OpenHealth Q&A

Unexplained Gastrointestinal Issues and Inconsistent Medical Findings

In 2022, I began experiencing a significant decrease in my appetite, transitioning from eating multiple meals and snacks daily to just one meal each evening. Over the course of a year, I lost 30 pounds, and in the last three years, my total weight loss has reached 70 pounds. A colonoscopy and endoscopy performed in 2023 yielded normal results, other than a diagnosis of chronic gastritis. Despite being prescribed Pepcid and subsequently Nexium, there was no improvement in my condition. I've consulted several gynecologists regarding possible endometriosis, but none are willing to perform the necessary surgery to either confirm or rule it out. Additionally, I have seen a hematologist for iron deficiency anemia and a cardiologist due to suspected POTS, who has recently eliminated any heart-related issues. This week, I have a scheduled appointment with a GI motility expert regarding the rapid gastric emptying that was identified in a study a few months back. About four weeks ago, I began experiencing severe heartburn and general discomfort, which led me to the emergency room twice. There, they performed cardiac evaluations, concluding I was not having a heart attack, and provided some medication to ease my stomach, which had only temporary effects. A few days later, I went to a different, more reliable hospital—it was crowded—and they conducted a CT scan, suspecting appendicitis. After consulting with three surgeons, they indicated that my symptoms were somewhat consistent with appendicitis but not entirely, and after another CT scan, they diagnosed me with colitis due to inflammation observed in the colon walls near the appendix. I was admitted to the hospital and placed on a liquid diet for three days, receiving intravenous antibiotics and fluids. By the third day, my appetite returned, and I was thrilled to transition off the liquid diet. With ongoing antibiotics at home, I felt I was recovering well, even managing to eat breakfast and dinner. However, I recently passed out early one evening and neglected my medication, then had a morning appointment a couple of hours away. I ate normally but experienced another episode upon returning home after a taxing day. I forgot to take my antibiotics for two days, and while I realize this was a mistake, my symptoms resurfaced, including a burning sensation and pain localized primarily in the lower right abdomen, along with discomfort in the lower left, upper right, and upper left areas; it felt like sharp, intermittent squeezing pains. I reached out to the hospital to speak with a doctor regarding my condition, but they informed me that since I was discharged, I needed to consult my primary care provider. Unfortunately, it's Saturday and their office is closed until Monday. During my time home, my gastroenterologist sent me an at-home stool test to investigate my symptoms, and I received the results yesterday indicating everything was normal and that I do not have colitis. Feeling bewildered and in considerable pain, I'm uncertain whether I should return to the hospital and endure a lengthy wait alongside others or simply continue the antibiotics until they run out (which will be tomorrow night) and hope they work. I plan to contact my doctor on Monday to request a new prescription, acknowledging that my situation may have worsened due to my missed doses. I apologize for the length of this message, but if any of this resonates, I’m desperately seeking answers, as my condition seems to be deteriorating. Though I understand Reddit may not be the optimal platform for a diagnosis, I've previously found valuable insights related to my health issues here, so I thought I might gain some perspective once again.

Answers (1)

8/16/2025, 7:31:02 PM

OpenHealth AI

I understand that you’re experiencing a complex array of gastrointestinal issues, weight loss, and recent complications that are causing significant distress. You are actively seeking answers and support, which is very important during such a challenging time. Here are the main points to consider going forward:

Main Points:

1. Current Condition and Antibiotic Use: You’re on a course of antibiotics for colitis, and you’ve missed some doses, which may have contributed to a resurgence of symptoms.
2. Upcoming GI Consultation: You’re scheduled for an appointment with a motility expert soon, which is a positive step in addressing your gastrointestinal concerns.
3. Responsiveness to Symptoms: Your symptoms have worsened, characterized by pain and discomfort, indicating that monitoring your condition closely is crucial.

Explanation:

Your significant weight loss, reduced appetite, and gastrointestinal distress can stem from multiple factors, and the journey to finding a definitive cause can be frustrating. Chronic gastritis and rapid gastric emptying may contribute to your symptoms, but it’s essential to continue working with specialists who can explore additional diagnoses, such as possible motility disorders or other gastrointestinal conditions.

Next Steps:

1. Immediate Symptom Management:

   • If you have severe or worsening symptoms (like intense abdominal pain, vomiting, or blood in your stool), it may be necessary to seek emergency care despite the wait. This is especially crucial if you feel faint or weak.
   • Consider maintaining hydration, especially if your appetite is inconsistent, and try to consume easily digestible foods that don't exacerbate your discomfort.

2. Follow Your Medication Schedule:

   • Complete the course of antibiotics as prescribed. While missing doses can affect efficacy, it's still important to finish them for optimal results.
   • Contact your doctor as soon as possible on Monday for guidance on resuming antibiotics or other medications, and explain the impact of the missed doses on your symptoms.

3. Prepare for Your Next GI Appointment:

   • Keep a symptom diary detailing your pain, dietary intake, and medications. This information will help your GI motility expert better understand your situation.
   • Clarify specific questions or concerns you have regarding your symptoms and explore whether further testing or treatment might be beneficial.

4. Supportive Care:

   • Consider discussing dietary changes with a dietitian who specializes in gastrointestinal issues for more tailored meal planning.
   • Implement stress management techniques, such as deep breathing or gentle yoga, as stress can exacerbate gastrointestinal symptoms.

Your symptoms are complex, and it’s understandable to feel overwhelmed. Continuing to advocate for your health and seeking out specialists who will thoroughly investigate your symptoms is important. Be sure to express any ongoing concerns during your medical visits. You’re doing an excellent job of staying proactive about your health.