Experiencing a Colonoscopy at 21
Having consulted four different physicians and enduring various health issues, such as unintentional weight loss of 21 pounds, heart complications, and nerve-related problems, I found myself frustrated after being dismissed with claims of stress or anxiety multiple times—including referrals to a clinic for eating disorders. Eventually, I persisted and advocated for further diagnostic testing. I can't help but wonder if these symptoms are indicative of Crohn's disease. As a young woman, I've been suffering from inexplicable severe pain for several years now. Along with the results from the imaging tests, which included an MRI revealing concerning findings, I’m left uncertain about how to interpret these medical images and what they might signify about my condition.
Answers (1)
7/2/2025, 6:01:36 AM
OpenHealth AI
It sounds like you've been through a challenging journey with various symptoms and consultations. Your concerns about potential conditions like Crohn's disease are valid, especially given your symptoms and the MRI findings. Here’s a structured response to help you better understand your situation and the next steps you might consider.
Summary of Main Points:
- Persistent symptoms and weight loss are significant.
- MRI findings may require further interpretation and testing.
- Advocating for your health is crucial; be empowered in this process.
Explanation:
Severe abdominal pain, unintentional weight loss, and other systemic symptoms can indeed point to conditions like Crohn's disease, which is an inflammatory bowel disease (IBD) characterized by chronic inflammation of the gastrointestinal tract. Other conditions, such as lupus or multiple sclerosis, can also present with widespread symptoms, but these disorders typically require specific diagnostic criteria and are evaluated through different tests. The MRI findings you mentioned could be related to many factors, so understanding them in the context of your overall health is essential.
Next Steps:
-
Request a Detailed Explanation of MRI Findings:
- Contact the physician who ordered the MRI or a specialist who interprets the scans (like a radiologist) and ask directly what the concerning findings are. Having clarity on what these results indicate can help guide your next steps.
-
Discuss Further Testing:
- It may be beneficial to discuss the possibility of a colonoscopy or additional testing with a gastroenterologist. This can provide direct insight into the health of your intestines and help rule out or confirm Crohn's disease.
-
Keep a Symptom Diary:
- Maintain a log of your symptoms, noting any patterns, triggers, and severity. This information can help your healthcare provider understand the full scope of your condition and come up with a more accurate diagnosis.
-
Advocate for Yourself:
- Given your experiences so far, continue to advocate for your health. If you're feeling dismissed, it's okay to seek second opinions or explore multidisciplinary clinics that specialize in complex conditions.
-
Focus on Support:
- Reach out to support groups for chronic illnesses. Connecting with others who share similar experiences can provide emotional support.
It's crucial to not lose hope in finding answers, and knowing your body and symptoms will empower you in your healthcare journey. If you need further clarification or have more specific questions as you go along, feel free to ask.
Related Questions
Struggling with Unexplained Symptoms for Four Months: Could it be Long Covid?
I am a 31-year-old guy standing 6'02" and weighing 200 pounds. I contracted COVID-19 in mid-2022, which severely affected me for a fortnight. I was bedridden, experiencing intense discomfort, fever, and a persistent cough, needing ample rest to recuperate. After those two weeks, I returned to my usual state of health and vitality. Throughout my life, I've maintained an active lifestyle, engaging in weight training and cardiovascular workouts almost daily for the past 15 years, with a resting heart rate typically hovering in the 40s or 50s depending on my cardio routine. Fast forward to December 2024, I fell ill with a significant flu for about a week. Although I felt unwell, I managed to continue working as a police officer and only took a single day off due to my symptoms. I opted not to undergo testing for COVID-19, as this flu felt typical for me, unlike my previous experience with the virus. Following this bout of illness, I returned to my regular activities—gym workouts, work, and socializing—without any issues. In February 2025, while doing home renovations and preparing to lay new floors, I worked with a self-leveling compound. The following day, I spent several hours using an angle grinder to address uneven surfaces in an enclosed area. I utilized a vacuum attachment for dust control and wore a flimsy KN95 mask; however, I ultimately removed it midway through, resulting in significant exposure to dust. Even though I was surrounded by dust, I didn’t experience any immediate coughing or irritation, so I dismissed it, but in retrospect, that seems like a poor decision. The next day, I felt well enough to go to the gym, but after just one set of bench presses, I noticed an alarming shortness of breath. It felt as if my lungs were constricted and unable to expand fully, almost as though I’d been knocked the wind out of me. This sensation has persisted ever since. Concerned, I sought emergency medical attention the following day, as my breathing difficulties did not ease. I also experienced severe sleep disturbances that night, waking up every couple of hours and struggling to fall back asleep. This insomnia has continued unabated. Since that fateful day, I’ve experienced numerous other