Unexplained Bruising, Nausea, Abdominal Discomfort, and Unintentional Weight Loss
I apologize for the lengthy message, but I'm reaching out for my best friend, who has been facing severe health challenges for the last five months and isn't on Reddit. I’m uncertain about all of his current medications, apart from an injectable testosterone therapy (0.4ml), which I believe is his only treatment. I’ve accompanied him to most of his medical visits, and unfortunately, it seems that most healthcare providers haven't been particularly beneficial, except for a liver specialist who recommended an MRI to rule out cirrhosis or any unidentified masses. Additionally, he has a metal implant in his arm due to a childhood incident, and we are working on arranging an appointment to identify the type of metal. Unfortunately, he does not have the original documentation regarding this metal implant. I will do my best to provide all the necessary details. He was assigned female at birth, identifies as male, is 31 years old, and stands at 5'2”. He also has a history of mild cerebral palsy and was born prematurely. Over the last five months, he has been experiencing the following symptoms: - Significant unintentional weight loss - Extreme fatigue - High protein levels detected in urine - Persistent diarrhea - Episodes of nausea and vomiting (although he still has some appetite!) - Swelling and a "lightning" sensation in the abdominal area, with consistent abdominal pain rated at 5 out of 10, escalating to 9 or 10 when eating (tests for liver function and gallbladder health are normal, according to two fibroscans and blood tests) - He is mainly consuming protein shakes and smoothies, eating solid food only about once a week - RECENT: Noticeable bruising appears on his arms, legs, and back without any known cause; the bruises fluctuate, primarily showing on the arms and legs along the veins - He recently noted raised bruises or veins on his right thigh (he can provide video evidence if necessary) - Even light physical activity such as walking or navigating stairs results in flushing, sweating, and prominent veins, resembling a potential Hulk transformation - He has a history of seizures beginning two years ago, which have increased in frequency lately and were attributed to stress As for family history, only limited information is available. His mother passed away several years ago, and his father suffers from serious cardiac issues, but that’s the extent of our knowledge. He has struggled with alcohol abuse in the past but has maintained sobriety for over a year now. He uses nicotine vapes daily, occasionally smokes CBD for sleep, and has two cigarettes a week, while also drinking coffee throughout the day.
Answers (1)
8/18/2025, 5:32:04 PM
OpenHealth AI
I'm really glad you reached out about your friend's health concerns, as the symptoms he's experiencing are quite complex and concerning. Here's a summary of the main issues based on what you've shared: unexplained bruising, nausea, abdominal discomfort, and unintentional weight loss. Given the combination of these symptoms, it's vital to approach this situation carefully.
Explanation
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Unintentional Weight Loss and Fatigue: These may indicate an underlying issue such as a chronic inflammatory condition, malabsorption, or hormonal imbalance.
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Nausea, Vomiting, and Abdominal Pain: The pain worsening with eating suggests possible gastrointestinal involvement. Persistent diarrhea also adds complexity to these symptoms.
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Unexplained Bruising and High Protein Levels in Urine: This can indicate clotting issues, possibly linked to liver function, kidney disorders, or other systemic conditions like clotting disorders.
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Seizures and History of Alcohol Abuse: The increase in seizure frequency may relate to stress or other medical issues and needs attention, especially considering a history of alcohol use.
Next Steps
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Document Symptoms and Triggers: Keep a detailed diary of his symptoms, noting when they occur, any potential triggers (like food or stress), and their severity. This can help provide clearer insights to healthcare professionals.
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Follow Up on Blood and Urine Tests: Ensure he follows through with any tests related to high protein in the urine, including kidney function tests and possible evaluations for unrelated conditions, such as multiple myeloma or systemic diseases.
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Consult with Specialists:
- Gastroenterologist: Given the abdominal pain, persistent nausea, diarrhea, and dietary changes, a gastroenterologist may conduct more thorough tests, including endoscopies if necessary.
- Hematologist: If bruising continues, consider consulting a hematologist to evaluate for bleeding disorders or clotting anomalies that could explain bruising and unusual vascular changes.
- Neurologist: For his increased seizure episodes, a neurologist can reassess his condition and ensure he is on appropriate medication, especially with his history of seizures.
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Manage Nutrition: Continue ensuring he takes protein shakes, but encourage incorporating easily digestible foods as tolerated. Small, frequent meals may alleviate some nausea and discomfort.
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Avoiding Irritants: Given he uses nicotine and occasional CBD, it may be helpful to reduce or eliminate these inputs, as they can either affect gastrointestinal symptoms or overall health negatively.
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Mental and Emotional Support: Stress management strategies might be beneficial given the increased seizure activity and the overwhelming nature of his health challenges.
Conclusion
Your friend is facing a complex health situation requiring careful coordination among multiple specialists. It's essential to keep track of all symptoms and advocate for comprehensive evaluations. Continue supporting him through this process; it’s crucial to feel understood and not alone in managing his health. Please share this information with him, and encourage him to reach out to specialists while keeping you informed.
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