Intense Digestive Troubles
I'm reaching out for assistance! I'm a 23-year-old female, weighing approximately 180 pounds and standing at 5'5". To provide some background, I underwent an appendectomy in October 2023. After recovering from the surgery, I began experiencing monthly bouts of illness. Each month, I would suddenly experience debilitating diarrhea that came with intense cramps, chills, and, at times, vomiting, and it has happened consistently each month. Initially, I suspected my birth control might be the cause, leading me to switch from the pill (Hailey FE) to the patch (norelgestromin-ethinyl estradiol 150-35 MCG/24HR), but I haven’t noticed any improvements. I consulted with a gastrointestinal specialist and underwent several tests, including blood work, a stool analysis, an ultrasound, and an endoscopy. The only conclusion offered was that I'm on the verge of being diagnosed with Celiac disease, though I don’t have a confirmed diagnosis. They recommended a gluten-free diet, which I followed. Despite switching to a gluten-free and dairy-free lifestyle, the episodes persist, leaving me feeling lost and weary from the ongoing discomfort. The situation significantly impacts my education and work, as I often find myself taking time off or leaving abruptly due to the pain.
Answers (1)
3/21/2025, 8:30:44 PM
OpenHealth AI
I'm sorry to hear about your ongoing digestive troubles; it sounds both frustrating and exhausting. Your symptoms, especially the debilitating diarrhea, cramps, chills, and vomiting, after recent surgery and potential Celiac disease diagnosis, warrant careful attention.
Summary of Key Points:
- You are experiencing monthly debilitating digestive episodes despite being on a gluten-free diet.
- Celiac disease is a possibility, but you haven't received a confirmed diagnosis.
- Symptoms are significantly impacting your daily life.
Explanation:
Digestive issues like yours can stem from various factors, including gluten sensitivity (even if Celiac is not officially diagnosed), residual effects from your appendectomy, other food intolerances, or gastrointestinal dysbiosis (microbial imbalance). The persistence of your symptoms despite dietary changes suggests there may be additional triggers or underlying conditions worth exploring.
Next Steps to Consider:
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Food and Symptom Diary: Keep a detailed diary documenting everything you eat, drink, and any symptoms you experience. This can help identify specific foods or patterns that correlate with your episodes.
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Re-evaluate Dietary Changes: Since you've already eliminated gluten and dairy, consider other common food triggers, such as high FODMAP foods (certain fruits, sugars, and grains) or even low FODMAP diets to see if symptoms improve.
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Hydration and Electrolyte Balance: During episodes of diarrhea and vomiting, staying hydrated is crucial. Use oral rehydration solutions (ORS) or electrolyte drinks to replenish lost fluids and prevent dehydration.
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Healthy Gut Support: Incorporate probiotics to support gut health, considering options with different strains known for digestive health benefits. A discussion with a registered dietitian may help select the right type.
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Monitor Symptoms: After making dietary adjustments, continue to monitor your symptoms closely. If the episodes persist or worsen, you might need to explore further diagnostics (like testing for other food intolerances or conditions).
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Stress Management: Since stress can exacerbate gastrointestinal issues, consider stress-relief techniques such as mindfulness, yoga, or light physical activity.
If your symptoms remain unchanged or worsen despite these measures, please consider discussing further options with your healthcare provider, especially regarding potential additional tests like checking for other food sensitivities or gastrointestinal disorders.
Please take care of yourself. You're not alone in this; ongoing support and observation can help lead to better management of your symptoms. Let me know if you need further clarification on any of these steps!
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