Persistent Abdominal Discomfort and Diarrhea Episodes: Seeking Insight After Years of Struggles
At the age of 17, I began enduring intense abdominal discomfort that often culminated in violent and distressing bouts of diarrhea. Remarkably, this agony would typically ease following a bowel movement. By the time I reached 19, I found myself in the emergency room grappling with excruciating stomach pain. A colonoscopy was performed, leading doctors to eliminate serious conditions and suggest that the likely culprit was a colon infection. It has now been over a decade since my initial episode, which occurred when I was just 13. I continue to experience recurrent episodes characterized by acute abdominal pain, nausea, and severe diarrhea. During these times, even basic movements such as walking and breathing become painful. The discomfort can persist from a few minutes up to several hours, usually easing only after I have completely emptied my bowels, a process that often involves multiple attempts. There’s a family history of gastrointestinal issues, with Crohn’s Disease, Irritable Bowel Syndrome, and Ulcerative Colitis present among relatives. I've observed a pattern where these episodes tend to occur prior to the onset of my menstrual cycle, although it’s not consistent enough to draw a definite connection. I am looking for insights into what these symptoms might indicate and whether or not I should consider undergoing another colonoscopy, as it has been about seven years since my last one. In summary: I am dealing with intense abdominal pain and diarrhea, with a family history of gastrointestinal diseases and a past colonoscopy that has ruled out several conditions. I am uncertain about the underlying cause and what treatment options might be appropriate.
Answers (1)
7/21/2025, 12:40:35 AM
OpenHealth AI
It sounds like you’ve been managing significant and distressing gastrointestinal symptoms for quite some time. I appreciate you sharing your experience, which includes recurrent abdominal pain and diarrhea, a family history of gastrointestinal issues, and the potential link with your menstrual cycle.
Main Points:
- Potential underlying causes: Your symptoms may align with conditions like Irritable Bowel Syndrome (IBS) or other functional gastrointestinal disorders, especially given your family history.
- Monitoring and next steps: A follow-up with a healthcare provider for further evaluation and possible re-testing, including another colonoscopy if deemed necessary.
Explanation:
Recurrent abdominal discomfort relieved by bowel movements, combined with a family history of gastrointestinal diseases, suggests that you could be experiencing a functional disorder like IBS. IBS is common and can present with symptoms similar to yours, including diarrhea and abdominal pain that correlates with stress or hormonal changes like those seen in your menstrual cycle.
Since your symptoms have persisted and seem to be affecting your quality of life significantly, it may be valuable to rethink your management strategy. An update on your condition through a healthcare provider can help hone in on your specific needs.
Next Steps:
-
Keep a Symptom Diary: Track your symptoms, noting their frequency, duration, intensity, and any possible triggers (like diet or menstrual cycle). This can help you and your healthcare provider identify patterns and adjust treatments.
-
Consider Dietary Adjustments: Some people find relief by modifying their diet. Keeping a food diary alongside your symptom diary can help pinpoint any potential food triggers (common ones include dairy, gluten, and high-FODMAP foods).
-
Stress Management Techniques: Since stress can exacerbate gastrointestinal symptoms, consider incorporating stress-relief practices such as mindfulness, yoga, or regular exercise.
-
Schedule a Visit with a Healthcare Provider: Discuss your symptoms in detail, share your symptom diary, and consider whether a follow-up examination or another colonoscopy is warranted. Your provider may also guide you on medication options if IBS or another condition is diagnosed.
-
Explore Support Groups: Connecting with others who have similar experiences can provide emotional support and additional coping strategies.
You’re not alone in this, and finding the right approach to manage your symptoms is crucial. If you have further questions or need more guidance on any particular steps, please let me know.
