Concerns Over Prolonged Digestive Issues and Anxiety
Greetings, For the past seven months, I’ve been navigating a troubling health situation marked by persistent diarrhea and other concerning symptoms. My history includes multiple blood tests, particularly as I suffer from chronic migraines. Recently, a stool sample analysis indicated no abnormalities. I'm scheduled for coeliac testing this Tuesday and have been instructed to submit another sample. In preparation for this, I’ve made an effort to include gluten in my diet over the last few weeks. However, my migraines have escalated in severity, culminating in a hospitalization due to a suspected brain infection, although that has thankfully been ruled out. Additionally, during this period, I noticed the emergence of acne on my cheeks coinciding with the onset of diarrhea. Despite using a prescribed skin treatment, my skin condition seems to be worsening. I’m a 29-year-old female and I'm feeling quite anxious about my situation. Could it be that I have coeliac disease or possibly irritable bowel syndrome (IBS)? I dread the possibility that my upcoming tests might yield negative results once again. As a vegetarian, I generally maintain good health, though I do take several supplements including magnesium, vitamin B12, vitamin D, evening primrose oil (I have an implant), and I've recently added iron and folic acid due to these health concerns.
Answers (1)
7/21/2025, 2:10:39 AM
OpenHealth AI
It sounds like you're going through a challenging time with your digestive issues and related symptoms, which understandably has caused you a lot of concern and anxiety. You mentioned several key points regarding persistent diarrhea, upcoming celiac testing, worsening migraines, and skin concerns like acne. Let's address these systematically.
Main Points:
- Your symptoms could be related to various issues, including celiac disease or irritable bowel syndrome (IBS).
- Anxiety can heighten the perception of physical symptoms, complicating your situation.
- Your tests may help clarify the underlying cause, and there are actionable steps you can take to manage your current symptoms and anxiety.
Explanation:
-
Celiac Disease and IBS: Both conditions can present with gastrointestinal symptoms like diarrhea. Celiac disease specifically results from an immune response to gluten, while IBS is more about gut motility and can be influenced by stress and diet. The upcoming celiac test will help rule out or confirm that possibility. Symptoms such as worsening acne might be indirectly related if there are changes in gut health affecting skin integrity or hormonal balance.
-
Migraine Connection: Migraines can sometimes be triggered by dietary changes or gastrointestinal distress. The stress and anxiety from your health situation could also be exacerbating your migraine frequency and severity.
-
Dietary Considerations: As a vegetarian with ongoing symptoms, it’s important to ensure you're getting balanced nutrition that supports your overall health, including your gut health. Supplements may be beneficial, but their interactions with food and stress levels can be complex.
Next Steps:
-
Continue Monitoring Symptoms: Keep a detailed symptom diary leading up to your testing. Note what you eat, your symptoms, stress levels, and migraine occurrences. This can help identify triggers and patterns to discuss with your health provider.
-
Stay Hydrated and Nourished: Focus on consuming easy-to-digest foods that can soothe your gut, such as bananas, rice, applesauce, and toast (often referred to as the BRAT diet) as you prepare for your tests. Avoid highly processed foods or anything that seems to exacerbate your diarrhea.
-
Manage Anxiety: Consider incorporating relaxation techniques such as deep breathing, mindfulness, or gentle yoga to help manage anxiety. Activities that promote mental well-being can also reduce the perception of physical discomfort.
-
Skin Care Routine: If your acne is worsening despite treatment, it might be worth looking into gentle, non-comedogenic products and possibly consulting a dermatologist about adjustments to your skincare routine that may be more effective.
-
Stay Connected with Care Providers: As test results come in, maintain open communication with your healthcare provider about all your concerns. They can provide clarity on the implications of results and guide any necessary adjustments in treatment or lifestyle.
Your proactive approach, such as adjusting your diet and seeking testing, is commendable. Remember that finding the right diagnosis and treatment can be a process. It's important to be patient and give yourself grace as you navigate this. If you have any further questions or need more support, don’t hesitate to reach out.
