Unexplained Weight Loss and Disturbing Symptoms
I am a 40-year-old woman from the UK and I find myself puzzled about my health. Since February, I have been experiencing inconsistent bowel movements; at times they are loose and yellowish-green, while other instances involve constipation. Recently, I started to feel a vague discomfort beneath my left rib, which began about four weeks ago. Additionally, I'm battling nausea, a sense of fatigue, rumbling in my intestines, and I have lost 7kg, bringing my weight down to 59kg at a height of 5 feet 6 inches. I have undergone several diagnostic procedures, including two CT scans with contrast, a colonoscopy that revealed four benign polyps, an MRI of the pelvis, and both pelvic and transvaginal ultrasounds. All my bloodwork and CRP levels returned normal. However, my ferritin level was measured at 32, and I also have sizable fibroids, measuring 9cm and 7cm, which were detected during the imaging studies, along with heavy menstrual bleeding. I am also diagnosed with Factor V Leiden disease and am on blood thinners, yet apart from this, I do not have any other known health issues. My general practitioner seems to be at a loss and attributes my symptoms to anxiety, but I am convinced that there is something more concerning at play. The weight loss is alarming, and I fear the possibility of an underlying cancer. It has impacted my ability to engage in daily activities due to overwhelming weakness. I am reaching out for suggestions on further tests I should consider or insights regarding what my symptoms could indicate. I am in a desperate situation and appreciate any assistance. Thank you!
Answers (1)
8/17/2025, 8:41:04 PM
OpenHealth AI
It’s understandable that you’re feeling anxious and frustrated about your health concerns, especially with noticeable weight loss and other troubling symptoms. Your experiences with inconsistent bowel movements, discomfort, nausea, and significant fatigue are certainly concerning, and it's important to acknowledge the impact these symptoms have on your quality of life.
Main Points:
- You’ve already undergone comprehensive evaluations, which is a great first step.
- Your symptoms could be related to several conditions, including gastrointestinal issues and potential complications from your existing health conditions.
- It's critical to focus on further investigative steps to explore the potential causes of your symptoms.
Explanation
Your diagnostic procedures, such as the CT scans, colonoscopy, and ultrasounds, have helped rule out some serious conditions, including immediate worries like cancer in your gastrointestinal tract. However, the presence of fibroids and the impact of your blood thinners due to Factor V Leiden could complicate your health situation. The combination of weight loss, fatigue, abdominal discomfort, and gastrointestinal irregularities suggests the need for a more detailed exploration of your digestive system and possibly other systemic issues.
Next Steps
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Monitor Symptoms: Keep a detailed diary of your symptoms—note the frequency and consistency of bowel movements, any accompanying pain, fatigue levels, and any triggers you've noticed. This can help you and your healthcare provider identify patterns or correlations.
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Digestive Health Evaluation: Consider discussing with your doctor the possibility of further gastrointestinal evaluations, such as:
- Stool Tests: To check for malabsorption issues, infections, or parasites.
- Upper Endoscopy: This can evaluate any abnormalities in the upper gastrointestinal tract, which might explain nausea and discomfort.
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Nutritional Support: Given your weight loss and fatigue, you might benefit from focusing on your nutrition. Consider:
- Eating small, frequent meals that are easy to digest.
- Incorporating nutrient-dense foods like smoothies, lean proteins, and whole grains.
- Staying well-hydrated, especially if you're experiencing loose stools.
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Follow-Up on Fibroids: Given the sizes of your fibroids and associated heavy bleeding, consider discussing options for management with your healthcare provider, as they could be contributing to your symptoms.
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Mental Health Check: It’s also important to address any anxiety or stress, as both can physically manifest as gastrointestinal symptoms. Mindfulness or consulting a mental health professional may help.
If you feel that your concerns aren’t being fully addressed, seeking a second opinion from a gastroenterologist or a specialist in functional medicine might provide additional perspectives on your symptoms.
Please remember that you're not alone in this; keep advocating for your health and seeking the support you need.
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