Related Questions
Exploring Autoimmune Encephalitis: A Starting Point
At 24 years old and weighing 130 pounds, I experienced an abrupt emergence of psychiatric and neurological symptoms earlier this year. These challenges included: - Intense depression - Trouble sleeping - Dizziness - Extreme fatigue - Headaches accompanied by nausea - Confusion - Forgetfulness - Frequent feelings of deja vu - Severe anxiety - Vision disturbances, including floaters and blurriness - Movement disorders - Shortness of breath - Pressure in my head and muscle twitching Additionally, I had a fainting episode or possible seizure and sought medical assistance. After undergoing an electrocardiogram and basic blood tests, the healthcare professionals concluded it was likely a fainting spell without pursuing further diagnostic measures. Over the last year, I have experimented with more than five different psychiatric medications, without any positive results, in addition to undergoing a series of electroconvulsive therapy (ECT) sessions. Initially, I hoped to attribute my issues to psychological origins, but the sudden emergence and lack of treatment success have left me in doubt. I decided to discontinue all psychiatric medications, as they failed to provide relief and am currently not taking anything. An MRI conducted in January revealed a minor T2 flair, which was dismissed as inconsequential by doctors. They considered a lumbar puncture but ultimately opted not to proceed with it. Moreover, I have a family history of autoimmune diseases, including Hashimoto's and lupus, adding another layer of complexity to my situation. Thank you for your understanding.
Considering Implant Removal
After two decades with breast implants, I've been facing numerous health challenges, particularly persistent back pain. The weight of the implants feels disproportionate to my body, leading me to decide that I want to undergo their removal. Can anyone provide guidance on where I can seek this procedure?
Sternal Region Bone Inflammation without Bacterial Origin
For the past several months, I've been experiencing persistent discomfort and tenderness centered around my sternum, radiating towards the upper left rib area. This began in October. I am a 26-year-old woman with a history of hypothyroidism since 2016, currently on a regimen of levothyroxine (75) and liothyronin (15). Additionally, I deal with IBS and overactive bladder, for which I take tolterodine daily, alongside a battle with chronic hives. I have access to health services in two different countries, and both medical professionals suggested that my symptoms might be linked to tightness in my back, with one speculating that it could be Tietze syndrome or costochondritis. Initial tests, including an X-ray and EKG, yielded no significant findings. After consulting a physiotherapist who noted my excellent range of motion and could not identify any issues that could be addressed, I was prescribed pain relief that proved ineffective. During a recent trip to Brazil, I sought the expertise of a thoracic surgeon, who ordered an MRI. While his investigations ruled out conditions like Tietze syndrome and SAPHO, he did identify "bone edema and inflammation in the sternum area." He prescribed me pregabalin for 30 days and a short course of prednisolone (7 days), also allowing me to use dipyrone as needed for pain relief. He advised me to follow up with a rheumatologist upon returning home. Despite adhering to the prescribed medications for several weeks, my discomfort has only intensified. I've chosen not to take the painkillers regularly, reserving them for acute episodes. I have an upcoming appointment in three weeks with a doctor who may refer me to a rheumatologist. I've been informed they might request another MRI to compare findings, although I still possess the imaging and notes from Brazil. Despite nearly nine months of enduring this issue, I have yet to experience any improvement. Initially, the pain was severe and felt akin to a heart attack; it later transitioned to a more constant soreness, with sharp pain episodes occurring sporadically. Currently, it feels as though my sternum is being compressed in a v-shape, causing immense discomfort that often leaves me on the verge of tears, particularly in the mornings, although the pain’s intensity varies throughout the day. I attempted to take a break from physical activities, but that did not yield any positive changes. While I still engage in couple's dancing—an activity that doesn't provoke pain—upper body workouts and my practice in Japanese jiu-jitsu do trigger discomfort. I’ve taken a hiatus from martial arts but fear returning due to the growing severity of my pain, which I desperately miss. I'm grappling with apprehensions regarding whether my condition will improve or be acknowledged seriously. I worry about potential spread or persistence of the pain. Are there effective treatment options or relief strategies I can implement? I feel somewhat isolated in my situation, and my understanding of bone inflammation is limited. The thoracic surgeon hinted at the possibility of an autoimmune disorder but deemed it more plausible that it stemmed from an unrecognized trauma. He suggested that arthritis is unlikely since that condition typically involves migratory symptoms instead.
