Seeking Guidance on Prolonged Stomach Issues While Awaiting Specialist Appointment
Hello, Reddit community! I'm a 16-year-old female and this is my first post here. I've been grappling with persistent stomach issues since August 2020. I find myself on a waiting list for over a year for a specialist appointment—kudos to the NHS for that! I’m reaching out for some guidance and to ensure that my symptoms aren’t pointing to anything serious. Here’s a summary of my situation: - Back in August 2020, I was hospitalized due to dehydration, diarrhea, and severe abdominal pain. The attending doctor diagnosed me with an infection without conducting any tests. Later, I discovered it was probably an extreme reaction to penicillin. - Following that incident, I have experienced cycles of severe nausea roughly three to four times each month, along with some constipation and occasional diarrhea, though nothing overly serious. - In November 2024, I contracted a nasty stomach virus that hindered my ability to eat for about two weeks. - Since that time, my symptoms have intensified considerably. I now experience nausea at least twice daily, abdominal cramps between meals, and I’m often quite gassy. Approximately every two weeks, I suffer from episodes of watery diarrhea, constipation, and a complete lack of appetite, leaving me perpetually fatigued. - One particularly severe flare-up in April rendered me bed-ridden for two weeks. I visited the emergency department, but I was discharged shortly after with little concern from the staff. - I began consulting my GP about these problems in January. I've undergone tests for celiac disease (negative results), Crohn's disease (also negative), and various infection screenings (all negative). I've diligently maintained a food diary for months, only to find no conclusive results. - The stool sample I provided in February showed borderline inflammation, which escalated in April. My doctor mentioned the possibility of an inflammatory bowel condition but also suggested that this might just be my baseline. - Recently, my appetite has significantly diminished, making meals feel like a chore. - Since January, I have lost about 5 kg. - Currently, I'm on the waiting list for a colonoscopy, anticipating at least a year for that appointment. For additional context: - I take omeprazole for acid reflux and nausea. - When feeling unwell, I use Pepto-Bismol and antacids, which are effective around 50% of the time. - I have asthma and use both an inhaler and Montelukast, with recent flare-ups. - I tend to experience eczema flare-ups when I’m not feeling well. - For menstrual discomfort, I rely on the mini pill. - I also incorporate daily probiotics and a multivitamin into my routine. - Anxiety has been a long-standing issue for me, yet I am currently unmedicated and have not received any formal treatment. Thank you for reading through my concerns; I truly appreciate any insights or advice you may have. I will do my best to answer any questions you might have in the comments section.
Answers (1)
7/10/2025, 10:10:47 PM
OpenHealth AI
Thank you for sharing your health journey with us. It's understandable to feel concerned given your ongoing stomach issues and the lengthy wait for a specialist. Let's summarize the key points of your situation and provide some constructive guidance.
Main Points:
- You have experienced persistent stomach issues since August 2020, including nausea, abdominal pain, diarrhea, and constipation.
- Previous medical tests have ruled out celiac disease and Crohn's disease, but you have experienced borderline inflammation in stool samples.
- You’re currently awaiting a colonoscopy and managing symptoms with medications like omeprazole and occasionally Pepto-Bismol.
- Your appetite has decreased significantly, and you've lost weight, which is concerning.
Explanation:
Your situation is complex, and while the symptoms you describe—like recurrent nausea, abdominal cramps, and alternating bowel habits—can relate to several gastrointestinal conditions, including inflammatory bowel diseases (IBD) or functional gastrointestinal disorders, it’s reassuring that serious conditions like celiac disease and Crohn’s disease have been ruled out so far. It’s important to prioritize symptom management and make healthful choices while you await further evaluation.
Next Steps:
Here are some focused steps to help manage your symptoms while you await your colonoscopy:
-
Dietary Adjustments:
- Keep a Food Diary: You mentioned you have been doing this, which is excellent. Try to pinpoint any foods that might trigger or worsen your symptoms. Common culprits include dairy, high-fat or spicy foods, and high-fiber foods when experiencing diarrhea.
- Eat Small, Frequent Meals: Instead of three large meals, try eating smaller meals more frequently to reduce pressure on your stomach and help manage nausea.
- Stay Hydrated: Maintain hydration, especially during episodes of diarrhea. Consider electrolyte solutions if you have persistent diarrhea to prevent dehydration.
-
Symptom Management:
- Medication Routine: Continue taking omeprazole as prescribed, and use Pepto-Bismol when you experience acute discomfort. Keep track of what appears effective for different symptoms.
- Probiotics: Since you're taking daily probiotics, ensure that they contain strains known for gut health (like Lactobacillus and Bifidobacterium).
-
Mental Health:
- Mindfulness and Relaxation Techniques: Managing anxiety can positively impact your physical symptoms. Consider practices such as deep breathing, yoga, or light exercise if you feel capable.
- Talk About Your Anxiety: If possible, reach out to a trusted adult or a school counselor about your anxiety, as addressing it could help reduce the severity of your gastrointestinal symptoms.
