OpenHealth Q&A

Endless Struggles with Diarrhea, Nutritional Deficiencies, Heightened Anxiety, and Sleep Issues – Seeking Answers and Support

Hello everyone, I’m a 28-year-old male reaching out in a state of mental fatigue. For the last five to six months, I have been on a relentless journey, visiting various medical professionals, undergoing numerous tests, and trying different medications, yet I remain without a definitive diagnosis. This ongoing ordeal has severely impacted both my mental wellbeing and work life, leaving me urgently seeking some clarity or guidance. ⸻ 🔹 **Primary Ongoing Issue:** • I’ve been dealing with chronic diarrhea and loose stools for five months, which remains my principal and unresolved complaint. ⸻ 🔹 **Initial Experiences:** • Initially, I experienced significant fatigue and weakness. • Blood analyses revealed a critical deficiency in vitamin B and a slight shortage of iron. • I was prescribed Vitcofol injections (a combination of B12 and folic acid) which I received daily for a week, then weekly for two months. While this helped somewhat alleviate my fatigue, my gastrointestinal symptoms persisted. ⸻ 🔹 **Emergence of Anxiety:** • Over time, I developed severe anxiety that seemed disconnected from typical life pressures. • After consulting a psychiatrist, I received prescriptions for: • Paroxetine (an SSRI) • A proton pump inhibitor (PPI) • Medications for panic attacks (which provided some relief) • Unfortunately, Paroxetine worsened my mental state, prompting me to discontinue it after three weeks. Strangely enough, my anxiety subsided on its own after that, though my gastrointestinal problems continued. ⸻ 🔹 **Consulting a Gastroenterologist:** • I visited a gastrointestinal specialist who prescribed a PPI and doxycycline, yielding only slight, temporary improvements. • However, the diarrhea returned swiftly after finishing the antibiotics. • A few weeks later, I began experiencing insomnia, increased resting heart rate, and persistent fatigue. • I was then given ciprofloxacin alongside a PPI but noticed no benefits. ⸻ 🔹 **Tests Conducted So Far:** • Thyroid function tests – Normal • HIV test – Negative • Liver function tests and hepatitis B/C – Normal • (These tests were done following a concerning disclosure regarding my ex’s hepatitis status) ⸻ 🔹 **What’s Next:** • The GI doctor has now recommended a colonoscopy; frankly, I am hoping this will provide some answers for my symptoms. ⸻ 🧠 **Mental Wellbeing:** I’ve reached a stage where I almost wish any of the tests had revealed something definitive, just to gain a sense of certainty. The uncertainty is overwhelming. I feel drained in every possible way—mentally, emotionally, and physically. My only desire is to return to a state of normalcy. ⸻ 🔍 **Medical Background:** • I have previously been diagnosed with: • NERD (Non-erosive reflux disease) • IBS-C (constipation-predominant) • Both conditions typically caused mild flare-ups annually, but this experience feels markedly different. ⸻ 🙏 **Seeking Your Help:** • Does this combination of symptoms resonate with anyone? • Are there any further diagnostic tests I should consider requesting? • Could conditions like malabsorption, SIBO, inflammatory bowel disease, or even colon cancer be potential issues at my age? • Has anyone gone through a similar situation? Your insights would be immensely valuable. I truly need some guidance or to feel less isolated in this struggle. Thank you for taking the time to read my post.

Answers (1)

6/29/2025, 4:40:42 AM

OpenHealth AI

It sounds like you are navigating a complex and exhausting situation, suffering from chronic diarrhea and associated symptoms while feeling uncertain and anxious. Your ongoing struggle has understandably impacted your mental and emotional health. Let's break down your situation and discuss potential steps you can take.

Main Points:

• Chronic diarrhea and associated symptoms could indicate various underlying issues, including malabsorption, infections, or gastrointestinal diseases.
• Your recent tests have ruled out some serious conditions, and the colonoscopy may provide critical insights into your gastrointestinal health.
• It's important to address both the physical symptoms and the psychological impact of your situation.

Explanation:

Chronic diarrhea lasting longer than a few days can arise from several causes, including food intolerances, infections (including those caused by bacteria, viruses, or parasites), inflammatory bowel diseases (like Crohn's disease or ulcerative colitis), or conditions affecting nutrient absorption (like celiac disease or small intestinal bacterial overgrowth - SIBO). Given your history of IBS-C and NERD, it seems that your gastrointestinal system is quite sensitive.

The anxiety you're experiencing, especially after the initial fatigue and nutritional deficiencies, is not uncommon for individuals dealing with prolonged health issues. Physical symptoms can substantially affect mental wellbeing, leading to feelings of isolation and mental fatigue.

Next Steps:

1. Prepare for your Colonoscopy:

   • Ensure you follow the preparation guidelines carefully, as this procedure will help rule out or diagnose conditions like inflammatory bowel disease or other structural abnormalities.
   • Discuss your full history, including the severity and pattern of your symptoms, with your gastroenterologist beforehand.

2. Keep a Detailed Symptom Diary:

   • Track your bowel movements, dietary intake, and any relationships with specific foods or stressors. This information can be invaluable for your healthcare providers.

3. Focus on Nutrition and Hydration:

   • Stay Hydrated: Drink plenty of fluids, especially electrolytes, to combat dehydration from diarrhea.
   • Consider a Low-FODMAP Diet: This may help with symptoms of IBS, focusing on eliminating certain fermentable carbohydrates that can exacerbate digestive issues. Consult with a nutritionist for tailored advice.

4. Manage Anxiety and Stress:

   • Engage in relaxation techniques such as deep breathing exercises, meditation, or gentle physical activity like walking or yoga.
   • Support groups (online or in-person) can help reduce feelings of isolation, providing a space to share experiences and coping strategies.

5. Discuss Further Testing with Your Doctor:

   • If your symptoms persist after the colonoscopy, consider discussing tests for malabsorption (like stool tests for fat), SIBO (specific breath tests), or further imaging studies as needed.

6. Follow Up on Vitamin B and Iron Levels:

   • Periodically check your levels with your healthcare provider. Addressing deficiencies is critical in boosting your energy and overall well-being.

It’s crucial to continue seeking answers and support, as you're doing. You're not alone in this experience, and many have faced similar challenges. If you have any other topics you want to discuss or need more information about, feel free to ask. Take care of yourself, both physically and mentally.