[41M] Experiencing gastrointestinal and neurological symptoms
Patient Description
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Arora's Assessment
What might be happening
Based on the information you've provided, possible explanations for your symptoms include:
- Gastritis: This is inflammation of the stomach lining, which can cause pain in the middle of the stomach, nausea, and indigestion. It could explain the stomach pain and nausea you're experiencing. Treatment typically involves antacids and medications to decrease stomach acid.
- Gilbert's syndrome: This is a common, harmless liver condition in which the liver doesn't properly process bilirubin, a substance produced by the breakdown of red blood cells. It can cause fatigue and occasionally muscle twitching, but it doesn't typically cause stomach pain or nausea.
- Biliary dyskinesia: This is a disorder of the gallbladder or sphincter of Oddi (a muscular valve that controls the flow of digestive juices to the first part of the small intestine). It can cause abdominal pain, nausea, and changes in bowel movements. Even though your gallbladder has been removed, it's possible that you could still be experiencing symptoms related to this condition.
- Malabsorption syndromes: These are a group of conditions in which the small intestine can't absorb enough of certain nutrients and fluids. They can cause a range of symptoms, including fatigue, abdominal pain, bloating, and changes in bowel movements. Certain malabsorption syndromes, such as celiac disease or pancreatic insufficiency, could potentially explain your symptoms.
- Autonomic dysfunction: This is a group of conditions caused by a problem with the autonomic nervous system, which controls involuntary body functions like heart rate, blood pressure, and digestion. It can cause a range of symptoms, including lightheadedness, changes in vision, and problems with temperature regulation.
What you can do
Given the complexity and duration of your symptoms, it's important that you seek care from a healthcare provider. They can perform a thorough evaluation, which may include a physical examination, blood tests, imaging studies, and possibly endoscopy or other procedures to look at the inside of your gastrointestinal tract.
In the meantime, here are some general suggestions:
- Try to maintain a balanced diet. Avoid foods that seem to worsen your symptoms.
- Stay hydrated, especially if you're having frequent bowel movements.
- Try to get regular exercise, which can help with many symptoms, including fatigue and constipation.
- If you're feeling lightheaded, be careful when changing positions. Stand up slowly from sitting or lying down.
What you should look out for
Seek immediate medical attention if you experience:
- Severe abdominal pain
- Blood in your stool or black, tarry stools
- Unexplained weight loss
- Persistent vomiting or inability to keep down fluids
- Signs of dehydration, such as dry mouth, decreased urination, or feeling lightheaded when standing
- Any new or worsening symptoms
Remember, this advice is intended to be general in nature, and specific causes may not apply to your situation. Always consult with a healthcare provider for appropriate examination, testing, and care recommendations.
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11 mo ago