Feeling Lost and Struggling with Health Issues
Age 24, female, nonsmoker, currently taking oral contraceptives, rizatriptan, and diclofenac. My height is 172 cm and my weight is 112 kg. Over the past year, I've experienced a sudden and alarming increase in weight, particularly in the last 5 to 6 months. I've gained around 27 kg since this time last year, despite being more physically active and consuming fewer calories than previously. My abdomen protrudes significantly more than it did last year, and it's even larger than it was in January; it feels quite distended and uncomfortable to the touch. Additionally, I find myself perpetually fatigued. A recent sleep study revealed that I scored 19 on the Epworth Sleepiness Scale, yet my apnea index fell within the normal range. Staying awake has become a challenge; I’ve had to pull over several times while driving due to drowsiness. Lately, I have stumbled to my car after work because I feel like I could fall asleep while walking. If I sit down, I find myself dozing off within just 10 minutes. Comprehensive blood tests and urine analyses for TSH, A1C, and pregnancy have all returned normal results. I often feel unwell and have an unsettling sensation in my stomach. My motivation is low, and eating has become difficult; I feel uncomfortably full and sick after just a few bites of food. There’s pain between my ribs and chest, reminiscent of something stretching my stomach. My bowel movements have been soft and loose in consistency for about three months now, without any solid stools. While I am aware of my family history regarding cancer, I was hoping my tests would show some signs if that were the case. Despite numerous visits to my doctor and being on waiting lists for three different specialists, we have yet to identify any underlying problems. I find myself feeling desperate, unsure of what path to take next. Is there something overlooked in my evaluations? What could be causing these issues?
Answers (1)
7/12/2025, 7:30:45 PM
OpenHealth AI
I'm truly sorry to hear about the challenges you're facing with your health. It's completely understandable to feel overwhelmed and desperate for answers when you're experiencing such difficult symptoms. Based on what you've shared, a significant weight gain, abdominal distention, fatigue, and gastrointestinal issues may all be interconnected, and it's crucial to approach this holistically.
Main Points
- You’re experiencing significant weight gain with abdominal discomfort, persistent fatigue, and changes in bowel habits.
- Blood tests for TSH, A1C, and pregnancy returned normal.
- You have low motivation and a sensation of fullness after minimal food intake.
Explanation
The sudden weight gain and abdominal issues, along with fatigue and changes in bowel habits, may suggest several possible underlying causes. Some considerations include hormonal imbalances (perhaps related to your contraceptive), gastrointestinal conditions like irritable bowel syndrome (IBS) or perhaps Crohn's disease given your symptoms, or metabolic disorders. The difficulties you’re having with eating could be indicative of an underlying digestive issue.
The discomfort in your abdomen and the feeling of excessive fullness could be related to gastrointestinal motility issues, which can accompany various conditions. Your reported sleepiness and challenges with staying awake seem concerning and may indicate an obstructive issue, even if the sleep study was normal.
Next Steps
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Maintain a Symptom Diary: Start documenting your symptoms daily. Note when they occur, how severe they are, your food intake, and any associated activities or stressors. This can help identify patterns and triggers over time.
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Adjust Diet: Focus on a diet that’s gentle on your stomach. Foods like bananas, rice, applesauce, and toast (the BRAT diet) can be soothing when dealing with loose stools. Staying hydrated is essential too; aim for plenty of fluids but talk to a doctor about any electrolyte imbalances.
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Consult Your Doctor Again: When you see your healthcare provider, share your symptom diary to guide discussions. Request a referral to a gastroenterologist if you haven't already, as this specialist can explore conditions like IBS or Crohn's more thoroughly.
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Monitor Energy Levels: Try to note when your fatigue occurs most—after food intake, physical activity, or stress. This can help identify if there are specific triggers for your tiredness.
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Consider Lifestyle Modifications: While waiting for specialist consultations, incorporate more light movement into your day, if possible. Gentle activities like walking can sometimes help improve energy levels and gastrointestinal function.
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Join Support Groups: Connecting with others who experience similar symptoms can be comforting. They may provide insight into what helped them.
Reassurance
It's truly frustrating to feel like you're not making progress in finding answers, but keep advocating for your health. Collaborating closely with your doctors and specialists, while monitoring your symptoms, will be key in determining the cause of your issues. You're not alone in this journey, and persistent advocacy is often necessary for effective treatment and management. Please feel free to reach out for more support or specific questions as you navigate this process.
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