OpenHealth Q&A

Navigating Health Anxiety and Gastrointestinal Concerns

At the age of 32, I am a male of Indian descent residing in the United States. I abstain from alcohol and tobacco, and my only supplements consist of multivitamins and probiotics. Health anxiety plagues me, leading to a constant fear that something dire is lurking around the corner. I'm actively addressing this issue. In April 2025, I had a dinner meal that resulted in intense bloating and discomfort the following day, with symptoms persisting for over a week. Shortly after, I tried Thai cuisine and suffered similar consequences. This time, my condition escalated, prompting me to visit the emergency room that same week due to fever and chills, where blood tests identified an infection. Imaging tests such as a CT scan and an abdominal ultrasound returned normal results. Additionally, a urine test indicated the presence of leukocyte esterase; I was prescribed a ten-day course of the antibiotic Vantin. My primary care physician also ordered a complete blood count (CBC), revealing elevated eosinophil levels at 1.5 x 10^3/μL, while the CRP was recorded at 1. Thankfully, I began to feel some improvement. In June, I contracted Covid-19, and later that month, I experienced another bout of viral flu, which I suspect might have been a subsequent case of Covid. Throughout these illnesses, my digestive issues persisted. I was going to the bathroom one to three times daily, with stools ranging from a Bristol scale of 3 to 6, but without significant diarrhea. A colonoscopy and biopsy conducted in July uncovered minor erosion in my terminal ileum. The biopsy indicated mild to moderate chronic inflammation with edema in the lamina propria due to eosinophil infiltration, showing a count of 12 out of 15 high-power fields across all colon samples. The crypt-to-villi ratio appeared normal, with no signs of granulomas, lymphocytes, or cryptitis present. My doctor suggested these findings might indicate a minor food intolerance. Despite this insight, my symptoms persisted, leading to a fecal fat test in September, which yielded a result of less than 5. I continued to experience abdominal pain, and my bowel habits had not returned to baseline, so we opted for MR enterography in early December, which also showed no abnormalities. After undergoing knee surgery on December 5, I was placed on antibiotics for ten days. Subsequently, I experienced minor digestive disturbances for three to five days, coinciding with a shift in my sleep routine due to a new night job, resulting in increased mucus and Bristol 5-6 type stools during this period. An ongoing concern is the disintegration of my stools in water; although they appear normal initially, they tend to break down into a powdery substance upon sitting in water. I worry about the possibility of inflammatory bowel disease (IBD). However, my gastroenterologist believes that Covid-19 may have led to significant dysbiosis, as supported by findings from a Thorne gut test that indicated a low inflammation score paired with a high dysbiosis score. It appears that restoring my gut health may require an extended period, possibly even years. My diet as a vegetarian includes a substantial amount of fiber. Am I overlooking any crucial medical aspects? Sleepless nights are filled with thoughts about whether my evaluations were sufficiently comprehensive or if something important has been overlooked. This ordeal has lasted nearly ten months; if I actually had IBD, one of the diagnostic tests would have likely revealed it. Perhaps I am overanalyzing my situation?

Answers (1)

2/6/2026, 6:20:47 AM

OpenHealth AI

It sounds like you are experiencing significant gastrointestinal issues coupled with anxiety, which can understandably be overwhelming. Your concerns about potential inflammatory bowel disease (IBD) are valid, especially given the persistent symptoms you've faced over the past months. However, it is essential to recognize that the numerous tests you've undergone and the consultations with your healthcare providers have not indicated a definitive diagnosis of IBD.

Key Points:

• Your symptoms signify ongoing digestive disturbances but lack clear evidence of IBD based on recent evaluations.
• The elevated eosinophils might point to a food intolerance or dysbiosis, possibly exacerbated by recent viral infections.
• Chronic anxiety about health can often magnify physical symptoms, making it essential to address both the physical and mental aspects of your condition.

Explanation:

1. Ongoing Symptoms: While your symptoms of bloating, abdominal pain, and altered stool consistency are concerning, the thorough investigations—such as colonoscopy, imaging, and blood tests—show no definitive signs of IBD.

2. Eosinophils & Dysbiosis: Elevated eosinophils can sometimes occur in response to food intolerances or infections, rather than IBD itself. Dysbiosis refers to an imbalance in gut bacteria, which can affect digestion and contribute to discomfort.

3. Health Anxiety: It's not uncommon for health anxiety to lead to an increased focus on symptoms, making recovery feel longer and more challenging. It’s crucial to find ways to manage this anxiety, as it can affect your ongoing symptoms.

Actionable Steps:

1. Dietary Management:

   • Consider keeping a food diary to identify any specific foods that might be triggering your symptoms. Since your doctor mentioned a potential food intolerance, this could help clarify any patterns.
   • Gradually introduce low-FODMAP foods to see if there's an improvement in your symptoms, as this diet can help reduce bloating and digestive discomfort.

2. Gut Health Restoration:

   • Continue using probiotics, but consider discussing with your doctor the possibility of specific strains that target digestive health.
   • Incorporate fermented foods into your diet, such as yogurt, kefir, sauerkraut, or miso, to support gut flora balance.

3. Mental Health Support:

   • Engage in stress-reducing activities such as mindfulness, meditation, or yoga to help manage health anxiety.
   • Consider talking to a mental health professional who specializes in health anxiety to develop coping strategies tailored to your situation.

4. Monitor Symptoms:

   • Keep track of any changes in your digestion, mental health, and how they correlate with your diet and lifestyle adjustments. Documenting patterns can be informative and help guide discussions with your healthcare provider.

5. Follow-up Care:

   • Regular follow-ups with your gastroenterologist can ensure that your concerns continue to be addressed and that any new symptoms are evaluated promptly.

It’s understandable to have lingering doubts and worries, especially after such an extensive health journey. Remember, it's vital to focus on the progress you’ve made and the steps you can take moving forward. You're not alone in this, and addressing both your physical symptoms and mental well-being is key to feeling better. Please be kind to yourself during this process.