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Gastro Issues
Hi everyone! My name is Blair I am 30 years old and a male. Up until July of 2021 I was a healthy and active guy. Last July, I woke up with excruciating upper abdomen/chest pain. I have never experienced anything like it in my life, I thought for sure I was having a heart attack. I went to the ER they told me I had a infection and told me to take Tylenol and watch my fever. No tests, nothing at all. I went home, 3 days later I had another “attack” this one was worse. I couldn’t stand up, felt like I was going to pass out from the pain, rapid heart beat, sweating, nausea, shortness of breath, tingling sensation all through my body. Once again, went to the ER where they did some blood work and sent me back home with nothing. This cycle kept happening and then I had an appointment with a gastrointestinal surgeon - turns out my gallbladder was only operating at 33%. In September of 2021 I had my gallbladder removed. I was expected to finally be able to enjoy life again. I was wrong, 2 days after being discharged I had another attack. My PCP, local specialists are all lost on what could be causing this. It is now April of 2022 I have lost close to 100 pounds simply due to the fact that my diet consists of noodles, bread, and soup. I cannot eat anything else without paying for it later with a debilitating attack. If anyone has any idea of what can possibly be causing this please let me know. I am 6’4 and I weigh about 230. Was in sports all my life, I’m just at a loss and I am getting very impatient. Thank you!
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I forgot to add, in the past 2 months I have experienced severe constipation. I only have 1 BM a week and when I do go I am in extreme pain and I bleed very bad
Could it be impacted stool? My daughter had that and it was extremely painful causing her to go to the er although the pain was not in her chest. She went on mirAlax daily and it helped. Also when she got the awful pain she did an enema.
Hi @blair91 and welcome to Mayo Clinic Connect. I don't want to alarm you, but with only one BM a week that causes extreme pain and bleeding needs to be addressed immediately by a physician. I agree with @jillannw that you may be impacted, but either way you should be evaluated straight away.
Have they checked for rogue stones in your duct after your cholecystectomy?
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5 Reactions@amandaburnett they have told me I am impacted, but they act like it’s not going to harm me in the long run. I am in such pain and discomfort. Just an overall sick feeling. When I take a stool softener or laxative, it makes me feel horrible.
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1 Reaction@blair91, I thought I would jump in and share my recent experience. I've had chronic constipation for almost a year off and on. I had an extremely difficult colonoscopy on Jan 28 and it has only been within the past 2 to 3 weeks that the constipation is back under control. I know that being impacted is not fun and can be very painful. If you haven't met or talked with your doctor yet, I would make that a priority.
I also had issues with stool softners and laxative which gave me terrible stomach cramps and gas. I bought some chewable Gas-X tablets that really helped but I'm assuming there are a lot of over the counter products for gas that will help. I started using MiraLax daily and now have been able to cut back a little on it but it does help with my regularity. Another tip that I read here on Connect from an RN providing care for the elderly is that a daily lower abdomen massage helps keep the patient regular. So I give myself a lower stomach massage and it has helped me too.
Hoping you find some answers and help.
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4 ReactionsHello @blair91
I've read your posts and the many great responses and ideas provided by @amandaburnett and @johnbishop. The use of MiraLax daily is a very good method to keep constipation at bay. It is important to use it consistently in order for it to be effective. Adding a dose or two of a product like Metamucil will also help until you get constipation under control.
I do feel concerned, however, that the ER and your doctor have not been more diligent in addressing your problems.
Please know that it is always your right to get a second opinion if you don't feel that the current treatment is sufficient to take care of your health issues. Is there another ER or medical system near you where you can go for a second opinion on these problems?
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6 Reactionsdefinitely good advice. MiraLax will do the trick
Just new here. I've been constipated all my life so I take suppositories before a workout or a long walk or hike. Nothing else works.
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1 ReactionHave you tried Acai fiber from Heather's Tummy Trouble? It's natural and is water soluble. You need to give it a week taking it regularly, but it helps change your system to a new healthy natural.
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1 ReactionSounds like you’re in the same boat as me…only I don’t have bleeding. You should most definitely see a Dr., (GI)… or whatever…I’ve had NO luck with GI’s in my past….but you should definitely have someone address your problem
P.S.
Your ER sounds like mine too! I CAN NOT believe they sent you home with Tylenol for an infection!!
Good luck
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