Mother Experiencing Intense Abdominal Discomfort
My mother, who was born in 1982 and stands at 5 feet 3 inches, weighing between 160 and 170 pounds, is suffering from extreme stomach discomfort. This issue is further complicated by a geographic tongue that intermittently appears and disappears. Both she and I are exhausted by the healthcare system in Alabama. Despite consulting various medical professionals, none have been able to diagnose her condition. Her tests have ruled out the presence of bacteria in her stomach or anywhere else in her body, and she has also tested negative for Chlamydia. These abdominal pains have necessitated multiple emergency room visits, where sadly, she has often been dismissed or ignored. Each night, she relies on ibuprofen for relief, and the only remedy that seems to provide her any comfort is activated charcoal. I’ve witnessed her in agony, curled up and in tears. Eating has become a challenge, as even the smallest amounts of food can send her into tremendous pain. She has undergone testing for celiac disease and various dairy-related intolerances, all with negative results. The only health concern she manages is hypothyroidism, for which she is treated with Levothyroxine. I am reaching out for any constructive advice or potential solutions that healthcare providers may have overlooked. Her daily tears and suffering are heartbreaking. Although she has made efforts to eliminate dairy, reduce fiber intake, and even avoid specific toothpaste brands, her condition remains a mystery with no clear answers from the doctors. Unfortunately, Medicaid restricts the number of consultations we can have, compounding our frustrations.
Answers (1)
2/15/2026, 10:40:42 PM
OpenHealth AI
I'm really sorry to hear about your mother's intense abdominal discomfort and the struggles she has faced in finding answers. It's understandable that this situation is causing both of you a lot of stress and frustration. Let's explore some potential avenues to help her manage her symptoms and improve her quality of life.
Main Points
Your mother is experiencing severe abdominal pain with no clear diagnosis, despite testing for several conditions. We will focus on managing her symptoms and exploring possible dietary changes to alleviate her discomfort.
Explanation
Abdominal pain can arise from many issues, including functional gastrointestinal disorders, food intolerances even when tests are negative, or stress. Given her symptoms, it could be beneficial to consider a broader approach, especially with her history of dietary changes and medications.
Next Steps
-
Dietary Modifications:
- Food Diary: Start a detailed food and symptom diary. Track everything she eats, along with the timing and intensity of her symptoms. This might help identify triggers that tests haven’t shown.
- Elimination Diet: Consider trying an elimination diet where you remove certain groups of foods (like gluten, high FODMAP foods, etc.) for a few weeks and then slowly reintroduce them to observe for symptoms.
-
Small, Frequent Meals: Encourage her to eat smaller amounts of food more frequently throughout the day. This can help lessen the burden on her digestive system and might reduce pain after eating.
-
Hydration: Ensure she stays well-hydrated, as this can help with digestion and may alleviate some discomfort. Avoid caffeinated drinks, which can sometimes worsen symptoms.
-
Stress Management: Stress can exacerbate gastrointestinal issues. Practices such as mindfulness, meditation, or gentle yoga can help improve her overall well-being and potentially reduce pain levels.
-
Alternative Remedies: Since activated charcoal has provided relief, she might try other natural remedies such as ginger tea or peppermint, which are commonly used to help soothe digestive issues.
-
Medication Review: If her current medication (Levothyroxine) is well-managed but side effects are suspected, it might be worth looking into whether adjusting the timing of her medication (taking it on an empty stomach versus with food) could make a difference.
-
Support Resources: Look for local support groups or online communities for people suffering from unexplained gastrointestinal issues. These can provide emotional support and practical advice from others with similar experiences.
If symptoms worsen or urgent situations arise (like severe pain, persistent vomiting, or weight loss), it's important to seek emergency help despite past experiences. Your mother deserves thorough evaluation and support. Stay vigilant and continue to advocate for her health needs; it’s clear you care deeply for her well-being.
