Seeking Guidance for Ongoing Health Issues at Age 23
At 23 years old, I've been grappling with persistent stomach pains and irregular bowel habits since childhood. I've consistently experienced discomfort prior to and during bowel movements, although the pain tends to subside afterward. This pattern has persisted for a long time. As someone with a larger physique, shedding pounds has always been a challenge for me, but approximately ten months ago, I began to lose weight unexpectedly. My bowel movements have changed significantly, often featuring increased constipation, with rare instances where everything is released at once in an unusually large amount. After noticing blood in my stool one evening, I promptly consulted a doctor the following day. They conducted a CT scan and concluded that everything appeared normal. A few days later, I underwent a HIDA scan, which also yielded normal results. A couple of months passed before I had both a colonoscopy and an upper endoscopy; aside from a few minor polyps, everything was deemed fine. Subsequent CT scans, including a brain scan, continued to show no abnormalities. However, over the past ten months, my condition has deteriorated. I experience constant stomach pain, painfully difficult bowel movements, kidney discomfort, and frequently dark urine. Additionally, I have been suffering from persistent headaches, neck pain, joint pain, and vision disturbances. I feel unwell most of the time, and despite consulting various doctors, none seem to have a clear solution. I'm reaching out to see if anyone else has encountered similar issues or if there are any recommendations. Your insights would be greatly appreciated!
Answers (1)
7/10/2025, 6:20:42 AM
OpenHealth AI
It sounds like you are experiencing a complex set of symptoms that are significantly impacting your daily life. Your persistent stomach pain, irregular bowel habits, and the recent emergence of other symptoms like headaches, neck pain, and vision disturbances can be concerning and exhausting. It's understandable to seek clarity and relief.
Explanation: Your symptoms suggest underlying gastrointestinal issues but could also involve other systems in your body, especially given your additional symptoms like joint pain and fatigue. The presence of blood in your stool, although previously evaluated, can indicate various conditions that may not always be identifiable through initial tests. The fact that you've had multiple scans and procedures is reassuring, but continued symptoms warrant a systematic approach to address them effectively.
Next Steps:
-
Daily Symptom Journal: Start keeping a detailed diary of your symptoms, bowel habits, and any foods you eat. Note the intensity of symptoms and any triggers you may identify. This information can be crucial for your healthcare provider as they work to understand your condition better.
-
Diet Adjustments: Consider trialing a low FODMAP diet, which has helped many individuals with similar gastrointestinal symptoms. This diet involves reducing certain carbohydrates that can cause bloating and discomfort. Introduce one new food at a time to monitor your reaction.
-
Hydration: Make sure you are staying well-hydrated, as dehydration can worsen constipation and overall discomfort. Aim for at least 8-10 cups of water daily, adjusting based on your activity level.
-
Pain Management: For ongoing pain, consider non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs) like ibuprofen, if appropriate for you, but use them sparingly and continue discussing pain management strategies with your doctors.
-
Explore Specialized Care: It may be beneficial to return to a gastroenterologist or seek out a specialist in functional gastrointestinal disorders. These specialists can often provide more nuanced approaches, including tests like breath tests for conditions like Small Intestinal Bacterial Overgrowth (SIBO).
-
Physical Activity: Gentle exercise can improve bowel regularity and overall well-being. Starting with short walks or light stretching might help alleviate some discomfort while promoting digestive health.
Given the complexity of your symptoms, it’s also important to keep your healthcare professionals informed about your worsening condition and advocate for comprehensive evaluations, potentially looking into auto-immune or metabolic disorders, and involving specialists like rheumatologists if necessary.
It can feel overwhelming to manage these symptoms, but you are taking a vital step by reaching out for guidance. Take things one step at a time, monitor your condition closely, and prioritize open communication with your healthcare team. Feel free to reach back out if you have more questions or need further insights.
