Health Issues since February 2025
Hello everyone, I’ll aim to keep this brief and to the point. I am a 42-year-old female with a moderate activity level, averaging 15,000 to 20,000 steps daily and engaging in weight training two to three times a week. - On February 7, 2025, I woke up feeling extremely unwell, experienced vomiting, and subsequently slept for 36 hours without getting out of bed. - Since that day, my ability to eat has significantly diminished, resulting in a 75-pound weight loss. - Although I manage to eat small amounts occasionally, I often find myself in a considerable calorie deficit due to intense cramping when I eat. My daily intake typically ranges from 800 to 1200 calories, focusing on fruits, proteins, and healthy fats. - A CT scan performed on February 27 showed no abnormalities. - Lab tests and a stool sample were conducted, and all results came back "normal." - An EGD was done on March 13, which revealed a higher white blood cell count, but again, everything else appeared "normal," with no signs of celiac disease. - I was prescribed anti-nausea medication and drugs for stomach cramping but have experienced little to no relief, despite being advised to manage my acid reflux. - My gastroenterologist suggested taking Pepcid AC for three months and to provide feedback. If symptoms persist, a colonoscopy will be the next step. - Bowel movements occur daily, but they tend to lack shape and often stick to the bowl. - Along with the weight loss, reduced appetite, and stomach pains during or after meals, I have recently noticed significant hair loss. I’m feeling quite disheartened. It seems my doctors are not fully engaged in diagnosing my condition or outlining the next steps. They have mentioned the colonoscopy, yet they struggle to articulate its purpose and what they aim to rule out with it. I feel uncertain about where to turn next. Any insights, advice, or suggestions would be greatly appreciated. The only long-term medication I am currently taking is Eliquis, at a dosage of 5 mg daily, which I have been on for over a decade.
Answers (1)
7/30/2025, 7:20:50 PM
OpenHealth AI
I'm sorry to hear about the challenges you're facing. Based on your description, you've been through significant health issues, including severe weight loss, appetite changes, and gastrointestinal symptoms. Here are the main points and actionable steps to consider:
Main Points:
- You are experiencing significant gastrointestinal symptoms alongside weight loss and fatigue.
- Current medical tests, including a CT scan and EGD, have shown mostly normal results, but symptoms persist.
- Hair loss and ongoing discomfort are additional concerns.
Explanation:
The symptoms you're experiencing may stem from various causes, including dietary intolerances, gastrointestinal disorders, or even stress and anxiety due to your health situation. The cramping and reduced appetite are noteworthy, especially combined with the weight loss. The results from your tests can provide some reassurance, but the persistent nature of your symptoms suggests that further investigation is warranted.
Next Steps:
-
Focus on Nutrition:
- Caloric Intake: Aim to gradually increase your caloric intake. Consider soft foods that are easier to digest, like smoothies, soups, or yogurt, which can provide calories without being hard on your stomach.
- Small, Frequent Meals: Instead of three large meals, try eating smaller, more frequent meals throughout the day to minimize cramping and discomfort.
-
Record Symptoms:
- Keep a Detailed Diary: Document your food intake, symptoms (including timing and intensity of cramping), and any other changes in your health. This can help your healthcare team better understand your condition.
-
Communication with Your Gastroenterologist:
- Clarify the Purpose of the Colonoscopy: Request a clearer explanation about the colonoscopy from your gastroenterologist. Understanding what they are looking for can help you feel more engaged in your care.
- Discuss Unmanaged Symptoms: Make sure to express that the current treatment isn't helping. Sometimes, a second opinion or a referral to a different gastrointestinal specialist can provide new insights.
-
Consider Stress Management:
- Given that these health issues can be emotionally taxing, incorporating stress-reducing activities like mindfulness or gentle exercise may help improve your overall well-being.
-
Monitor Hair Loss:
- If hair loss continues or worsens, consider discussing this with your doctor. Nutritional deficits or underlying health conditions could be contributing factors.
-
Follow-Up:
- Stay on top of follow-up appointments and be proactive about your health concerns. If symptoms persist beyond the current treatment plan, discussing other options with your healthcare provider is essential.
Your health journey is important, and it's crucial to advocate for yourself. If you need more specific recommendations or further clarification on any point, don't hesitate to ask. You deserve to feel supported and heard during this challenging time.
Related Questions
Concern Regarding Persistent Tongue Bump with White Coating
I am a 24-year-old male, standing at 190 cm tall and weighing 109 kg. For the past five weeks, I've experienced a peculiar issue on my tongue. Specifically, there's a noticeable bump on the right side near the tip, which I believe may have been developing over time, although I'm not entirely sure about that timeline. Recently, I've been troubled by an unusual sensation, including dryness, an odd taste, and a slight decrease in my sense of taste. Additionally, I've observed a white coating that is more pronounced on the aforementioned side of my tongue. The bump in question: - Does not cause any pain. - May have increased slightly in size over the weeks, though I'm uncertain. - Appears smooth with a pink surface, free of bleeding or ulceration. Given that this issue has persisted for over a month, I am feeling quite anxious and am concerned that it may indicate a serious problem. I have no significant medical history, but I confess that my dental hygiene has not been up to par, as I haven’t been brushing regularly. At this moment, I’m also under medication for H. pylori, known as Pylera, but this tongue concern predates my treatment. I am a non-smoker and am reaching out for any insights on this condition. Has anyone experienced something similar? Could this be a sign of irritation, infection, or something benign? I really appreciate any guidance you could provide. Thank you!
