OpenHealth Q&A

Get answered by medical professionals

Seeking Urgent Help

7/27/2025, 7:10:26 PMMale25-34

I am reaching out for assistance because I am feeling incredibly distressed. Currently, I'm experiencing a range of troubling symptoms, including heart palpitations, difficulty breathing, nausea, extreme fatigue, loss of appetite or discomfort after eating, burning sensations in my lower abdomen, and noticeable weight loss. Age: 16 Height: 5'3" For the past three weeks, I have been suffering from intense stomach pain, which makes me feel as if I am perpetually full. Even after consuming a small piece of toast, I often feel nauseous or become sick. My clothes are fitting looser, indicating that I have lost weight, though I'm unsure of the exact amount. I have tried taking probiotics in hopes of relief. Just yesterday, the pain escalated to such an extent that my parents called for emergency assistance. I've visited the hospital twice and had multiple consultations with doctors. Initially, I was diagnosed with a urinary tract infection and prescribed trimethoprim. However, after starting the medication, I began to experience shortness of breath and other distressing symptoms. When I switched to amoxicillin, my condition worsened significantly. After returning to the hospital, a urine test revealed that the infection had cleared up, and I was told it would resolve in a few days; they suggested it could be anxiety related. However, my situation has not improved. Last night, I was in excruciating pain and returned to the hospital where they performed standard examinations, including vital checks and three ECGs. Everything seemed normal, and although I was wheezing, my oxygen saturation was satisfactory. Given my age, doctors believe stomach cancer is unlikely, yet I am desperate to find a way to eliminate this possibility altogether. Living in this constant state of discomfort is unbearable, and I just want to regain my health and peace of mind.

LupusCrohn's DiseaseCOPD

Answers (1)

Cony

7/27/2025, 7:10:43 PM

OpenHealth AI

I understand that you are feeling very distressed due to a range of troubling symptoms, including significant stomach pain, nausea, fatigue, and noticeable weight loss. It’s important to address these symptoms and find relief as soon as possible.

Explanation

Your symptoms can be unsettling, and experiencing heart palpitations, difficulty breathing, and discomfort after eating is understandably concerning. It's good that you have sought medical attention and that investigations have ruled out significant acute issues like a severe infection or heart problems. However, the persistence and severity of your symptoms require further exploration.

Given that you have been experiencing these issues for several weeks, the next steps focus on self-management and further evaluation of your digestive system. Conditions like gastritis, inflammation of the stomach lining, or other gastrointestinal issues could be contributors to your symptoms. Anxiety could also exacerbate these issues, creating a cycle of distress.

Prioritized Next Steps

  1. Diet Adjustments:

    • Eat Small, Frequent Meals: Rather than large meals, try to eat smaller portions more frequently throughout the day. This can help reduce feelings of fullness and nausea.
    • Avoid Trigger Foods: Steer clear of spicy, fatty, or highly acidic foods that can irritate the stomach.
    • Hydration: Ensure you’re staying well-hydrated. Drink water or clear broths but avoid carbonated beverages and caffeine.
  2. Symptom Monitoring:

    • Keep a diary of your symptoms, including when they occur, their intensity, and what you ate or did beforehand. This may help identify patterns or triggers.
  3. Relaxation Techniques:

    • Engage in calming activities such as deep-breathing exercises, meditation, or gentle yoga to help alleviate anxiety, which can help reduce symptoms and improve your overall well-being.
  4. Follow Up on Tests:

    • Given your ongoing symptoms, you might want to discuss with your doctors further testing focused on your gastrointestinal health, such as an ultrasound or endoscopy, if they haven’t already been done.
  5. Stay in Touch with Healthcare Providers:

    • Since your situation is complex, regular communication with your healthcare provider is crucial. Keep them informed about any changes in your symptoms, and don’t hesitate to seek immediate medical advice if your condition worsens.

Remember, it's vital to find a support system during this time, whether it’s family, friends, or mental health professionals, who can help you cope with the emotional stress of your symptoms. You are not alone in this, and seeking help is a critical part of regaining your health and peace of mind. Let me know if there’s anything specific you’d like to know more about!

Related Questions

Experiencing Persistent Dizziness: A Call for Insights

Hello everyone, I am a 33-year-old male weighing 235 pounds, and I am not involved in smoking or drug use. I occasionally take Lorazepam when necessary. I’m reaching out in hopes of gathering insights from those who may have encountered similar health issues. In August 2023, I transitioned out of the military after nearly a decade of service. Shortly before an important date—September 14, 2023—I experienced a significant loss of appetite that led to a weight loss of nearly 15 pounds. Despite feeling fine otherwise, everything changed on my D-Day. For five consecutive days, I was unable to lift my head due to debilitating dizziness, and my ability to eat diminished greatly. During this period, I also experienced intense sensations of detachment from reality, alongside the severe dizziness. Fast forward to now, and I have struggled to feel ‘normal’ for nearly two years, which has been quite distressing. Each day, I encounter a sensation I refer to as "spaciness", varying in intensity from mild to severe. I have consulted various healthcare providers, undergone blood tests, and received multiple imaging tests—including MRI and CT scans of my brain—yet the results largely indicate that everything is normal. I am fortunate to have a wonderful primary care physician who is dedicated to uncovering the root of my struggles and actively seeking solutions. Recently, during an audiology appointment as part of my comprehensive evaluation, it was noted that my left ear exhibits slightly abnormal responses. This finding may lead to a VNG test, which I hope will provide some clarity to my situation. I would greatly appreciate hearing from anyone who has experienced something similar or has insights to share regarding my condition!