-
Seek Further Support:
- Follow Up With Your GP: If your symptoms worsen or if you continue to lose weight, it's crucial to seek medical advice. Keep your GP informed about any new developments, especially your appetite and energy levels.
- Consider Nutrition Counseling: If it’s feasible, working with a nutritionist experienced in gastrointestinal issues can be beneficial as they can help you plan meals that suit your symptoms.
Remember, your health and wellbeing are important, and it's essential to advocate for yourself as you continue on this journey. Please reach out if you'd like more specific advice on any of these areas or if anything changes with your symptoms.
Related Questions
Navigating Ear Infections While Traveling in Thailand
**Age:** 23 **Height:** 6'3" **Weight:** 88 kg **Medication Taken:** 1000mg Bactoclav - Amoxicillin with Potassium Clavulanate, along with pain relief and antihistamines. **Summary:** I’m hesitant to consult a doctor overseas only to receive a prescription for the same antibiotics available at a local pharmacy for a fraction of the price. What strategies can I employ to effectively manage this persistent ear infection? Am I being too hasty in my expectations? I have a long history of ear infections, often triggered by exposure to water or any activity impacting my ears. I regularly use a specialized oil before showering to prevent water from entering my ears. While backpacking in Thailand, I've developed a particularly severe ear infection over the last several days. Initially, a course of 500mg amoxicillin seemed effective, but significantly, just yesterday my condition took a downturn, shifting from nearly healed to painfully inflamed. Now, my ear is not only swollen but also incredibly sore. In an attempt to combat this, I’ve been taking 1000mg Bactoclav - Amoxicillin and Potassium Clavulanate, having consumed seven tablets in the last two days; unfortunately, there's been no noticeable improvement. I’m reluctant to seek medical attention, fearing I would be prescribed the same medication I could acquire from a pharmacy, albeit at a much higher cost. Yet, I’m also starting to question the efficacy of the pharmacy’s medication. I’ve only recently begun the stronger treatment since my symptoms returned. Any advice would be greatly valued! In addition, I’d like to share that just a week into my four-month journey, I feel as though my ongoing ear issues are gradually dominating my life. I am incredibly grateful for this travel opportunity, and while my health isn’t at risk in a serious way, these ear complications are becoming quite overwhelming. Could there be surgical options available? Might there be an underlying health concern that I’m unaware of? It doesn’t seem normal to be plagued by constant ringing, popping sounds, and wax buildup in my ears. Moreover, it feels excessive to have to apply products in my ears every time I shower.
Navigating Health Concerns: A Young Woman's Plight with Chronic Migraines and Stress
To summarize a very complex situation, last spring in 2025 was exceptionally challenging for me. I faced overwhelming stressors, including family deaths, eviction, and my parents splitting up. This turmoil led to chest pains so severe that I had to visit the emergency room because I couldn’t breathe deeply without experiencing intense pain. The doctors attributed the issue to psychological causes, but I continued to suffer from pain and instances of fainting due to the stress, which worsened as yet another family member was diagnosed with cancer. My psychiatrist suggested medication, and I started on Lexapro and Concerta, which improved my condition somewhat, even though I remained fatigued and felt like I was merely surviving. By the end of August, I contracted a severe case of bronchitis that caused me to experience fevers even while doing laundry. It seemed I was verging on pneumonia, prompting the prescription of prednisone and other steroid medications. Thankfully, I began to recover quickly, but soon after, I was plagued by persistent headaches and an overwhelming sense of paranoia that someone was out to get me. After another emergency room visit, the physicians informed me that, although my symptoms—such as fever, intense pain, night sweats, sensitivity to light, ear pressure, and a stiff neck—were alarming, they were likely just severe migraines that should eventually fade. Unfortunately, they didn’t. I returned to urgent care for further treatment, received antibiotics, and was advised to consult a neurologist. While the antibiotics provided some relief, my symptoms intensified. My primary care physician eventually prescribed sumatriptan, a medication intended to alleviate migraine pain, but instead, it exacerbated the headache. For the next two to four weeks, I endured an exceptionally difficult time, facing numerous strange symptoms that felt worthy of immediate attention, yet each visit concluded with a migraine diagnosis and a waiting period for my neurology appointment. My frustrations pushed me to contemplate risky alternatives for relief, but I resisted, feeling utterly hopeless and unable to cope. I sought an ear, nose, and throat specialist to rule out sinus issues, which turned out to be fine. A painful spot under my jaw led me to suspect nerve involvement, and I visited the emergency room again due to experiencing stroke-like symptoms (including mild left arm weakness, extreme headache, and minor speech issues). Sadly, I was again told it was merely a headache, and the IV medications were ineffective. During my annual check-up, my primary care provider was unfamiliar with my ongoing issues but discovered an enlarged lymph node in the lower left side of my neck and a cyst on my thymus after conducting a soft tissue scan. She reassured me that there was no need for concern and suggested waiting for my neurology visit or getting my eyesight checked. Despite my yellower complexion, increasing stiffness, and joint pain, I accepted her recommendation. While I mentally adapted to the chronic pain, which was always present, it affected my ability to concentrate and engage in daily life. I tried consuming plenty of lemon juice and engaging in lymphatic drainage massages, which provided transient relief and halted my yellowing skin. Now, in the present, I've noticed a peculiar, raised red bump on the side of my foot. It’s hard, tender, and smaller than a dime, without any accompanying rash. It has persisted for a couple of weeks without causing pain while walking. Additionally, more lymph nodes in my neck have become swollen, I have experienced difficulty swallowing, and I occasionally choke on air. My lungs feel heavier with a diminished sense of smell, though I don't have the thick mucus typical of a cold. The headaches, however, are reemerging, sharper than before, which is a concerning development. Throughout all of this, my blood pressure has remained within a low yet stable range, and my blood tests and CT scans have shown no significant issues. I haven’t consumed anything excessively that might raise concern, including food or drugs. Am I truly facing a serious health crisis? Should I prioritize getting another appointment, or do I need to rush to urgent care? I'm scheduled to see the neurologist in about a month, and I'm wondering if I should ask my primary care provider for some preliminary tests like blood work or an MRI beforehand. If so, what specific questions should I prepare for my neurology visit? I believe the pain has a genuine physical basis, although my anxiety definitely amplifies the experience.