Experiencing Clear Fluid from Ear with No Discomfort: Should I Wait for My Appointment?
I am a healthy 57-year-old female, weighing 120 pounds and standing 5 feet 5 inches tall. My daily medications include 100 mg of Losartan for effectively managed high blood pressure, 200 mg of Lyrica taken twice daily for post-herpetic neuralgia, 100 mg of Synthroid following treatment for thyroid cancer, and a combination hormone replacement therapy patch. Additionally, I take Zyrtec and Flonase every day to combat allergies. Since October, I have been dealing with persistent tinnitus in my right ear, accompanied by some pressure and a muffled sensation. Recently, I've noticed that when I speak, it feels akin to the sensation I experience when my ears clear during a flight after chewing gum—my voice sounds amplified in my head. I've scheduled an appointment with a physician's assistant in an ear, nose, and throat (ENT) office for the end of March due to my worries about the tinnitus and any potential hearing impairment. Yesterday, I noticed that my ear emitted a clear fluid. Thankfully, there was no associated pain. The fluid was somewhat thicker than water, completely odorless—unlike the unpleasant discharge I recall from my daughter's ear infections—and there was no sign of blood. Could this indicate a perforated eardrum? I suspect this might be the case, but can this occur without an underlying infection? Should I seek attention sooner than my appointment in March? I would prefer to avoid urgent care during flu season; however, if this situation is serious, I am prepared to take precautions and visit.
Understanding the Increased Pain in My Foot While Reclining
At 30 years old, I am nearing the five-week mark since undergoing surgery on my metatarsals. I've encountered a troubling issue: I can’t seem to find comfort when lying down, whether it’s with my foot raised or lying flat. My pain level escalates to a severe 10 out of 10, unless my foot is making contact with the floor or I dangle my leg off the side of the bed so that my toes touch the ground. Is this situation typical for someone in my circumstances? Are there any suggestions that might assist me in getting a better night's sleep?
Assessing My Health Concerns: How Anxious Should I Be?
I’m a 32-year-old woman, weighing 124 pounds and standing at 5 feet 6 inches tall. For over a year, I have been experiencing bright red rectal bleeding. Initially, I attributed this issue to hemorrhoids that developed during my pregnancy two years ago. The bleeding occurs with most of my bowel movements, sometimes happens without one, and on a few occasions, has been enough to stain the toilet bowl significantly. The color of the blood is typically darker than what I observe during a hemorrhoid flare-up. There is a notable family history of bowel cancer on both sides; one family member was diagnosed at age 45, and another at 60. In the past six months, I have encountered several episodes of severe abdominal pain—3 to 4 instances—intense enough to consider a trip to the emergency room. However, the pain usually subsides within about an hour. It’s unusual for me to experience such acute pain, given my high tolerance for discomfort; for example, I once played rugby shortly after dislocating and fracturing my finger. Recently, I mustered the courage to consult with my doctor, who recommended a FIT test, which returned a positive result (30.1). Additionally, I underwent a complete blood test, and aside from having low ferritin levels (7 µg/L), all other results were normal. I have since been referred for a colonoscopy on a two-week waiting list to rule out any possible bowel cancer. Given these circumstances, how concerned should I be? Thank you for your input.
Understanding Possible Seizure Triggers and Recurrence Risks
Health Background: I am a 21-year-old female, standing at 169 cm and weighing 65 kg. Over the past three years, I have been using oral contraceptives. As of this morning, I started taking 25 mcg of levothyroxine along with a weekly vitamin D supplement of 0.266 mg. Recently, I was diagnosed with hypothyroidism and found to have a vitamin D deficiency that I suspect has existed for the last three years. I do not consume alcohol or smoke, and I can confirm I am not pregnant. Two years ago, I experienced a mild concussion. I currently reside in Spain. A couple of months back, in mid-December, I blacked out twice. The second occurrence took place while I was at the doctor’s office after seeking urgent medical care for the initial incident. Following the second episode, I underwent a CT scan and an EKG, both of which returned normal results. Further tests, as directed by my physician, revealed a critical vitamin D deficiency and hypothyroidism; however, he expressed doubt that either of these conditions led to my loss of consciousness. I was then referred to a neurologist, and I am presently awaiting an appointment. Although the waiting period is lengthy, my doctor indicated that I should receive priority for scheduling, although the exact timeframe remains uncertain. The referral document summarized my events, labeling the second episode (which the physician witnessed) as a potential seizure devoid of tonic-clonic movements—a revelation that took me by surprise. After regaining consciousness, I felt extremely disoriented and terrified, struggling to process what was happening. I have no prior history of seizures, epilepsy, or any related conditions, and there is no known family history of these issues. If this indeed was a seizure, what might have triggered it? Additionally, what is the likelihood of experiencing another one? Since that time, I have not had any further incidents, but I have experienced moments where I felt a sense of impending doom, which I managed to overcome. I intend to wait for the neurologist's evaluation, but the uncertainty surrounding a possible neurological condition is quite distressing. Thank you for any insight you can provide!