ArthritisLupusCOPD
Male25-34
1 minute ago

Unexpected Confusion in My Grandmother

For the past 14 years, I've been looking after my grandmother, who has faced various health challenges over the years. On Saturday, I noticed a sudden onset of confusion in her. She expressed feeling nauseous and lacked an appetite. Before I departed, I made sure she had some toast to eat. I typically check in on her sporadically during the day, and during my calls, she didn’t seem quite like her usual self. She forgot to take her medication and appeared bewildered when I mentioned it. Her son, who lives nearby, visited her and noted she was making nonsensical statements. This morning, I made the decision to take her to the emergency room around 5 AM. Medical staff treated her with Zofran and conducted various tests, including blood work and a urine analysis, all of which returned normal results. The only recent factor I noticed was that her pain management physician had prescribed 10mg of Flexeril, which she has been taking. Typically, she is diligent about her medication schedule, but when I visited her on Sunday morning, it was evident she had not taken her pain management pills since our last conversation. The doctors suggested she might be dehydrated, as her urine output was minimal, and her blood pressure was low. Once they administered fluids, her blood pressure stabilized, and they discharged her. After returning home, I noticed she still experienced moments of confusion and frequently complained about headaches. Though hesitant to eat, I did manage to get her to consume some water. This evening, her son will stay with her while I return home. I plan to contact her doctor first thing in the morning. I previously called the nurse's hotline, and they advised reducing her Flexeril dosage from 10mg to 5mg. She has been on this medication for approximately a year now. I can’t shake the worry that something was overlooked. While she answers questions correctly at times, there are moments—especially just after waking—where she speaks about unrelated topics or changes her responses when asked again. Has anyone experienced something similar? I feel at a loss for how to proceed. For context, she was doing well last Friday but underwent an MRI on Thursday due to a compression fracture that caused her discomfort. By Saturday, however, there was a noticeable change that persists today. While she can carry on a coherent conversation if she’s awake for an extended period, she often appears drowsy and becomes irritable when I seek clarity on her statements. At 69 years old, she has the following medications: - Percocet - Prednisone - Vitamin D - Metoprolol - Magnesium - Prilosec - Flexeril - Potassium - Eliquis

Multiple SclerosisLupusThyroid Disorders
Male25-34
10 minutes ago

Navigating Life with Recurring Adult Intussusception: My Journey

Hello! I’m a 27-year-old woman who leads an active lifestyle, and I’ve had a challenging medical journey with two previous episodes of intussusception, both occurring at the age of 24. Over the past weekend, I suspect that I may have faced a third episode, a full three years after my last surgical intervention. Interestingly, I do not suffer from IBS, Crohn’s disease, or any other known gastrointestinal issues aside from being lactose intolerant. Neither do my parents have such conditions. During my first intussusception, the medical team could not determine the underlying cause, which resulted in my being rushed to surgery. The doctors expressed that it was the first case they had encountered in an adult, but, miraculously, the bowel obstruction resolved itself during the procedure. Just three months later, I endured a second incident—thankfully shortly after returning from a month-long trip in Indonesia, where I had largely adhered to a vegetarian diet. This period involved much physical activity, including swimming and hiking. I underwent another operation; however, similarly to the first, the medical staff were unable to identify a clear reason for the condition. At this second hospital, they also noted the rarity of seeing such a case in adults. Recently, I began to feel familiar symptoms again. It all kicked off with an intense sensation as if I needed to have a significant bowel movement. Given that I had been consuming a high-fiber diet that week, it wasn’t entirely unexpected. While trying to use the restroom, I sensed a strange movement, akin to my bowels scraping against my intestines. I couldn’t help but think, “Oh no,” mistaking the internal ache for an actual dragging sensation (sounds bizarre, I know!). I discussed this sensation with my partner, explaining how it felt as though I had been scraped internally, which was strange compared to my previous experiences. Throughout the day, any attempt at hydration resulted in excruciating cramps, along with pain during breakfast or even simple bending motions. My appetite had completely vanished, and I felt pain just standing still. I used the same technique my doctors had employed, applying pressure to my abdomen to localize the discomfort, which was closely aligned with my past surgical site. Instead of rushing to the emergency room, I opted to wait and see if the issue would resolve itself like it did before (note: this is generally not advisable). My decision was influenced by how the doctors handled the earlier episodes. I recalled that during my first intussusception, I had to halt eating, drink a significant amount of contrast material to cleanse my system, and remain still. Yet, this time around, I wouldn’t have access to strong painkillers like fentanyl, morphine, or oxycodone. Settling on the couch with a heating pad, taking ibuprofen, and hoping for the best was my strategy. I was still able to have bowel movements—similar to my previous occurrences—which gave me some reassurance that a complete blockage was unlikely and that circulation was probably intact (but again, this is not a reliable measurement). However, the persistent feeling of urgency without anything actually present was a stark reminder of my past episodes. Once again, please don’t rely on my approach for assessing severity. I told myself that if my symptoms didn’t improve by Sunday, I would go to the ER. I recognized the risk of waiting, but with graduate school on the horizon and a gap in my insurance coverage looming, having surgery wasn’t a feasible option for me. Fortunately, the situation did improve. In the following days, I felt sore, reminiscent of post-workout muscle pain, yet the cramping had subsided, and my appetite returned. I was again able to eat and drink without any trouble, and my bowel movements were normal. Despite the relief, I am apprehensive about the potential for recurrence. If a substantial bowel movement can trigger this condition, I need to monitor my fiber consumption more carefully moving forward. I share my experience in hopes it provides some insight to others grappling with similar issues without clear answers and suggests the value of identifying patterns in their experiences. Moreover, I’m also left pondering—if diet isn’t the sole factor, what causes these episodes? Why do they persist even after surgical intervention? If anyone has insights, I would appreciate your thoughts!

