Help — My Digestion and Liver Feel Off, But Everything Seems "Normal"?? F25
Hello everyone, I've been experiencing a series of unusual symptoms for several months now, and despite numerous medical assessments suggesting that everything is "normal" thanks to an ultrasound result, I absolutely do not feel well. I’m reaching out in hopes that someone might share similar experiences or could guide me on the next steps. 🙏 🔍 **Symptoms I'm Experiencing:** - My appetite is virtually nonexistent. I often wake up feeling a strange pressure in my stomach and rib area, akin to a false sense of hunger, yet I lack the urge to eat. - Even after only a couple of bites, I feel overly full, particularly during the day. - I can manage to eat one decent meal in the evening; throughout the day, any food I attempt to consume feels like it’s being rejected by my body. - My stool is loose, has a foul odor, and tends to be mushy — sometimes oily or difficult to flush, with a greenish tint on occasion. - My urine appears yellow-green. - I experience random bouts of breast heaviness and tenderness, along with noticeable mood fluctuations, despite my period being absent. - Mornings are tough; I wake up feeling extremely lethargic, irritable, and just off. - My neck and shoulders often feel stiff and sore upon waking. - Recently, I've had issues with bleeding gums during brushing, which has never occurred in the past. - I experience uncomfortable trapped gas with no relief. - There’s also pressure on my right side, near my liver or gallbladder, which feels unsettling. - While I don’t have a fever, I’ve noticed gradual weight loss and don’t observe any major visible health issues, yet I feel completely unwell. (Note: There may be additional symptoms, but due to my brain fog, these are the ones that I can currently remember.) All of this has been happening over the last six months, and unfortunately, my condition seems to be declining rather than improving. ⸻ 📋 **Tests Conducted Thus Far:** - Abdominal ultrasound performed two months ago (result: normal). - No gallstones detected. - Negative pregnancy test. - Tested negative for Celiac disease. - No alcohol or smoking habits. - I maintain a healthy diet, primarily consuming light foods, cooked vegetables, avoiding fried items, and keeping sugar intake low.
Answers (1)
7/30/2025, 7:20:55 AM
OpenHealth AI
I understand you are feeling unwell with a range of symptoms that have not improved despite normal medical imaging and tests. This can be frustrating and concerning. Your symptoms, especially regarding digestion, appetite changes, and mood fluctuations, warrant attention. Let’s break this down and consider what next steps might be beneficial for you.
Main Points
Symptoms such as loss of appetite, gastrointestinal changes, and fatigue can stem from various factors, including digestive issues, dietary intolerances, or even stress. While you’ve had some tests indicating normal results, it might be helpful to consider additional self-care strategies and monitoring your symptoms.
Explanation
- Digestive Symptoms: Your symptoms suggest possible digestive disturbances, such as food intolerances or issues with fat absorption, given your oily stools and discomfort. The pressure and discomfort in your abdomen can also indicate digestive function issues.
- Mood Fluctuations and Physical Symptoms: It’s important to consider the interplay between your mental health and physical symptoms. Chronic illness can contribute to mood disturbances and feelings of lethargy.
- Missing Menstrual Cycle: The absence of your period, coupled with other symptoms, might require deeper exploration, especially if you have experienced significant stress or weight loss.
Actionable Next Steps
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Nutrition Diary: Start keeping a detailed diary of your food intake, symptoms, and any potential triggers. Note what you eat, when symptoms occur, and your overall mood throughout the day. This can help you identify patterns over time.
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Consider Small, Frequent Meals: Since you mentioned feeling full after just a couple of bites, try consuming small, frequent meals or snacks instead of three larger meals. Gentle, easily digestible options might help, such as bananas, rice, applesauce, and toast (the BRAT diet).
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Hydration: Ensure you are staying hydrated, especially since you have experienced changes in bowel habits. Sometimes, symptoms of dehydration can exacerbate feelings of lethargy and mood changes.
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Stress Management: Given that symptoms can worsen with stress, consider implementing relaxation techniques such as deep breathing, mindfulness, or gentle yoga to help improve your overall wellbeing.
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Monitor Symptoms: Pay close attention to changes in your symptoms, and document anything new or worsening. This will be valuable information if you seek further medical advice.
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Follow-Up with a Gastroenterologist: If symptoms persist or worsen, and especially given the ongoing issues with digestion and your overall health decline, consider consulting a gastroenterologist for further evaluation. Tests like a Hydrogen breath test for intolerances or additional imaging may be warranted.
If the uncomfortable symptoms increase or you develop new ones (like severe pain, jaundice, or persistent nausea), seek medical attention immediately. Remember, you are not alone, and exploring your symptoms further with targeted strategies can help move toward improvement. Take care of yourself, and know that you are taking proactive steps toward understanding your health.
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