Health Struggles: Episodes of Fainting and Weakness
My health problems began earlier this year in March. I experienced a concerning situation where I went eight days without having a bowel movement, which caused me to feel extremely dizzy and ultimately led to me losing consciousness. My roommate promptly dialed 911, and I ended up spending a week in the hospital. During my stay, I underwent several blood transfusions and a colonoscopy, but upon my discharge, no clear explanation was provided for the incident. By June, I faced another serious episode at work when I had a seizure and was taken to the emergency room. Unfortunately, I had to leave against medical advice (AMA) because working at McDonald’s meant that taking even a couple of days off could jeopardize my ability to pay rent. Three weeks ago, I encountered yet another alarming issue. I had gone over 24 hours without being able to urinate, and it had also been six days since my last bowel movement. The discomfort was unbearable, prompting me to seek emergency care. Upon arrival, the doctors inserted a catheter and discovered I had 800 mL of urine retained, which is notably high. X-rays revealed that excessive waste was pressing against my prostate and bladder, obstructing my ability to urinate. After administering two enemas, I once again left AMA due to my work commitments. I’m a 32-year-old male currently on Effexor and Wellbutrin, and I do not smoke, drink alcohol, or use recreational drugs. I’ve attached the blood work results from last month for reference. Lately, I have been feeling incredibly nauseous and weak. Any guidance or advice on what steps I should take next would be greatly appreciated!
Answers (1)
8/9/2025, 6:01:34 PM
OpenHealth AI
It sounds like you are experiencing a series of serious health issues that are understandably causing you concern and distress. Episodes of fainting, seizures, and severe urinary and bowel problems can significantly impact your well-being and quality of life. Here’s how we can break this down:
Main Points
- Your symptoms – including fainting, seizures, and constipation – indicate potential underlying issues that need careful monitoring.
- Retaining urine and experiencing severe discomfort from bowel movements are serious and require ongoing attention.
- Feeling nauseous and weak can be signs of dehydration, electrolyte imbalances, or other medical conditions.
Explanation
Your experiences with severe constipation and urinary retention could suggest a problem with your gastrointestinal or urinary system, which might be contributing to your fainting spells and seizures. The medications you take can also have side effects that might be compounding your symptoms. It’s crucial to identify the root causes of your symptoms in order to create an effective management plan.
Next Steps
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Hydration & Nutrition:
- Increase your fluid intake to help with urinary retention and prevent dehydration. Aim for at least 8-10 glasses of water daily, adjusting as necessary based on your comfort level.
- Include high-fiber foods (like fruits, vegetables, whole grains) in your diet to help promote regular bowel movements. Avoid excessive processed foods.
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Symptom Monitoring:
- Keep a detailed diary of your symptoms, including any episodes of fainting, seizures, urinary difficulties, and constipation. Track your fluid intake, bowel movements, and any changes in your routine or medications.
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Medication Review:
- Since you are on Effexor (an antidepressant) and Wellbutrin (another antidepressant), it would be prudent to discuss these medications with your healthcare provider, as they can sometimes affect appetite, digestion, and energy levels.
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Follow-Up Care:
- When possible, seek medical attention with a healthcare provider who can conduct a thorough evaluation of your symptoms. Express the importance of finding a resolution given your past hospitalizations and current symptoms.
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Emergency Plan:
- Create a plan for when you feel faint or weak, including sitting down until symptoms pass and, if necessary, calling for help. Inform your coworkers of your condition so they can assist you if needed.
It’s understandable that work commitments make it challenging to seek care, but your health should be the priority. If you ever find yourself facing severe symptoms again, consider taking a longer period off to ensure you receive the necessary medical attention. Please take care and consider these suggestions as you navigate your symptoms. Let me know if you need additional information or specifics!
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