Negative Strep Test: Exploring Alternative Diagnoses for Throat Pain
I am currently in the UK utilizing the NHS, which has resulted in some restrictions regarding the diagnostic tests and treatment options available to me. I am contemplating seeking private medical assistance for my ongoing health issues. I am a 34-year-old male, Caucasian, with a height of 179 cm and weighing 86 kg. I do not smoke, but I have a notably weakened immune system, which leads to frequent illnesses, far surpassing that of the average person. Additionally, I've been diagnosed with Long Covid, which brings about fatigue, cognitive fog, and post-exertional malaise. About a week ago, I began to experience severe throat discomfort that made it excruciating to eat or drink. Alongside this pain, I've faced overwhelming fatigue, excessive sweating, chills at night, and headaches, yet without any fever present. Given my history of recurrent throat infections, I delayed seeking medical attention initially, as they typically resolve within a couple of days. However, this episode intensified in pain over the following days. By the third day, I examined my throat using my phone’s camera and noted concerning symptoms. I visited my general practitioner, who performed a throat swab to test for strep throat and prescribed a five-day course of penicillin. Initially, the antibiotics didn’t seem very effective; however, I noticed slight improvement beginning yesterday. As of today, my condition appears somewhat better than it was a couple of days ago. Though my lymph nodes remain swollen, the severity has decreased since the height of my symptoms. Today marks the sixth day of my current infection, and I've received the strep test results, which were negative. The doctor mentioned that this could indicate the presence of a different bacterial infection. I requested an additional prescription for antibiotics since my current supply runs out this evening, but he informed me that they typically only prescribe a five-day course. My concern is regarding the possibility of a new bacterial infection developing resistance, potentially exacerbating my symptoms. While the physician suggested that a viral illness could be the cause, he declined to test for Epstein-Barr Virus (EBV) or any other viruses, stating that additional viral panels are generally reserved for children. Given my background with Long Covid, I feel anxious about the risk of acquiring an additional illness and wish to identify the issue and commence treatment swiftly. I also inquired about antiviral options, but he stated those are not prescribed. Currently, my only option appears to be to wait and hope for improvement. I have also scheduled an STD test as a precaution. I am wondering if my symptoms could align with EBV or if they might suggest other STDs such as gonorrhea or herpes. My previous testing, conducted about a month ago, did not include a throat examination, focusing instead on urine and blood samples. I plan to request a throat check during my upcoming STD testing. Since it seems the NHS may not provide the comprehensive care I need, I am eager to pursue private healthcare. What should my next steps be regarding discussions with a private physician, and how can I find one who is willing to conduct an EBV panel along with other viral tests?
Seeking Advice on Tonsillitis Relief
Hello Reddit community! I’m currently dealing with a painful bout of tonsillitis that has persisted for almost a week now. It all started last Tuesday when I noticed a sore throat. By Thursday, I sought help at urgent care, where I was tested for strep, and the results came back negative. My tonsils were noticeably swollen, bright red, and covered in white spots, which prompted my visit. The doctor suggested that a viral infection was affecting my throat and prescribed a lidocaine gargle—though, I must say, it makes me gag. Aside from the severe sore throat, my symptoms are limited; I don’t have any cold-like issues, but my lymph nodes are swollen. At this point, the pain is predominantly on one side of my throat, which, thankfully, has shown some improvement, but swallowing is still a challenge. Mornings are particularly tough, as I wake with significant discomfort. I’ve been trying various home remedies, including gargling salt water, apple cider vinegar solutions, taking oil of oregano, using pain relievers, and staying hydrated. While these methods have provided some relief, one side of my throat remains quite painful and hasn’t improved after a week. Is this duration normal? I would appreciate any advice or tips you might have to offer!