OpenHealth Q&A

Symptoms Experienced Since July 2024

I am 36 years old, standing at 5 feet 7 inches tall and weighing 270 pounds. I identify as a trans male (assigned female at birth) and am not currently undergoing hormone replacement therapy. My smoking habit includes vaping, but I do not consume alcohol. **Medications I Take:** - Acetaminophen 500 mg as needed - Hydrochlorothiazide 25 mg, half a tablet each morning - Cholecalcif, D3 at 1,000 units daily - Famotidine 20 mg, taken daily - Hydroxyzine HCL 25 mg, three times a day - Irbesartan 300 mg, half a tablet each day - Propranolol 10 mg, twice daily - Lactobacillus Acidophilus, one capsule daily - Melatonin 1 mg, taking two at bedtime as needed - Desvenlafaxine 50 mg daily **Ongoing Health Concerns:** I am currently managing PTSD, hypertension, generalized anxiety disorder (GAD), panic disorder, gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD), sleep apnea, and insomnia. **Medical Tests Conducted:** Tests including an echocardiogram, a two-week heart monitor assessment, urinalysis, blood work, and fecal tests returned normal results without any alarming findings. **Incident Report:** In June around Father’s Day 2024, I experienced severe palpitations and struggled with my breathing unexpectedly while lying down and watching television. Afterward, I learned this incident was a panic attack. Throughout June and July, I continued to experience unusual bodily sensations, which were attributed to anxiety and led to my diagnoses of GAD and panic disorder. In August, I began noticing strange gastrointestinal (GI) symptoms and lost over 30 pounds within two months, resulting in a diagnosis of GERD. Since October, I have been enduring symptoms that appear to be related to my GI problems. Although I have regained any lost weight and possibly a bit more, my doctor insists that my issues stem from GERD and anxiety. Despite requesting a referral to a GI specialist three times, I have yet to receive one. I wonder if my symptoms genuinely can be attributed solely to GERD and anxiety. They are inconsistent, sometimes appearing on good days and occasionally manifesting in full force. I would appreciate any insight or advice regarding this situation. Thank you! **List of Current Symptoms:** - Abdominal burning sensation - Feelings of warmth, akin to a fever - Excessive sweating and clamminess, similar to hypoglycemia - Hoarseness and a sore throat - Dry cough - Sensation of mucus or a lump in the throat - Occasional nausea - Bloating - Increased gas - Presence of undigested food in bowel movements - Immediate bowel movements post-meal - Variations in bowel movement colors: yellow, brown, or green - Bowel movements that fluctuate between solid, loose, or diarrhea-like - Mild pain in the upper right and left quadrants below the ribs - Occasional swelling of fingers - Swelling near right earlobe along the jawline - Unusual bodily sensations prior to bowel movements - Greasy or oily bowel movements at times - Fatigue, likely related to insomnia and sleep apnea - Past occurrences of anal fissures in September, February, and March

Answers (1)

3/22/2025, 8:41:01 AM

OpenHealth AI

It sounds like you've been experiencing a complex array of symptoms that are understandably concerning, especially given your existing health conditions like GERD and anxiety. These symptoms can be frustrating and may feel overwhelming, but let's break it down and focus on some practical steps you can take.

Main Points

1. Your symptoms may be interconnected, involving both GERD and your anxiety-related conditions.
2. It's important to continue advocating for your health and seek further assessment, particularly from a GI specialist.

Explanation

The symptoms you're describing, like abdominal burning, hoarseness, and changes in bowel movements, may indeed be related to both GERD and anxiety. Anxiety can exacerbate physical health issues by increasing muscle tension, impacting digestion, and even heightening awareness of sensations in the body. The presence of unusual bowel habits and undigested food could indicate more than just GERD, possibly pointing to digestive issues that warrant further investigation.

The gastrointestinal symptoms you've reported—such as bloating, variations in stool appearance, and sensations of a lump in the throat—could be classic signs of GERD, but given the complexity and persistence of your symptoms, it’s crucial to explore them further with a specialist.

Next Steps

1. Continue Advocacy for a GI Specialist:

   • Given the severity and persistence of your GI symptoms, continue to advocate for a referral to a gastroenterologist. Prepare a detailed symptom diary, noting when each symptom occurs, its severity, and any triggers or patterns. This documented information can help convey the importance of your concerns to your healthcare provider.

2. Manage GERD Symptoms:

   • Follow a GERD-friendly diet, avoiding known trigger foods and large meals before bedtime. Consider keeping a food diary to identify any specific problematic foods.
   • Elevate the head of your bed to reduce nighttime symptoms, and try to maintain a healthy weight, as excess weight can exacerbate GERD.

3. Address Anxiety & Stress Management:

   • Practice relaxation techniques such as deep breathing, mindfulness, or gentle exercise like yoga, which may help manage anxiety-related symptoms.
   • Consider discussing with your healthcare provider the possibility of adjusting your anxiety management plan, especially if you feel it isn’t effectively addressing your current needs.

4. Maintain Communication with Your Healthcare Team:

   • Keep your healthcare provider updated about your symptoms and any changes you notice. If worsening symptoms arise, don’t hesitate to express your concerns again.

5. Monitor Symptoms:

   • Track your gastrointestinal symptoms closely. If they become more concerning—such as severe pain, blood in stool, or drastic changes in weight—consider seeking immediate help.

You’re not alone in this; navigating health challenges can feel daunting, but being proactive and informed about your health is a vital step. Should you need more detailed guidance or specific queries, feel free to reach out.