Persistent Fullness and Unusual Pressure on the Right Side – Seeking Advice
I'm in need of help. At 20 years old, I've had all my blood tests return normal (including blood counts, liver, kidney, thyroid, and cancer markers), and a colonoscopy came back clear. A stool sample tested negative for H. pylori. For the past year, I’ve been dealing with a relentless sensation of fullness that never seems to fade. At times, I experience pressure and aches, alongside burning feelings radiating across different areas of my abdomen, particularly on the upper right side. Strangely, today, the discomfort is more pronounced in my right hip. It's an unfamiliar sensation—one I cannot compare to anything I've experienced before. The fullness is persistent; it feels as if a balloon has been inflated inside me, and I hardly ever feel hungry, even if days pass without eating. When I do eat, it feels as though the food doesn’t settle anywhere, if that makes any sense. I suspect some factors may be connected to this issue. Between September 2023 and January 2024, I struggled with an eating disorder that led to significant weight loss—I was very restrictive with my food intake, although I didn’t resort to vomiting. Eventually, I began to increase my calorie consumption, but by April, I binge ate for several weeks and regained weight rapidly. During this period, my appetite vanished completely, and I’ve been experiencing constant fullness since. Initially, I attributed it to my body's adjustment period, but after realizing it hasn't improved, I'm now convinced it's not just psychological. I previously took an excessive amount of Imodium—twice daily for two months in 2022, and then around 2-3 per week for about eight months last year. However, my colonoscopy indicated that I wasn’t constipated, so I’m uncertain if that’s related to my current fullness. My family has a history of Irritable Bowel Syndrome (IBS), and I've had sporadic issues with my bowel movements—ranging from diarrhea to constipation—but there are also instances of normal stools. I’m truly puzzled about what might be causing these symptoms. I experienced additional symptoms, but I’ve noticed a slight improvement over the last couple of months. The worst discomfort was between December and early February, but the feeling of fullness remains unyielding. If anyone has insights regarding this issue, I would greatly appreciate your assistance. This situation is becoming increasingly distressing for me.
Answers (1)
3/28/2025, 3:50:42 PM
OpenHealth AI
It sounds like you’ve been dealing with a lot of discomfort and uncertainty regarding your persistent sensation of fullness and pressure on your right side. Given the thorough tests you’ve undergone, including blood tests and a clear colonoscopy, we can focus on other potential causes and practical steps for management.
Main Points:
- Your symptoms may be linked to digestive issues, possibly related to your history of an eating disorder and family history of IBS.
- It's important to consider diet and lifestyle factors that could be contributing to your feelings of fullness and discomfort.
- There are actionable steps you can take to address these symptoms.
Explanation:
The sensation of fullness, along with the pressure and discomfort you’re experiencing, can be influenced by several factors. Your history of an eating disorder may have altered your digestive system’s functioning, leading to altered gut motility and sensitivity. Conditions like Irritable Bowel Syndrome (IBS) could also cause these symptoms. IBS is often characterized by recurrent abdominal pain and altered bowel habits, and it can manifest in different ways for different people.
Given that you mentioned a family history of IBS and your own bowel movement inconsistencies (diarrhea and constipation), it's possible that stress on your digestive system from your past eating behaviors is still impacting you. Although your symptoms may improve over time, they can take a while to acclimate, and lifestyle changes can help expedite relief.
Next Steps:
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Dietary Modifications:
- Keep a food diary: Track what you eat and how it affects your symptoms. This can help identify any trigger foods.
- Increase fiber gradually: Consume more fruits, vegetables, and whole grains, but do this slowly to avoid gas and bloating.
- Stay hydrated: Drink plenty of water throughout the day, which can aid digestion and ease discomfort.
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Regular Eating Patterns:
- Try eating smaller, more frequent meals instead of larger ones. This can help prevent the sensation of fullness and reduce pressure on your digestive system.
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Manage Stress:
- Engage in stress-reducing activities such as yoga, meditation, or deep-breathing exercises. Stress can exacerbate digestive issues, including IBS.
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Monitoring Symptoms:
- Note any significant changes or patterns in your symptoms, especially in relation to diet or stressors.
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Gentle Physical Activity:
- Incorporate light exercise, such as walking, which can stimulate digestion and may provide relief from fullness.
If symptoms persist or worsen despite trying these strategies, seeking further evaluation may be beneficial, especially from a gastroenterologist who can explore treatments tailored to your situation. Remember, the journey to feeling better can take time, but these steps can lead to relief and improved well-being. Please take care and stay in tune with your body as you navigate this.
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