Navigating Symptoms: Is It a Kidney Stone or Anxiety?
Hello everyone, this is my first time sharing on this platform. I'm not entirely sure if this is the correct forum, but I'm hoping to gain some clarity on a range of symptoms I've had for a little over a month now. To give you an idea of my background: - 26-year-old male - American citizen residing in the USA - 6 feet 1 inch tall - Roughly 200 pounds (down from about 215 pounds) - Heritage: Puerto Rican (from my mother) and Italian (from my father) - Allergic to peanuts, tree nuts, almonds, and walnuts (Interestingly, pistachios don’t trigger a reaction for me.) - I have a history of depression and anxiety; three years ago, I experienced sudden panic attacks, which have only recently resurfaced. - Recently, I started a daily dose of 10mg fluoxetine to help manage depressive feelings. I began this medication about a week ago. - I don’t smoke, vape, or partake in recreational drugs, and I only drink occasionally. Now, here’s a breakdown of the symptoms I’ve been dealing with: - Abdominal cramps and pain - Nausea - Sharp discomfort in my upper and lower back muscles - Possible constipation - Occasional diarrhea - Episodes of severe anxiety and panic (ranging from minutes to hours) - A lack of appetite, to the point where eating feels like a chore - Notable weight loss (I was about 215 pounds a month ago; now I'm just under 200 pounds) - A confirmed kidney stone (Could it be causing my various symptoms?) With that context set, here’s what’s been happening: In late May or early June, I had to be taken to the hospital by ambulance after having an allergic reaction from consuming food containing walnuts, which I wasn't aware of at the time. Upon realizing my situation, I used an EpiPen and called for emergency help. The paramedics arrived within five minutes, treated me at home (I believe they administered steroids), and transported me to the hospital. Fortunately, they released me a few hours later, and I was fine. However, that incident marked the beginning of my current issues. Since then, my stomach hasn’t been right. I started experiencing abdominal pain, nausea, and diarrhea. I haven’t had a solid bowel movement since these symptoms emerged. Initially, I thought I had a stomach virus, but my condition didn’t improve after several weeks. The intensity of the stomach pain led me to visit the ER on two occasions. During my first ER visit, they suggested I might be constipated and prescribed laxatives, but they didn't alleviate my symptoms. On my second visit (around July 5th), x-rays and a CT scan revealed that I have a kidney stone. They also mentioned that there was no obstruction in my stomach or colon, ruling out constipation as the issue. They recommended I follow up with my primary care physician and get referrals to both a gastroenterologist and a urologist. I suspect that my symptoms might stem from the kidney stone, which the ER nurse indicated was small, suggesting I could pass it soon. Alongside these issues, I’ve lost my appetite completely. I dread the thought of eating and often gag at the idea of food. This is particularly concerning because I used to be quite the foodie, snacking frequently throughout the day. Now, I have to make an effort to eat, which often leaves me feeling nauseated afterward. This has likely contributed to my recent weight loss; there are plain days when I cannot manage to eat adequately. Oddly enough, I feel somewhat better when my stomach is empty. Additionally, I’m concerned about my bowel movements; they seem inconsistent—too little compared to what I consume. Initially, I thought this might relate to constipation, but based on the second ER visit, I learned that’s not the case. Another troubling development is that I recently woke up with considerable soreness on the left side of my upper and lower back muscles. Although pain relief medication has reduced the discomfort somewhat, it hasn't gone away completely. All of this has intensified my anxiety, with daily panic attacks and anxiety episodes since these symptoms began. I’m managing this with 10mg of fluoxetine daily as prescribed by my therapist. I wanted to share my experience here to vent and possibly gain insight into what I’m facing. I have an appointment with my doctor scheduled for tomorrow morning, but after dealing with these issues for an entire month, I feel overwhelmed. Could this all simply be linked to the kidney stone? Or is my anxiety a significant factor too? Or might there be other underlying issues?
Answers (1)
7/13/2025, 11:10:57 PM
OpenHealth AI
Thank you for sharing your detailed experience; it sounds like you’re going through a lot right now, and it’s understandable to feel overwhelmed given the combination of physical and emotional symptoms you’re experiencing.
Main Points
Your symptoms, including abdominal pain, nausea, changes in bowel habits, and back pain, need to be assessed considering your confirmed kidney stone and the potential influence of anxiety. It's good that you have an appointment scheduled with your doctor.
Explanation
- Kidney Stones: These can indeed cause significant discomfort, including abdominal pain and back pain. If the stone is small, it may pass on its own, but it can still lead to nausea and changes in your appetite.
- Anxiety: Anxiety can manifest physically, contributing to stomach issues and a decreased appetite. Stress often exacerbates physical discomfort, making it hard to distinguish between what's caused by your kidneys or your anxiety levels.
- Gastrointestinal Issues: Your comments about inconsistent bowel movements and nausea could suggest a gastrointestinal problem, potentially related to stress or diet changes as well.
Next Steps
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Symptom Log: Keep a detailed diary of your symptoms, noting when they occur and any potential triggers (including what you eat or your anxiety levels). This could provide valuable insights to your healthcare providers.
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Focus on Hydration: Ensure you are drinking enough fluids, especially to help with passing the kidney stone, unless otherwise directed by your healthcare provider. This can also help with nausea.
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Gentle Nutrition: Aim to eat small, bland meals that are easier to digest if you're feeling nauseated. Foods like bananas, rice, applesauce, and toast (the BRAT diet) might help you gradually regain your appetite without overwhelming your stomach.
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Pain Management: Continue using any prescribed pain relievers, but be cautious with over-the-counter medications, especially if you have other health concerns.
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Mental Health Management: Since you're experiencing panic attacks and anxiety, make sure you’re practicing relaxation techniques, such as deep breathing exercises or mindfulness, to help ease anxiety. Consider discussing your anxiety symptoms and their impact on your appetite with your therapist during your next session.
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Follow-Up with Specialists: During your upcoming doctor visit, discuss your symptoms and ask for a clear plan on how to address both the kidney stone and your gastrointestinal symptoms. Keeping open communication about your anxiety and how it's affecting you is crucial, so be sure to mention that too.
It’s understandable to feel anxious about your symptoms, but addressing them step by step will help you feel more in control. Remember, seeking help from healthcare professionals is important, and you’re doing the right thing by making those appointments.
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