symptoms, including: - Shortness of breath - Ongoing insomnia - Hair thinning - Persistent tinnitus in both ears - Occasional tunnel vision - Numbness and tingling in my limbs - Rapid onset of numbness when lying on hands and feet - Longer-lasting skin imprints from pressure - Increased sweating - Intermittent night sweats - Bloating after meals - Overall fatigue (which has seen some recent improvement) - Hand tremors that worsen after exertion - Internal tremors during adrenaline spikes - Elevated resting heart rate (now between 60s and 70s, compared to my usual 40s to 50s) - Increased blood pressure - Variable oxygen saturation levels, predominantly between 95-100% but with occasional drops into the low 90s without intensifying other symptoms - Some exercise intolerance. Over the past four months, I have sought medical care repeatedly, undergoing several diagnostic tests, including four X-rays (one each month), a CT scan, a PET scan, and various blood tests—all of which returned normal results. There are no indicators of inflammation, damage, or any abnormalities. I have consulted several general practitioners, a couple of pulmonologists, and two therapists who considered anxiety as a possible contributing factor, as suggested by my primary care doctor. When I informed one of the pulmonologists about my potential silica dust exposure, he assessed that silicosis from a single event was unlikely, given my symptom presentation differed from typical cases he had encountered. I expressed my concerns regarding irreversible damage, but both pulmonologists reassured me that silicosis would not develop swiftly and would show signs in tests. Sadly, my medical team seems puzzled by my symptom cluster, having exhausted various treatments with no success, including Prednisone, multiple inhalers, benzodiazepines, hydroxyzine, trazodone, Zoloft, and Lexapro. None of these medications have alleviated my primary concerns: the shortness of breath and sleeplessness. I suspected sleep apnea but noted that my oxygen levels remain stable during sleep (measured by a smartwatch), and I do not wake gasping for air. Nonetheless, I have scheduled a sleep study for further evaluation. I also explored numerous supplements to address potential GERD or vitamin deficiencies, but none have yielded positive results. Repeatedly, at least three of my doctors have mentioned that my symptoms mirror those seen in patients with long COVID. I did experience fatigue during a specific period where I could barely get out of bed, but that has improved significantly, allowing me to resume some semblance of my previous activity levels. I’ve taken up cardiovascular and strength training again and was pleasantly surprised to find that around 70% of my strength remains intact. However, my endurance has drastically diminished; I could previously run 3-5 miles at a 6:30 minute pace, whereas I now struggle to cover 2 miles at a 7:30 minute pace. After these sessions, I am drenched in sweat and observe that my heart rate stays elevated in the 90s to 100s for a couple of hours, compared to the 50s it used to return to within an hour. When I raised this with my pulmonologist, he seemed at a loss, as his typical patients are often suffering from severe COPD and are not presenting with the specific insomnia I experience. I last consulted him a week ago, and he admitted uncertainty on how best to manage my case from here. Ultimately, I'm reaching out to find out if there’s a possibility that I might be dealing with long COVID or a similar condition. My pulmonologist seems to think it unlikely, especially since I did not contract COVID right before my symptoms began. However, through my own research, I’ve come across accounts of individuals developing long COVID symptoms months after their initial infection had resolved. I’m now contemplating whether my flu was, in fact, a milder COVID case that somehow triggered these issues following my exposure to silica dust, possibly sparking an immune response that reactivated long COVID. While I realize this may seem far-fetched, my medical team has largely exhausted their investigative options, and I’m exploring any alternative approaches myself. Since returning to my workouts and modifying my diet with intermittent fasting, I feel like there might be slight improvements in my breathing, but I’m unsure if it’s genuine progress or merely a result of the placebo effect. I yearn to regain control over my life. I would greatly appreciate any insights, advice, shared experiences, or even general comments on my situation.
Recovery Questions After Orbital Fracture Surgery: When Can I Vape, Engage in Sexual Activity, and Eat Regular Foods? (19M)
Greetings, I’m a 19-year-old male, measuring 192 cm and weighing 95 kg, who smokes regularly. I don't have any significant medical history. Recently, I underwent surgery for a blow-out orbital fracture four days ago. During the procedure, a dissolvable implant was inserted through my gum due to persistent double vision, which is gradually improving. My current state is quite good with little to no pain, but I’d like to ensure that I don’t do anything that might hinder my recovery. I have a few inquiries regarding my post-surgery care: 1. What is the appropriate timeline to safely start vaping again (nicotine)? 2. When is it advisable to resume masturbation or sexual activities without jeopardizing the position of the implant? 3. At what point can I eat regular foods again, such as sandwiches, pizza, or chocolate? I recognize that the stitches in my gums are designed to dissolve and that the implant will also gradually dissolve. I appreciate any advice provided! My goal is to ensure a smooth healing process without any setbacks.