Related Questions
Navigating My Relationship with Food Amidst Chronic Illness
I’m posting here since my main account feels a bit too vulnerable for this discussion, and I have struggled to confide in anyone directly. At 21 years old and a woman, I come from a family with a history of gastrointestinal problems, which, regrettably, have intensified for me in the past year. There are times when I completely lose my desire to eat and forget to nourish myself. On other occasions, when I do attempt to eat, I often end up regurgitating everything. Despite being prescribed multiple medications to manage my nausea in recent months, none have proven to be particularly effective. I have become accustomed to this cycle: eating leads to nausea, which results in vomiting, followed by sleep, only to repeat the whole ordeal again. Currently, my aversion to eating has escalated due to the pain associated with vomiting. It burns intensely, and during those episodes, the physical discomfort in my stomach mimics that of a bruise, despite knowing it isn't actually bruised. My fear of food has grown to the extent that I find myself actively avoiding larger meals. While I can manage a soft pretzel or some lightly salted fries, the thought of facing a full meal—whether it be spaghetti, salads, or anything substantial—terrifies me. When friends inquire about whether I’ve eaten, I often fabricate a reply, saying that I have. I completely understand their concern and that they are coming from a place of care, but it feels futile to eat if it will just lead to more vomiting. It's possibly too graphic to share, but I’ve noticed significant changes in my stool, too. They resemble soft stones yet feel heavy in my abdomen. My doctors have indicated that I am underweight, and I have been experiencing a decline in energy that is affecting my performance at work, school, and within my social circles. I recognize that eating could replenish my energy levels, but the desire to eat is absent. Just tonight, I completely skipped dinner, took melatonin, and find myself writing this while trying to fall asleep because the nausea is lessened when I’m not conscious. In summary, I’ve been evading meals due to the fear of vomiting, even though I realize this could be detrimental to my health. Should I explore the possibility that this behavior falls under an eating disorder, or is it simply a consequence of my ongoing gastrointestinal conditions that I must learn to cope with?
Experiencing Post-Nasal Drip Symptoms Linked to Acid Reflux?
I'm a 30-year-old female, 5'9" and weighing 245 pounds. I have Polycystic Ovary Syndrome (PCOS), but my lab results and blood pressure are within normal limits, and I only take Vitamin D supplements. Today, I visited my new primary care physician (PCP) and explained that I have been dealing with what seems to be post-nasal drip for several months. I don’t have any nasal congestion; rather, it feels like there's a constant need to swallow forcefully to clear my throat. This sensation is more pronounced in the mornings, although it can persist throughout the day. While it's not painful, it's extremely inconvenient. My PCP suspects that acid reflux might be the underlying issue and recommended trying Pepcid for a duration of two weeks. If I don't notice any improvements, I may be referred to an ENT specialist. I inquired about the safety of taking Pepcid daily, and my doctor affirmed that it's acceptable. However, after researching online, I found differing opinions suggesting that daily usage might not be advisable. I would appreciate any insights or suggestions regarding my symptoms and the use of Pepcid. Thank you!
Seeking Perspectives and Suggestions on Ongoing Health Issues
Hello everyone, I’m a 39-year-old female, standing at 1.65m and weighing 58kg. I do not take any medications, nor do I smoke or consume alcohol. I find myself in need of some guidance and camaraderie as I share my experiences and seek advice from this community. Crafting this message has taken some time, as I was unsure about posting it, but I ultimately felt compelled to reach out. While I recognize this is Reddit and not a medical facility, the lack of substantial responses from healthcare professionals has prompted me to look for insights or empathetic support here. To provide some background, approximately two years ago, I began experiencing excessive burping after trying a few new supplements, including probiotics and peppermint oil, along with medications like Miralax and Buscopan on an empty stomach, as per a doctor's recommendation. The Miralax was intended to relieve some constipation. Following this regimen, my digestive system experienced quite a tumult, leading to a significant increase in burping. Eventually, my bowel movements returned to normal after about six weeks, but I continued to have strange intestinal sounds with no accompanying pain, especially noticeable when lying down. During this challenging time, I also faced tonsillitis, which led to additional medications, and I would occasionally have a burning sensation on the right side of my chest, primarily above or behind the right breast. This coincided with a particularly stressful period. Despite consulting with a physician, undergoing blood work, a heart evaluation, and a chest X-ray—none of which revealed any abnormalities—I was informed my symptoms were likely due to stress. I suspected it might be a mild form of gastritis, but my concerns were dismissed, and I felt like I was sent away without a satisfactory explanation. Fast forward two years, and my symptoms have fluctuated. There are periods where my burping is manageable and the discomfort on my right side diminishes. I don't believe gallbladder issues are at play, especially since the discomfort isn't sharp nor triggered by fatty foods. About two weeks ago, after taking ibuprofen—something I usually consume with food—my symptoms resurfaced, which leaves me wondering if I’m dealing with gastritis or if it was merely coincidental. I have tried various antacids like Tums and Rennie and even underwent a month-long course of lansoprazole, but these treatments brought on nausea, which wasn’t present beforehand. My burping primarily seems to originate from the right side of my chest, and when I eat excessively, it feels different from stomach burping. Wet burps are rare, and I generally experience dry burps without any unpleasant taste or burning sensations. Occasionally, if I sit for extended periods, I notice a tightness in my chest that sometimes eases with a burp. Interestingly, these symptoms vanish when I recline on the sofa or bed. While lying down, everything feels normal until I rise and start moving, at which point the burping resumes. Although I’ve requested an endoscopy, my local healthcare professionals believe it’s not necessary at this time, as they haven’t identified anything alarming that would warrant such tests. A recent H. pylori breath test returned negative. I would greatly appreciate any insights you might have regarding my situation or strategies to alleviate these symptoms. Currently, the only medication that completely halts the burping is cetirizine, which I find quite peculiar. Despite my ongoing struggles, I maintain a normal appetite and avoid alcohol and coffee, so eating doesn’t cause any discomfort. This situation has been exhausting, and I often feel sidelined by physicians with little to no follow-up. Nevertheless, I'm better off than I was two years ago. If you have any suggestions that I could discuss with my doctor, I’d love to hear them! Thank you for taking the time to read my post.
