ceased drinking entirely. I don’t smoke, take no medications, weigh 135 pounds, stand 5'4" tall, and generally maintain an active lifestyle.

HeartburnStomach PainIndigestion
Male • 25-34
5 hours ago

Experiencing Constipation and Discomfort During Urination: Should I Seek Help?

I’m a 24-year-old female and I wanted to share my recent experience. On the evening of December 10th, I consumed nearly 50 grams of psyllium husk and made sure to drink plenty of water afterward. However, I refrained from drinking any fluids for about 12 hours overnight. Since then, I've been making an effort to increase my water intake to assist with digestion. After taking the psyllium, I did feel some abdominal discomfort, which I assumed would resolve once the substance was out of my system. I had some bowel movements on December 11th, but none the following day. I noticed some internal gurgling sounds and passed a small amount of gas. To prevent additional fiber intake, I've opted to stick to primarily protein-rich foods to avoid exacerbating my condition until the psyllium is cleared out. Last night, I experienced some gas while urinating, and subsequently, I've felt pain during urination. Since then, I’ve also noticed a persistent burning sensation in my bladder. Additionally, there’s an unusual feeling of coldness in parts of my intestines, and I generally feel cold, though I’m not running a fever. I'm concerned about whether this situation warrants a visit to the doctor or if it’s something I can simply overlook.

Stomach PainIndigestionConstipation
Male • 25-34
13 hours ago

Concerns About Potential Gastrointestinal Bleeding?

A 21-year-old female, smoker, currently grappling with COVID-19, stands at a height of 5 feet 5 inches and weighs 140 pounds. She has no significant medical issues in her background. Today, while dealing with the symptoms of COVID-19, she experienced stomach cramping which prompted a trip to the bathroom. Prior to this incident, she had been constipated for three days. Now, she finds herself anxious about the possibility of her stool containing blood or a tar-like appearance, although she has no reference images for comparison. Given these circumstances, she's contemplating whether a visit to the doctor is necessary. She notes that just the day before, her blood pressure readings were within the normal range. Despite having a decreased appetite and feeling nauseous, she attributes these discomforts to her current illness.

Stomach PainConstipationAcid Reflux
Male • 25-34
17 hours ago
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