Related Questions
Chronic Diarrhea for Three Weeks in a 54-Year-Old Male
I am a 54-year-old man who is generally in good health, standing at 5’10” and weighing 150 pounds. For the past three weeks, I have been experiencing diarrhea. It's not severe, but my bowel movements are consistently unformed. I’ve scheduled a visit with my doctor, who conducted a complete blood examination, including a CBC and additional tests, all of which returned normal results. Stool samples were also taken, and the culture indicated no significant growth. I'm still waiting for the results of the ova and parasite tests, which appear to be taking longer than expected. I understand the underlying concern here. Meanwhile, my doctor has prescribed antibiotics, advising me to begin taking them even before the stool test results are available. However, I am puzzled by this advice since the likelihood of a bacterial infection seems low. I have not yet commenced the antibiotics but have them on hand. In summary, should I hold off on taking the antibiotics until all stool analysis is concluded?
Health Concerns in a 21-Year-Old Male: Anxiety and Gastrointestinal Symptoms
At the age of 21, I find myself grappling with health anxieties. My medical history reveals a diagnosis of a mixed anxious-depressive disorder, with a notable tendency towards hypochondria. Recently, I underwent a blood test for the presence of blood in my stool which returned negative results about a month ago. Just a few weeks back, I also had my calprotectin levels measured alongside a complete hemogram, which showed elevated levels at 224. Occasionally, I experience mild discomfort in my lower left abdomen, particularly intensified after using the restroom. Additionally, the quality of my stool has become irregular; it floats and often contains mucus—sometimes in small amounts, at other times more conspicuously. After a period of weight loss, I recently gained a few kilos, which I irrationally attributed to potential cancer. My primary care physician has referred me to a gastroenterologist to further investigate my elevated calprotectin levels, reassuring me that it likely isn’t anything serious. Nevertheless, I cannot shake the fear that I may be harboring a tumor in my colon, leading to worst-case scenarios of late-stage cancer. These gastrointestinal symptoms have persisted for the last four years, and I worry that I may have overlooked them for far too long. In summary, my health has become a source of significant worry, compounded by my emotional state, and I fear the ramifications of these ongoing issues.
Chronic Diarrhea Unexplained for 12 Weeks
I am a 19-year-old female, standing at 5'8" and weighing 84 kg. Over the past three months, I have been experiencing chronic diarrhea that appeared suddenly. Throughout these 12 weeks, my stool has not reached a solid consistency; it's either very watery or extremely soft. The color usually ranges from orange to yellow, although I have also encountered very dark brown or near-black stools. Additionally, I experience abdominal pain that feels as though it is pressing against my spine, with minimal gas production. Sleep is elusive for me, and I often feel fatigued. Unfortunately, I have also had several incidents where I lost control and soiled myself. Certain foods do not seem to alleviate or exacerbate my condition; rather, it varies from day to day, swinging between extremely watery and somewhat manageable. My dietary habits have not been the best; I believe I might have Avoidant/Restrictive Food Intake Disorder (ARFID), as I have been following a one-meal-a-day (OMAD) pattern for nearly three years. My intake is severely limited, typically involving only five different foods in a month, with daily caloric intake usually below 1000 calories. Notably, there were no significant dietary changes coinciding with the onset of my diarrhea. Interestingly, prior to the development of my symptoms, I noticed a significant weight increase—a swing from 82 kg to 88 kg, fluctuating between 85 kg and back again. Once the diarrhea began, my weight fluctuations persisted but appeared less severe. However, just yesterday, the diarrhea worsened considerably, making it feel as if my body was on fire; this morning I weighed 85.4 kg, which has now dropped to 84.5 kg today, accompanied by heightened abdominal pain. I have also felt an unusual pulsing sensation in my abdomen today, which generally only happens after physical exertion. I’m seeking thoughts on what might be causing these issues and which specific tests I should request from my doctor. I have submitted a stool sample but have yet to have any blood tests done.
