Persistent Digestive Troubles: Seeking Answers
Age: 20 years Weight: 50 kg Height: 157 cm I have been experiencing a range of troubling symptoms over the past week. Here’s a summary of my condition: **Days Summary:** - **Friday to Sunday:** I endured diarrhea that had a greenish hue, and on one occasion, I noticed a very dark stool. Throughout these days, I experienced significant dizziness, as if the world was constantly spinning, which made walking difficult. Additionally, I felt pronounced discomfort beneath my ribs. My meals included fried shrimp, air-fried chicken, and a salad composed of lettuce, cucumber, carrot, and cheddar cheese. On Saturday, I also had some edamame and two shawarmas from IKEA. - **Monday to Wednesday:** There was a complete halt in my bowel movements. I continued to feel lightheaded and slightly dizzy. My diet consisted mainly of KFC and home-cooked air-fried chicken. - **Thursday:** I managed to pass a small, soft stool that didn’t feel like a full evacuation was achieved, and the dizziness lingered. I had a sandwich and chicken from a restaurant. - **Friday:** I finally had one solid stool but continued to experience nausea and severe bloating, likely due to retained gas. My morning meals included a dried apricot, two prunes, two kiwis, prune juice, apple juice, and coconut water. - **Saturday:** This day was marked by a very watery stool along with trapped gas and ongoing nausea. The bloating alleviated somewhat after I passed a significant amount of fluid and gas. I went to the restroom several times in the early morning, from 7 to 11 AM, and tried various positions, including lying on my left side and sitting upright, which helped. That evening (around midnight Sunday), I consumed coconut water mixed with collagen protein powder and bone broth infused with the same protein. **Current State (4 AM Sunday):** I feel apprehensive about consuming solid food due to the bloating sensation, even though my stomach feels empty. There’s an unsettling feeling in my abdomen, with occasional pain in my lower right rib area and discomfort in the middle and lower left side of my stomach. My mother is hesitant about pursuing an endoscopy, and I'm at a loss about the next steps to take. I am eager to resolve this issue and understand what's happening with my digestion. **Inquiry:** Is it possible to diagnose my intestinal problems through non-invasive methods, considering my desire for an endoscopy or colonoscopy, but facing difficulties in convincing my mom and the associated costs?
Answers (1)
7/27/2025, 1:10:36 AM
OpenHealth AI
It sounds like you've been through a challenging week with various digestive symptoms, and I appreciate your detailed description. Addressing your issues is important, especially your concerns about the ongoing diarrhea, dizziness, and abdominal discomfort. Let's break this down:
Main Points:
- Symptoms Overview: You have had diarrhea, constipation, bloating, nausea, and abdominal pain.
- Potential Causes: Your symptoms could be related to dietary choices, an infection, or a gastrointestinal issue.
- Next Steps: You can monitor your symptoms at home and adjust your diet to help alleviate discomfort. Non-invasive tests may also be available for further evaluation.
Explanation:
Your symptoms, particularly the diarrhea and abdominal discomfort, suggest a potential food sensitivity or gastrointestinal disturbance. The dark stool you observed can sometimes indicate bleeding, which calls for close attention, but it's good that your bowel patterns have been somewhat normalizing.
Recommended Next Steps:
-
Dietary Modifications:
- Avoid Trigger Foods: For now, reduce or eliminate fried and greasy foods (like the shrimp and KFC) as they can aggravate symptoms. Instead, focus on bland foods (like bananas, rice, applesauce, toast) that are easier on your stomach.
- Stay Hydrated: Continue drinking fluids like water and clear broths to help with hydration, especially after diarrhea.
- Consider a Low-FODMAP Diet: Foods commonly exacerbating digestive symptoms include those high in certain carbohydrates. Try to avoid beans, lentils, certain dairy products, and high-fructose ingredients for a while.
-
Symptom Monitoring:
- Keep a daily journal of your symptoms along with food intake to identify any patterns or triggers. Note the frequency and consistency of your stools and any associated symptoms such as pain and bloating.
-
Non-Invasive Testing:
- Consider a Stool Test: You could explore a stool test, which is less invasive than an endoscopy and can check for infections, parasites, and other digestive issues.
- Hydration and Electrolytes: Since you’ve experienced diarrhea and dizziness, consider electrolyte solutions (like oral rehydration salts or sports drinks) to replenish lost minerals.
-
Seek Guidance if Symptoms Worsen:
- If your dizziness, abdominal pain, persistent nausea, dark stools, or diarrhea continues or worsens, encourage a discussion with your mother about contacting a healthcare professional for advice tailored to your condition.
-
Communicate with Your Family:
- Discuss with your mother about your ongoing symptoms and your concerns. Reinforce the importance of medical evaluation if home management strategies do not help or if you encounter alarming symptoms.
