Seeking Clarity on Ongoing Health Issues
Hello everyone. I'm a 28-year-old woman and I’ve been struggling with various painful symptoms since March of 2025. I gave birth to my baby in January 2025, initially attributing many of my health concerns to postpartum changes. However, as new symptoms have emerged, my health doesn’t seem to be improving. **Background Information:** - I was diagnosed with celiac disease in 2016 but continued to consume gluten, which I now realize was unwise. I stopped gluten intake in early April 2025 as my symptoms intensified. - My childbirth experience in January 2025 was complication-free. - Symptoms began manifesting around March 2025. **Current Symptoms Include:** - Intense upper back pain that fluctuates, present about 75% of the time, occasionally radiating to my right chest briefly. - Intermittent abdominal discomfort. - Joint aches that come and go. - Escalating anxiety levels. - Right-sided neck pain that triggers headaches at the base of my skull. - Persistent fatigue. - In March, I experienced unusual stools that were greasy and floated, resembling cow-like stools, but this has since improved. **Medical Assessments Conducted:** - Visited the emergency room two times. - First CT scan in March 2025 indicated colitis and a benign left renal cyst, followed by a course of antibiotics. - Second CT scan in June 2025 revealed the same benign left renal cyst and a 3.3 cm cyst on the right ovary, which doesn't require further monitoring. - All routine blood tests have returned normal results, except for a drop in white blood cell count in June 2025. - Additional tests, including an ANA screen, thyroid, magnesium, vitamin B, vitamin D, C-reactive protein, and lipase, all fell within the normal range. I have upcoming appointments scheduled with gastroenterology and rheumatology, although they are a few months away. I'm reaching out to see if anyone has insights or guidance on what could be happening. I've heard that pregnancy and childbirth might unveil underlying health issues, but right now, it feels as though I’m dealing with multiple health challenges simultaneously, making it tough to connect the dots. Thanks for your help, and feel free to message me if you need more details.
Answers (1)
7/8/2025, 5:10:44 PM
OpenHealth AI
It sounds like you're navigating a complex situation with a variety of symptoms that have emerged since your pregnancy. Your history of celiac disease, recent changes in diet, and ongoing symptoms warrant a close look. Here's a structured approach to address your concerns:
Main Points:
- Your symptoms may be linked to underlying issues such as potential complications from celiac disease, postpartum changes, or other conditions.
- It's essential to focus on symptom management and prepare for your upcoming medical appointments.
Explanation:
Postpartum changes can sometimes trigger or exacerbate existing health conditions. Given your history of celiac disease and the symptoms you're experiencing, you might be dealing with multiple factors influencing your health. Intense pain, digestive changes, and fatigue can arise from celiac-related complications, like malabsorption, alongside joint pain which could be related to autoimmune issues.
Celiac Disease: Even after eliminating gluten, it can take time for the body to heal, and lingering symptoms may still occur. Malabsorption due to past gluten consumption could contribute to your abdominal discomfort and fatigue.
Symptom Management: You mention potential anxiety and physical discomfort. This interplay can complicate your symptoms. Making sure you have appropriate emotional support during this time can also be very beneficial.
Prioritized Next Steps:
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Diet and Nutrition: Continue with a strict gluten-free diet. Consider working with a registered dietitian to ensure you're getting all necessary nutrients and monitoring for any deficiencies due to previous malabsorption.
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Pain Management: For your back pain and joint aches, gentle stretching and low-impact exercises like walking or swimming might help. Over-the-counter anti-inflammatory medications can also alleviate discomfort.
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Monitor Symptoms: Keep a symptoms diary detailing when symptoms occur, their intensity, and any potential triggers. This information will be useful for your gastroenterology and rheumatology appointments.
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Mental Health Support: Given your escalating anxiety, consider methods for stress management such as mindfulness, yoga, or even professional counseling. These can help alleviate both mental and physical symptoms.
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Stay Proactive: Keep your upcoming appointments and don’t hesitate to reach out to your healthcare providers sooner if symptoms worsen or if new ones develop (e.g., severe abdominal pain, changes in bowel habits, or neurological symptoms).
While it may feel overwhelming, acknowledging your concerns and proactively managing them will be crucial. You're taking important steps by seeking insights and preparing for follow-ups with specialists. If you have more specific questions or need further clarification, feel free to ask.
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