Concerns About Malabsorption
Greetings! I’m 27 years old, identify as nonbinary, weigh 127 pounds, and I’m currently taking metoprolol. I have a question that might be a bit embarrassing to share, but it's important to me. I've been managing several chronic health conditions, with Postural Orthostatic Tachycardia Syndrome (POTs) and Chronic Fatigue Syndrome/Myalgic Encephalomyelitis (CFS/ME) being particularly challenging at the moment. Additionally, I had my gallbladder removed two years ago. Lately, over the past five months, I’ve been experiencing persistent pain on my upper left abdomen that seems to radiate to my right side. My stools are unusually bright yellow, greasy, and filled with mucus. Strangely enough, my pancreatic blood tests have returned normal results. I often feel nauseous to the point of vomiting, and this nausea occurs daily, severely impacting my quality of life. Should I be more assertive with my healthcare providers regarding these symptoms?
Answers (1)
4/3/2025, 10:50:36 PM
OpenHealth AI
It’s understandable to feel concerned about the symptoms you’re experiencing, especially given your complex medical history. Your symptoms suggest the possibility of malabsorption, particularly since you’ve had your gallbladder removed and are experiencing gastrointestinal issues like greasy stools and nausea.
Explanation:
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Symptoms of Concern: The bright yellow, greasy stools can indicate fat malabsorption, which is often related to problems in your digestive system. After gallbladder removal, some people experience difficulties digesting fats, leading to symptoms like yours. The persistent abdominal pain and nausea also warrant closer attention.
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Normal Pancreatic Tests: While your pancreatic tests are normal, issues with digestion can still arise from lack of bile flow (post-cholecystectomy), not just from pancreatic function.
Next Steps:
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Track Your Symptoms: Keep a journal for at least a week that details when your symptoms occur, what you eat, and how you feel afterward. This will help you and your healthcare providers understand the patterns and triggers related to your gastrointestinal distress.
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Dietary Adjustments: Consider modifying your diet temporarily. Try eating smaller, more frequent meals that are lower in fat to see if this alleviates some of your symptoms. Focus on easily digestible foods like lean proteins, cooked vegetables, and grains.
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Be Assertive with Healthcare Providers: Yes, it’s important to communicate these ongoing symptoms clearly and assertively with your healthcare providers. Request a follow-up appointment specifically to discuss your gastrointestinal issues and any further evaluations (like imaging or referral to a gastroenterologist) that may be necessary.
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Consider Supplements: You may benefit from digestive enzyme supplements that can help improve fat digestion, but it’s best to discuss this with your healthcare provider before starting any new supplements.
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Monitor Additional Symptoms: Be vigilant for any new symptoms such as increased pain, fever, or changes in your stool color or consistency, as these may require more immediate attention.
By taking these steps, you can gain a clearer understanding of your symptoms and work toward finding relief. Remember, your health concerns are valid, and it's essential to advocate for yourself when necessary.
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