Persistent Swelling, Itching, and Illness
Age: 33 I aim to summarize my situation briefly, though I'm open to sharing further details in the comments if needed. I've experienced minor health concerns for several years, but lately, one issue has intensified significantly since early May. My lower abdomen has become severely swollen. Although I noticed gradual swelling over the last six months, it suddenly worsened in the first few days of May. Concerned by this sudden change, I visited the emergency room on May 4th. After conducting blood tests and a CT scan, the doctors found no obvious problems. However, the swelling did not improve. Over the course of the following month, I returned to the ER twice more and sought acute care once, culminating in a follow-up appointment with my primary care physician on June 10th. While the doctor ordered ultrasounds and a colonoscopy, she indicated that my situation did not appear to be urgent. In addition to the abdominal swelling, I have been suffering from relentless itching for at least five years. Multiple physicians have suggested it could be allergies, but I have experimented with various remedies to no avail. The itching intensifies at night and affects my entire body, with my feet and legs being the most severely impacted. It feels as though the irritation originates beneath the skin, leading me to suspect it could be a nerve-related issue rather than purely dermal. Recently, I have noticed a range of new symptoms manifesting. I have been experiencing overwhelming fatigue that can vary from day to day. Additionally, I have dealt with significant constipation, for which I started taking 200mg of docusate sodium daily; while it has provided some relief, the issue persists. My appetite has diminished considerably, which contributes to minimal food intake. Eating typically causes my abdominal discomfort to escalate, leading to further unease on top of a baseline of discomfort. This has resulted in a notable weight decrease—dropping from 125 pounds last fall to 115 on May 4th and now down to 107 pounds (at 5'4")—along with persistent aches and a general sense of malaise that fluctuates in severity. Mid-May, I also noticed a growing red spot on my cheek that resembles a small telangiectasia. While it may not be directly related, the timeline prompted me to mention it. Over the past year, I have had multiple brief instances of illness, characterized by fatigue and a vague sense of being unwell. However, these episodes have become more frequent, particularly since May, culminating in a notably challenging episode in the last few days. This latest phase has brought along heightened fatigue, body aches, and a severe headache, accompanied by intermittent sweating, hot flashes, and occasional chills. I have researched various potential causes for my abdominal swelling extensively. While I don't intend to lead anyone's thoughts in a specific direction, a description of itching akin to mine caught my attention while I was researching lymphoma, which I felt was pertinent to mention. A colonoscopy is scheduled for next month, and I hope it will shed light on my issues. However, thus far, no tests or imaging have indicated any specific concerns. I am trying to remain patient, but my symptoms are increasingly distressing, and I am alarmed by the rapid progression of these issues. Thank you for taking the time to read my account. I welcome any insights or advice you may have.
Answers (1)
6/30/2025, 12:20:44 AM
OpenHealth AI
I'm sorry to hear about the distressing symptoms you're experiencing, including abdominal swelling, severe itching, fatigue, and weight loss. These symptoms are understandably concerning, especially given their recent worsening. It's important to remain proactive while awaiting your upcoming colonoscopy and further evaluations.
Summary of Main Considerations
- Abdominal Swelling: Gradual worsening that requires monitoring.
- Persistent Itching: Potentially linked to allergies, nerve issues, or skin conditions.
- Fatigue and Appetite Loss: Notable changes that could be influenced by your overall health.
- Additional Symptoms: New developments like a red spot, frequent illnesses, and body aches.
Explanation
-
Abdominal Swelling: While tests have shown no immediate issues, continued monitoring is crucial. Sudden changes can signal different underlying conditions, so documenting any additional symptoms you notice is helpful.
-
Itching: Severe itching can sometimes be due to internal conditions, allergies, or skin disorders. Given its persistence and your research into lymphoma, it's wise to discuss the potential need for specialized testing with your physician to rule out underlying causes.
-
Fatigue and Appetitive Changes: Weight loss and loss of appetite can reflect overall health complications, warranting close attention. You may consider tracking your food intake and symptoms to identify patterns that might emerge.
Next Steps
-
Keep a Symptom Journal: Document all symptoms, including their intensity, triggers, and patterns. Note any changes, especially after meals or at specific times of day.
-
Monitor Your Weight: Continue to track your weight regularly. If it continues to decline or results in significant discomfort, it's important to bring this to your healthcare provider's attention immediately.
-
Hydration and Nutrition: Focus on staying hydrated. Even if your appetite is low, small, nutrient-dense snacks can help manage weight. Protein shakes or smoothies might be beneficial if solid foods are difficult.
-
Prepare for Upcoming Appointments: Write down any specific questions or concerns to discuss at your colonoscopy and follow-up visits. This will help you address any previosuly overlooked aspects and allow your providers to comprehensively evaluate your symptoms.
-
Consider Allergy Testing or Dermatology Referral: If your itching continues to be unresolved, even with the allergies considered, it may be useful to discuss further specialized testing for skin or systemic conditions.
