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:
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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.
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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.
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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.
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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.
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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).
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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.
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