Seeking Guidance on Persistent Symptoms
I’m a 22-year-old male weighing 80 kg, and I’m reaching out for advice regarding some troubling health issues. For several years, I have dealt with depression, anxiety, and insomnia, which led me to use prodep (10 mg) for a four-year period, along with clonazepam on an as-needed basis. I have recently discontinued prodep. Currently, I experience intermittent fever-like sensations that come and go. Over the last three years, I’ve undergone three ultrasounds, which indicated grade 1 fatty liver and mild enlargement of the spleen. A recent liver function test (LFT) showed a slight rise in my AST levels. Despite having these recurring feverish feelings, which resolve on their own, the underlying cause remains unknown. I tested for vitamin B12, vitamin D, ferritin, and thyroid functions—all of which returned normal results. Additionally, an ANA profile test, along with brain and thoracic MRIs, revealed no abnormalities. Alongside these symptoms, I often experience rapid bloating accompanied by burping, and I frequently notice undigested food in my stool. Tests for ESR and CRP indicated no significant issues. My diet primarily consists of fruits, and I still struggle with persistent bloating and feverish feelings. This has been ongoing for nearly three years, and despite my efforts, I have been unable to identify the cause. Moreover, I’m dealing with stubborn grade 4 acne that adds to my concerns. Eating—even simple foods—has become a challenge due to the uncomfortable bloating. I’m seeking assistance in obtaining a proper diagnosis and additional tests that could lead to permanent treatment solutions for these issues.
Answers (1)
7/5/2025, 6:50:34 PM
OpenHealth AI
It's understandable that you're feeling overwhelmed by these persistent health issues, especially given their complexity and duration. You’ve described a combination of symptoms—intermittent fever-like sensations, bloating, undigested food in your stool, and grade 4 acne—that can significantly affect your quality of life. Let's break this down and focus on actionable steps.
Main Points:
- Investigating Symptoms: The combination of symptoms you’re experiencing may relate to dietary factors, gastrointestinal issues, or underlying metabolic conditions.
- Dietary Considerations: Given your bloating and undigested food, your diet may need adjustment.
- Skin Concerns: Acne can be related to both hormonal factors and diet, suggesting a dual approach might be necessary.
Detailed Explanation:
- Intermittent Fever-like Sensations: Often not true fevers, these sensations can be due to anxiety, hormonal fluctuations, or systemic issues like inflammation or gastrointestinal disturbances.
- Bloating and Undigested Food: This can result from malabsorption or gastrointestinal dysbiosis, where the gut flora is out of balance, leading to discomfort after eating.
- Grade 4 Acne: This may not only be influenced by diet but also hormonal imbalances. Consider that inflammation in the body might also play a role.
- Fatty Liver and Splenomegaly: These can be related to dietary habits and metabolic health.
Prioritized Next Steps:
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Dietary Changes:
- Consider a Low FODMAP Diet: This may help identify potential triggers of your bloating. Foods containing fermentable oligosaccharides, disaccharides, monosaccharides, and polyols might be causing discomfort.
- Keep a Food Diary: Track what you eat and your symptoms to identify any correlations.
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Hydration and Digestion:
- Increase your water intake to support digestion.
- Consider eating smaller, more frequent meals to reduce the burden on your digestive system.
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Manage Stress and Anxiety:
- Incorporate relaxation techniques, such as mindfulness, yoga, or light physical activity, which can help both your mental health and digestive function.
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Monitor and Follow-Up:
- Keep a daily log of your symptoms including the sensation of fever, bloating, and any changes in your stool. Note any food intake that correlates with symptom flare-ups.
- If symptoms persist or worsen, re-evaluate your current approach, possibly seeking a gastroenterologist for further assessment (e.g., considering tests for food intolerances or gastrointestinal function).
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Address Acne:
- Consider consulting a dermatologist to explore potential treatments, including topical or oral medications that can help manage your acne effectively.
It's essential to take these steps thoughtfully and monitor how they affect your symptoms. Remember, while you're actively seeking answers and solutions, discussions with healthcare professionals specializing in gastrointestinal health and dermatology could further enhance your understanding and management of these issues. You deserve to feel better, and with the right approach, improvement is possible.
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