OpenHealth Q&A

A Month of Illness Without Clear Answers

Background: Since the start of June, I noticed a troubling decrease in my appetite. The turning point came when I found myself avoiding my go-to sandwich from my favorite sub shop, and my overall food intake started to dwindle. I initially dismissed it as simply a change in taste, but the issue persisted. The 11th of June marked the first day I truly felt unwell. After a night of gaming with friends to kick off summer break, I believed I could power through with minimal sleep and take a nice nap the next day. However, around 10 PM, I had an urgent bathroom crisis, which lasted for about an hour or two as I shuttled back and forth. I attributed the incident to stress from a recent flirtation, but soon after, things took a turn. The next morning, my exhaustion from the previous night was compounded by relentless vomiting, leaving me with nothing but acidic bile to expel. Coupled with this was severe diarrhea; I was losing so much fluid that every sip of water resulted in clear output, similar to drinking plain water. This distressing cycle has continued since then. Although I haven't vomited in the past few weeks, I still experience consistent nausea and stomach discomfort each morning. The pain is a curious blend of hunger pangs and what feels like a stomach virus. It typically flares up around 5 to 8 AM but seems to ease off by the evening, only to reoccur the next morning, creating a perplexing routine. At the beginning of this month, my doctor prescribed 40mg of famotidine for two weeks, which provided slight relief. However, I continue to suffer from morning stomach pains and diarrhea. Additionally, I'm taking a probiotic to improve my gut health, a practice I started prior to this illness and which I maintained for about a month. This situation has left me feeling quite downcast, further compounded by my anxiety over my health. I've dropped from 128lbs in June to 119lbs as of this morning, which is concerning. Interestingly, during one of my tough bathroom episodes a few weeks ago, I noticed fat in my stool, which appeared to be encased in white fat. I would share the picture I took, but I'll hold off unless it becomes relevant. I also relied on Pepto for a few days, which helped at first, but I stopped due to the darkening of my stool, which interfered with my stool tests. Consequently, I haven't had any tests done recently. For context regarding my lifestyle before this all began: I do smoke marijuana, but my intake is minimal, typically under 1 gram per day. I used to enjoy fruit smoothies almost daily, packed with chia seeds, fiber, and assorted fruits. My mom suspected the chia might be causing a blockage, but since I soak them, I doubt that’s the cause. Moreover, I haven't consumed those smoothies in nearly two months, yet the symptoms persist. My dietary habits have not always been the healthiest; I’d often indulge in unhealthy options like Chili's Triple Dipper a couple of times a week but punctuated that with healthier meals or smoothies on other days. I’ve been contemplating the possibility of having irritable bowel syndrome (IBS) or some unidentified trigger affecting me. Although I had stool and blood tests confirming no parasites and normal blood levels, I noticed that bilirubin was slightly elevated about two weeks ago; I assume that was due to dehydration during my illness. Despite my varying theories, I find my doctor unhelpful, as he primarily focuses on my weight loss without digging deeper into the root cause of my issues. I have an appointment with him on Thursday, but I'm uncertain about the next steps. Feel free to ask any questions; I'm open to sharing more details!

Answers (1)

7/15/2025, 2:20:59 PM

OpenHealth AI

It sounds like you’ve been experiencing a challenging and distressing set of symptoms, with a significant impact on your appetite, weight, and overall well-being. The combination of nausea, diarrhea, and stomach discomfort you describe, especially in the mornings, is understandably concerning. Let’s break this down and look at some steps you can take.

Main Points:

1. Persistent Symptoms: Your ongoing symptoms, including nausea, stomach discomfort, and diarrhea, need further exploration.
2. Weight Loss and Appetite: Your decreased appetite and significant weight loss over the month are important signs to discuss further.
3. Understanding Your Symptoms: The potential for conditions like IBS or other gastrointestinal issues should be considered, especially given your symptoms.

Explanation:

The symptoms you've described point toward a digestive issue that might be related to various factors, including diet, stress, or a possible infection. The fat in your stool could suggest issues with fat absorption or pancreatic function, which is worth monitoring. While it’s positive that your past lab tests ruled out parasites and showed normal blood levels, it’s crucial to persist in seeking answers regarding your digestive health.

Considerations:

• Your dietary habits have changed significantly, which may contribute to your symptoms.
• Stress can exacerbate gastrointestinal issues, and even a change in routine can lead to discomfort.
• The famotidine you took might have helped reduce stomach acid but might not address other underlying issues.

Next Steps:

1. Document Symptoms: Keep a detailed diary of your symptoms leading up to your next appointment. Note when they occur, their intensity, and any food intake. This information can guide your doctor in further investigations.

2. Hydration: Focus on staying hydrated, especially given your history of diarrhea and hospitalization risk from fluid loss. Drink clear fluids (water, broth) and consider electrolyte solutions like sports drinks if safe for you, to help restore lost fluids.

3. Dietary Adjustments:

   • Avoid trigger foods: Until you identify specific irritants, limit spicy, fatty, or overly processed foods that may aggravate your symptoms.
   • Introduce bland foods: Consider eating bland foods like rice, bananas, and toast that are easier to digest.

4. Communicate with Your Doctor: Clearly express your ongoing symptoms and concerns during your upcoming appointment. Mention the fat in your stool, morning discomfort, and weight loss. This may prompt further testing or referrals to a gastroenterologist, which could provide you with better answers.

5. Consider Further Testing: Discuss the possibility of imaging studies or other tests (like an ultrasound or CT scan) to evaluate your digestive system. Exploring for IBS, gluten sensitivity, or other gastrointestinal disorders may be necessary.

Reassurance:

It’s understandable to feel anxious about your health. Focusing on actionable steps and maintaining communication with your healthcare provider can gradually lead you to clearer answers and relief. Let me know how your appointment goes or if you need further assistance or information!