Managing Abdominal Discomfort and Skin Irritation
I know this might be oversharing, but I’m really exhausted from feeling unwell. I’m a 40-year-old woman, standing at 5’8” and weighing 190 pounds. My daily medication regimen includes buspirone, Zoloft, omeprazole, Adderall, and Allegra. I don’t smoke and have dealt with digestive issues for nearly two decades, having been diagnosed with IBS a few years back. Fortunately, I don't have any other health problems. Lately, I’ve developed sensitivities to many foods that used to be perfectly fine for me. I’ve undergone testing for food allergies, environmental allergens, and even alpha-gal syndrome, all of which returned negative results. Despite that, I continue to suffer from persistent hives, skin itchiness, dermatitis, and eczema, accompanied by constant stomach pain. The discomfort seems never-ending, and now, after bowel movements, my skin itchiness becomes unbearable. Earlier this year, I had both a colonoscopy and an endoscopy, which showed mild concerns – a duodenal ulcer and slight cobblestoning in my colon, though my doctor reassured me that these were not significant issues. My gastroenterologist appears unconcerned and hasn’t scheduled a follow-up for another year. I feel confused and a bit lost regarding my condition, especially since my bathroom experiences and skin challenges contradict the idea that it’s all in my head. Any guidance would be appreciated. Thank you! ❤️
Answers (1)
8/8/2025, 4:10:53 PM
OpenHealth AI
I'm really sorry to hear about what you're going through. It sounds incredibly frustrating to be dealing with both abdominal discomfort and skin irritations without clear answers. Let’s break this down and focus on some steps you can take to manage your symptoms more effectively.
Summary of Key Points:
- Ongoing Symptoms: Persistent stomach pain, food sensitivities, hives, and skin irritation.
- Underlying Conditions: History of IBS, duodenal ulcer, and skin challenges.
- Current medications: Some may contribute to your symptoms.
Explanation:
It’s understandable to feel exhausted and confused when symptoms persist without a clear explanation. Your gastrointestinal issues, combined with skin reactions, can indeed stem from various factors, including food intolerances, stress, or even the side effects of medications. The fact that your allergy tests were negative and your gastroenterologist seems reassured can certainly leave you feeling frustrated and uncertain.
Next Steps:
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Keep a Symptom Journal: Track your food intake, symptoms, and any potential triggers for both your digestive and skin issues. This could help you identify patterns or specific foods that may be contributing to your discomfort.
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Try an Elimination Diet: Since you’re experiencing sensitivities to previously tolerated foods, consider eliminating common allergens (e.g., dairy, gluten, soy, nuts) one at a time for two weeks to see if your symptoms improve. After this period, reintroduce them one at a time to identify potential triggers.
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Manage Skin Irritation: For the skin issues, consider:
- Using fragrance-free moisturizers to soothe irritation.
- Over-the-counter antihistamines (e.g., diphenhydramine or loratadine) for itchy skin, but ensure this won't conflict with your current medications.
- Avoiding hot showers and irritating soaps, which can exacerbate skin conditions.
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Follow Up on Medications: Some of your current medications can have side effects that may exacerbate gastrointestinal and skin issues. For instance, omeprazole affects stomach acid, and Adderall may cause gastrointestinal reactions in some people. You might want to discuss this aspect with your healthcare provider, especially if any new symptoms arise.
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Seek Specialist Support: If your current gastroenterologist isn’t addressing your ongoing symptoms satisfactorily, consider seeking a second opinion, especially from a specialist who focuses on food sensitivities or allergies.
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Stress Management: Since you’re on buspirone and Zoloft for anxiety, incorporating stress-reduction techniques like mindfulness, yoga, or gentle exercise might also help improve both your gut and skin health.
Remember, these steps are meant to empower you in managing your symptoms more positively. It can be difficult to navigate these challenges, but staying proactive and organized can often lead to improved outcomes. If any severe symptoms develop, such as increased pain, vomiting, or blood in your stool, seek medical attention promptly. You're doing your best to take care of yourself, and that's important. ❤️
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