Remember, you are not alone in this, and your concerns are valid. Keeping an open line of communication with your healthcare team and staying proactive about tracking your symptoms can provide clarity as you work through these challenges. Let me know if you have other questions or need additional information!
Related Questions
Seeking Insights: My Journey with Undiagnosed Neurological Symptoms
Hello everyone, I'm a 34-year-old female grappling with neurological symptoms that first appeared in October, and I’m eager to hear from anyone who might have faced similar challenges. My journey began with unexpected migraines, blurred vision, and an ongoing sensation of being off-balance or intoxicated. Gradually, I began experiencing mainly sensory-related symptoms, such as tingling and burning sensations, feelings of extreme heat and cold, sharp pains radiating in my arms and back, as well as discomfort in my hands and toes, alongside intermittent numbness. I also endure varying degrees of weakness and heaviness in my right side, specifically my arm and leg, although I haven’t suffered complete functional loss. The nature of my symptoms is erratic; they fluctuate rather than consistently deteriorate. An MRI revealed mild, scattered lesions in the white matter, which were deemed nonspecific. Further tests from a lumbar puncture returned normal results, showing no markers of inflammation, and the oligoclonal bands were not present. A thorough range of lab tests yielded no significant findings. After evaluating my case, the neurology team suggested a possible diagnosis of MS and administered a three-day course of intravenous steroids. While I noticed a slight improvement in some sensory pain, my symptoms persist and continue to vary day by day. I still experience headaches and pressure in my head along with episodes of blurred vision, but there have been no new deficits since treatment. I am reaching out to connect with others who have had similar experiences. I would like to learn about the insights or diagnoses you encountered and what treatments proved beneficial (such as those related to migraine disorders, dysautonomia, or sensory neuropathy, for example). If you have navigated a similar path, I would greatly appreciate your sharing your story. Thank you!
Should I Seek Medical Attention for Left Ear Pulsatile Tinnitus?
A 31-year-old woman reports an ongoing issue with pulsatile tinnitus, which she is currently experiencing solely in her left ear. Although she's noticed this condition intermittently before, she hadn’t paid it much mind due to the absence of pain. Recently, however, her curiosity piqued her interest in researching the condition, where she stumbled upon information suggesting it could be serious. Usually, she avoids searching online for health worries, but now she is contemplating whether a visit to the doctor might be warranted. Can anyone advise on the need for a medical evaluation in this case?
Concerns About Angular Cheilitis
I’m a 23-year-old woman with no history of smoking, and I’m seeking assistance regarding a health issue. Back in January, I experienced angular cheilitis three times, each episode involving a minor crack at the corner of my mouth that healed within a few days. Following the last occurrence, I became quite anxious due to saliva accumulation in that area. I found myself frequently brushing my finger along that spot. After a few days, I observed a small area forming that appeared white and had a rough texture. Eventually, I realized it was not just a coincidence, and I started taking action, but only after it became noticeably larger. To address it, I cleaned the area with a mix of alcohol and apple cider vinegar. I’m uncertain about what this issue could be, but I’ve recently begun using over-the-counter Clotrimazole cream while also keeping the area moisturized with either lanolin or petroleum jelly. Unfortunately, I haven’t noticed any improvement, and I’m concerned as it seems to be expanding. The patch continues to be rough and excessively dry. Although I can open my mouth wide without any cracks forming, I do feel tension in the skin, similar to having a bandage over that location. At times, I experience a burning sensation after thorough washing, and I’ve noticed tiny red spots appearing on the outer edges of the patch sporadically.
Unusual Heart Sensation
I’m an 18-year-old, weighing 50 kilograms and standing at 170 centimeters (and yes, I’m aware that I’m quite slender). For the past couple of years, I’ve developed a habit of smoking about half a pack of cigarettes each day. So, the other day I was lying on my left side, relaxing, when I stumbled upon an unusual sensation. It felt as though my heart was pulsating so intensely that it was almost outside my body. Out of curiosity, I pressed a bit on the area and was instantly hit with a rush; my head started to tingle, my vision momentarily blurred, and it felt as though my heart dropped. It was as if my entire system had malfunctioned. Just for context, I’ve experienced something similar before after a ketamine overdose, and it persisted for about a month afterward, occurring occasionally while trying to sleep or during random moments in bed. This current episode has me quite anxious, especially since it hasn’t happened in a while, but this time felt particularly alarming.
Post-Gallbladder Surgery Concerns: Potential Infection Three Weeks Later?
Subject's Age: 35 Gender: Female Height: 5 feet 4 inches Weight: 160 pounds Ethnicity: Asian Duration of Symptoms: Last Three Weeks Geographic Location: United States Relevant Medical History: Almost three weeks ago, I underwent gallbladder removal surgery. In the last few days, I have observed a small amount of cloudy discharge emerging from my incision site. Recently, I noticed what appears to be pus leaking from the area. While there is no significant pain, I do feel a mild soreness when I touch or move the site. I have not experienced any fever or chills, and there’s no unpleasant odor coming from the wound. Should I continue to clean the area with soap and water, or is it advisable to seek medical attention at the emergency room for further evaluation?