How Determined Should I Be in Pursuing a Diagnosis?
Hello, I’m a 30-year-old man with no noteworthy medical history. Over the past month, I have been experiencing a variety of symptoms. It all began with a gradual emergence of lower back pain that occurred mainly during rest or nighttime, yet it subsided when I was walking or standing. Following that, I began to suffer from upper back pain and stiffness, coupled with a noticeable shortness of breath during physical activity. Both the upper back discomfort and the breathlessness seemed to intensify at night, disrupting my sleep. By this time, I had already visited my general practitioner (GP) twice and went to the emergency department once, where blood tests indicated nothing alarming. Additional blood tests to evaluate my rheumatoid factor also yielded negative results. In the week that followed, my condition worsened, leading to fatigue that caused me to oversleep and take several days off from work due to both tiredness and pain. Last week was particularly challenging as I encountered various gastrointestinal issues, including persistent constipation, abdominal discomfort, and digestive problems located beneath my ribs, which have now become constant and aggravated by eating. Additionally, my stool has exhibited a floating consistency, unpleasant odor, and a light brown color. At this stage, I am feeling extremely anxious and have visited the emergency room six times and see my GP once or twice a week. My primary worry is the possibility of pancreatic cancer, as many of my signs seem to correlate with it. During my latest emergency visit, a CT scan of my urinary tract was performed due to a sluggish urine stream, which revealed blood in my urine and identified a 10mm kidney stone on the right side. The scan also showed an unremarkable liver and pancreas, although the latter was only partially examined. I underwent an ultrasound of both my pancreas and abdomen, both of which came back normal. I requested my GP to arrange a CT scan specifically for the pancreas; however, this request was declined by the radiology department, likely due to my age. Furthermore, I had a FIT stool test completed that returned negative results, as did the test for H. pylori. I find myself uncertain about the next steps to take. My upcoming appointment with the GP is scheduled for Tuesday, where I plan to seek a referral for a private gastroenterology consultation (I recently acquired private health insurance). Any insight or advice regarding my situation and potential next steps would be greatly appreciated.
Answers (1)
3/22/2025, 7:50:41 PM
OpenHealth AI
It’s understandable that you’re feeling anxious given your array of symptoms and ongoing health concerns. Your experience over the past month with lower back pain, upper back pain, shortness of breath, gastrointestinal issues, and fatigue is concerning, and your proactive approach in seeking medical care is commendable.
Key Points:
- Multiple symptoms can arise from various underlying issues.
- Anxiety about serious conditions like pancreatic cancer is common but can often lead to unnecessary worry, especially with recent clear tests.
- Continuing to seek appropriate care while monitoring your symptoms is important.
Explanation: Your symptoms are indeed complex and could be stemming from several potential causes rather than a single serious condition. Stress and anxiety can also contribute to physical symptoms like fatigue and gastrointestinal discomfort. The tests you’ve undergone, including blood tests and imaging, have not indicated serious underlying conditions, which is a positive sign. However, it’s also vital to get to the bottom of your symptoms, so your plan to seek a referral for a specialist is a good step forward.
Next Steps:
- Stay Organized: Keep a symptom diary to track which symptoms occur together, their severity, and any patterns you notice. This will be helpful for your GP and any specialists.
- Focus on Your GP Appointment: Prepare for your upcoming appointment by discussing all your symptoms, including your gastrointestinal issues. Asking for a referral for a gastroenterology consultation is a critical next step.
- Hydration and Diet: Given your gastrointestinal symptoms, focus on staying hydrated. Consider a bland diet and small, frequent meals to minimize discomfort. Avoid irritants like fatty or spicy foods until your gastrointestinal symptoms stabilize.
- Monitor Your Symptoms: Pay attention to changes. If your shortness of breath worsens, or if you notice new symptoms like weight loss, jaundice, or persistent pain, communicate this urgently to your healthcare provider.
- Mental Health Support: Since the anxiety from your health concerns can worsen symptoms, consider discussing this with your GP as well. They can help you find strategies to manage this anxiety.
Keep advocating for yourself and seeking clarity from your healthcare providers. Healing often takes time, and you’re doing the right things by continuing your pursuit for answers and care.
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