OpenHealth Q&A

Understanding My Health Struggles

I am a 39-year-old woman, standing at 5'9" and weighing 160 pounds. Firstly, I appreciate any insights or assistance you might offer regarding my health problems. Up until about two years ago, I was in excellent health. I contracted COVID-19 back in 2020 and have since received four vaccinations, which may or may not be pertinent to my current situation. In the summer of 2023, I underwent a hemorrhoidectomy following the birth of my child in 2022, as I struggled with persistent hemorrhoid issues that wouldn’t heal. A few months post-surgery, I began experiencing daily diarrhea, which consisted of just one bowel movement without any noticeable urge. After consulting my physician, I was referred to a gastroenterologist. They carried out stool tests along with endoscopy and colonoscopy examinations, concluding that I was suffering from lymphocytic colitis. As part of my treatment, they prescribed budesonide, which initially seemed effective. However, as I began to taper off the medication, my diarrhea reemerged. Subsequently, I was advised to follow a low FODMAP diet, but only observed minimal improvements, with occasional normal bowel movements. Fast forward a year, I continued on budesonide, and my lab results indicated elevated cholesterol levels, prompting the addition of a statin to my regimen while discontinuing the budesonide. A few months later, I found myself plagued by chronic fatigue, night sweats, and frequent lightheadedness. In response, my doctor recommended increased hydration and conducted tests for iron levels and other blood analyses, all of which returned normal results. On a day when I felt particularly fatigued and dizzy, my family and I went out to eat in hopes of feeling better. After consuming pretzels too quickly for an appetizer, I suddenly began to sweat profusely, experienced nausea, dizziness, and blurry vision—signifying a pre-syncope event, although I managed to stay conscious. Alarmed, we called for paramedics, who arrived to find that I had stabilized, with all vital signs and blood sugar levels appearing normal. Following this episode, my doctor referred me to both neurology and cardiology, as well as back to gastroenterology. The neurologist noted nothing unusual outside of some long-standing migraines and the anxiety stemming from my health concerns. The cardiology team assured me that my heart functioned well, with normal EKG and echocardiogram results. Another endoscopy/colonoscopy was scheduled by the gastroenterologist, but I have yet to undergo that procedure. Since then, my symptoms have progressively worsened. I now constantly feel bloated, suffer from severe heartburn and indigestion, and still experience diarrhea alongside sharp pains on my left side, pressure beneath my sternum and diaphragm, excessive gas and bloating, pervasive brain fog, and bouts of lightheadedness. Over-the-counter gastrointestinal medications and vitamins haven’t yielded any relief. Additionally, I've been feeling unwell, dizzy, and fatigued, prompting me to monitor my blood glucose levels. I've noticed dips into the 40s and 50s mg/dL, particularly low upon waking in the morning, even though my A1C test came back normal just a month ago. I am feeling very anxious and uncertain about what might be wrong with my health, especially with the slow pace of testing from the doctors. Caring for my toddler amidst this turmoil has become increasingly challenging. If I’ve missed any relevant details, please feel free to ask for clarification.

Answers (1)

6/30/2025, 12:20:54 PM

OpenHealth AI

I'm really sorry to hear about your ongoing health struggles. It sounds like you have been through a lot, and it’s completely understandable to feel anxious given your symptoms and the impact they have on your daily life. Let's break this down and focus on your major concerns: persistent gastrointestinal issues, fatigue, lightheadedness, and anxiety.

Main Points:

1. Gastrointestinal Symptoms: Your persistent diarrhea, bloating, heartburn, and sharp pains raise concerns about your gastrointestinal health.
2. Fatigue & Lightheadedness: These symptoms, especially with episodes of low blood sugar, need to be closely monitored.
3. Emotional Well-being: The stress of managing these health issues while caring for your toddler is significant.

Explanation:

You have been diagnosed with lymphocytic colitis, which can cause chronic diarrhea and discomfort. Budesonide may help manage inflammation, but tapering off can lead to symptom recurrence. Your gastrointestinal symptoms, including bloating and heartburn, could be related to dietary triggers or how your body is processing food, especially after a significant change like childbirth and surgery.

The lightheadedness, especially with noted low blood sugar, can sometimes hint at issues like reactive hypoglycemia, where blood sugar drops after eating, often due to diet. Anxiety can amplify physical symptoms, causing cyclical issues with perception and increase discomfort sensations.

Next Steps:

1. Dietary Review:

   • Keep a Food Diary: Start tracking everything you eat and any symptoms you feel. This might help identify triggers or patterns.
   • Consult a Dietitian: If possible, work with a nutritionist familiar with gastrointestinal issues who can help tailor your diet beyond the low FODMAP guidelines to ensure you're getting the nutrients you need without exacerbating symptoms.

2. Hydration and Blood Sugar Management:

   • Frequent Small Meals: Instead of standard meals, consider smaller, more frequent snacks or meals to help maintain steady blood sugar levels.
   • Hydrate Consistently: Stay well-hydrated. Aim for at least 8-10 glass of water spread throughout your day.

3. Ongoing Monitoring:

   • Blood Sugar Monitoring: Continue to monitor your blood sugar, especially after meals, and keep a log of your findings. If blood sugar consistently drops, discuss this trend with your healthcare provider or endocrinologist to recognize patterns.
   • Follow Up on Symptoms: As you undergo further tests (like the upcoming endoscopy), document any changes in symptoms to share with your doctors.

4. Emotional Support:

   • Mental Health Check: The stress of ongoing health issues can be overwhelming. Consider discussing your anxiety with a therapist or counselor who can provide coping strategies.
   • Support Groups: Connecting with others who have similar health issues (like digestive disorders) can provide emotional relief and practical advice.

This approach prioritizes monitoring your symptoms and ensuring your dietary habits support your gastrointestinal and overall health. Please don’t hesitate to reach out for further guidance or clarification as you navigate this challenging time. Remember to be gentle with yourself, and it’s okay to ask for support when you need it.