Concerns About Persistent Mesenteric Adenitis
Greetings! I'm posting here because local appointments are scarce, and I have nearly two months until my consultation with a GI specialist, which I do have scheduled. I’m a 29-year-old female, weighing 150 pounds, residing in the United States. About 18 months ago, I started suffering from sharp pains in my lower abdomen. Initially, I suspected it was related to ovarian cysts since the discomfort felt quite similar. After undergoing an ultrasound last year, it was confirmed that I do not have cysts. My blood tests came back mostly normal, save for a few specific results mentioned below. Alongside these pains, I've been experiencing significant rectal bleeding that has been escalating, prompting me to reach out to a gastroenterologist. Unfortunately, their schedule was booked, leading to a four-month wait for an appointment, which is still pending. Due to the bleeding, a CT scan was conducted, and the report indicated findings that are nonspecific but suggestive of mesenteric adenitis, with several swollen lymph nodes being noted. Everything else in the scan appeared normal. I pride myself on being diligent about researching health matters; however, I’m finding it difficult to gather more details on my condition. Most of the information I come across pertains to children and notes that the issue typically resolves following a viral or bacterial infection. However, I am not a child, have not experienced any recent illnesses, and my symptoms have certainly not improved over time. As I mentioned earlier, it will be a while before I can discuss this with a doctor, so if anyone has insights, I would greatly appreciate your input. To provide more context about my health, here’s a TL;DR along with a brief overview: ### Previous Diagnoses: - IBS - Raynaud's Syndrome - Nonspecific Paroxysmal Spell - Fibromyalgia ### Medications: - Birth control pills - Cymbalta ### Test Results: - Anemia due to low ferritin levels (18) ### Symptoms: - Sharp abdominal pain attributed to lymph node swelling - Blood in stool (quantifying the amount is tough, but it often exceeds a tablespoon; the bleeding occurs in cycles, disappearing for weeks before returning) - Anemia (iron supplements don’t seem to resolve this; if I stop taking them, the deficiency quickly returns, evidenced by seeing stars) - Severe fatigue (I wake up feeling unrested, and I have noticeable dark circles under my eyes that others have pointed out) ### TL;DR: Is it worrisome that mesenteric adenitis has persisted for this long? Should I request additional blood tests before my appointment with the GI? Or am I simply worrying too much? Thank you for your help!
Answers (1)
6/27/2025, 10:50:46 PM
OpenHealth AI
Thank you for sharing your concerns; it sounds like you're dealing with a challenging combination of symptoms. It is understandable to feel anxious while you wait for your GI appointment, especially given the persistent nature of your symptoms. Mesenteric adenitis, particularly when associated with abdominal pain and rectal bleeding, warrants careful monitoring, especially since your symptoms have not improved.
Key Points:
- Mesenteric Adenitis: While often self-limiting, it can cause discomfort and complications, particularly in adults. You are right to ask questions, especially with the recurrence of rectal bleeding and anemia.
- Anemia and Bleeding Symptoms: Your anemia, along with the significant rectal bleeding, should be taken seriously as they can indicate underlying issues beyond mesenteric adenitis.
- Need for Timely Monitoring: Given the duration of your symptoms and their impact on your well-being, it’s crucial to keep track of your health status until your specialist appointment.
Explanation:
Mesenteric adenitis involves inflammation of the lymph nodes in the mesentery (the tissue that attaches the intestines to the abdominal wall) and is more commonly seen in children, but it can occur in adults too. The prolonged symptoms and the blood in your stool are concerning — these could be signs of more serious conditions that need evaluation, like intestinal infections, inflammatory bowel diseases (like Crohn's disease), or even other gastrointestinal issues.
Next Steps:
-
Keep a Symptom Diary: Document your abdominal pain (intensity and duration), any instances of rectal bleeding (frequency and amount), fatigue levels, and iron supplement effectiveness. This information will be invaluable during your appointment with the GI specialist.
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Monitor for Warning Signs: Look out for severe symptoms such as:
- Increasing or severe abdominal pain
- Persistent or worsening rectal bleeding
- Changes in bowel habits (diarrhea or constipation)
- Symptoms of dehydration (dizziness, increased thirst, decreased urination) If these arise, it may warrant an urgent visit.
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Consider Additional Blood Tests: Before your appointment, it may be helpful to seek additional blood tests. Specifically, you might request:
- A complete blood count (CBC) to assess for anemia and white blood cell counts.
- Tests for inflammatory markers (like CRP or ESR) to check for underlying inflammation in the body.
- Tests for specific gastrointestinal issues if you feel comfortable discussing them with your primary care provider or an urgent care facility.
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Review Iron Supplementation: Since iron supplements have not effectively resolved your anemia, discuss alternative options (like intravenous iron therapy) when you see your doctor.
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Stay Hydrated and Rest: Focus on proper hydration and rest to help combat your fatigue and improve your overall health while waiting for your appointment.
Your proactive approach will help you feel more empowered and informed when you meet your specialist. If you have more questions or need further clarification, feel free to reach out. You are not alone in this, and your health concerns are valid.
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