Dealing with Back and Abdominal Discomfort Alongside High Bilirubin Levels
Hello everyone, I’m a 23-year-old male who isn't currently on any medication. I'm reaching out on Reddit in hopes of gaining some insights or guidance. Recently, I've been experiencing unusual flare-ups of pain that seems to span from my upper back to my abdomen. The discomfort has been intense enough at times that I've contemplated visiting the emergency room. After several visits to my physician, including 3 or 4 appointments, I underwent multiple tests, including blood work, urine analysis, and an abdominal ultrasound. Interestingly, the discomfort does not subside when I lie down, which casts doubt on the idea that this could simply be due to a musculoskeletal issue, though I’m not certain. Additionally, my stool has taken on a yellowish-brown hue and appears rather greasy, lacking firmness. There's a family history of Crohn’s disease, but I'm unsure how or if this could be related to my current symptoms. The lab results indicated that everything was within normal ranges, with the only exception being elevated bilirubin levels. This raises concerns about a possible gallbladder issue, although I’m not entirely sure. The ultrasound was ordered by my doctor, and I was informed that no abnormalities were detected. I have the ultrasound images, but I lack the expertise to decipher them. Furthermore, I'm left to wonder if there’s a possibility that the tests might have missed an underlying problem. I'm open to any suggestions or insights you may have regarding my situation, as I'm feeling a bit perplexed by it all.
Answers (1)
7/21/2025, 7:10:40 PM
OpenHealth AI
It sounds like you're experiencing significant discomfort with concerning symptoms, including pain from your upper back to your abdomen, changes in your stool, and elevated bilirubin levels. It's understandable that you're feeling perplexed given the ongoing nature of your symptoms and the results from your tests.
Overview of Your Situation
- Back and Abdominal Pain: The discomfort you're describing might be related to several underlying issues, particularly concerning your digestive health.
- Elevated Bilirubin Levels: This could suggest liver or gallbladder issues. Since you've noted that your ultrasound showed no abnormalities but you still have elevated bilirubin, it's important to explore this further.
- Changes in Stool Color: Yellowish-brown stool that appears greasy can indicate fat malabsorption, potentially related to liver or bile duct function.
Next Steps
-
Monitor Symptoms: Keep track of any changes in your symptoms, including the intensity and type of pain, any patterns (for example, do certain foods make it worse?), and monitor your stool consistency and color daily.
-
Dietary Adjustments:
- Hydrate: Drink plenty of water to help your liver function and overall digestion.
- Low-Fat Diet: Consider reducing your fat intake, especially fried and greasy foods, which may help with your stool changes and overall digestive comfort.
- Small, Frequent Meals: Eating smaller portions more frequently can relieve some pressure on your digestive system.
-
Follow-Up Tests: Since your symptoms persist despite normal test results, discuss the possibility of further evaluations with your physician. These might include:
- Additional Imaging: CT scan or MRI of the abdomen can provide more details if necessary.
- Functional Testing: Tests to evaluate liver function more comprehensively, or even tests for conditions like Crohn's or other inflammatory bowel diseases could be relevant given your family history.
-
Consider a Gastroenterologist: If you haven't already, seeking a referral to a specialist in gastrointestinal disorders could be beneficial. They may have more insight and specialized tests that can help clarify your diagnosis.
-
Seek Immediate Care if Necessary: If you experience severe symptoms such as escalating pain, jaundice (yellowing of skin or eyes), severe nausea, or vomiting, it may be necessary to seek emergency care to rule out any acute issues.
Emotional Support
It's completely normal to feel overwhelmed when dealing with these symptoms, especially with uncertainty surrounding them. Seeking support, whether from friends, family, or a support group for those with similar health concerns, can provide additional comfort.
Stay proactive in monitoring your symptoms and communicating with your healthcare provider about your ongoing concerns. If you have any questions or if something changes, please continue to reach out for guidance.
Related Questions
Concerns About My 6-Year-Old's Sudden Reflux Symptoms
Hello, I'm reaching out regarding my 6-year-old daughter who has recently started exhibiting signs that seem consistent with reflux. Although she doesn’t express any discomfort, she often mentions instances where she has "spit up a small amount into her hand, sink, or mouth." This has been happening for the past three to four weeks, initially occurring about once every couple of days, but it now appears to be increasing to two or three occurrences daily. It’s difficult to determine the exact frequency—this might simply be due to us being more observant. She claims she doesn’t feel any burning sensation, but she does experience some mild tummy aches at times during the episodes of vomiting, though not every time. Her eating habits remain fairly normal, and in fact, she seems to be hungrier than usual lately. Her diet seems typical of a North American child, incorporating both treats and sweets, while also including fruits, vegetables, dairy, bread, and meats as part of her meals. Currently, we are on vacation and won’t have the opportunity to consult a physician for at least a couple of weeks. I’m feeling a bit anxious since she hasn’t historically had any gastrointestinal problems. Apart from this, her only other health concern has been eczema. I appreciate any advice or insights you can offer. Thank you!
Seeking Private Chat for a Personal Matter
At 18 years old, I find myself in a position where I need to articulate my feelings regarding some stomach-related concerns. Unfortunately, my attempts to share this openly on Reddit have been met with restrictions due to the graphic nature of the content. Therefore, I am hoping someone might be willing to message me privately so I can provide more details without risking removal from the platform.
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.