Remember, your health is a priority, and managing your diet and monitoring your symptoms can lead to improvement. If you have further concerns or specific symptoms arise, please don’t hesitate to revisit the conversation for more guidance.
Related Questions
Discomfort around the Appendicitis Site
M29, it has been over a decade since my appendectomy, and three years have passed since I underwent surgery in the same region to repair a hernia. Recently, I've been experiencing intermittent pain after walking for more than ten minutes. The discomfort intensifies when I feel bloated; a brief rest of about 5 to 10 minutes in bed usually alleviates the issue. I've also noticed that consuming acidic or spicy foods triggers a similar discomfort. I visited my physician recently, who confirmed that the hernia is in good condition, but he could not determine the source of my pain. He has referred me to a surgical hospital, yet my appointment is not scheduled for another three months. This raises a concern for me: might I be facing a digestive issue? Or could it be possible that the tissue did not heal properly, leading to these complications now?
Identifying Gastric Ulcers and Bloating: Symptoms and Management Tips
Experiencing significant discomfort in the abdominal area while also taking medication can be alarming. After enduring intense pain for nearly three days, even with treatment, the fear of eating can be quite overwhelming. To help alleviate your anxiety, it’s critical to understand what foods and drinks to consume or avoid. When dealing with gastric issues, opting for gentle, easy-to-digest foods can be beneficial. Consider incorporating bland options such as rice, bananas, and applesauce into your meals. It may also be wise to steer clear of spicy dishes, acidic fruits, and highly processed foods that can exacerbate discomfort. In terms of hydration, aim to drink plenty of water but avoid caffeine and carbonated beverages, as these can irritate your stomach further. Additionally, lifestyle changes such as eating smaller, more frequent meals, and avoiding lying down right after eating may help reduce symptoms. Ultimately, it’s important to listen to your body and consult with a healthcare professional for personalized guidance.
Is It Necessary to Visit the ER for These UTI Symptoms or Just Urgent Care?
I am a 27-year-old female, weighing 120 pounds and standing at 5'2". My current medication regimen includes methotrexate, folic acid, birth control pills, and escitalopram. I also have an allergy to cefdinir. Approximately two and a half weeks ago, I consulted with my primary care physician for a urinary tract infection (UTI) and was prescribed Macrobid. Fortunately, my symptoms improved quite rapidly, aided by the use of AZO. The urinalysis indicated trace amounts of blood and some leukocytes, but no bacteria was detected in the culture. I experience UTIs infrequently, perhaps once every couple of years, so I’m familiar with their distinct symptoms. However, about 36 hours ago, I sensed the onset of another UTI. Once again, the urine sample returned negative results for bacteria. My physician then prescribed Bactrim, which I have now taken two doses of. My discomfort is escalating, characterized by a persistent urge to urinate (though I don't have issues with actually urinating) and no visible blood, likely due to my use of AZO. Unfortunately, I am not finding any relief from AZO. Last night, I took 10mg of hydroxyzine after reading that it may alleviate bladder spasms. I haven't noticed any fever, and if there is one, it's probably very low-grade. Nevertheless, my symptoms are worsening, currently including pelvic pain and a continuous urge to urinate. About 30 minutes ago, I experienced a bout of vomiting. I am not experiencing back pain. The urgency and burning sensations are so severe that I am unable to sleep. Should I consider heading to the emergency room, or what alternative options do I have? As a side note, I had routine blood tests conducted five days ago (CBC with platelets, CMP), all of which returned normal results, though my calcium levels were slightly elevated at 10.4. I’ve noticed that the urgency to urinate intensifies when I’m lying down.
Seeking Help: Intense Stomach Pain
I'm a 13-year-old dealing with a mix of medications for autism, ADHD, depression, and OCD. Right now, I'm experiencing excruciating stomach pain that makes it nearly impossible for me to move. I'm stuck on the toilet, and every time I accidentally contract my muscles, the pain worsens to the point where I'm in tears. I’ve been clinging onto a towel for support due to how unbearable this discomfort is. Please, can anyone provide insight into what might be happening?
Prolonged Gastrografin-Induced Diarrhea Concern
Two days ago, I underwent a CT scan that involved both oral and intravenous contrast due to abdominal discomfort. Before the procedure, I received gastrografin, which is typical for these tests. The results showed no significant issues, but I was noted to have sluggish intestinal motility. Since the CT scan, however, I have experienced persistent diarrhea for 48 hours. I’m wondering if this duration is considered excessive, as I was told the effects should normally last only a few hours. My anxiety is heightened by a past incident where barium sulfate caused a severe blockage, leading to a diverticulitis rupture, and I'm worried that this time, the gastrografin might also be lingering in my system. What is the expected duration for diarrhea caused by this contrast agent? Any insights would be appreciated! P.S. I typically struggle with severe constipation, making this continuous diarrhea particularly alarming, especially as it started right after the procedure and has persisted for more than two days. Thank you!