Could This Be Stomach Cancer or Another Issue?
Age: 35 Gender: Male Weight: Dropped from 154 lbs (70 kg) to 145 lbs (66 kg) - I have experienced chronic reflux in the past. Over the last year, I've occasionally vomited small amounts of food. Initially, I attributed this to my reflux and forgetting my Nexium medication. Whenever I resumed my dosage, the symptoms would improve. - I needed to pause Nexium for a week due to an H. Pylori test, which thankfully returned negative results. - After resuming Nexium that very day, my condition worsened significantly. For an entire week since then, I have exhibited symptoms consistent with stomach cancer: I can only tolerate bland foods, I suffer from persistent nausea, sporadic regurgitation, lack of appetite, extreme fatigue, dizziness, as well as alternating diarrhea and constipation, resulting in a weight loss of about 9 lbs (4 kg). Fortunately, there’s been no pain or blood, and I am managing to stay hydrated by consuming adequate water. - By Tuesday, my health had deteriorated to such an extent that I sought help at the hospital, which is a rarity for me. They did not classify it as urgent; I ended up waiting for 10 hours. Their assessment leaned towards it being "likely stress," and they prescribed anti-nausea medication before discharging me. I felt utterly bewildered and contemplated returning to the hospital to insist they take my situation seriously, but the thought of waiting in a chilly chair for another 10 hours was daunting. - I visited my general practitioner, who conducted a blood test, and fortunately, the results did not indicate any major issues. - I have managed to secure an appointment with a gastroenterologist for next week. This is only a preliminary visit, and according to the receptionist, a scope could be scheduled in the next few weeks to a month. I’m feeling overwhelmed by this situation. My inability to eat, coupled with nausea even from drinking water, is affecting my ability to work. I’m holding onto the hope that it isn't cancer, but anxiety is creeping in, and I'm beginning to cry, feeling like it’s going to take forever to find some answers. I am genuinely struggling with this situation.
Answers (1)
3/21/2025, 8:50:38 PM
OpenHealth AI
It sounds like you are going through a very challenging time with your symptoms, and it's understandable to feel overwhelmed and anxious. The combination of persistent nausea, weight loss, dietary restrictions, and fatigue raises valid concerns, but it's important to remember that many gastrointestinal issues can lead to similar symptoms without being cancer-related.
Main Points:
- Your symptoms might not be cancer-related, but they are serious and warrant further investigation.
- Stay hydrated and maintain a bland diet, while focusing on symptom management until your gastroenterology appointment.
Explanation:
Chronic issues like reflux and vomiting can indeed cause a variety of gastrointestinal symptoms. Since stopping Nexium led to worsening symptoms, it’s possible that acid reflux or another digestive disorder triggered these changes. Additionally, factors like anxiety and stress can exacerbate gastrointestinal distress, leading to further symptoms, including nausea and appetite loss.
While symptoms like weight loss and significant gastrointestinal issues can be concerning, both normal blood tests and the negative H. Pylori test are positive signs that rule out certain serious conditions. Your scheduled appointment with a gastroenterologist is crucial, as they can conduct more specialized assessments, such as an endoscopy, to explore your symptoms in detail.
Next Steps:
- Focus on Diet: Stick to a bland diet; consider foods like bananas, rice, applesauce, and toast (the BRAT diet) to help ease nausea and maintain some nutrition without triggering reflux.
- Hydration: Continue to stay hydrated, sipping small amounts of water frequently. If water is causing nausea, consider electrolyte drinks or clear broths.
- Medication Management: If the anti-nausea medication prescribed is helping, continue to use it as directed. Be cautious with any unsupervised medication changes.
- Symptom Tracking: Keep a symptom diary to document when symptoms worsen, what you’ve eaten, and how you feel overall. Bring this information to your appointment; it could provide valuable insights.
- Stress Reduction: Engage in relaxation techniques like deep breathing, meditation, or gentle walks, if manageable. Reducing stress may help alleviate some gastrointestinal symptoms.
You are not alone in this situation; seeking help is a step in the right direction. I encourage you to discuss your concerns and feelings with your gastroenterologist, especially regarding the anxiety you're experiencing. They may have additional recommendations to support your mental well-being as you navigate these physical health challenges. Please take care and let me know if you need more assistance.
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