OpenHealth Q&A

Seeking Insight on My Ongoing Health Issues

Age: 25, Height: 162 cm, Weight: 56 kg, Not on any medication, Suspected Irritable Bowel Syndrome (IBS) and Gastroesophageal Reflux Disease (GERD) - Experiencing Persistent Right-Side Pain and Digestive Problems - Increasing Concern About Potential Pancreatic Cancer. Since the beginning of February 2025, I have been troubled by distressing symptoms, particularly recurring pain and pressure in my right side, beneath my ribs. This discomfort can be triggered by movement or touch and sometimes occurs without any apparent reason. Back in February, I visited the emergency room following two episodes of intense pain in my chest. It began as a kind of palpitation under my right rib, escalating into a sharp, electrical sensation that extended into my chest and traveled to my right shoulder, reminiscent of a heart attack. The first incident happened in the early afternoon while I was seated (and it was not immediately after a meal), lasting approximately 5–10 minutes. The second episode took place later that very day during a light dinner, once again while sitting down. In the ER, medical professionals conducted a series of blood tests, revealing a mild elevation in liver enzymes: ALT, AST, bilirubin, and GGT. They also performed an abdominal ultrasound that indicated my gallbladder was stone-free, my liver was normal in size, and my pancreas appeared healthy. Following these incidents, my right rib area felt sore for a time but eventually healed. A follow-up blood draw a few days later indicated notable improvement: ALT decreased from 3.13 to 1.6, while AST reduced from 6.08 to 0.47. However, over the next five months, the pain has persisted intermittently. It generally manifests as mild discomfort, sometimes as tenderness, and occasionally as a sharp but fleeting pain, particularly when my rib cage presses against objects. There are moments when the area is tender upon contact. Importantly, I’ve observed that the pain does not appear to correlate with my diet, which adds to my anxiety. Other persistent symptoms include: • Frequent gas • Yellowish, sticky, greasy stools (persisting regardless of my diet) • Occasional lower back pain, which seems to improve with movement but worsens by evening • Muscle and joint discomfort, especially in my knees. Health History: Since 2020/21, I've encountered numerous health concerns. I was diagnosed with mononucleosis (CMV), after which gastrointestinal issues began to surface, characterized by loose, fluffy stools. My eyes exhibited jaundice, and my bilirubin levels remained slightly elevated. I experienced extreme fatigue, along with feelings of depression and anxiety. After undergoing a colonoscopy and endoscopy, which yielded normal results, along with multiple blood and stool tests and an abdominal CT scan that showed nothing troubling, I was suggested to have IBS and GERD. Various alternative treatments were attempted to alleviate my GI issues; one such method, a parasite cleanse, provided temporary relief. Yet, I continue to face gut complications, primarily concerning digestion and bowel movements. Recently, as described earlier, I have seen a worsening in my condition. Additionally, I used to suffer from recurrent infections and viruses, although that seems to have subsided lately. In December, while on a trip to Madagascar, I contracted a stomach virus that caused persistent bouts of foul-smelling, watery yellow diarrhea for a fortnight, accompanied by nausea—possibly Giardia infection. I understand that my relatively young age makes pancreatic cancer unlikely, but I find myself increasingly convinced that this is my issue, and my anxiety is exacerbating my symptoms. I am currently arranging for more blood, urine, and stool tests and plan to advocate for an MRI soon. I would greatly value any insights, similar experiences, or recommendations on what steps to take next. Thank you for taking the time to read my concerns.

Answers (1)

6/20/2025, 3:40:55 PM

OpenHealth AI

Thank you for sharing such a detailed overview of your health concerns. It seems you are experiencing a complex combination of symptoms that have understandably raised anxiety around serious conditions like pancreatic cancer. Before we go into actionable advice, let’s highlight the key points:

1. Persistent Right-Side Pain and Digestive Issues: You have recurring pain under your right ribs, digestive problems, and have been diagnosed with IBS and GERD.
2. Previous Medical Evaluations: You've had multiple tests, including blood work and imaging, that generally show normal results, which points away from severe underlying conditions such as pancreatic cancer.
3. Ongoing Symptoms and Anxiety: Symptoms include frequent gas, yellowish sticky stools, and discomfort which may correlate more with gastrointestinal issues rather than serious pathology.

Explanation

Your symptoms can be distressing, especially when paired with past health experiences. While the concern for pancreatic cancer is understandable, especially given your persistent and concerning symptoms, the extensive testing you've already undergone has shown no alarming issues with your pancreas. Instead, conditions like IBS and possibly functional dyspepsia could explain your ongoing digestive challenges.

Next Steps

Here are prioritized actions to help manage your symptoms and overall health:

1. Continue Diagnostic Testing: Proceed with the planned blood, urine, and stool tests. An MRI may provide additional reassurance, especially if there are specific concerns that need to be ruled out. You can also ask about specific tests for gastrointestinal function or food intolerances.

2. Dietary Management:

   • Elimination Diet: Consider keeping a food diary to identify any potential food triggers for your symptoms. Eliminate processed foods, dairy, and high-fat items, and see if your symptoms improve.
   • Small Frequent Meals: Eating smaller, more frequent meals can help manage symptoms associated with GERD and IBS.

3. Symptom Management:

   • Over-the-counter Medications: For gas relief, consider simethicone-based products. If heartburn is a concern, using over-the-counter antacids may be beneficial. However, consult a healthcare provider for long-term use.
   • Hydration: Stay well-hydrated, as dehydrated states can lead to digestive issues.

4. Stress and Anxiety Management:

   • Consider relaxation techniques (like yoga, meditation, or breathing exercises) to help manage stress and anxiety, which can exacerbate gastrointestinal symptoms.
   • If anxiety continues to be significant, talking to a mental health professional could also be a beneficial avenue.

5. Lifestyle Adjustments:

   • Maintain an active lifestyle. Gentle exercise, such as walking or stretching, can help alleviate some discomfort and improve digestive health.
   • Ensure you have regular sleep patterns, as proper rest can also influence gastrointestinal function.

Reassurance

It's perfectly normal to feel anxious about health issues, especially with ongoing symptoms. Remember, many individuals with IBS and similar digestive issues experience cycles of flare-ups and improvement over time. Please keep communicating with your healthcare provider about your concerns, as they can offer reassurance and guidance tailored to your specific situation. You're taking the right steps by seeking additional evaluations and managing your well-being actively.

Feel free to reach out if you have more questions or need further guidance!