OpenHealth Q&A

Normal Lab Results, Yet Struggling with Severe Illness

This is quite a lengthy narrative, but I feel it's important to share my journey. I have a long-standing history of chronic health issues alongside mental health challenges. Age: 29, Weight: 145 lbs, Height: 5'7" Current Medications: Lamotrigine 150mg daily; Buspirone 10mg twice a day as needed; Focalin extended release 30mg each morning. Medical Conditions: ADHD (inattentive type), Autism, Bipolar Disorder (type 2), Borderline Personality Disorder, Complex PTSD, Generalized Anxiety Disorder, Major Depressive Disorder, and I suspect POTS (Postural Orthostatic Tachycardia Syndrome) possibly related to EDS (Ehlers-Danlos Syndrome), though that isn’t my focus at the moment. Surgical History: I underwent an emergency C-section in 2016 that was quite rapid (just 17 minutes from diagnosis to my son’s delivery, while under general anesthesia, with no spinal block). I had another planned C-section in 2018 and a partial hysterectomy in 2022 via the same scar while retaining my ovaries. Health Background: I was born with uterine didelphys, which means having two uteruses, two cervices, and a vaginal septum. This condition led to intense menstrual pain and frequent abdominal discomfort unrelated to my cycle, necessitating numerous consultations and tests aimed at pain relief. During a pelvic examination under anesthesia at age 12, my double uterus and cervices were identified and a portion of the septum was removed without prior discussion with my parents or me. This has since caused scar tissue complications, contributing to pain during intercourse unless a vibrator is used for relief. I have experienced a multitude of pelvic exams, ultrasounds, various imaging techniques, bladder washes, pelvic rehabilitation, numerous birth control methods (including depot shots, Lupron, and NuvaRing), and various medications, including antispasmodics, antidepressants, muscle relaxants, and both non-narcotic and narcotic pain relief (the latter during my teenage years). Beginning around age 10, I experienced episodes characterized by heart palpitations, rapid heart rate, dizziness, tunnel vision, ringing in my ears, and nausea, which would often culminate in fainting. These occurrences gradually became more prevalent, leading to my POTS diagnosis at age 27. Additionally, I have dealt with intermittent gastrointestinal issues throughout my life, which I often dismissed as isolated incidents of food poisoning or stomach viruses. Eventually, they were attributed to IBS or simply the chronic pain associated with my reproductive system. After my hysterectomy, these gastrointestinal symptoms became less frequent and severe, prompting me to manage them as best I could. However, I now find myself grappling with more pressing concerns. Current Challenges: For the past six weeks, I've been struggling with gastrointestinal distress to such an extent that I've missed nearly a month of work. I've depleted my paid time off and am now facing a corrective action plan due to these absences. Every morning, I awake to severe nausea and abdominal cramps without fail. My bathroom visits are marked by either diarrhea or constipation—there's no middle ground. Following this, I often experience dry heaving for 10-15 minutes before I can manage to take my medications. Throughout the day, I live with a persistent level of nausea and lower abdominal discomfort, which invariably worsens upon eating. No matter how bland the meal, within ten minutes after eating, I experience increasing pain and frequent urges to use the bathroom every 3-5 minutes, hampering my ability to perform my job from home. I visited the emergency room two weeks ago, where lab tests and a contrast CT scan returned normal results. I was given morphine and Zofran along with IV fluids, after which several medications were prescribed. They advised me to follow up with a gastroenterologist, which is in progress, yet I still struggle to maintain daily functioning. I returned to the ER last Thursday, where they repeated blood tests, provided IV toradol and reglan, but once again urged me to consult a GI specialist, stating a necessary scope was in my future (though they did not proceed with the scope at that moment). On top of everything else, I am experiencing a pervasive feeling of bruising throughout my body, along with swelling and stiffness in my fingers, particularly in the joints. My fine motor skills vary throughout the day, making even simple tasks—like opening a pill packet—challenging. Light touch or pressure causes significant discomfort, which, while not my primary concern, adds to my overall distress. I'm overwhelmed and in a constant state of discomfort. The fear of eating due to the ensuing pain is stifling, and I am perpetually exhausted. I am reaching out for support and am open to any suggestions, insights, or guidance that might help me find some relief. Thank you for considering my situation and for any assistance you can provide. P.S. I realized I omitted the year of my hysterectomy in earlier notes.

Answers (1)

6/29/2025, 6:31:04 PM

OpenHealth AI

I'm truly sorry to hear about the challenges you've been facing. Your situation sounds incredibly overwhelming, and it’s understandable to seek relief and clarity. Let's focus on the gastrointestinal distress you're experiencing and how to alleviate some of your symptoms.

Main Points:

1. Digestive Issues: You are experiencing severe nausea, abdominal cramps, and altered bowel habits, which are affecting your daily functioning.
2. Previous Evaluations: Normal lab results suggest there may be a functional or gastrointestinal issue that isn't clearly identifiable yet.
3. Current Symptoms: Ongoing discomfort makes it hard for you to eat and maintain daily activities.

Explanation:

Given your history and the acute symptoms you're describing, it’s important to explore a few key factors that might be contributing to your gastrointestinal distress. Conditions like Irritable Bowel Syndrome (IBS), motility issues, and even anxiety can exacerbate digestive symptoms. POTS can also cause gastrointestinal issues due to decreased blood flow to the digestive tract in certain positions.

Actionable Steps:

1. Dietary Management:

   • Start a food diary to track what you eat and when symptoms occur; this can help identify possible trigger foods.
   • Smaller, more frequent meals may ease nausea and help manage bowel habits. Try bland foods like bananas, rice, applesauce, and toast (the BRAT diet).
   • Stay hydrated with clear fluids, and consider electrolyte solutions if you are experiencing diarrhea.

2. Medication Adherence:

   • Ensure you are consistently taking prescribed medications like Zofran for nausea. Discuss timing of medications with your healthcare provider to optimize their effect based on meal times.

3. Symptom Management:

   • Use relaxation techniques, such as deep breathing exercises or yoga, to help manage anxiety and reduce gastrointestinal upset.
   • Over-the-counter medications like simethicone may assist with gas, while probiotics can sometimes help balance gut bacteria—discuss these options with your gastroenterologist.

4. Consult Specialist:

   • Continue the follow-up with your gastroenterologist. Discuss the possibility of further testing (like an upper endoscopy or motility studies) to explore any underlying conditions that might be contributing to your symptoms.
   • Mention the sensations of bruising and joint stiffness to ensure a holistic view of your health profile, as these could be relevant to any underlying conditions.

5. Support Systems:

   • Consider reaching out to support groups or mental health professionals for chronic illness management. They could provide emotional support and coping strategies while you navigate these health challenges.

Conclusion:

Your symptoms are difficult, and it's okay to feel anxious about them. Focus on manageable dietary changes, effective medication use, and consistent communication with your healthcare providers. Prioritize the steps that feel most achievable for you right now. If you ever feel overwhelmed, remember to lean on your support networks.

Please keep me updated on how things progress, and don't hesitate to reach out as you find your path forward!