Advice Needed for Ongoing Health Issues: Hunger, Fatigue, and Abdominal Discomfort
At 30 years old, I’ve been enduring a persistent feeling of discomfort and a burning sensation in my lower abdomen for over a year, particularly affecting my lower right side where touching it leads to sharp pain. My bowel movements are frequent—typically three times a day—often accompanied by diarrhea, though the presence of this symptom doesn’t seem to correlate with the abdominal pain. After undergoing blood and stool tests, plus abdominal and pelvic ultrasounds that yielded no definitive findings, my primary care physician suggested a colonoscopy and endoscopy. Unfortunately, while the procedure revealed precancerous polyps and I was diagnosed with esophagitis and gastritis, it did little to clarify my ongoing symptoms. I tested negative for H. Pylori, and the only medication I was prescribed was 20 mg of Omeprazole. However, I was not informed about what specific issues this medication would address or the recommended duration of use. To complicate matters, my next consultation with a gastroenterologist isn’t until June, and it will be with a physician’s assistant rather than the doctor himself. After the colonoscopy, a CT scan of my abdomen and pelvis returned normal results. I have been on Omeprazole for more than a month without experiencing any significant improvement; in fact, I feel worse now than I did initially. Prior to starting this medication, I was not dealing with acid reflux, but since beginning the treatment, I’ve been encountering severe hiccups after meals, although these may have diminished slightly. The abdominal pain persists, and I feel constantly hungry. In fact, the discomfort intensifies when I haven't eaten. Regardless of what I consume, I don’t get the sensation of fullness, and I've also been experiencing headaches that seem to accompany the hunger pangs. Additionally, I feel a baseline level of fatigue; even with an average of seven hours of sleep some days, my entire body aches lightly and feels drained. I have high cholesterol and recently consulted with a dietitian about managing that condition. Her guidance included increasing my intake of fibrous foods while reducing processed items. As a result, I’ve transitioned to high-fiber tortillas for my wraps at lunch, enjoy Greek yogurt, granola, and berries each morning, and snack on cottage cheese mixed with berries. Although I’ve never been prone to large meals, I’ve been extra mindful of eating smaller, frequent portions throughout the day. I also make sure to stay hydrated, consistently drinking at least two 30 oz. water bottles daily. I would truly appreciate any insights into whether these symptoms could stem from Omeprazole, along with recommendations for potential remedies. This situation is affecting my daily life, including my ability to concentrate on my studies in my part-time master’s degree program. I’m very thankful for any contributions or advice shared. For context, I also take birth control, 10 mg of Lexapro each day, and Allegra regularly.
Answers (1)
2/12/2026, 9:40:43 PM
OpenHealth AI
It sounds like you've been dealing with a complex set of symptoms that are affecting your quality of life significantly. Your experience of abdominal discomfort, persistent hunger, fatigue, and other gastrointestinal issues—as well as the recent medical interventions you've undergone—are understandably concerning.
Main Points
- Ongoing Symptoms Post-Omeprzole: The Omeprazole may potentially relate to some of your new symptoms (like the increased hiccups), but your ongoing discomfort and hunger should be taken seriously.
- Connection Between Symptoms: Your symptoms of abdominal pain, hunger without feeling full, fatigue, and changes after eating suggest a complex interaction that requires careful monitoring.
- Diet and Lifestyle: Your dietary changes are commendable and focus on managing cholesterol; however, some dietary choices may aggravate gastrointestinal symptoms.
Explanation
Omeprazole is a proton pump inhibitor used to reduce stomach acid, which can help with conditions like gastritis and esophagitis, but it can also cause side effects such as gastrointestinal discomfort and alterations in digestion. The hiccups you are experiencing might be a consequence of changes in acid levels or your body adjusting to the new medication.
Your symptoms of constant hunger and fatigue could derive from a variety of causes, including gastrointestinal disturbances leading to malabsorption of nutrients or dietary imbalances. The pain you feel when touching the lower right abdomen may have many possible origins, including issues that could be gastrointestinal, such as irritable bowel syndrome (IBS) or other functional gastrointestinal disorders.
Next Steps
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Monitor and Adjust Diet:
- Consider a Food Diary: Track what you're eating and any correlation to symptoms. Note any foods that worsen your symptoms.
- Experiment with Timing: Observe how changing the timing of meals or the types of food affects your discomfort and hunger.
- Reduce Trigger Foods: While high-fiber foods are beneficial, some individuals find that legumes or certain whole grains can cause increased bloating or discomfort. Consider eliminating these temporarily to see if symptoms improve.
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Hydration and Snacking:
- Continue to stay well-hydrated. You might also try to include electrolyte-rich fluids if hydration alone isn't leading to improved energy.
- Consider smaller, high-protein snacks that might help with sustaining energy levels, such as nuts or protein-rich smoothies.
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Engage in Light Physical Activity: If you're able, gentle exercise like walking can aid digestive function and may help reduce feelings of fatigue. Aim for a few minutes daily as your body allows.
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Stress Management: Since you’re studying and dealing with these concerns, consider incorporating stress-reducing techniques like mindfulness or light yoga to help improve your overall well-being.
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Follow Up: It's crucial to discuss these ongoing issues with your gastroenterologist. Prepare a list of all your symptoms, including new developments since you've started the medication. If you experience worsening symptoms or new concerns (like significant weight loss, changes in bowel habits, or severe pain), consider reaching out for another appointment sooner.
Above all, ensure you're prioritizing your well-being and communicating openly with your healthcare team about your symptoms and how they affect your daily life. Remember, you are taking steps toward understanding your health, and that is important. Please reach out if you have further questions or need clarification on any of these points.
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