Related Questions
Understanding Elbow Arthritis: Personal Journey
Hello everyone, About three years ago, I experienced a sharp pain in my elbow while performing hammer curls. This discomfort was particularly apparent when I twisted my wrist and bent my arm to 45 degrees while exerting force during the exercise. After dealing with persistent symptoms, I decided to consult an orthopedic specialist approximately six months later. An X-ray followed by an MRI suggested that irritation was occurring due to an issue with the joint capsule, known as the plica. Initially, I received two brief corticosteroid injections; however, the situation led to the conclusion that surgery was necessary. The procedure involved the removal of the plica, and during the operation, grade 2 chondropathy was noted at the proximal radial head, while the rest of the joint appeared satisfactory. Despite the surgery, three months later, I still didn’t notice any improvement. Following another injection, I was referred to a different specialist, and a year and a half later, I underwent another arthroscopy to evaluate the condition of my elbow. This time, what was once grade 2 degeneration had progressed to grade 3 osteoarthritis at the radial head, with grade 2 affecting the rest of the elbow. There was direct contact between the damaged area on the radial head and the humeral capitellum during supination and flexion. The surgery focused on cleaning the joint, but concerns arose about potential rheumatoid arthritis due to the joint's deteriorating condition. Although initial blood tests showed no indicators, it was suggested that I might have seronegative rheumatoid arthritis. I have been on Methotrexate for nine weeks now, yet the results have been lackluster, which makes me question whether rheumatoid arthritis is truly the issue. Now, three months post-surgery, my condition has worsened significantly. I'm unable to apply weight to my right arm and endure considerable pain. The mechanical discomfort during movements like supination and flexion remains unchanged, and overall, my joint feels compromised. I previously maintained an active lifestyle, working out at the gym four times a week and easily completing 15 pull-ups in a row. Now, however, I cannot engage in any upper body workouts; even doing a push-up, not to mention regular ones, is impossible without pain. Looking back, I suspect my mild (distal) radius fracture from childhood, coupled with my continuous training during that period, may have contributed to this degeneration. I realize now how unwise that was. Despite the effectiveness of the injections, I find myself grappling with several concerns: 1. I aim to halt the deterioration and hope for the potential healing of my cartilage, enabling me to partake in recreational sports at a minimal level. 2. My goal is to escape the need for a joint replacement, yet mundane tasks, such as washing my hands, have begun to cause discomfort. To what extent should I push myself? 3. What does the future hold for me? 4. Are there alternative suggestions or strategies I might explore?
Inquiry Regarding Chicken Pox and Vaccinations in Daycare Setting
I am a 32-year-old woman from Canada, fully immunized and without significant medical history or current medications. Now, onto my questions! Recently, our daycare reported a case of chicken pox among the children, all of whom are aged between 12 months and 4 years. Given this age range, it stands to reason that these children should be vaccinated against the virus. My own daughter, who is 3.5 years old, is current with her vaccinations according to Ontario's schedule. However, I'm a bit puzzled about the effectiveness of the chicken pox vaccine. Can vaccinated children, particularly those aged between 1 and 4 in this daycare, still contract chicken pox, or is that considered highly unlikely? Moreover, I have concerns regarding shingles. Is this condition only a risk for individuals who have had chicken pox, or can it also manifest in those who have received the vaccine? For instance, I had chicken pox during my childhood, which puts me at risk for shingles. But what about my daughter? Since she has been vaccinated against chicken pox and hasn’t experienced it herself, does that mean she is not at risk for developing shingles? I am eager to gain a clearer understanding of vaccinations, particularly concerning chicken pox and shingles, as it seems to be quite a complex topic. Thank you for your insights!
Unexpected Discovery of a Large Liver Lesion During CT Scan
A 51-year-old man, weighing 200 pounds and generally in good health with no prior history of cancer, underwent a CT scan for reasons unrelated to any liver concerns. This scan unexpectedly revealed a 4.6 cm hypodense lesion in the liver. He has an MRI appointment lined up, but there's a three-week delay before he can undergo the procedure. The patient is understandably anxious, particularly due to the size of the lesion, and is seeking insights about whether such a size could suggest an increased likelihood of cancer. Any advice or shared experiences would be greatly appreciated!
