Navigating Chronic Abdominal Pain: Key Tests to Consider
Greetings! I am a 20-year-old female weighing 93 pounds, and I smoke. I’ve been diagnosed with Generalized Anxiety Disorder and depression. About three weeks ago, I experienced a sudden onset of cramps on the left side of my abdomen. I often feel pressure in my midsection, primarily near my belly button, but occasionally slightly higher. These cramps come and go, and during other times, I endure intense abdominal discomfort that I can only describe as a burning sensation in my intestines. While this condition has presented itself at least twice in the past year—lasting for several weeks or months—it has never been accompanied by cramping until now, and the intensity is unprecedented. My bowel movements are irregular, oscillating between constipation and diarrhea, and despite my efforts, I can’t seem to exceed 93 pounds. The only relief I found was by drastically restricting my food intake and engaging in a lot of physical activity, all while maintaining a stress-free environment. I suspect stress might be a significant trigger, especially after the recent loss of my cat. I generally steer clear of dairy and tend to bloat easily after meals. Whenever the burning sensation in my stomach flares up, I also feel quite fatigued and slightly nauseous. Since childhood, I've had chronic pain in my legs and joints, particularly my ankles and wrists. My ankles would frequently lock, and I was told that my discomfort was merely growing pains. In an attempt to alleviate my suffering, I even resorted to wrapping duct tape around my ankles and legs. Additionally, my toenails have been problematic for as long as I can remember. Not long ago, I had a CT scan and an ultrasound, which indicated that I was only mildly constipated. I have an appointment with a gastrointestinal specialist this Thursday, followed by a visit to an OB-GYN. What additional tests should I consider? Should I inquire about conditions like Celiac disease or Crohn's disease? While I am unsure about my family medical history, I do know that my aunt has rheumatoid arthritis and endometriosis, my grandmother struggles with inflammatory bowel disease, and my mother has been diagnosed with irritable bowel syndrome. I’m feeling overwhelmed by these symptoms. Any advice would be greatly appreciated. I am also contemplating having my thyroid levels examined.
Answers (1)
8/26/2025, 8:21:17 PM
OpenHealth AI
It sounds like you're dealing with quite a bit of complexity in your health, especially with the interplay of chronic abdominal pain, weight issues, and psychological stressors. It's great that you have upcoming appointments with specialists; this is a positive step forward in managing your symptoms and concerns.
Key Points:
- Symptoms Suggesting Possible Conditions: Your abdominal discomfort, irregular bowel movements, and history of joint pain could be associated with various gastrointestinal and autoimmune issues.
- Family History Considerations: Your family history of inflammatory conditions may warrant further exploration of autoimmune diseases.
- Importance of Focused Tests: It’s essential to have specific tests done to rule out conditions that could be causing your symptoms.
Explanation:
The combination of your symptoms, including cramping, changes in bowel habits, and fatigue, is concerning. Given your family history of inflammatory bowel disease, rheumatoid arthritis, and other autoimmune disorders, you are right to consider discussing specific tests with your specialists.
Conditions like Celiac disease and Crohn's disease can lead to chronic abdominal pain and gastrointestinal distress. Additionally, symptoms like fatigue and weight management issues might also point towards conditions such as thyroid disorders, which can affect metabolism and energy levels.
Recommended Next Steps:
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Discuss Specific Tests with Specialists:
- Celiac Disease: Ask for a blood test to check for specific antibodies (like tTG-IgA) that indicate Celiac disease.
- Crohn’s Disease: Inquire about the possibility of a colonoscopy or additional imaging to evaluate for Crohn's disease, especially given your abdominal symptoms and irregular bowel movements.
- Thyroid Function: Discuss having your thyroid levels checked (TSH, Free T4) to assess for any thyroid dysfunction contributing to your fatigue and weight issues.
- Autoimmune Markers: Consider asking about tests for rheumatoid factor or anti-CCP if joint pain persists or worsens.
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Prepare for Your Appointments:
- Make a list of your symptoms and their duration to discuss with your specialists.
- Note any recent life changes, stressors, or emotional impacts you’ve experienced, as these can be important in understanding your overall health.
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Self-Care Strategies:
- Focus on maintaining a balanced diet that avoids known irritants. Consider journaling which foods you eat and how they affect your symptoms to identify potential triggers.
- Engage in gentle stress-relief techniques like mindfulness or yoga, which may help manage anxiety and stress.
- Ensure you're staying well-hydrated and getting adequate nutrition, which may require a structured meal plan given your weight concerns.
Remember that seeking answers and advocating for your health is important, especially with a complex symptom picture like yours. You're not alone in this — support is available, and many conditions can be managed effectively with the right information and care. Let me know if you need help with anything specific!
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