OpenHealth Q&A

Struggling with GI Problems: A Personal Account

At the age of 33, I find myself battling a range of gastrointestinal issues. Despite my commitment to a healthy lifestyle—eating nutritious foods, abstaining from alcohol and drugs, exercising regularly, and getting a solid eight hours of sleep—I often require several naps during the day. Recently, I have been forced to take time off from work due to the severity of my symptoms; eating has become a challenging endeavor, leading to increased discomfort. I’ve experienced a significant weight loss of over 20 pounds in just a few weeks, accompanied by excruciating pain that seems to fluctuate throughout my body, predominantly affecting my chest and throat. Dizziness and confusion are constant companions, worsening particularly after meals. Over the past couple of years, I have undergone numerous medical evaluations, including endoscopies, swallowing assessments, specialized diets, gastric emptying examinations, and liver detox processes. The findings revealed issues such as bile reflux, a throat stricture, thrush, an unusually lengthy colon, and severe constipation. Unfortunately, even after clearing my system, the pain persisted. Additionally, I have previously been diagnosed with Small Intestinal Bacterial Overgrowth (SIBO) and a deficiency in thiamine. My experience with acid reflux has been lifelong, and it remains the one consistent challenge I face. Throughout the years, there have been episodes where my body violently reacts to food, resulting in vomiting for days. The taste of acid has become a relentless fixture in my mouth, coupled with a persistent burning sensation and swelling in my lips. About a year ago, food began to pose significant difficulties for me. A fast lasting two and a half days triggered a dramatic worsening of my condition, which has now become my daily reality—one filled with relentless discomfort. In recent weeks, I have visited seven different hospitals, but none have been able to diagnose my situation. Typically a cheerful and positive individual, this scenario has taken a toll on my mental space—resulting in the need to resign from my job, cancel social engagements, and face a potentially lengthy wait to get an appointment at the Mayo Clinic, which may not happen for a couple of months. I am desperately hoping for someone to uncover the source of my ailments. My symptoms are constantly evolving, but currently, I am dealing with an agonizing burning sensation in my chest and a feeling of suffocation that is relentless. In addition to the primary symptoms mentioned, I’ve experienced various other issues over the past few weeks or even longer, including: - Organs feeling stiff. - Daily sore throat and loss of voice for nearly a year. - A burning sensation in the back of my throat. - Visual distortions and brain fog. - A persistent feeling of fatigue akin to being intoxicated, along with memory lapses. - Continuous hunger. - A dripping sensation in my lungs. - Muscle fatigue and tingling sensations. - Numbness in my neck, face, and throat. - Random abdominal discomfort and bubble-like sensations. - Occasional but intense heart pain, although it does not occur frequently. This has been an overwhelming journey, and any insight or help would be greatly appreciated.

Answers (1)

9/10/2025, 2:10:45 AM

OpenHealth AI

I'm truly sorry to hear about your overwhelming struggles with these gastrointestinal (GI) issues and the toll it's taking on your quality of life. Your symptoms sound incredibly challenging, and it's understandable to feel frustrated after undergoing so many evaluations without clear answers. I’d like to offer some insights that might help you as you navigate this situation further.

Main Points:

1. Multiple GI Symptoms: Your GI issues, including bile reflux, throat stricture, and SIBO, can contribute to many of the symptoms you're experiencing.
2. Focus on Dietary Management: Certain dietary adjustments may help alleviate discomfort and manage symptoms.
3. Additional Considerations: Psychological stress and physical symptoms may be interconnected, making holistic care important.

Explanation:

The range and severity of your symptoms suggest several potential interrelated issues. For instance, bile reflux can cause chest and throat discomfort, while SIBO needs careful diet management to prevent worsening symptoms. The throat stricture could make swallowing difficult and cause pain, especially when consuming certain foods. Additionally, the fatigue and cognitive symptoms you're experiencing may relate to your physical health as well as stress and psychosocial factors.

Next Steps:

1. Dietary Adjustments:

   • Elimination Diet: Consider a temporary elimination diet to identify specific food triggers. Focus on easily digestible foods (e.g., bananas, rice, applesauce, toast) and slowly reintroduce one food at a time.
   • Small, Frequent Meals: Eating smaller meals throughout the day can help reduce pressure on your gastrointestinal tract and may alleviate some symptoms.

2. Hydration and Thiamine Intake:

   • Hydration: Stay well-hydrated, especially since you’ve experienced significant weight loss.
   • Thiamine: Make sure you’re getting enough thiamine, especially if you have hunger and digestive issues. Foods rich in thiamine include whole grains, legumes, and green peas.

3. Symptom Tracking:

   • Keep a journal to document your symptoms, food intake, and any correlations you notice. This can provide valuable information to share with any healthcare provider you consult in the future.

4. Stress Management:

   • Engage in relaxation techniques—like deep breathing, meditation, or gentle yoga—to help manage the mental strain from your ongoing health challenges.

5. Immediate Concerns:

   • If you have chest pain that is frequent or severe, alongside symptoms like shortness of breath or fainting, seek immediate medical attention, as this could indicate more severe complications.

6. Follow-up Care:

   • Since you’re already planning to visit the Mayo Clinic, consider preparing for that visit by compiling your records, symptom diaries, and a list of questions or concerns you want to address.

While these steps may not resolve all your symptoms immediately, they are designed to be tailored and actionable, focusing on symptom relief and better understanding your body. Please remember that you are not alone in this journey, and it's okay to seek support from friends, family, or mental health professionals as you navigate these challenges. Take care, and I wish you strength as you work towards finding relief.