OpenHealth Q&A

Seeking Guidance in a Medical Mystery

I'm a 36-year-old woman, soon to celebrate my 37th birthday in June. Just over a month ago, I began experiencing alarming symptoms: passing a significant quantity of gelatinous material mixed with blood in my stools. Concerned, I reached out to my doctor, who advised me to head straight to the emergency room. After performing a CT scan, they reported that everything appeared normal, sent me home, and recommended I consult a gastroenterologist. I followed up with the GI specialist, who arranged for a colonoscopy three weeks later. By this time, the bleeding had ceased, and my bowel habits returned to normal. However, things took a turn soon after. A week post-colonoscopy, I found myself lying in bed at 2 a.m. chatting with a friend when I was suddenly struck by intense pain and a feeling of pressure in my lower abdomen, just above the pubic bone. Although I was worried, I decided to try and sleep it off. The next morning, I awoke screaming in pain—an excruciating sensation I had never endured before. It felt similar to gas pain, coming in waves and accompanied by a loud gurgling sound in my stomach, followed by a brief respite before the cycle repeated. I rushed to the ER where I was prescribed laxatives. Once they began to work, the acute pain subsided, but discomfort persisted, and once again, blood and mucus reappeared in my stool. Another CT scan yielded no results, which led the doctors to admit me to the hospital. I spent four days there, grappling with severe pain and an overwhelming urge to relieve myself. It was an indescribable sensation, as my body urged me to push, yet nothing happened. Within this hospital stay, I underwent another CT scan (my third in total: one without contrast and two with both IV and oral contrast) all of which returned normal findings. The gastroenterologist on call acted decisively and scheduled an endoscopy, given that I had already undergone a colonoscopy. The results from that procedure were also unremarkable. I underwent numerous blood tests to rule out conditions such as Crohn's disease, celiac disease, H. pylori infection, among other possible infections and bacterial overgrowths—everything returned normal. Consequently, the gastroenterologist planned another colonoscopy, this time with biopsies, which also produced no significant findings. When I was finally discharged, I left with more questions than answers, still perplexed about the cause of my symptoms. Fast forward to the past week, where my symptoms have persisted. Just two or three days after my hospital release, I developed a new troubling symptom: excessive belching. I find myself burping hundreds of times each day, accompanied by a constant sensation of a lump in my throat. Additionally, I still have blood in my stool, bouts of constipation, severe stomach pain, and relentless gas, leaving my stomach audibly active. Today marked my fourth CT scan, with both oral and IV contrast, once again leading to inconclusive results. I have another appointment scheduled with my gastroenterologist today, and my general practitioner has suggested I inquire about a capsule endoscopy. I have also consulted a gynecologist who performed a pelvic exam and various tests for infection, all of which were normal. I have a transvaginal ultrasound on the agenda today to eliminate any gynecological issues as a possibility. I have consulted numerous specialists and undergone extensive testing, yet no one can clarify why this troubling condition arose seemingly out of nowhere. I am deeply anxious about my health and, against my better judgment, I turned to the internet to research my symptoms. The frightening prospect of pancreatic cancer has crossed my mind, especially given its elusive nature and the challenges associated with early detection. I am reaching out to this community for support, as I find myself with little information and immense fear about my circumstances. My diet remains unchanged, with no known food allergies; currently, my intake is limited to applesauce, Jello, and water, but my symptoms continue unabated. While some have suggested my age may rule out pancreatic cancer, I am well aware that cancer can affect individuals regardless of age. As for medications, I remain on the same regimens I have taken for years: Fluoxetine 40 mg, Clonazepam 0.5 mg as needed (rarely used, perhaps once yearly for panic), and Rosuvastatin 5 mg. To summarize, my symptoms include: - Abdominal pain (occasionally radiating to my back and legs) - Ongoing loud stomach rumbling - Persistent burping and the sensation of a lump in my throat - Irregular bowel movements alternating between normal and constipated - Presence of mucus and blood in every stool - Occasionally, foamy material emerges when I burp (no signs of acid reflux) I should note that my triglyceride levels spiked by 80 points in blood tests prior to these symptoms appearing. My doctor insists this is unrelated and not a cause for concern, despite my not having had such an issue historically, nor being overweight. This sudden health crisis has hit me incredibly hard, and any advice or assistance from those familiar with similar issues would mean a lot. I appreciate you taking the time to read my situation.

Answers (1)

4/3/2025, 3:31:12 AM

OpenHealth AI

I'm truly sorry to hear about the complex and distressing symptoms you’ve been experiencing. It’s understandable to feel anxious given the uncertainties surrounding your health. Let’s break down your situation and explore some important considerations and steps you can take moving forward.

Main Points:

• You have experienced a range of troubling gastrointestinal symptoms, which have led to extensive testing without a clear diagnosis.
• Despite normal findings so far, it’s important to continue investigating the cause of your symptoms, particularly given the presence of blood and mucus in your stools.
• Your situation can be overwhelming, but focusing on symptom management and follow-up with specialists is key.

Explanation:

Your symptoms—including abdominal pain, changes in bowel habits, burping, and the presence of mucus and blood in your stools—are indeed concerning and warrant careful consideration. While serious conditions like pancreatic cancer often come to mind, there are other possible explanations for your symptoms, including gastrointestinal infections, inflammatory bowel conditions, or functional gastrointestinal disorders. The fact that extensive tests have returned normal can be frustrating but is not uncommon in complex cases.

Next Steps:

1. Continue with Specialist Follow-ups: Stick with the plan to see your gastroenterologist, and discuss the possibility of a capsule endoscopy as your doctor suggested. This can provide a deeper look at your small intestine, which might reveal issues that colonoscopy may miss.

2. Symptom Tracking: Keep a daily diary of your symptoms, dietary intake, and any triggers that seem to exacerbate your condition. This record can be incredibly useful for your doctor in identifying patterns or connections between your symptoms and potential causes.

3. Dietary Considerations: Since your diet is currently limited and you've noted some food-like responses (foamy material when burping), consider experimenting with a low-FODMAP diet or working with a nutritionist who specializes in gastrointestinal health. This can help identify if certain foods contribute to your symptoms.

4. Stress Management: Given the significant stress this situation has caused, incorporating stress reduction techniques such as mindfulness, gentle exercise, or therapy could be beneficial. This might improve your overall well-being and could have a positive impact on digestive symptoms.

5. Hydration and Nutrition: Ensure you are hydrating well, even if your food intake is limited. If you're finding it difficult to maintain energy levels, consider discussing options for nutritional supplements with your doctor that are gentle on the stomach.

6. Follow-Up Questions for Your Doctors: During your upcoming appointments, consider asking about:

   • The significance of your recent spike in triglyceride levels—whether there may be underlying metabolic causes or nutrition influences.
   • Any potential for functional gastrointestinal disorders such as irritable bowel syndrome (IBS) or motility disorders that could explain your symptoms despite negative initial tests.

Reassurance:

It’s completely normal to feel unsettled by these health challenges. Remember, you are actively advocating for your health by seeking answers and continuing to follow up with professionals. Your symptoms are being taken seriously, and finding the right combination of treatment or management may take time. Reach out for support from friends, family, or support groups, as dealing with health mysteries can be isolating. Stay positive as you continue on this journey of exploration and healing.