X-rays Failing to Detect Foreign Object
Greetings, I am providing essential details: 22 years old (AFAB), standing at 175 cm and weighing 63 kg, of Caucasian descent, currently not on any medication, does not smoke or use recreational drugs, drinks occasionally, and resides in France. I am in the midst of being assessed for a potential Ehlers-Danlos syndrome. Approximately three and a half years ago, I inserted a hollow, conical object into my colon, and it’s only now that I am seeking to resolve this matter. The object measures around 6 cm in length and 4 cm at its widest point. I have undergone both an abdominal X-ray and a CT scan of the abdomen and pelvis, yet nothing appears on the images. Initially, I believed the foreign body to be metallic, but it should have been visible if that were the case. The exact material of the object remains a mystery to me. The medical professionals I've consulted seem to have dismissed it, concluding that there’s no foreign entity present, but I have the firm belief that it is still inside me as it didn’t exit. This leaves me uncertain about the next steps to take. Recently, I was diagnosed with a benign fungal infection, manifested as pityriasis, which emerged roughly six months after the insertion. Alongside this, I've been experiencing considerable abdominal discomfort, though it’s unclear how much is linked to my connective tissue condition. I would be grateful for any insights or suggestions on what further actions I might pursue regarding this situation.
Answers (1)
8/14/2025, 7:01:52 PM
OpenHealth AI
It sounds like you're facing a challenging situation, and it's understandable to feel concerned about a long-term issue like this. Based on your description, it appears you have a high level of awareness about your body and your medical history, which is important.
Main Points:
- The foreign object you inserted may not be visible on standard imaging, which can happen with certain materials.
- Your abdominal discomfort and belief that the object remains internally warrants further investigation.
- There are specific steps you can take to address your concerns moving forward.
Explanation: When foreign objects are inserted into the colon, not all will be detectable through standard X-rays or CT scans, especially if they are made of non-metallic materials that do not show up on imaging. Keep in mind that even if a scan did not reveal anything, your discomfort could still be linked to the foreign body or other causes such as your Ehlers-Danlos syndrome and associated changes. The connection between your abdominal discomfort and the insertion is something to consider carefully.
Next Steps:
-
Consult a Gastroenterologist: Given that the issue is specifically related to the gastrointestinal tract, consulting with a specialist may be beneficial. They can guide you on additional imaging techniques, such as an MRI or endoscopy, which may provide more insight into your situation.
-
Keep a Symptom Diary: Monitor your abdominal discomfort in detail. Note when it occurs, the intensity, any triggering foods or activities, and any associated symptoms (like gas, bloating, or changes in bowel habits). This record will help healthcare providers understand your condition better.
-
Discuss Diagnostic Options: When you see the gastroenterologist, ask about the possibility of an endoscopic examination, which allows for direct visualization of the colon. This could confirm whether the object is present.
-
Adopt Symptom Management Strategies: While waiting for consultations, focus on managing your discomfort through a diet low in processed foods, adequate hydration, and attention to any foods that exacerbate your symptoms.
-
Follow up on the Fungal Infection: Since you mentioned a recent diagnosis of a fungal infection, ensure that you are following the treatment plan. If symptoms persist or worsen, that should also be raised during your next medical consultation.
It’s crucial to communicate your concerns clearly to your healthcare providers to ensure they understand your situation thoroughly. You're taking important steps by seeking answers and clarifying your health needs. Please prioritize following up with specialists for a focused approach to your concerns.
Related Questions
Persistent Pain in Right Shoulder and Arm After Lifting
Hello, everyone! I’m a 23-year-old male and have been engaged in weightlifting for several years now. Recently, I’ve been struggling with ongoing discomfort in my right shoulder and arm, which I haven’t been able to accurately identify. The pain manifests during particular movements, especially with lateral raises or when my arm is raised to shoulder level while rotating my wrist. Certain pressing and pulling activities can also provoke this discomfort. Rather than feeling sharp, it’s a deep, nagging sensation that sometimes seems localized in the front area of the shoulder or at the biceps tendon, and at other times it feels more like it’s situated between the shoulder and upper arm. Fortunately, there’s no numbness or tingling involved. This issue began while I was working out. I decided to take a break for around two months, but when I returned, the pain persisted. After consulting a physician, I was diagnosed with bicipital tendinitis. Since then, I’ve reduced my upper-body workouts, completely steering clear of shoulder exercises and heavy lifting, and have begun a gentle rehabilitation regimen focusing on external rotations, pendulum movements, and scapular exercises. Despite adhering to this routine for about a week, I haven’t experienced any noticeable improvement. Is it typical for this type of tendon injury to require an extended period for recovery? At what point should I consider diagnostic imaging, such as an ultrasound or MRI? Additionally, are there frequent rehabilitation errors that might impede the healing process? I appreciate your insights in advance!
