OpenHealth Q&A

Seeking Further Insight on Ongoing Health Issues

Good evening, For the past several years, I (33M) have been grappling with digestive problems, primarily characterized as IBS(C?). I experience intermittent discomfort and fatigue, which, while stable, shows no signs of improvement. I have my own theories regarding the root cause but would appreciate guidance on whether there are additional avenues I could explore, as I am weary of managing these symptoms. Let me outline a timeline of my experiences: - **December 2021**: I felt a sudden sharp pain in my lower right abdomen. Although it wasn't unbearable, medical staff suggested it might be related to appendicitis. Following some routine blood tests (which were normal), an abdominal X-ray showed a significant amount of stool present, and my physician diagnosed it as obstipation, advising me to take Miralax. - **May 2022**: I visited the doctor to address ongoing upper gastrointestinal issues, which have persisted throughout much of my life. With adequate health insurance, I opted to investigate further, focusing mainly on acid reflux, which caused food to become lodged in my esophagus. Proton Pump Inhibitors (PPIs) provided considerable relief. Blood tests again returned unremarkable results, although tests for H. Pylori, hepatic function, and CBC were performed. My physician recommended continuing the PPI therapy. - **June 2022**: Additional blood tests yielded normal results. A strange rash emerged during this time, but it's unclear if there's any correlation. - **June 2023**: This period was particularly alarming. Everything seemed stable, with regular bowel movements. Yet, for about a week, I noticed blood in my stool—initially, I thought it was merely the water in the toilet reflecting red. When I checked closely, I saw streaks of blood on the stool. Tests confirmed the presence of blood. Blood tests indicated: - Hematocrit: 41.8% - Hemoglobin: 13.8 g/dl - Ferritin: 93.4 ng/ml - Iron: 11 mcg/dl - Saturation: 11% The tTG-IgA test results were normal. A CT scan revealed ample stool accumulation, and I inquired about an incidental finding involving my appendix; the GI specialist dismissed it as non-threatening. I took iron supplements and continued Miralax while waiting for a colonoscopy and upper endoscopy scheduled for December. - **December 2023**: The colonoscopy and upper endoscopy returned normal results and a biopsy showed no concerning findings. Follow-up blood tests also reflected normal levels, including checks for B12 and Folate. Despite my health app indicating a borderline low white blood cell count, my doctor was not alarmed, and my thyroid levels remained normal. - **May 2024**: That month, I began experiencing intense hives, particularly around my legs, waist, and torso. My doctor initially suspected ringworm, despite it appearing atypical. Treatment for ringworm was ineffective; however, allergy medications, particularly Allegra, provided immediate relief, although the hives frequently returned. In September, as I suspected a dietary trigger, I revisited my doctor. I consulted an allergist in November, who conducted a panel test for food allergies, but all results came back normal. While allergy medications offered significant help, I noticed they exacerbated my constipation. Thus, I was hesitant to take Miralax, which seemed to trigger the hives again, even when coupled with other medications. By January/February 2025, I discovered that my hives reacted to clothing. After experimenting with various laundry detergents, I found minimal relief. Interestingly, I noted that scrubbing the hive-affected area could reduce the hives temporarily, though they would inevitably return. - **March 2025**: I stumbled upon potential contamination in my living space: fiberglass, likely from a deteriorating Serta mattress shedding tiny, shiny fibers. These particles were inexplicably scattered throughout my home—on furniture, in ductwork, and across clothing. We promptly invested in a new mattress and bedding while consulting professional cleaners who regretfully stated there was no foolproof method to eliminate it all without possibly discarding everything or relocating, which is not feasible for us. I am actively addressing the abatement issue, a process I anticipate will take time. I bought new clothing (but my spouse hasn't), which I keep at work and wash separately. Wearing fresh clothes while cleaning the affected areas has improved my situation significantly, allowing me a month free from allergy medications for the first time in over a year—until I wore a contaminated shirt, which resulted in a hive outbreak at the pool. To date, I still endure strange abdominal pains and ongoing constipation. **Present Symptoms:** - I have not observed any further blood. - Experiencing peculiar gut pains that fluctuate from occasional sharp sensations to mostly dull aches, mostly localized in the upper abdomen. I find that hunger or meal proximity sometimes triggers gut pain, alongside nearly daily bouts of fatigue in the afternoons, which, while exhausting, is not debilitating. Mornings present fewer symptoms, but they are quite pronounced by afternoon. While I can generally manage my day, it’s been a year without feeling completely well. Could these symptoms be linked to the fiberglass exposure or might there be alternative factors to examine? I realize that no online resource can replace medical advice, but seeking feedback from ChatGPT offers a comforting alternative to spiraling through online searches. Often, it will suggest checks, and I would realize my doctor had already tested for those elements and provided results. Lately, it has mentioned looking into SIBO (Small Intestinal Bacterial Overgrowth) or insulin resistance, which allegedly could be interrelated. Is there any validity to this? As of late, I've begun incorporating Psyllium Whole Husks, probiotics, magnesium supplements, and ginger into my regimen following advice I've read about their potential benefits for digestive health. What topics or queries could I present to my doctor in our next discussion? Despite thorough examinations, I feel persistent issues remain unresolved, and my body seems to be rebelling against me.

