Abdominal Discomfort
Greetings, I’m a 25-year-old woman. In the past, I was prescribed phentermine and topiramate for weight management, but I stopped taking them in February. Since discontinuing those medications, I've experienced an unexpected weight loss of about 20 to 25 pounds. Currently, I weigh 135 pounds at a height of 5'4". While I am not classified as underweight yet, I’m concerned it could become a possibility. Last Thursday, I underwent an upper endoscopy due to a range of symptoms that have developed since August, worsening over time. I often feel full shortly after eating, experience general stomach discomfort after certain meals, and have bouts of nausea. The endoscopy revealed erythematous mucosa in my stomach, and biopsies were taken for further examination. Unfortunately, my condition seems to have deteriorated in the past few days. For the last two days, I have dealt with constipation, punctuated by a single occurrence of diarrhea. Thankfully, the stool was neither black nor red, indicating no visible blood. I have also experienced some gas, which provides slight relief, yet I cannot shake the feeling that something more serious may be at play. Is it due to my anxiety? I have been dealing with cramping sensations that vary in location throughout the day. Currently, I feel discomfort in the upper left area of my abdomen, just beneath my ribcage, radiating slightly to my back. The pain isn’t sharp or piercing, but rather persistently uncomfortable. Earlier, I felt similar pain on the right side and also had some lower abdominal discomfort. A heating pad has provided minimal relief. I haven’t experienced any vomiting or significant nausea, and I’ve attempted self-massage on my abdomen. To be honest, I am quite anxious about all of this!
Answers (1)
12/15/2025, 1:30:44 AM
OpenHealth AI
It sounds like you're experiencing significant discomfort and anxiety about your abdominal symptoms, particularly after the recent endoscopy findings. Given your recent weight loss and the changes in your digestive health, it’s important to address both your physical symptoms and your anxiety.
Key Points:
- You have noticed significant abdominal discomfort and changes in your gastrointestinal (GI) function.
- Your endoscopy results indicate inflammation (erythematous mucosa), and biopsies may clarify the underlying cause.
- Your symptoms and the associated anxiety could be contributing to the discomfort you are experiencing.
Explanation:
The symptoms you're describing, including early fullness, nausea, and abdominal pain, can be linked to various gastrointestinal issues, such as gastritis (inflammation of the stomach lining) or other conditions affecting digestion. The recent weight loss could also be a result of decreased food intake due to discomfort or an underlying GI issue.
Your anxiety about these symptoms is completely understandable, especially since they have been affecting your quality of life. Stress and anxiety can exacerbate digestive symptoms due to the gut-brain connection, where emotional stress can lead to physical symptoms in the digestive system.
Next Steps:
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Monitor Symptoms:
- Keep a journal of your symptoms, noting when they occur, what you eat, and your emotional state. This can help you identify triggers and can be valuable information for future medical consultations.
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Dietary Adjustments:
- Focus on a bland diet, avoiding spicy, fatty, or highly processed foods that can irritate your stomach. Consider small, frequent meals to prevent overwhelming your stomach.
-
Hydration:
- Ensure you are drinking enough fluids, especially if experiencing constipation. Aim for clear liquids and consider electrolyte solutions if you're dehydrated.
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Manage Anxiety:
- Incorporate relaxation techniques such as deep breathing, meditation, or yoga. These can help reduce anxiety, which might be contributing to your physical symptoms.
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Heat Therapy:
- Continue using a heating pad on the abdomen as tolerated, as warmth can provide comfort.
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Follow-up on Biopsy Results:
- Once you receive the biopsy results, review them carefully to understand any underlying conditions that need to be addressed.
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Plan for Medical Advice:
- If your symptoms worsen, become more intense, or if you start to experience new symptoms (like fever, persistent vomiting, or blood in stool), consult a healthcare professional promptly.
Your body is sending signals, and the combination of stomach discomfort, changes in bowel habits, and anxiety should be taken seriously. Remember to be kind to yourself during this time, and consider reaching out for support from friends, family, or professionals if anxiety becomes overwhelming. Your health journey is important, and taking these steps can help bring clarity and improvement to your situation.
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