Feeling Weak and Unwell After ER Visit: Seeking Support
Hello everyone, I'm a 23-year-old male, standing at 179 cm and weighing 58 kg, residing in Germany. I’m currently managing hypothyroidism with a dosage of 100 mg of Levothyroxine, and I suspect I might be dealing with migraines as well. Three weeks ago, I experienced an excruciating migraine that led me to the emergency room. During that visit, I was extremely dizzy, nauseous, and vomiting, which left me unable to articulate my thoughts clearly. I also experienced confusion and dry heaving. The medical team provided me with IV fluids along with a combination of treatments and performed a CT scan that didn’t reveal any significant issues. Thankfully, my condition improved enough for me to return home. However, things took a downturn after that first week post-ER. Initially, I expected to regain my energy, but instead, I began to feel perpetually fatigued. Gradually, I developed brain fog and a persistent mild headache that started at my forehead and radiated behind my eyes. It feels as though my head is weighed down. Alongside these symptoms, I’ve dealt with nausea that makes it hard to eat—anything I consume is followed by discomfort—and diarrhea that kicks in about thirty minutes after meals. My eyes feel strained, and there’s an unsettling anxiety that lingers, as if something is very wrong. I managed to take brief walks around my home for about 5 to 8 minutes and could sit at my computer for one to two hours, but that changed yesterday, and now I’m confined to my bed. Any movement brings on lightheadedness, forcing me to either sit or recline to alleviate the feeling. The hospital had instructed me to reduce my Levothyroxine dosage from 200 mg to 100 mg. However, my general practitioner expressed concern that this adjustment or a lingering migraine may be contributing to my symptoms, advising that it could take a month or two to stabilize. I was prescribed metoclopramide to combat the nausea, but it hasn't proven effective. As my condition seems to worsen consistently, I’m unsure how much longer I can endure this. I struggle to eat, am limited in my activities, and just want this ordeal to be over. If anyone has suggestions or guidance, I would greatly appreciate it. I’m uncertain if this is a situation that warrants calling emergency services. I plan to visit my GP again tomorrow, assuming they are open; otherwise, I will go on Monday.
Seeking Clarity on Postpartum Health Issues
Six months after giving birth, I am experiencing a concerning health episode marked by dizziness, fatigue, joint discomfort, and a skin rash. Hello, physicians. I am reaching out for your expertise regarding a health issue that emerged in early June and persisted for several weeks. Despite undergoing various medical tests, I have yet to pinpoint the exact cause. While I feel largely improved, I remain uncertain about what triggered this episode and would greatly value your insights. I am a 28-year-old woman, six months post-delivery, who does not smoke, has no identified chronic illnesses, and is not taking any regular medications. The onset of my symptoms was abrupt, presenting as dizziness and lightheadedness, occasionally accompanied by blurred vision and a sensation of pressure in my head. I also faced intense fatigue, especially after physical activity, along with joint discomfort, particularly in my shoulders and arms. A rash developed concurrently, starting as elevated hives that later transformed into flat, dry, and discolored patches. Notably, I did not experience any fever or clear indications of an infection. Upon examination, my orthostatic vital signs were within normal ranges. An electrocardiogram (EKG) revealed a normal sinus rhythm but indicated an enlargement of the atrium. Attempts to mitigate symptoms using Meclizine and the Epley maneuvers were ineffective, and a physical therapist ruled out Benign Paroxysmal Positional Vertigo (BPPV). Blood tests indicated borderline anemia, with low MCV and MCH levels, while my hemoglobin was measured at 12.0. My ferritin level stood at 37 ng/mL with an iron saturation of 20%. Further assessments on kidney functionality, glucose levels, and electrolytes returned normal results. I also attempted to assess for Postural Orthostatic Tachycardia Syndrome (POTS) by measuring my heart rate when lying down and after standing. However, I did not allow the sufficient duration for an accurate reading, and the heart rate increase was not significant. The rash coincided with the flare-up, gradually receding as my other symptoms improved. During the peak of my symptoms, I felt utterly exhausted and found it challenging to navigate daily activities. I have undergone an MRI and additional laboratory tests, and I am currently awaiting the outcomes of these investigations. Given the ambiguity of the situation, I am curious whether this could relate to autoimmune issues, vascular conditions, hormonal changes, or perhaps an entirely different cause. I would sincerely appreciate any feedback, comparable experiences, or guidance that could help shed some light on my circumstances. Thank you for considering my request.