Understanding My Digestive Distress: Seeking Insight
For the past three to four months, I’ve been grappling with gastrointestinal troubles. It feels like I’m on an unending journey to identify and resolve the underlying issues. I have already conducted some preliminary investigations using my own resources and am now consulting a physician’s assistant at a gastroenterology clinic. Although I haven’t yet uncovered any clues, I’ve undergone numerous tests, with more scheduled in the near future. I’m reaching out to see if any Reddit users with medical knowledge might have insights into what might be wrong or recommend which specific organ I should focus on. I am a 29-year-old male, weighing 140 pounds and standing at 5 feet 9 inches tall, with an average physique. My activity level is moderate, usually engaging in about 10 miles of cardio weekly (that is, before my gastrointestinal issues began). My weight was around 150 pounds before these problems started. **Symptoms I'm Experiencing:** - I have frequent bouts of yellow or green diarrhea approximately 12 hours after eating, regardless of the type of food consumed, though it seems more pronounced after meals high in fat. I would rate the severity of the diarrhea around a 6 or 7, especially following a meal rich in bacon. - After consuming dairy products or fizzy drinks, I experience significant bloating. - There’s a constant sensation of fullness in my lower abdomen, and while applying pressure to my intestines is uncomfortable, it’s not excruciating. - I encounter periodic headaches, which curiously alleviate when I pass gas. The headaches intensify up to their peak, during which I feel bloated and generally unwell. However, as soon as I release gas, I find some relief, although the headache dulls but does not completely disappear. This peculiar experience is new to me. - Occasionally, I feel an urgent need to defecate, but often only gas is expelled, along with a very small amount of stool. I’ve had to moderate my attempts to go, as this has potentially led to the development of hemorrhoids. **Recent Travel History:** - May 2024: Traveled to Nepal (where I suffered from food poisoning, treated with azithromycin). - December 2024: Visited Tahiti (again, food poisoning, treated with metronidazole and levofloxacin). - February 2025: Went to the Big Island of Hawaii (experienced similar diarrhea to the previous food poisoning incident, accompanied by a full-body itchy rash that resolved within a week). My stool consistency has been abnormal since returning from Tahiti four months ago, with all instances of food poisoning involving very watery and bright green stools. **Medications Taken Recently Post-Hawaii:** - Flagyl (metronidazole) for seven days at 500 mg twice daily. - Ivermectin, once at a dose of 15 mg. - VSL3 probiotic, taken twice daily since completing antibiotics. **Tests Conducted (All Returned Normal):** - Elactase level was greater than 800. - Undetectable calprotectin. - Negative results for milk, soy, and gluten allergies, along with a negative celiac panel and IBD panel (including two fungal antibody tests). - Labcorp’s extensive food allergy panel result was negative as well. - Tests for Giardia EIA and cultures for Campylobacter, Shigella, and Salmonella came back negative. - A check for C. difficile bacteria and toxin was also negative. I am currently awaiting a call from the hospital to schedule an ultrasound of my gallbladder, based on my PA's referral. Additionally, I have a colonoscopy scheduled for mid-April. Lately, the bloating has escalated, and new headache symptoms have emerged this week. Despite drinking ample water, it often leads to increased urination. While my urine is not overly dark, it remains slightly yellow, suggesting I’m not dehydrated.
Answers (1)
3/31/2025, 10:20:44 AM
OpenHealth AI
Your ongoing gastrointestinal (GI) issues can be quite distressing, especially with the symptoms you’ve described. It's good that you're consulting with a gastroenterology clinic and undergoing tests, as this is a crucial step in identifying the underlying causes of your digestive discomfort. Let's break down your symptoms and what you can do while you await further evaluation.
Key Points:
- Symptoms Overview: Frequent yellow/green diarrhea, significant bloating after dairy or fizzy drinks, a sensation of fullness, periodic headaches alleviated by passing gas, and occasional urgent bowel movements with minimal stool.
- Recent Medical History: You've had multiple episodes of food poisoning, negative results for many common gastrointestinal infections, and you're awaiting tests for gallbladder function and a colonoscopy.
Explanation:
Your symptoms suggest potential issues with how your body is absorbing or processing food, particularly fats. The yellow or green diarrhea can indicate rapid transit through the intestines, possibly linked to your gallbladder or digestive enzyme function. The bloating and discomfort after meals, especially high-fat meals, could relate to fat malabsorption or an intolerance. The recent headaches that improve after gas release may indicate a connection between your digestive distress and abdominal discomfort.
Next Steps:
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Monitor Your Diet: Keep a detailed food diary to track what you eat and your symptoms afterward. Note any specific foods that trigger bloating or diarrhea, focusing on high-fat items and dairy products.
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Manage Bloating and Discomfort:
- Consider reducing or eliminating dairy and high-fat food items temporarily to see if symptoms improve.
- Stay hydrated, but be mindful of carbonated beverages, which can increase bloating.
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Probiotic Use: You are already taking a probiotic (VSL#3), which can support gut health. Continue this, but give it some time to see if it improves your symptoms over several weeks.
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Stress Management: Keep in mind that stress and anxiety can worsen gastrointestinal symptoms. Consider stress-reducing techniques such as yoga, meditation, or deep breathing exercises.
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Keep Your Appointments: Stay engaged with your ongoing testing process (ultrasound and colonoscopy). These tests are essential for ruling out issues like gallstones or inflammatory conditions.
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Symptom Diary: Document any changes in bowel habits, pain, bloating, and other symptoms leading up to your appointments. This information will be valuable for your healthcare team.
Conclusion:
Your experience is understandably concerning, but you are taking the right steps to uncover what’s happening. Changes in diet and careful monitoring may provide insights and relief while waiting for your medical evaluations. Stay in touch with your healthcare team, and don’t hesitate to reach out with any new or worsening symptoms. Remember, you’re not alone in this, and support is available as you navigate your digestive health.
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