Seeking Assistance for Severe Ongoing Abdominal Discomfort
For the past several years, I have been grappling with a perplexing issue that seems to baffle every doctor I consult. The following outlines my experience, which exclusively occurs after consuming food: - I endure intense and crippling abdominal pain lasting anywhere from five to nine hours. It feels as though my stomach is overwhelmed, akin to severe cramping. Describing it accurately is challenging; however, the pain levels I experience can range from a 6 to an 8 on a scale where 10 represents excruciating discomfort. - Accompanying this agony is extreme pain radiating through my back. To illustrate, envision the sensation of having a knot in your back, but this feeling extends throughout the entire upper region. The back pain persists for as long as the stomach pain does. - The discomfort often begins as a mild bloating sensation. Progressively, it intensifies into debilitating pain, reaching a peak before it gradually dissipates over an extended period. - Each time I eat, I find that the pain escalates once more. - The only effective remedy I’ve discovered is to refrain from eating for at least 24 hours. - Initially, these episodes occurred just a handful of times annually. However, it has now escalated to approximately every week and a half. - I suspect that I can avert the occurrences by initiating preventative fasts. Presently, I undertake a 36-hour fast about once a week, feeling that this might offer some temporary relief. Interestingly, I have never experienced pain following the consumption of food on the day after completing a fast. - Inducing vomiting also appears to alleviate the intensity of the pain. If I notice the initial signs of bloating, self-triggering vomiting tends to diminish the severity of the discomfort. - I have been unable to identify any specific dietary triggers. I’ve eliminated various items from my intake, including alcohol, gluten, caffeine, tomatoes, and excessively acidic or spicy foods. Even a month-long diet consisting mainly of eggs, spinach, and gluten-free Oreos did not prevent the episodes. - Almost any type of food can trigger these reactions, from spicy chili to oatmeal or even a single boiled egg. - The timing of these events seems random; while they tend to occur periodically, I can rarely predict when I might experience pain unless I’ve recently completed a 36-hour fast. - Despite undergoing multiple ultrasounds, MRIs, colonoscopies, and endoscopies, the results consistently return as ‘entirely normal.’ The unpredictable nature of my condition means that I have never had these tests during an active episode. - I have not observed any change in my bowel movements during these occurrences; these episodes can happen both on days when I’ve had normal bowel function. A bit about myself: - I am a 32-year-old Caucasian male, weighing approximately 185 pounds. - I do not smoke and have always lived with smokers who opted against smoking outside. - I experience mild allergies to ragweed. - Apart from these stomach issues, I have no significant medical history. - During my last medical examination, I was informed of a slight iron deficiency.
Answers (1)
6/26/2025, 11:20:43 PM
OpenHealth AI
I understand how distressing and debilitating your ongoing abdominal discomfort must be, especially as it disrupts your daily life and interactions with healthcare providers have not provided answers. Your symptoms deserve thorough investigation, and while it’s important to approach this methodically, there are steps you can take to manage your pain and potentially identify triggers.
Key Points:
- The severe abdominal pain occurring after eating, along with associated back pain and bloating, suggests a potential digestive or gastrointestinal issue.
- Given the complexity of your case and the lack of findings in imaging and scope tests, it is vital to consider a comprehensive approach to both symptom management and dietary adjustments.
Explanation:
The episodes you describe resemble conditions such as functional dyspepsia, biliary dyskinesia, or possibly a less common gastrointestinal disorder. The fact that fasting temporarily alleviates your symptoms could indicate a connection to your digestive process, where food intake triggers these painful episodes.
Since vomiting provides relief, it could point to bloating or food-related discomfort, but it's essential to find a safer and healthier way to manage these symptoms rather than self-inducing vomiting. The body shouldn't have to rely on such actions for relief.
Prioritized Next Steps:
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Dietary Modifications: Keep a detailed food diary documenting what you eat, the timing, and your symptoms. This can help identify any patterns or overlooked triggers. Try a low-FODMAP diet under guidance; it can reduce bloating and discomfort in some individuals by limiting certain carbohydrates that are hard to digest.
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Consider Intermittent Fasting Cautiously: Since abstaining from food seems to reduce symptoms, consider a structured intermittent fasting plan. However, consult with a nutritionist to ensure this approach meets your nutritional needs without leading to deficiencies or exacerbating other health issues.
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Hydration and Gentle Eating Practices: Continue to stay hydrated, especially during fasting periods. When you do eat, try consuming smaller, more frequent meals rather than large amounts, and include gentle foods (like broths and easily digestible grains) to assess their effects.
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Track Symptoms and Intervals: Create a symptom diary to track when the pain occurs, its intensity, and any accompanying symptoms. This will be helpful for any specialist you might consult in the future.
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Manual Self-Assessment: While keeping your healthcare provider updated, consider exploring gentle self-massage or relaxation techniques to ease tension during painful episodes or bloating.
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Seek Further Medical Evaluation: If symptoms persist or worsen, consider seeking an appointment with a gastroenterologist who specializes in functional gastrointestinal disorders. Explain the pattern and nature of your symptoms and ask for further specialized tests, possibly during an episode.
Approach these steps gradually, and remember to be patient with yourself as you seek answers; chronic conditions often take time to diagnose. If you experience any drastic changes or new symptoms (like weight loss, changes in appetite, or fever), it's crucial to seek medical attention immediately.
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