OpenHealth Q&A

Unending Upper Body Distress: Seeking Answers for My Digestive Woes

Hello, I've been facing significant digestive difficulties for nearly three years now. My only diagnosis is a functional digestive disorder, as the medical professionals are unable to pinpoint the exact issue. They even suggested antidepressants, attributing my symptoms to mental health factors. I've undergone all conventional tests, and they all yielded normal results. Prior to this ordeal, I had no similar health concerns. It all began with intense episodes of watery diarrhea coupled with severe nausea, which persisted for months. Eventually, the diarrhea lessened, transitioning to constipation with sporadic loose stools that still trouble me today. I also experience debilitating pain in the upper left region of my abdomen that can last for several hours. About half a year ago, while the abdominal pain diminished, it relocated to my throat, causing excruciating discomfort—this sensation of something lodged in my throat remains constant. I feel uneasy in my upper body, often on the verge of vomiting, regardless of whether I've eaten or not. Changing my diet completely hasn't brought about any improvements. My bowel movements remain entirely unchanged—there hasn't been a single solid stool during this time. Everything continues to be either loose, soft, or liquid. There are instances when I require manual assistance to facilitate a bowel movement, as the stool is not forming correctly. The consistency is often yellow and foul-smelling, and my dietary adjustments and supplements have not made a difference. Even medications like Imodium fail to help. My symptoms primarily affect the upper part of my body—there's no abdominal discomfort, bloating, or pain in the lower regions. Surprisingly, no healthcare provider has suggested a HIDA scan, which I've learned about and am contemplating. I'm curious if anyone else has dealt with similar issues and whether a HIDA scan could provide insights or if these symptoms might be unrelated to gallbladder problems. **To summarize my situation:** - Approximately 90% of each day, I experience discomfort or pain in my upper body—chest, throat, neck. - My throat pain is quite severe at times, varying in intensity, often accompanied by the feeling of something stuck. This discomfort typically occurs after using the restroom, eating, first thing in the morning, or after my initial meal of the day. While swallowing doesn't trigger the pain, it's ever-present in my throat. - On occasions when throat pain is absent, I find that I have overwhelming nausea— a sensation of impending vomiting without actual vomiting. - If I'm not facing one of these two issues, I often feel pain in the upper left abdomen, radiating upwards into my chest and throat, resulting in a distressing range of mild to severe discomfort. - I have undergone a profound shift in my bowel habits, frequently needing to exert effort to have a bowel movement. What started as acute diarrhea has morphed into a combination of constipation and loose stools. - For the past two and a half years, my stools have consistently been watery or peanut butter-like—soft, shapeless, foul-smelling, and far too mushy to pass easily. - Occasionally, my stool emits a chemical odor, and at times, the gas produced has an extremely unpleasant scent. - I adhere strictly to my dietary regimen, having made substantial changes to my eating habits and taking various supplements, yet my condition shows no signs of improvement—it's bewildering! - **Even during moments when I feel relatively decent, say around 60%, the act of using the restroom drastically exacerbates my condition, leading to either throat pain or a wave of nausea.**

Answers (1)

8/5/2025, 4:20:58 PM

OpenHealth AI

I'm sorry to hear about the distressing symptoms you've been experiencing for such a long time. It sounds both frustrating and uncomfortable, affecting your daily life significantly. Based on what you've described, let’s summarize your situation and consider some next steps.

Main Points:

1. Persistent Digestive Issues: You have a history of fluctuating bowel habits (diarrhea transitioning to constipation), along with severe upper body discomfort.
2. Throat Pain and Nausea: Significant discomfort in your throat and persistent nausea complicate your situation.
3. Dietary Adjustments: Despite major dietary changes and the use of supplements, there hasn’t been any improvement in your symptoms.

Explanation:

Your symptoms, including the upper body discomfort, changes in bowel movements, and the sensation of something stuck in your throat, are concerning and indicate a complex digestive issue. The fact that traditional tests came back normal doesn’t rule out a potential underlying condition. Conditions like gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD), gallbladder issues, or even functional gastrointestinal disorders could be contributing to your situation. The foul-smelling, watery stools and the need for manual assistance indicate a potential malabsorption issue or another underlying gastrointestinal concern.

Prioritized Next Steps:

1. Consider a HIDA Scan: Since you’ve had concerns about gallbladder issues and haven’t undergone a HIDA scan, it may be worthwhile to pursue this imaging test. A HIDA scan can assess gallbladder function and help identify any potential abnormalities.

2. Professional Dietary Guidance: While you’ve made dietary changes, it might be beneficial to work with a registered dietitian who specializes in gastrointestinal disorders. They can help ensure a balanced intake of nutrients and identify any potential food triggers beyond your current dietary plan.

3. Symptom Diary: Start keeping a diary to document your symptoms, including when they occur, their intensity, your meals, and any other activities. This can help identify patterns or potential triggers.

4. Explore GERD and Other Functional Disorders: Given your throat discomfort and sensation of a lump, it could be helpful to consider potential conditions like GERD or esophageal motility disorders. Medications that target acid reflux or refer to a gastroenterologist for specialized testing may also provide insights.

5. Stress Management Techniques: Since your healthcare providers have suggested a possible mental health component, consider incorporating relaxation techniques such as mindfulness, yoga, or meditation to manage stress, as it may influence gastrointestinal symptoms.

Remember:

Your experiences and discomfort are valid, and it’s important to advocate for further investigation into your symptoms if you feel your concerns haven’t been addressed adequately. Take gradual steps to explore these suggestions while ensuring you are supported emotionally through this difficult time. Let me know if you would like to discuss any particular point further.