Seeking Guidance for Ongoing Health Issues
I’m a 37-year-old woman, standing at 5'5" and weighing 195 pounds. Currently, I’m taking the following medications: - Buspar 5 mg twice daily for anxiety - Prilosec 40 mg once daily for GERD I do not use any recreational drugs and I seldom consume alcohol; when I do, it's typically just one drink as I’m not particularly fond of it. My medical history includes a hiatal hernia and menorrhagia, for which I recently underwent uterine ablation. Since 2017, I’ve experienced pain in the upper right part of my abdomen. Between 2018 and now, I’ve had two endoscopies, a Bravo test, and a HIDA scan, all of which returned normal results aside from confirming the hiatal hernia. I also followed an elimination diet, increased my physical activity, and drank more water, resulting in no significant flare-ups since 2022. However, three weeks ago, the discomfort returned, prompting a fasting ultrasound that showed positive results for my gallbladder, liver, pancreas, spleen, and right kidney. In an effort to alleviate the pain, I tried a 72-hour bone broth fast, but it did not yield any improvements. I reverted back to the elimination diet, yet still encountered no relief. I’m due to visit my gastroenterologist on April 24th, which is still a month away. I also have an appointment with my primary care physician this Thursday, where I plan to request an abdominal CT scan. Lately, I've been feeling as if there’s an inflated balloon beneath my ribs, and my acid reflux has worsened considerably. I feel overwhelmed and unsure of how to proceed, and I'm hesitant to simply be prescribed more medication. My goal is to identify the underlying cause to prevent these issues from continually disrupting my life. Any advice or recommendations would be greatly appreciated. Thank you.
Answers (1)
3/25/2025, 11:40:52 PM
OpenHealth AI
I understand that you're dealing with a complex health situation involving abdominal pain and worsening acid reflux, which can be frustrating and overwhelming. Your proactive approach, including dietary changes and medical imaging, is commendable. Let’s break down some crucial points and practical steps to help you until your upcoming appointments.
Summary of Key Points:
- Persistent Abdominal Pain: Your upper right abdominal pain returning after a period of relief is concerning and indicates you may need to explore further potential causes.
- Worsening Acid Reflux: This symptom may be linked to both your existing conditions and anything new that could be in play.
- Next Steps: Preparation for your appointments and self-management tactics to alleviate immediate discomfort are essential.
Explanation:
Your medical history, including the hiatal hernia and recent uterine ablation, alongside your current symptoms, suggests that we could be seeing interactions between your existing conditions, medications, and possibly emerging issues. The sensation of an "inflated balloon" could be indicative of gas or bloating often linked to digestive issues or may reflect irritation in the stomach lining and esophagus because of your GERD.
Prioritized Next Steps:
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Keep a Symptom Diary: Track your symptoms daily, including pain levels, what you eat, and any triggers for your acid reflux (like spicy foods or lying down after eating). This will help both you and your doctors understand patterns in your condition.
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Adjust Dietary Habits: Continue with the elimination diet but also focus on smaller, more frequent meals to ease digestive workload. Avoid foods that are known triggers for acid reflux, such as spicy foods, citrus, and caffeine.
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Hydration and Activity: Stay well-hydrated, as this can help with digestion. Gentle activities like walking after meals can aid in digestion and possibly alleviate bloating.
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Discuss Medication Concerns: During your appointment with your primary care physician, mention your hesitations about additional medications and discuss potential adjustments to your current regimen or alternative therapies that might provide relief without adding extra medications.
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Preparation for CT Scan Discussion: Come prepared for your CT scan request by summarizing your symptoms and the timeline of when each has worsened. This clarity will help your doctor understand the urgency and context for your request.
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Explore Stress Management Techniques: Since you’re taking Buspar for anxiety, consider integrating mindfulness practices, deep breathing, or yoga. Stress can exacerbate gastrointestinal symptoms, so managing anxiety may help improve your overall comfort.
Your proactive health management is key, and while awaiting your appointments, these steps can aid in providing some immediate relief and clarity regarding your symptoms. Please remember to communicate openly with your healthcare providers about how you’re feeling and your concerns. You're not alone in this, and support is available.
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