OpenHealth Q&A

Seeking Clarity on Chronic Health Issues

Female, 30 | Family history includes diabetes from my paternal grandmother and prostate cancer on my maternal grandmother's side (Great-grandfather faced this illness twice, once at 85 and again at 102, but interestingly, it was not cancer that claimed his life). Presently, I am on generic Vyvanse and iron supplements. Regrettably, I did not inherit the robust health of my great-grandfather. I’ve struggled with my well-being for a long time. Please bear with me through this extensive narrative. Throughout my life, my continual illness has often led to feelings of guilt, as I felt like a burden to my family. Now that I am more self-sufficient financially and emotionally, I aim to address my health more proactively. Since childhood, I have endured digestive troubles. My experiences have ranged from chronic constipation to bouts of diarrhea, coupled with severe nausea that was so intense I often wanted to vomit. I would try to cope with these feelings through various methods, including taking cold showers or simply waiting it out. At around four or five years old, my parents brought me to the hospital due to persistent vomiting and diarrhea. I was placed on a high-fiber diet during childhood and eventually diagnosed with anemia around the age of eight, prompting yet another dietary adjustment. As a part of my medical history, I underwent a colonoscopy around ages nine or ten, though the results are not vivid in my memory. Throughout my schooling years, I was consistently one of the smallest in my class, both in height and weight, despite my parents being relatively tall at over 5'9". I also had an MRI done during this time; however, the experience left me feeling quite uncomfortable and strange. Between the ages of twelve and nineteen, I faced sporadic episodes of nausea and rapid heartbeat, occasionally leading to fainting. If I tolerated the nausea for long enough, it would sometimes culminate in severe diarrhea, which I found preferable to the idea of vomiting. Often, I experienced strong abdominal cramps alongside anxiety and depression as a teenager, leading to speculation that some incidents might have been panic attacks. I had a Holter monitor fitted on two occasions to assess my tachycardia, but the outcomes didn't provide much clarity. When I was nineteen, I was taken to the emergency room after a horrendous nine-day bout of constipation, leading my father to speculate it could have been appendicitis. The actual diagnosis, however, revealed I was simply extremely constipated, which remains a frequent issue. I often deal with abdominal pain, and while I still see blood in my stool occasionally, diarrhea is less frequent than it used to be. In addition to gastrointestinal struggles, I often catch colds easily and frequently suffer from tonsillitis. At fourteen, after a consultation with a specialist, it was suggested that I might need a tonsillectomy due to the harm being caused. However, my parents opted against the procedure for reasons I’m still unclear on. Furthermore, I experience mild photosensitivity, leading to rashes with excessive sun exposure, coupled with discomfort in bright light. Menstruation began for me at fourteen, but my cycles have always been unpredictable. At twenty, I received a diagnosis of polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS) and was prescribed metformin and birth control. Unfortunately, my treatment was halted due to financial constraints. After long years of depression stemming from various life events, I faced a failed suicide attempt at nineteen, an experience that left me feeling foolish (thankfully, I was alone that weekend, so I didn’t require hospitalization). As a child, I was diagnosed with obsessive-compulsive disorder (OCD), but parental disbelief regarding mental health led to untreated conditions. I was later diagnosed with general anxiety disorder and what was termed “double depression” after I began seeing a psychiatrist secretly at twenty-two. My psychiatrist prescribed Xanax (which I discontinued shortly after starting due to dissatisfaction) and fluoxetine (which exacerbated my stomach problems), ultimately switching to sertraline which was significantly better. At twenty-two, I started cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT), which was immensely beneficial. I completed my antidepressant treatment by twenty-four. At twenty-seven, I returned to a psychiatrist with the intent to restart antidepressants, only to find my diagnosis had expanded to include ADHD, OCD, anxiety, and post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD). I experimented with Ritalin and Concerta, both of which were less effective for me. I've now been on Vyvanse for two years, and it surpasses all the previous treatments I had tried. CBT sessions concluded at twenty-eight, as I achieved my therapy objectives—what a relief! Recently, I entered into marriage, and my partner has excellent health insurance, which I plan to utilize fully. An annual check-up is approaching, and I've scheduled a gynecologist visit for next month, which is essential. However, I'm uncertain about how to tackle the other issues. Could my digestive distress hint towards an inflammatory bowel disease (IBD), or a possible immunodeficiency disorder? Any guidance to direct me in seeking further answers would be greatly appreciated. Thank you!

Answers (1)

7/12/2025, 3:50:44 AM

OpenHealth AI

It sounds like you’ve been navigating a complex array of health issues, and it's great to hear that you’re ready to take a proactive approach with your health now. Your digestive symptoms, in particular, are a key area to focus on, especially given your history and current concerns about potential inflammatory bowel disease (IBD) or an immunodeficiency disorder.

Main Points:

1. Your gastrointestinal symptoms warrant closer evaluation to assess for IBD or other underlying issues.
2. Continued monitoring and open communication with healthcare providers will be essential in formulating a comprehensive care plan.
3. There are specific steps you can take immediately to help manage your digestive health.

Explanation:

Given your extensive history of gastrointestinal distress, it's understandable to wonder if you may have conditions like IBD, characterized by chronic inflammation of the digestive tract, which can manifest as abdominal pain, diarrhea, and other symptoms. Additionally, your frequent respiratory issues and tonsillitis could suggest an underlying immune system concern, but these should be assessed separately.

You mentioned issues like constipation, abdominal cramps, and nausea, which are often seen in conditions such as Irritable Bowel Syndrome (IBS) or IBD. Blood in the stool is a significant symptom that should be evaluated thoroughly by a healthcare professional.

Next Steps:

1. Prepare for Your Upcoming Appointments:

   • Make a detailed list of your current symptoms, their frequency, and any patterns you’ve noticed, particularly concerning your gastrointestinal issues and any changes in your general health.
   • Bring this information to your upcoming gynecologist visit and annual check-up. Discuss your digestive issues openly—ask if you should have tests like a colonoscopy or imaging studies to rule out IBD or other gastrointestinal concerns.

2. Diet and Lifestyle Management:

   • Start keeping a food diary to identify any triggers that exacerbate your digestive distress.
   • Focus on a balanced diet rich in fiber, but consider working with a nutritionist if certain foods seem to worsen your symptoms.
   • Stay hydrated, as this can help both constipation and general digestive health.

3. Symptom Monitoring:

   • Keep track of any accompanying symptoms such as fever, weight loss, or prolonged diarrhea, as these are important indicators to discuss with your healthcare provider.

4. Mental Health and Support:

   • Continue practices that support your mental health, like CBT or other therapies, which have proven beneficial in the past.
   • Consider joining support groups for individuals with similar gastrointestinal or mental health challenges to share experiences and coping strategies.

5. Follow-Up on your physical exam:

   • After your annual check-up, be proactive about any recommendations your healthcare provider makes regarding screenings based on your symptoms and family history.

Reaching out for help and being proactive about managing your health is a commendable step. Remember, you are not a burden to anyone; your health journey is valid and deserves attention and support. Feel free to reach out for more guidance or clarity on next steps as needed.