Concerns About Stomach Ulcers and Cancer Risk
Two weeks ago, I experienced a slight ache in my abdomen, and shortly after, I noticed blood in my stool. This discovery sent me into a panic as I feared it could be indicative of bowel cancer. However, after discussing my concerns with my parents, we concluded that it was likely just hemorrhoids. To be cautious, I decided to schedule an appointment with a physician. The day prior to my appointment, I had a heated argument with my dad, during which I began to experience significant pain in my upper abdomen. He provided support, and as the discomfort subsided a few minutes later, we both suspected that it might have stemmed from the stress caused by our argument. He mentioned that he experiences similar symptoms when under pressure. At my doctor's visit the next day, I explained my symptoms, including the blood and the pain following the fight with my dad. The doctor agreed with our earlier assessment, attributing the blood to hemorrhoids and the abdominal pain to stress. However, later that day, when I tried to eat, the upper abdominal pain returned. While it wasn't as severe as it had been during the argument, it was still quite noticeable. Now, I've been researching my symptoms online, which has only heightened my anxiety regarding the possibility of having a stomach ulcer and the looming threat of stomach cancer, especially after discovering the poor survival rates associated with it. I also deal with an anxiety disorder, and this situation has intensified my worries. While there's no family history of stomach cancer, I've found out that certain viruses can trigger it irrespective of one’s genetic background. I am seeking advice on whether I should make another appointment with my doctor urgently or if I should consider visiting urgent care. If I experience any more abdominal pain, I will provide an update on my situation.
Seeking Guidance Amid Ongoing Symptoms
Greetings to all, I’m a 27-year-old woman, standing at 5’2” and weighing 115 pounds, I find myself facing ongoing issues with pelvic and urinary discomfort that have surfaced over the past few months, leaving me feeling quite frustrated. I’m reaching out in hopes that someone here might have experienced something similar or can offer some advice. In April, I went through a distressing incident of sexual assault, and shortly afterwards, I began to experience symptoms such as burning sensations, internal irritation, and a frequent urge to urinate. When I visited the emergency room, I was diagnosed with bacterial vaginosis (BV). At that moment, they didn’t perform tests for HSV but conducted a comprehensive STD panel, which returned negative results, apart from the BV. I was given antibiotics to address the issue. A few weeks later, my symptoms persisted, prompting me to consult my OB-GYN for further evaluation. She diagnosed me with a yeast infection and ordered another round of tests. Yet again, all STD tests returned negative. Some time later, after noticing a small red spot, I underwent a vaginal PCR swab, which came back negative for both HSV-1 and HSV-2. Other tests revealed I was also negative for ureaplasma and mycoplasma. To date, I’ve undergone multiple comprehensive STD panels that have included tests for HIV, gonorrhea, chlamydia, trichomoniasis, hepatitis, and syphilis, with all results being negative. Despite these findings, I continue to battle internal vaginal irritation—distinct from external symptoms—along with intermittent urgency and urinary pressure. The discomfort sometimes intensifies during my menstrual cycle or after sexual activity, only to subside later. There are no sores, abnormal discharges, or symptoms that resemble flu illness, yet I’m left with a persistent burning sensation and an urgent need to urinate that just won’t seem to resolve. During one of these flare-ups, I had a urinalysis conducted, which revealed several irregularities in the dipstick test: - Protein: 30 - Nitrite: Positive - Leukocytes: Large - Urobilinogen: 4 - Glucose: 100 - Bilirubin: Small - Ketones: Trace - Urine color: Orange - pH: 5.0 However, I did take Azo (phenazopyridine) prior to this test, which can potentially lead to false positives. My physician mentioned that since my urine culture indicated “normal urogenital flora isolated,” she doesn’t think a urinary tract infection (UTI) is present or that there’s cause for alarm. Nonetheless, I still feel unwell. My doctor suspects it could be linked to hormonal changes due to my premature ovarian insufficiency and ongoing hormone replacement therapy (HRT) or possibly residual trauma and stress from the assault. Yet, my urinary symptoms seem distinct from these factors. Has anyone experienced a mismatch of a normal culture with an abnormal dipstick test and yet still felt unwell? Would it be advisable to pursue more precise testing, request another urine culture, or seek a referral to a urologist? I’m making a concerted effort to stay grounded, but the prolonged duration of these issues without clear answers is wearing on me. Any thoughts or suggestions would be greatly appreciated. Thank you for taking the time to read my post.