OpenHealth Q&A

Concerns About Stomach Problems Lasting Three Weeks

Hello everyone, For the last few weeks, I've been grappling with unusual stomach issues, which is quite atypical for me. I'm a 29-year-old male, and earlier this year, in March 2023, I underwent a comprehensive series of tests including an endoscopy, colonoscopy, abdominal ultrasound, and a barium swallow. While I’ve dealt with GERD since my teenage years, I was already experiencing some gastrointestinal difficulties earlier this year. To provide a bit of background, I faced some severe acid reflux towards the end of February. Typically, my reflux kicks in when I eat rapidly and don’t chew properly. During that time, I ended up in the bathroom, vomiting up stomach acid and food until I was completely empty. By mid-March, my wife and I had indulged in quite a bit of takeout, which involved some unhealthy choices. Everything took a turn on March 21st, roughly two weeks ago. I had a late dinner consisting of a hamburger and bacon-wrapped bourbon meatballs, which led to a night filled with an intense stomach pressure I had never felt before. I struggled to burp, as if something were stuck inside. The following weekend, I continued to feel unwell, unable to properly release gas or burp. My digestive system felt off, and after a shopping trip that Sunday, I ate excessively: chips, ice cream, fruit, and even polished off a full bag of white chocolate bark between Sunday and Monday. From March 24th to 28th, my stomach was quite unhappy. I was gassy, constantly feeling pressure in both my upper and lower stomach, trying various methods to relieve the discomfort. I relied on warm water, ginger ale, and began my regular intake of omeprazole and Gas-X, but found no relief. My bowel movements consisted of diarrhea and loose stools throughout the entire week. I assumed my diet was the primary culprit. On March 28th, I visited urgent care because the symptoms persisted. They prescribed a stronger dosage of pantoprazole along with Mylanta to help reduce the acid and gas and suggested I consult with a specialist if the discomfort continued into the next week. To give my digestive system a break, I fasted from Wednesday through Friday that week, but it didn’t offer any improvement. When I resumed eating, I focused on lighter meals like salads and chicken. Since Monday of this week, I’ve noticed an improvement; the stomach pressure has decreased significantly, from approximately 70% discomfort to around 20-30%. I experience periods of relative comfort, but eventually, particularly in the evenings when I settle down, the gas begins to accumulate again. I often hear gurgling in my stomach from trapped gas, and while I usually can find relief, lately it has been tougher to do so. What is most concerning to me are the changes in my bowel movements. Last week was predominantly diarrhea, and I was not following my usual schedule. This week, my stools have somewhat solidified; however, they are narrower than normal and I often find small, ribbon-like pieces accumulating at the bottom of the bowl. For the past two to three days, I feel a persistent urge to go, even soon after a bowel movement, and when I do, it’s usually just a small quantity resembling those abnormal shapes. Am I overreacting to my concerns? It worries me that this could signal something serious. My wife and I recently moved to Texas, which puts me away from my previous healthcare providers who conducted the tests earlier this year. While I could consider flying back to my old doctor or finding someone new locally, I assume a new doctor might want me to undergo the same tests again. Is that advisable? Could this potentially be a serious condition such as cancer, especially given the short interval since my last procedures and my young age? I was under the impression that cancer tends to develop slowly. Or is it possible that it could be something like SIBO, an infection, or a food intolerance? I am torn between waiting to see if it resolves or seeking medical attention, which would likely lead to repeating those tests. Any advice would be greatly appreciated!

Answers (1)

4/3/2025, 7:10:46 PM

OpenHealth AI

It sounds like you're experiencing significant digestive discomfort, and your concerns are completely valid given the symptoms you've described. While it’s encouraging that you’ve seen some improvement, the persistence of unusual bowel movements and discomfort warrants attention.

Key Points:

1. Ongoing digestive symptoms: Your symptoms, including changes in bowel habits and persistent pressure, may indicate an underlying issue.
2. Bowel movement changes: The ribbon-like stools can sometimes suggest a narrowing in the intestines, which is worth discussing with a healthcare provider.
3. Diet and reactions: It's possible that your recent diet and rapid eating could be exacerbating your symptoms, but other conditions, such as SIBO or food intolerances, are also possibilities.

Explanation:

Changes in bowel movements and persistent gastrointestinal discomfort can arise from various causes, including dietary factors, gastrointestinal infections, conditions like irritable bowel syndrome (IBS), or, less commonly, structural issues in the intestines. Given that you've had previous testing, this episode might relate to dietary shifts or stress but should not be ignored, especially with concerning symptoms.

Next Steps:

1. Monitor Your Diet: Keep a food diary to identify any correlation between what you eat and your symptoms. Focus on eating smaller, more frequent meals and avoid high-fat or overly processed foods for now.

2. Hydration: Maintain good hydration, as diarrhea can lead to dehydration. Consider electrolytes if diarrhea persists.

3. Symptom Diary: Document your symptoms daily, including the severity of discomfort, bowel movement characteristics, and diet. This information will be valuable if you consult a healthcare provider.

4. Consult a Healthcare Provider: Given your symptoms' persistence and your recent changes in bowel habits, it’s advisable to consult with a local healthcare provider. They can assess your current state, suggest manageable solutions, and determine if further testing is warranted. Explain your previous diagnostic history and express your concerns clearly.

5. Consider New Providers: Given that you’ve moved recently, exploring local options for a primary care provider may be beneficial. It’s common for new doctors to want a full history, but it’s also reasonable to discuss your previous tests and any repeated assessments.

Reassurance:

Your youth and the recent full evaluation reduce the likelihood of serious conditions like cancer, especially considering the timeframe since your last testing. Problems like SIBO, food intolerances, and diet-related symptoms are more typical given your recent eating habits. Nevertheless, staying proactive about observing your symptoms and consulting a healthcare provider will help ensure you receive the right care.

Take care, and please keep me updated on how you're doing!