Understanding EEG Results for My 22-Month-Old Son: Insights Needed
Could someone help clarify this for me? My son, who is just 22 months old, hasn’t started walking yet, becomes tired easily, and has been experiencing behavioral outbursts. He had a febrile seizure in February 2025, followed by another unexplained seizure in April 2025, which led us to consult a neurologist. Since he was 3 months old, he has been receiving therapy from a physical therapist for torticollis. At birth, he spent five days in the NICU due to issues with meconium aspiration. A recent MRI showed normal results, and he also had a follow-up EEG after one conducted in July 2025. The results from this recent EEG were abnormal for a pediatric patient in awake, drowsy, and sleeping states. Notably, there were brief episodes of left frontotemporal delta slowing, which occurred mainly when he was awake and drowsy. There were no signs of epileptiform activity detected. In contrast, the EEG performed back on July 3, 2025, was deemed normal for both awake and drowsy states, again with no evidence of epileptiform irregularities, although it did not capture any sleep data. This examination was prompted by the child's existing history of febrile seizures. Importantly, he is not currently on any anti-seizure medications. The EEG procedure used standard electrode placements per the 10-20 system, conducted a single-lead EKG, and included continuous video monitoring. During the analysis, the background activity was symmetric, indicating some anterior-posterior (AP) organization, with a dominant rhythm of 50-80 microvolts at 7 Hz. His drowsy state was marked by a reduced amount of eye blink activity, less breathing motion interference, and a generalized slowing in theta/delta frequencies. Stage II sleep exhibited spindles and vertex waves patterns. Additionally, there were intermittent bursts of 250-300 microvolts in the left frontotemporal region with semi-rhythmic activity of 2-4 Hz, mostly observed during wakefulness and drowsiness. No definitive epileptiform discharge was noted. Photic stimulation during the test did not elicit a strong response, and hyperventilation was not conducted during this session.
INTENSE Spine Discomfort, Breathing Difficulties, Muscle Twitches, and Sweating
To elaborate on the situation mentioned in the title, I’ve been experiencing unusual muscle twitches and spasms for the past few days, along with some discomfort in my back. However, today, I felt an unexpected sharp pain shoot through my spine, which has left my legs feeling numb and made it impossible for me to sit up straight. Additionally, I’ve been dealing with cold sweats for the last hour and struggling to breathe properly. Perhaps I’m just overanalyzing things and it’s a common occurrence, but the intensity of the pain is overwhelming—it's truly unbearable. I’m shaking quite a bit, and unfortunately, my parents aren’t responding to my attempts to reach them for help. I have a history of a chronic heart condition and arthritis, yet I’ve never experienced pain this severe, especially in my spine. For context, I am nearly 15 years old and female. My current medications include pain relievers, anxiety medication, beta blockers, and some vitamins, though those specifics may not be particularly relevant. I don’t smoke; however, I have tried vaping a few times, which might not matter much, but I thought it was worth mentioning as it was requested.
28-Year-Old Male Experiencing Scalp Sensations Post-Amitriptyline Treatment
I am a 28-year-old man in generally good health, without any cardiac concerns. Approximately a month ago, I encountered intense pain localized to one side of my head, which was unresponsive to paracetamol. However, a single dose of a migraine treatment provided substantial relief. Following that, I began a regimen of amitriptyline, starting at a nightly dose of 10 to 25 mg. While my head pain has diminished significantly—by about 90 to 95%—I now experience occasional uncomfortable sensations on my scalp. These feelings include pins and needles, a cooling sensation, and some crawling feelings near my hairline and ears. There are fleeting moments where I feel brief throbs lasting a second, but I do not have any persistent headaches. To clarify, I do not experience any of the following: - Nausea - Weakness in my limbs - Numbness - Changes in my vision - Coordination difficulties - Seizures The symptoms I have are transient, shifting around and often intensifying when I become conscious of them or as the day progresses. I would like to know: Is it common to experience these sensations during the recovery stage following episodes of neuralgia or migraine-like discomfort? Additionally, could the amitriptyline potentially be causing these temporary paresthetic sensations? I am seeking some reassurance or advice on what is typically observed during this healing process. Thank you.
Concerns About My Toes
Age: 30, Female Currently, I am on the lookout for a reputable podiatrist in my vicinity. However, I've encountered a perplexing issue with my foot. Just last night, I noticed a growth on the side of my toe, something entirely new to me. I maintain a nutritious diet and have a demanding job that requires me to be on my feet quite often. My footwear includes brands such as Brooks Ghost Runners, Hoka Bondi 9’s, and Nike Motiva’s, and I don’t opt for restrictive socks. I also apply Vick’s Vaporub to my feet, a practice handed down from my family, and stick with simple, non-fragrant lotions like Vanicream and CeraVe SA Cream for my skin. In addition, I am curious about the my big toenail's change in color. What might be the underlying reasons for this? Also, I have these persistent dark spots on my toes that I've struggled with since my days on the runway. Despite my efforts, nothing has succeeded in lightening or diminishing their appearance. I'm just looking to determine if there might have been a factor from the past that could have contributed to these issues. I’m not sure what else to include, but I’m open to answering any questions you might have. Thank you for your attention! Best wishes from a worried soul!