Symptoms--help!
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| Tue, 08-01-2006 - 10:06pm |
Hi everyone,
So..for the last year or so I have been having a lot of stomach trouble. I've been to the doctor once for it, last December, after an afternoon of severe nausea, and the doctor said I "might" have an ulcer, but he thought it was probably just a virus. I haven't been back because it seems to come and go so frequently. And now, I'm without insurance until September. I know..not a good excuse. Anyhow, I've read about a lot of the digestive disorders, but none seem to fit really close. Here is what I have been dealing with--all just in the last year, with the exception of the joint & muscle pain which has been going on for 5-6 years:
1) Moderate upper & middle stomach pain after eating -- about 25% of meals
2) Mild nausea -- anytime of the day, doesn't seem to be related to when I eat.
3) Feeling like I need to go, but not being able to -- every day, pretty much all day. When I am able to (about every other day) it looks shiny and sometimes there is mucus.
4) Headaches -- mild to moderate -- seems to come in clusters -- everyday for 3-4 days, then a few days without, the everyday for 3-4 days, etc.
5) Fatigue -- seems constant. I am able to do my daily activities and such, but I feel like I don't have 1/2 the energy I used to. I rely on caffeine, but sometimes I wonder if it is really even working.
6) Joint & muscle pain -- especially in the morning when I first wake up and near the end of the day. I was diagnosed with osteoarthritis of the knees in 2000, when I was 24. The doctor said it was probably due to my weight (5'5" & 185 lbs at the time). I've lost 45 lbs since then.
7) Mild depression -- comes and goes, not so much in the last couple of weeks, but just a month ago it was really bothering me.
My weight is relatively stable, but I've lost 10 pounds--from 150 to 140--in the last 6 months or so despite no longer exercising (aside from a short dog-walk a couple of times a week). I eat a fairly balanced diet, which includes meat, dairy and wheat--probably not enough fruit and vegetables, but I do usually have poultry or seafood rather than red meat, and I stay away from fast food and fried stuff.
I know you aren't doctors, just wondering if any of this sounds familiar? Any ideas?
Thanks
Edited 8/1/2006 11:45 pm ET by ayse7630

Welcome ayse, glad you found us and hope we are able to help.
What you are describing sounds like possible food allergies, maybe lactose intolerance, things along that line. Have you ever kept a food diary, to keep track of the foods you ingest and how they effect you?

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