Crohn's DiseaseThyroid DisordersEndocrinology
Male25-34
21 minutes ago

Persistent Lower Back Pain and Digestive Disturbances

A 20-year-old female, standing at 5 feet 3 inches, recently experienced a urinary tract infection (UTI) which was treated with a three-day course of nitrofurantoin, completed two days ago. While the symptoms associated with the UTI, such as painful urination and frequent urges to relieve oneself, have resolved, lower back pain persists, specifically localized to the lower left side. Additionally, she has begun experiencing gastrointestinal issues today. Should this be alarming? What might be the underlying cause, and is there a cause for concern?

Crohn's DiseaseInternal Medicine
Male25-34
21 minutes ago

Neurological Issues Linked to Coordination Difficulties and Speech Impairment

I'm a 23-year-old Italian woman, standing at 160 cm and weighing 57 kg. I steer clear of alcohol, cigarettes, and illicit drugs. Throughout my life, particularly since elementary school, I have experienced strange "episodes" characterized by impaired coordination and slurred speech. These episodes typically begin with a vague sensation that signals their onset, followed shortly by noticeable issues with my coordination and speech clarity. Regarding coordination, initiating movement in my arms and legs is not the problem; however, controlling these movements proves to be challenging. It’s not a matter of spasms or uncontrolled actions. For instance, while I’m right-handed, my writing during an episode resembles that of someone using their left hand. Attempts to move can make me feel unstable, prompting me to remain still until the episode subsides, which usually takes between five to ten minutes. Even maintaining balance while standing can be difficult during these moments. As for my speech, I am able to produce and comprehend language without difficulty. I can communicate my thoughts and understand questions, but my tongue feels somewhat lethargic. To articulate clearly, I must focus intently and enunciate the words at a slower pace. The majority of these episodes transpired during physical exertion—mainly during gym classes, but there have been instances when I experienced them after getting off the bus and walking home. There was a notable episode that occurred in class while we were reading aloud from our homework; my anxiety triggered the episode. Additionally, a few have arisen just before meals. In November 2024, while I was ice skating, I began to feel the same sensation again. I paused, thinking the episode had passed, but after continuing to skate, I felt the sensation return. I left the rink to wait it out while seated, but this time the symptoms did not subside. I remained sitting for about an hour, and when I attempted to stand, my core and leg muscles cramped for the first time, nearly causing me to fall. Staff at the rink summoned an ambulance, and I was taken to the hospital where several tests were performed: - **CT Angiography** with and without contrast for suspected stroke: Results were normal. - **Neurological examination**: All findings were within normal limits. - **ECG**: Indicated sinus tachycardia, but I was emotional in the ER, so this might have affected the result. They administered Diazepam (one dose), which effectively concluded the episode, which had lasted roughly five hours at that point. - **EEG** examinations: All results normal. - **EEG with sleep deprivation**: Showed slight irregularities. - **Brain and brainstem MRI/MRA** with and without contrast: Results were normal. I received a potential diagnosis that led to a prescription for carbamazepine at a dosage of 200 mg daily, which appears to be effective, as I've not experienced any new episodes since starting the medication. While I don't yet have a conclusive diagnosis, I remain receptive to all suggestions as I seek to understand my condition better. I've endeavored to convey the medical terminology and details as accurately as I could!

Multiple SclerosisThyroid DisordersCOPD
Male25-34
31 minutes ago