Concerning Gastrointestinal Issues
I am a 32-year-old man who began experiencing severe discomfort in the lower right region of my abdomen on Boxing Day. By New Year’s Day, the pain had intensified to the point where I sought medical attention at a hospital. Initially, the doctors suspected appendicitis, but they later dismissed that diagnosis. The pain persisted for several weeks, prompting my physician to conduct a calprotectin test, which revealed a level of 190. My blood tests returned normal results except for a CRP reading of 22. Although the dull ache in my lower right stomach continues, it occasionally escalates. I recently underwent another calprotectin test that showed a drop to 25, yet the pain remains, leaving me terrified of the possibility of cancer. My doctor is arranging a colonoscopy, but I am uncertain how long the process will take. I simply want this discomfort to subside. Has anyone else experienced something similar? I do not notice any blood in my stool, but I often have loose stools, which fluctuate between being hard and soft. I also feel extremely fatigued, which I suspect might be due to the stress of the situation. This pain has been ongoing for several months now.
Navigating Concerns: Is This a Common Flu or Something More Serious?
Hello everyone, I’m a 25-year-old female with a medical history primarily characterized by suspected Irritable Bowel Syndrome (IBS) for the past couple of years and recurring depressive episodes since my teenage years. My family medical history is not particularly noteworthy. I used to smoke cigarettes between the ages of 15 and 20, and currently, I occasionally vape. I don’t engage in alcohol consumption or the use of illegal substances. For the past week, I’ve been plagued by widespread muscle discomfort and soreness. The pain is akin to that pre-flu discomfort, encompassing my entire body but most acutely affecting my neck and shoulder regions. My shoulders seem perpetually raised due to the pain, making a neutral position feel unbearable. Accompanying symptoms include extreme fatigue and a sense of brain fog, which hampers my concentration and information retention. Occasionally, I’ve experienced tension headaches, along with feelings of coldness in my extremities and flushing in my face. Emotionally, I’ve been feeling quite low and tearful. Additionally, I’ve had sporadic abdominal cramps and bouts of constipation that occur seemingly out of nowhere. Over-the-counter pain relief like ibuprofen has provided little to no relief. While I attempt to engage in light physical activities, I find that remaining idle exacerbates my discomfort. Yet, the sheer exhaustion often prevents me from maintaining even basic activities like washing dishes. The shower offers some temporary respite from the soreness, but the pain returns shortly after. On top of that, I’ve been dealing with considerable family stress lately, and we’re also facing a mold issue in our apartment. I suspect this might just be a viral infection or a result of being physically run down, but I’ve never experienced anything like this before, and my symptoms seem to be intensifying as the week progresses. I can’t shake the fear that I might be developing a rheumatic condition. As a student with assignments due shortly, the last thing I can afford is to be unwell for another week. I have consulted a physician about fatigue on a few occasions over the past five years, but it has always been attributed to depression or lifestyle choices like sleep and exercise. My main concern is whether my symptoms are particularly alarming and how long I should wait before seeing a doctor. I worry that if I seek help now, I might just be told it’s a simple infection and that I would be wasting anyone's time. Thank you for any guidance you can offer!