Inquiry Regarding Metronidazole Use for Recurrent Bacterial Vaginosis
I am a 32-year-old female, measuring 5 feet 5 inches tall and weighing 248 pounds. My current medications include Vyvanse at a dosage of 40mg, a medication for asthma, vitamin D, a 325mg iron supplement, and as of now, I am also taking amoxicillin to treat strep throat. I am about to begin using Metronidazole 0.75% Vaginal Gel, with a total of 70 grams available. The instructions indicate that I should administer 5 grams vaginally twice a day for seven days, followed by twice a week for a period of two months. During the initial treatment phase when I will apply the gel twice daily, I anticipate abstaining from sexual activity. However, once I transition to the twice-weekly application, is it permissible to engage in sexual intercourse? I would normally consult my physician about this matter, but she is currently unavailable, and the nurse is also out of the office, which is quite frustrating.
Concern Regarding Persistent Tongue Bump with White Coating
I am a 24-year-old male, standing at 190 cm tall and weighing 109 kg. For the past five weeks, I've experienced a peculiar issue on my tongue. Specifically, there's a noticeable bump on the right side near the tip, which I believe may have been developing over time, although I'm not entirely sure about that timeline. Recently, I've been troubled by an unusual sensation, including dryness, an odd taste, and a slight decrease in my sense of taste. Additionally, I've observed a white coating that is more pronounced on the aforementioned side of my tongue. The bump in question: - Does not cause any pain. - May have increased slightly in size over the weeks, though I'm uncertain. - Appears smooth with a pink surface, free of bleeding or ulceration. Given that this issue has persisted for over a month, I am feeling quite anxious and am concerned that it may indicate a serious problem. I have no significant medical history, but I confess that my dental hygiene has not been up to par, as I haven’t been brushing regularly. At this moment, I’m also under medication for H. pylori, known as Pylera, but this tongue concern predates my treatment. I am a non-smoker and am reaching out for any insights on this condition. Has anyone experienced something similar? Could this be a sign of irritation, infection, or something benign? I really appreciate any guidance you could provide. Thank you!
Experiencing Clear Fluid from Ear with No Discomfort: Should I Wait for My Appointment?
I am a healthy 57-year-old female, weighing 120 pounds and standing 5 feet 5 inches tall. My daily medications include 100 mg of Losartan for effectively managed high blood pressure, 200 mg of Lyrica taken twice daily for post-herpetic neuralgia, 100 mg of Synthroid following treatment for thyroid cancer, and a combination hormone replacement therapy patch. Additionally, I take Zyrtec and Flonase every day to combat allergies. Since October, I have been dealing with persistent tinnitus in my right ear, accompanied by some pressure and a muffled sensation. Recently, I've noticed that when I speak, it feels akin to the sensation I experience when my ears clear during a flight after chewing gum—my voice sounds amplified in my head. I've scheduled an appointment with a physician's assistant in an ear, nose, and throat (ENT) office for the end of March due to my worries about the tinnitus and any potential hearing impairment. Yesterday, I noticed that my ear emitted a clear fluid. Thankfully, there was no associated pain. The fluid was somewhat thicker than water, completely odorless—unlike the unpleasant discharge I recall from my daughter's ear infections—and there was no sign of blood. Could this indicate a perforated eardrum? I suspect this might be the case, but can this occur without an underlying infection? Should I seek attention sooner than my appointment in March? I would prefer to avoid urgent care during flu season; however, if this situation is serious, I am prepared to take precautions and visit.