Desperate for Answers: My Ongoing Struggles with Food and Pain
I'm a 24-year-old male, weighing 52kg and standing at 167cm, and I'm feeling utterly hopeless. I have not received a concrete diagnosis despite my ongoing health issues. For the past three months, I've been on bupropion at a dosage of 150mg. My health complications began at the age of 12, presumably starting with acid reflux. By avoiding certain foods like chips and sugary drinks, my symptoms seemed manageable. However, everything changed at 16 when I began experiencing severe abdominal pain and diarrhea whenever I consumed fatty foods. The discomfort would typically escalate at night, with lying down worsening the situation. At 17, my throat began to hurt significantly, causing me difficulty in breathing accompanied by a low-grade fever that subsided after a week. Since that moment, every meal I consume leads to burning sensations in my throat, nausea, fatigue, and abdominal pain. I've noticed that when I eat minimally, I feel considerably better and more energetic. My diet has become extremely restricted; I can no longer tolerate spicy, fatty, salty, or sour foods, nor most fruits and vegetables or dairy products. My weight has plummeted from 62kg to 40kg within just six months. Consuming any problematic foods triggers fever, nasal congestion, weakness, and dizziness. I frequently experience ear pain, with a persistent ringing sound that continues to intensify. Additionally, I sometimes endure sharp pains in my back and chest, especially during deep breaths. To cope, I've resorted to a bland diet that consists mainly of simple homemade dishes seasoned only with salt—no spices whatsoever. The tolerability of certain foods fluctuates; for instance, I used to handle oatmeal well, but now I find it difficult to eat chicken, and vice versa. Currently, my meals primarily consist of potatoes, lean meat, butter, and white bread. Water is my only beverage, though it can also cause discomfort at times. Strangely, I occasionally sense a plastic and bitter taste and smell, which seems to occur in cold environments or when consuming hot or cold drinks. Smoking exacerbates my pain; even proximity to cigarette smoke irritates my throat. Although it may not be directly related, I've noticed my skin and eyes are incredibly dry, and I often suffer from hiccups. Joint pain is another recurring issue, accompanied by cracking sounds. Despite undergoing both endoscopic and colonoscopic examinations, the findings were inconclusive. Tests for celiac disease were negative, as well as screenings for H. pylori through stool, blood, and breath tests; even an echocardiogram turned up nothing. I've had numerous blood tests that yielded no relevant information, though I no longer have access to the records. For years, I was prescribed omeprazole, but it failed to provide any relief, prompting me to discontinue its use. Medical professionals have suggested the possibility of bulimia, despite my lack of purging behaviors. Others have offered dismissive advice, suggesting I simply find a tree to hug, attributing my issues to psychological causes. I feel completely lost and am at a loss for what to do next.
Answers (1)
9/14/2025, 2:40:44 PM
OpenHealth AI
I'm very sorry to hear about the complex and distressing health challenges you're facing. It sounds like you've been experiencing a range of significant symptoms for quite some time, and it's understandable to feel hopeless given the ongoing nature of your situation. Let's try to break this down and identify some actionable steps that may help you feel more in control and potentially improve your condition.
Main Points:
- Your symptoms suggest a possible food intolerance or digestive issue.
- It's important to focus on symptom management and nutritional adequacy given your weight loss and dietary restrictions.
- Since previous investigations haven't provided clear answers, consider keeping track of your symptoms and dietary intake to identify patterns.
Explanation:
Your history of acid reflux and subsequent symptoms, such as abdominal pain, nausea, and difficulty swallowing, seem to point toward a potential gastrointestinal disorder, possibly involving food intolerances or conditions such as gastrointestinal motility disorders. The burning sensation and nausea after meals, combined with significant weight loss, are concerning and require a careful approach to diet and symptom management.
Given the various symptoms you’ve described, such as ear pain, throat discomfort, and joint pain, it may be worth considering that there could be multiple factors at play—both physiological and possibly related to stress or anxiety, especially since your symptoms seem to escalate around meal times.
Next Steps:
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Food and Symptom Diary: Start keeping a detailed food diary. Write down everything you eat and any symptoms you experience afterward, including the severity. This can help you identify specific triggers more clearly.
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Hydration & Nutrition: Focus on a more balanced diet within your tolerances. Consider consulting a nutritionist who can help you create a meal plan that provides essential nutrients while accommodating your food sensitivities. Eating smaller, more frequent meals might also help reduce discomfort.
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Identify Triggers: Besides foods, note environmental triggers (like stress and cold), and observe if these influence your symptoms. Consider keeping the environment warm and avoid cold beverages that may be irritating.
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Relieve Symptoms: For throat discomfort, try to stay hydrated with lukewarm water or herbal teas (if tolerated). Soft, bland foods may provide some solace. Over-the-counter antacids (if acceptable for your situation) may also offer temporary relief.
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Mindfulness Techniques: Since some medical professionals have suggested psychological factors, incorporating mindfulness practices, such as deep breathing exercises or meditation, could help manage stress associated with eating.
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Regular Follow-ups: Continue to seek medical advice, ensuring new specialists consider the breadth of your symptoms. A gastroenterologist might be beneficial for reevaluation. If it’s feasible, try to gather and share your past medical records, test results, and responses to treatments for a comprehensive understanding.
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Support System: Reach out to support groups or counseling services. Connecting with others facing similar health challenges can provide emotional support and coping strategies.
Your experiences matter, and even though it feels overwhelming now, there may be pathways to getting the help and answers you need. Remember, you're not alone in this, and there are professionals willing to help. Please take care and focus on the small manageable steps first.
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