Concerns About Possible FAP or Gardner Syndrome
At 23 years old, I find myself dealing with some health anxieties, particularly since I underwent surgery for a coarctation of the aorta when I was just 8. That procedure was successful, and I’ve maintained regular check-ups without any significant health issues since then. Recently, I've noticed I have exostoses on both my jaw and chest; the ones on my chest are small, yet the one on my jaw seems to be becoming more apparent. After a CT scan, I was relieved to hear there were no other noticeable masses found on my skull. However, I am still waiting for my doctor to discuss the findings in detail. About three weeks ago, I experienced a troubling episode of severe diarrhea, which disrupted my nights and left me shivering and fatigued. To make matters worse, I observed a few drops of red blood. Thankfully, the diarrhea subsided after that event, but I was left with an unusual, almost persistent discomfort in my lower right abdomen for about five days. Although the pain was mild, I’d rate it around a 1 out of 10, it felt very odd. I considered the possibility that it might be due to food poisoning. Eventually, the discomfort started to fade after a week, and nearly a week later, it was almost completely gone; though occasionally, I would experience it for brief moments that would then subside on their own. However, today I find myself facing diarrhea again, yet thankfully, no blood has reappeared. This current bout of symptoms is causing me considerable anxiety. Living alone without health insurance adds to my worry, especially since I recently started a job and was finally beginning to put money aside. I haven’t brought this up with my family yet and told my coworkers I had a dental appointment instead. To complicate things further, the nature of my symptoms makes me feel embarrassed to discuss it, even with my closest friends.
Answers (1)
7/18/2025, 4:50:52 PM
OpenHealth AI
I understand that you’re feeling anxious about your health, especially with the recent symptoms you've experienced. Let's break down your concerns regarding the exostoses, gastrointestinal issues, and your overall anxiety about these health matters.
Key Points:
- Exostoses: The growths you're noticing could relate to the conditions you mentioned, like Gardner syndrome, which involves bone and soft tissue tumors.
- Gastrointestinal Symptoms: Your episodes of diarrhea with blood and subsequent abdominal discomfort could have various causes, and while they have subsided, monitoring is vital.
- Anxiety and Embarrassment: It's completely normal to feel anxious about health issues, especially when they affect your daily life.
Explanation:
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Exostoses: These bony growths can be relatively common, but when associated with persistent gastrointestinal symptoms, they can raise concerns for syndromes like Gardner's or familial adenomatous polyposis (FAP). It’s essential to discuss these findings and their implications with your doctor once you have your follow-up.
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Gastrointestinal Issues: The mix of diarrhea, shivering, fatigue, and discomfort indicates a possible infectious process, food-related issue, or, in some cases, could be a sign of inflammatory bowel disease (IBD), such as Crohn's disease. The presence of blood in the past also warrants attention.
Next Steps:
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Monitor Your Symptoms: Keep a detailed diary of any gastrointestinal symptoms, including the frequency of diarrhea, dietary changes, and any other related symptoms like pain or fatigue. Note when you observe discomfort in your abdomen to provide clear information to your doctor.
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Dietary Considerations: Start with bland foods (like bananas, rice, applesauce, toast) to help settle your stomach during episodes of diarrhea. Staying hydrated is crucial, so drink plenty of fluids, including oral rehydration solutions if needed.
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Communicate with Your Doctor: Once you have your appointment, prepare questions about the exostoses and gastrointestinal concerns. It may help to express your anxiety and ask the doctor about any recommended tests or imaging to rule out conditions.
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Seek Support: Consider sharing your health concerns with a trusted friend or a supportive family member. Sometimes just having someone to talk to can alleviate a lot of anxiety. Look into community health resources that might offer support or low-cost consultations.
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Mind Your Mental Health: It’s normal to feel embarrassed or anxious about health issues. If you find that these feelings become overwhelming, it might be beneficial to reach out to a mental health professional who can provide support and coping strategies.
Remember, you are not alone in this, and taking these steps can help empower you to manage your health more effectively. Let me know if you have more specific questions or need further clarification!
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