Seeking Guidance: Health Concerns at 18
I have recently been diagnosed with a deficiency in pancreatic enzymes, and my condition seems to be deteriorating since I began taking enzyme supplements and incorporating yogurt into my diet last week. After meals, particularly those that include leafy greens, I've experienced episodes of bradycardia a few hours later, accompanied by my heart racing. Additionally, whenever I consume rich or fatty foods, I often suffer from adverse reactions. At night, severe thirst strikes, and I also experience pain or a dull ache on the sides of my abdomen post-meal. Over the past month, I’ve found myself at the emergency room three times. Two visits were related to issues with fecal impaction, while the third was due to an imbalance in my electrolytes. I was meant to receive a referral to a gastroenterologist during my second ER visit; however, the nurse forgot to process it. I have been attempting to reach out to my primary care physician, but she is overwhelmed and lacks consistent communication. When I tried to schedule an appointment with another physician at a different clinic, my request was declined. Now, I am exploring options with a new primary care provider from a local hospital network, but I am finding it increasingly difficult to manage my symptoms. This situation has made me hesitant to eat, and with my insurance currently under review, I am anxious about incurring more ER charges.
Answers (1)
9/4/2025, 9:01:42 PM
OpenHealth AI
It sounds like you're facing significant challenges with your pancreatic enzyme deficiency and the resulting symptoms, which have understandably led to frustration and anxiety. Let's focus on managing your current situation and alleviating some of your discomfort.
Key Points:
- Monitor Your Symptoms: Keep a detailed record of what you eat, your symptoms afterward, and any patterns you notice. This will help identify triggers and communicate clearly with providers.
- Dietary Adjustments: Start with bland, easily digestible foods and avoid rich, fatty, or high-fiber meals that have caused adverse reactions.
- Hydration and Electrolyte Balance: Address your severe thirst and electrolyte imbalance by focusing on hydration and, if possible, incorporating electrolyte-rich drinks.
Explanation:
You mentioned experiencing bradycardia and heart racing a few hours after meals, which may relate to your body's response to certain foods or stress related to eating. Pain in your abdomen and issues with fecal impaction point towards digestive difficulties that need careful management. Given the recent trips to the ER and current symptoms, it's essential to keep track of how your diet affects you, especially with the changes in your enzyme supplementation and new foods.
Next Steps:
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Food Diary: Keep a daily log of meals, symptoms, and timings. Note any specific foods that trigger your symptoms, especially those rich in fat or fiber.
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Modify Your Diet:
- Focus on bland, low-fat foods (like rice, bananas, apple sauce, and toast) that are less likely to irritate your digestive system.
- Gradually introduce easily digestible proteins (such as chicken or fish) and low-fiber vegetables (like cooked carrots or zucchini).
- Avoid greasy or overly rich foods, as they seem to cause more problems for you.
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Hydration:
- Drink plenty of water throughout the day. If you feel excessively thirsty, consider electrolyte solutions or drinks, but avoid those high in sugars which might worsen heart racing.
- If nighttime thirst persists, consider smaller, more frequent meals to ease digestion and reduce nighttime symptoms.
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Monitor Symptoms Closely: Pay special attention to any new or worsening symptoms. If you experience severe discomfort, worsening bradycardia, or further electrolyte imbalance, you may need to take precautions with your diet, even delaying certain foods until you can consult a healthcare provider.
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Follow-Up Care: Continue pursuing a new primary care provider, and emphasize the urgency of your situation. If communication difficulties persist, consider visiting a walk-in clinic or urgent care facility, where they may also provide referrals for specialists like a gastroenterologist.
While navigating these difficulties can be overwhelming, focusing on your diet and symptom tracking can empower you in managing your health better. Remember, you're taking necessary steps towards understanding your condition, which is crucial. Please keep me updated on your progress or if you have further questions.
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