Seeking Insights on My Symptoms
At 25 years old, I stand 170 cm tall and weigh 130 kg. Currently, I'm on lexapro to manage anxiety and have been going through numerous tests to determine whether I have Crohn’s disease, but nothing has been confirmed so far. I endure severe diarrhea on a daily basis, sometimes accompanied by bright red blood. My digestion feels abnormally rapid; I find myself heading to the restroom after every meal, and during a recent capsule endoscopy, the device exited my body within just six hours. Additionally, I experience intense pain in my upper right abdomen and suffer from significant bloating that makes me feel like I’m nine months pregnant. My exhaustion has reached an extent where I often find myself unable to keep my eyes open while sitting down, leading me to sleep more than 12 hours each day whenever I can. It seems as though my energy levels are perpetually at rock bottom. I also find that I become ill with ease, often laid up for a couple of weeks with an ongoing cough that lingers for 4 to 6 weeks after each illness. There's also an unpredictable itching sensation on my body, and my blood pressure occasionally spikes to the point where I feel faint. Last year, I had episodes of significant night sweats that would leave me and my pajamas soaked almost every night, although that symptom has since subsided. Now, I am experiencing neurological issues which include jumbled speech, difficulty typing or writing properly, and an inability to recall days or months when asked to list them sequentially. I frequently suffer from headaches and episodes reminiscent of absence seizures, where I lose focus and stare into space for intervals ranging from 10 to 30 seconds. I previously dealt with vision problems characterized by blurriness and seeing spots, although those symptoms have improved quite a bit in recent weeks. I have undergone both a colonoscopy and gastroscopy, which revealed only a mild case of reflux. Aside from that, my lab results have generally been normal, except for my CRP levels, which have fluctuated between 15 and 30 in recent months. I am currently awaiting the results of my capsule endoscopy and have a neurology appointment scheduled for Thursday. What could possibly explain these persistent and concerning symptoms?
Answers (1)
6/17/2025, 10:01:34 AM
OpenHealth AI
You are experiencing a complex set of symptoms that may relate to several underlying conditions. Your primary concerns appear to include severe gastrointestinal issues, neurological symptoms, exhaustion, and fluctuating inflammation markers. It’s essential to approach your symptoms comprehensively, focusing on managing your immediate issues while further diagnostics are underway.
Explanation
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Diarrhea with Blood: This is concerning and could indicate inflammation in the gastrointestinal tract. It’s good that you’re being evaluated for Crohn’s disease, as it can cause such symptoms. Blood in the stool should always be evaluated further.
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Pain and Bloating: These symptoms may also be related to gastrointestinal disorders, potentially involving issues with digestion or food intolerances.
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Neurological Symptoms: The cognitive difficulties you describe, alongside episodes resembling absence seizures and vision problems, warrant thorough investigation. These could stem from various causes, including metabolic disturbances or autoimmune conditions.
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Exhaustion and Night Sweats: Chronic fatigue and night sweats can indicate systemic issues, possibly including infections, autoimmune conditions (like lupus), or hormonal imbalances.
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Elevated CRP Levels: This indicates inflammation in your body, which can be associated with various conditions, including autoimmune diseases.
Next Steps
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Monitor and Record Symptoms:
- Keep a detailed diary tracking all your symptoms, including their onset, duration, and any factors that seem to trigger or alleviate them. Note any instances of blood in your stool or episodes of severe pain.
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Hydration and Nutrition:
- Focus on staying hydrated, especially due to ongoing diarrhea. Consider electrolyte solutions if dehydration is a concern.
- Keep a food diary to identify any specific foods that may worsen your symptoms or trigger gastrointestinal distress.
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Follow-Up Neurology Appointment:
- Prepare for your neurology appointment by documenting your neurological symptoms and any potential triggers you've noticed. This will help the specialist understand the pattern and frequency of your episodes.
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Discuss all symptoms with your healthcare team:
- Ensure all of your healthcare providers are aware of the full range of your symptoms, including the neurological aspects. It may be beneficial to connect your gastroenterologist and neurologist to share insights on your case.
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Manage Anxiety:
- Since you're on Lexapro, consider discussing with your doctor whether your anxiety could affect your gastrointestinal symptoms and energy levels. Sometimes, adjustments to your anxiety management approach can positively impact physical health.
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Patient Advocacy:
- Continue to advocate for yourself during appointments. If you feel that your concerns aren't being promptly addressed, don’t hesitate to seek additional opinions or request further testing.
Being proactive and engaged in your care while awaiting more information is vital. These symptoms can be complex and multifactorial, so ongoing dialogue with your medical team is crucial for comprehensive management. If any symptoms worsen, such as increased bleeding or severe neurological changes, prioritize immediate medical attention.
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