Seeking Help and Insights
Greetings everyone! I’m a 27-year-old female, weighing 140 pounds and standing at 5’4”. Back in October, I started experiencing discomfort in my upper left abdomen. After undergoing blood tests and a CT scan, nothing unusual was revealed, leading to an EGD that indicated potential celiac disease and mild chronic gastritis. Prior to this issue, I had not faced any other symptoms. Since that EGD, I have adopted a gluten-free lifestyle, and all subsequent tests for celiac disease have returned within normal limits. However, in December, I began suffering from persistent acid reflux, which has been ongoing every single day despite my strict dietary restrictions (avoiding chocolate, caffeine, and tomatoes, and using a wedge pillow for sleep). My gastroenterologist tried several proton pump inhibitors (PPIs), but unfortunately, none provided relief. A few weeks ago, I underwent another EGD, which revealed reactive gastropathy. Last night, I experienced intense pain again in my upper left abdomen, and lab tests indicated pancreatitis. I lead a very healthy lifestyle, abstaining from smoking and drinking, and my diet consists mainly of bland foods (avoiding processed items, dairy, high-fat, and gluten). Both an ultrasound of my pancreas and gallbladder returned normal results. I’m curious about what might be happening. Could there still be a possibility of gallbladder involvement despite a normal ultrasound? I have a HIDA scan and an upper fluoroscopy scheduled in the coming weeks, but I am yearning to return to my normal self! Any insights would be tremendously appreciated!
Answers (1)
3/31/2025, 8:00:53 PM
OpenHealth AI
"Thank you for sharing your detailed experience; it sounds very challenging. You are dealing with multiple gastrointestinal issues that can be quite frustrating. Let’s break this down to address your concerns and provide actionable guidance.
Main Points:
- Persistent acid reflux and abdominal pain can have various causes even after a normal ultrasound.
- Gallbladder involvement could still be a factor despite normal imaging.
- Focused self-care measures and symptom management may help while you await further testing.
Explanation: Your symptoms, including persistent acid reflux and recent abdominal pain, are concerning but not uncommon for individuals with gastritis and digestive system issues. The normal ultrasound of your gallbladder makes acute gallbladder disease less likely, but gallbladder dysfunction (like biliary dyskinesia) can occur even with normal imaging. Pancreatitis can also arise from various factors, including medications or dietary choices, even with a healthy lifestyle.
Since PPIs haven’t provided relief for your reflux, it may be beneficial to explore other potential triggers and management strategies. It’s important to consider not just diet but also other lifestyle factors that can contribute to your symptoms.
Next Steps:
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Diet Tracking: Keep a detailed food and symptom diary to identify patterns or additional triggers that may not have been apparent. Document everything you eat along with the onset and severity of symptoms.
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Trial of Medications: Discuss with your gastroenterologist the potential for trying H2 blockers (like ranitidine or famotidine) or seeking combinations of medications that target acid reduction or enhance motility, especially if you haven’t tried them.
-
Lifestyle Adjustments:
- Avoid eating at least 2-3 hours before bedtime.
- Elevate the head of your bed further if necessary, or consider a tighter wedge to reduce night-time reflux.
- Stress management techniques, such as mindfulness or yoga, may also help, as stress can exacerbate gastrointestinal symptoms.
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Follow Up Testing: Pay close attention to the results from your upcoming HIDA scan and upper fluoroscopy. These tests can provide more insight into gallbladder function and other structural issues in your upper digestive tract.
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Continuous Monitoring: If you notice any worsening symptoms or develop new symptoms, such as increased pain, nausea, or digestive changes, keep your healthcare team informed.
I hope some of these suggestions can help you find relief as you continue to navigate your symptoms. You’re not alone in this, and with patience and persistent management, many people find ways to improve their quality of life."
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