Answers (1)

6/20/2025, 3:40:59 AM

OpenHealth AI

Thank you for sharing such a comprehensive overview of your health journey. Your ongoing struggles with digestive issues, fatigue, and the recent skin reactions are concerning. It’s understandable to seek further insight, especially after navigating through so many tests and potential triggers. Here are the main points to consider and actionable steps you can take.

Main Points:

1. Persistent Digestive Symptoms: Your intermittent abdominal pain, constipation, and fatigue could still point to underlying issues, potentially related to IBS or an impact from environmental factors like fiberglass exposure.
2. Exploration of Potential Triggers: It's important to consider both dietary habits and your environment, as well as possible connections such as SIBO or intolerance to certain foods.
3. Next Steps for Discussion: Preparing questions for your doctor can help guide the next phase of your investigation.

Explanation:

Your history indicates a blend of gastrointestinal symptoms that fluctuate and have not improved with initial treatments. Although your colonoscopy and other tests have returned normal, it does not rule out issues like Irritable Bowel Syndrome (IBS), SIBO (Small Intestinal Bacterial Overgrowth), or even dietary intolerances. Fiberglass exposure, while an environmental concern, may not be the primary cause of your digestive symptoms, but it's wise to monitor it, given your reaction.

Your recent incorporation of Psyllium Whole Husks, probiotics, and magnesium is promising, as these can help regulate bowel movements and improve gut health. Managing stress levels, staying hydrated, and monitoring your dietary intake may provide additional relief.

Actionable Steps:

1. Keep a Symptom Diary: Document daily food intake, symptoms (type and intensity), and any environmental factors (like clothing or cleaning products) that might correlate with flare-ups. This can help identify potential triggers.

2. Consider Testing for SIBO: Ask your doctor about the possibility of SIBO testing, as it can cause bloating, discomfort, and altered bowel habits. Some dietary adjustments (like low FODMAP) may alleviate symptoms if SIBO is confirmed.

3. Discuss Possible Food Intolerances: Although your allergy tests returned normal, suggest manageable elimination diets to explore food sensitivities (e.g., lactose, gluten, or specific FODMAPs), and see if eliminating these improves your symptoms.

4. Address Environmental Factors: Continue to tackle the fiberglass contamination in your living space. Since you have observed improvement by avoiding contaminated clothing, speak with a professional about further air filtration solutions or cleaning strategies.

5. Evaluate Medications: Discuss with your doctor how your current medication regimen (like PPIs and laxatives) may influence your overall gut health and whether alternatives might be beneficial.

6. Connect Fatigue to Gut Issues: Discuss the connection between your ongoing fatigue and digestive issues, considering the impact of gut health on overall energy levels. This may require additional evaluations of nutrient absorption.

By approaching your next discussion with your doctor using these points and questions, you can foster a more focused conversation aimed at uncovering the underlying causes of your symptoms. It’s natural to feel frustrated, but persistently advocating for your health is essential. You are actively managing your condition, which is an important part of the healing journey.