Questioning Blood in Urine
I'm a 17-year-old and I have a concern that I need to address. Just once, I've noticed a blood-like appearance in my urine, which has raised questions for me. For several months, I've also been experiencing a variety of unusual symptoms. Firstly, I am not currently menstruating, and I haven’t consumed anything in my diet that, based on my research, could contribute to this discoloration. I have taken a few doses of Ponstan, which are medications I’ve been prescribed, and they haven’t previously led to serious side effects for me. I also take Pizotifen regularly. Over the course of the last few months, my stomach has been acting strangely. I’ve felt a significant firmness developing towards the right side of my abdomen over a period of weeks. There is a solid band that extends from just above my belly button towards my back, deep within, which I hadn’t noticed before. Additionally, the area around my ribs and the upper section of my stomach has become very rigid upon palpation, unlike the left side, which feels normal. My bowel movements have been erratic, fluctuating between severe constipation for several days and then experiencing diarrhea that is quite pronounced — this cycle seems to repeat itself over several weeks. My menstrual cycle has also been unusual lately, characterized by large blood clots, dark bleeding, and a combination of shorter and longer cycles than what I'm accustomed to—all changes that have occurred in the past three months; last month, I even experienced bleeding from the urethra. Moreover, there is a peculiar sensation inside me where something approximately half the width of my abdomen rolls up and down between my belly button and my ribs. This mass feels wide and firm at times, although it’s not as rigid as the surrounding muscles underneath it. Its movement doesn’t seem random; deep breaths or tensing my abdomen seem to influence its position. When I consume food, I notice that my left abdomen swells, which is a new development for me, while the right side—where I feel the hardness—remains flat. This creates a subtle diagonal appearance to my stretched stomach. I find it difficult to take deep abdominal breaths below my belly button, where that dense line is located; it’s as if I’ve lost the ability to do so. Previously, I could draw in air comfortably, but now it feels impossible, as if I’m attempting to expand my arm instead. When I try, only the upper part of my abdomen inflates while the lower remains completely still.
The Genetic Legacy of Alzheimer's: Am I at Risk?
The essence of my inquiry lies in the connection between my great-grandmother and her thirteen siblings, all of whom fell victim to Alzheimer’s disease. Despite differing residences and significant age gaps, every one of them experienced this affliction. Interestingly, they all lived until the age of 99, indicating that my family has an exceptional longevity. Tragically, my great-grandmother passed away during a heatwave when the power failed; she was otherwise in good health, aside from her cognitive decline. Some of her siblings suffered fatal accidents, while one led a notorious life as a serial killer. It’s notable that even in prison—especially during those harsher times—he survived well into his nineties, leaving his true cause of death a mystery. Furthermore, both my grandmother and mother contend with essential tremors. My grandmother underwent a procedure involving an electrode implanted in her brain. Despite this treatment, she still experiences considerable shaking, making it difficult for her to hold liquid-filled glasses. Without this surgery, her mobility is severely compromised. I’m not certain if these tremors are linked to Alzheimer’s. With this family history, I ponder whether my fate is sealed regarding Alzheimer’s. Is there anything I can do to mitigate or prevent this potential outcome?
Exploring Options for Chronic Pain Relief: Help for Trigger Points
Hello, everyone, It may sound a bit odd, considering my background as a medical student, but at the age of 29, weighing 147 pounds and standing at 5'10", I've been grappling with persistent pain in my neck and upper back since I was just seven years old. Curiously, I can't pinpoint any specific incident that triggered this discomfort. The pain emanates mainly from two significant knots located at the C5/6 level, right beneath the transverse process, and another at the T3/4 area, just medial to the superior angle of my scapula. Pressing on the upper knot leads to spasms in the lower one, and when I bring my arm closer to my face, I also experience spasms at the T3/4 site. Throughout the day, tightness develops between my shoulder blade and spine (spanning from C7 to T8), requiring me to apply pressure to alleviate the tension. However, these efforts provide only temporary relief, and during peak pain periods, I rate it as an 8/10. With such pronounced and localized taut bands that lead to referred pain and spasms, there seems to be an underlying structural issue at play, perhaps involving some degree of muscular fibrosis. This problem has significantly hindered my activities, to the extent that I struggle to assist in surgeries at medical school, as I can barely hold retractors for longer than 15 minutes. This has led to some misconceptions regarding my commitment. Here's a summary of the treatments I've attempted so far: - Multiple sessions of physical therapy (approximately twelve) - Exercises and stretches prescribed by my physiotherapist - Dry heat therapy - Deep tissue massage (my physiotherapist commented on the numerous knots, indicating the source of my pain) - Dry needling - Cupping therapy - TENS/EMS machines - Use of massage balls and foam rollers - A diagnostic block of the facet joint, which did not yield success - An MRI scan that returned clear results apart from a minor herniated disc at T3, which is deemed unlikely to be the cause of my pain - A steroid injection aimed at the muscle without positive results - Two botox treatments in the same muscle, offering relief for about a month each time - Daily administration of baclofen (20mg, three times a day) for over two years, helping me maintain some functionality - Recently, I’ve embarked on a progressive overload gym program to strengthen my back further. Is there any additional treatment I should consider? Are there surgical interventions that could potentially offer relief? I've come across a procedure for trigger point excision in the US, but I reside in the UK, where my NHS pain specialist has attributed my pain to exam stress and seems reluctant to provide further botox treatments. Luckily, I have private insurance and am open to consulting anyone who might provide assistance.