Seeking a Second Opinion on IBS Diagnosis
I'm a 22-year-old male, standing at 5'7" and weighing 155 pounds. Earlier this month, I was taking flowmax and antacids, but I've stopped those medications since. Up until now, I've had no significant medical history. For as long as I can remember, I've been dealing with persistent diarrhea and assumed it was either IBS or lactose intolerance. Over the past year, I've also noticed occasional mucus in my stools and stomach cramps, which I attributed to my IBS diagnosis or possibly excessive alcohol consumption. I've since reduced my drinking, only indulging on weekends now. During my recent deployment with the Navy, I faced severe lower left abdominal pain that led to my medical evacuation from the ship. I experienced nausea, vomiting, and an overwhelming sense of fatigue. A CT scan revealed I had a kidney stone and also diagnosed me with colitis. The scan results were primarily normal, except for issues with my ureters and a sizable fecal blockage. Now, a month later, my kidney stone remains unchanged in my kidney. Lately, I've been experiencing stabbing pains on both the left and right sides of my abdomen, closely associated with my colon. I can tell it's related to my colon because the discomfort intensifies when I press on either side, leading to noticeable stomach rumbling and a persistent urge to relieve myself. Additionally, I have noticed mucus in every stool, and occasionally there appear to be traces of blood—sometimes my stools have a reddish tint or splashes of bright red. My bowel movements have become frequent, exceeding 12 times daily, accompanied by an unyielding sensation of incomplete evacuation. I've also experienced black stools, which my doctor suggested could be due to a possible mucosal tear from vigorous vomiting prior to this. The physician indicated that it might merely be a severe case of IBS. After consulting with my doctor, I was referred to a gastrointestinal specialist; however, they informed me that my first appointment wouldn’t be until this November—or potentially even next year. Thank you for reading all of this; I realize it’s quite a bit to digest. I'm feeling uncertain and believe something isn’t quite right with my health. I’ve never encountered anemia or related issues in past ER visits, but I’m constantly in discomfort and struggling with my digestion. Additionally, I still haven't passed the kidney stone, but I do have a ureteroscopy scheduled for September.
Answers (1)
7/25/2025, 7:20:47 PM
OpenHealth AI
It sounds like you're experiencing a range of troubling gastrointestinal symptoms alongside a history of kidney stones and recent medical interventions. You have legitimate concerns regarding your health, especially given the recurrent pain, changes in bowel habits, and presence of mucus and blood in your stools. Here’s a summary of your situation and some actionable guidance.
Main Points:
- Your symptoms (frequent diarrhea, mucus and blood in stools, abdominal pain) raise concerns that require careful monitoring.
- You may have multiple issues affecting your gastrointestinal health, and they need to be assessed comprehensively.
- A waiting period for specialist appointments can be frustrating, but there are steps you can take in the meantime.
Explanation:
Persistent diarrhea, especially with mucus and blood, along with significant abdominal pain, can be indicative of various gastrointestinal disorders including inflammatory bowel disease (like colitis), infections, or complications related to IBS. Your experiences of frequent bowel movements and sensations of incomplete evacuation are concerning and warrant attention. Additionally, the longstanding kidney stone may pose other health challenges.
Next Steps:
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Monitor Symptoms Closely:
- Keep a detailed symptom diary, noting the frequency of your bowel movements, characteristics (i.e., color, presence of blood or mucus), pain levels, and any associated symptoms (like nausea or fatigue). This information is useful for your healthcare provider.
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Diet Adjustments:
- Maintain a food diary to identify any potential triggers (dairy, spicy foods, high fiber, etc.) that worsen your symptoms. Eating smaller, more frequent meals may alleviate some discomfort.
- Ensure you stay well-hydrated, especially since diarrhea can lead to dehydration.
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Urgently Assess for Warning Signs:
- If you notice worsening blood in your stools, severe pain that does not improve, or any new symptoms like fever, seek medical help immediately. These could indicate a more acute issue that needs urgent attention.
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Explore Alternative Consultation Options:
- If you're waiting too long for a gastroenterology appointment, consider seeking a second opinion or alternative providers, such as urgent care clinics that specialize in gastrointestinal problems. Some facilities offer quicker appointments or telehealth consultations.
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Consider Stress Management:
- Since you’ve mentioned anxiety about your health, practices such as mindfulness, yoga, or seeking support from a counselor can help manage stress and potentially improve your symptoms.
Your health concerns are valid, and it’s important to prioritize your well-being while you await further medical evaluation. Be proactive about your symptoms and don’t hesitate to reach out for help sooner if you feel your situation is worsening. Your comfort and health are important, and you deserve proper care and evaluation.
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