Your Symptoms: Gastroenteritis, Anxiety, and More

Q: Your Symptoms: Gastroenteritis, Anxiety, and More

Hello： Your description is very diverse and complex, making it difficult to explain with a single diagnosis. <br>For instance, "dizziness" can be categorized into central and peripheral causes, each with several underlying reasons. <br>If we also consider symptoms like loss of ap

I'm not sure what's wrong?

Hello, Doctor:
(1) I have a psychiatric disorder—obsessive-compulsive disorder—and I am currently undergoing medication treatment.
A few weeks ago, due to irregular lifestyle habits and poor eating patterns (only eating one or two meals a day, usually at night), I suddenly experienced severe abdominal pain, dizziness, nausea, and cold sweats, with pain so intense that my palms exhibited a spasm-like condition similar to cerebral palsy.
I was taken to the emergency room, where the doctor diagnosed me with gastroenteritis.
After treatment and medication, I felt somewhat better, but since the pain medication can harm the kidneys, I privately discarded the remaining doses after about a day.
Additionally, the injection site from the pain relief shot still hurts when pressed.

One day, after finishing my appointment at the psychiatric clinic and taking the bus home, I felt dizzy.
I thought it was motion sickness, but the dizziness persisted the next day and the day after.
I have been experiencing the following symptoms: (2) dizziness (similar to motion sickness), occasional mild headaches, loss of appetite, irritability, and a slight feeling of nausea (the above symptoms tend to ease after a good sleep or a bowel movement).
However, after a while, the dizziness and headaches return.
I have not experienced black stools or fever, but I feel a decline in memory, physical and mental fatigue, and occasional irritability.
I have been taking my psychiatric medications as prescribed.
What is happening to me? Recently, I have been feeling a bit under the weather, and aside from mild cold symptoms (I took some leftover cold medicine once, as my cold symptoms are always the same and the medication is also the same), my head has started to feel dizzy and painful again.
Could something be seriously wrong with me? Am I at risk of cancer (previously exposed to harmful radiation from a poorly designed X-ray)? Thank you for your patient response.
Thank you.

A Yao, 30~39 year old female. Ask Date: 2009/03/28

Dr. Xiao Yongxun reply Internal Medicine

Hello: Your description is very diverse and complex, making it difficult to explain with a single diagnosis.
For instance, "dizziness" can be categorized into central and peripheral causes, each with several underlying reasons.
If we also consider symptoms like loss of appetite, headaches, and memory decline, the differential diagnosis becomes even more challenging.
Please do not forget that psychoneurosis can also cause the aforementioned symptoms.
As for the possibility of having cancer, it cannot be determined without proper evaluation.
I recommend discussing your concerns with your psychiatrist to get their perspective before making any further decisions.

Reply Date: 2009/03/28

More Info

Based on your symptoms and the medications you are currently taking, it seems that you are experiencing a complex interplay of gastrointestinal issues and anxiety-related symptoms. Let's break down your concerns and provide some clarity.

1. Gastroenteritis and Symptoms: You mentioned being diagnosed with gastroenteritis after experiencing severe abdominal pain, dizziness, nausea, and cold sweats. Gastroenteritis, often caused by viral or bacterial infections, can lead to inflammation of the stomach and intestines, resulting in symptoms like abdominal pain, nausea, vomiting, and diarrhea. Your symptoms of dizziness and cold sweats could be related to dehydration, which is common in gastroenteritis, especially if you have been unable to eat or drink adequately.

2. Anxiety and Physical Symptoms: You also have a history of obsessive-compulsive disorder (OCD) and are currently on medication for it. Anxiety can manifest in various physical symptoms, including gastrointestinal distress. The connection between anxiety and gastrointestinal symptoms is well-documented; stress and anxiety can lead to increased stomach acid production, altered gut motility, and even changes in gut flora, which can exacerbate symptoms of gastroenteritis or lead to functional gastrointestinal disorders.

3. Medication Concerns: You mentioned that you stopped taking pain medication due to concerns about kidney damage. It's crucial to communicate with your healthcare provider about any side effects or concerns regarding your medications. If you are experiencing pain at the injection site or ongoing discomfort, it may be worth discussing alternative pain management strategies with your doctor.

4. Ongoing Symptoms: Your ongoing symptoms of dizziness, headache, loss of appetite, irritability, and a feeling of nausea could be attributed to several factors:
- Post-viral fatigue: After an episode of gastroenteritis, it is common to feel fatigued and experience lingering symptoms as your body recovers.

- Anxiety: Your anxiety may be exacerbating your physical symptoms, leading to a cycle of discomfort and distress.

- Dietary changes: Irregular eating patterns, such as only eating one or two meals a day, can lead to gastrointestinal upset and contribute to feelings of nausea and dizziness.

5. Concerns About Serious Illness: It’s understandable to worry about serious conditions like cancer, especially after experiencing significant health issues. However, the symptoms you describe are more consistent with gastrointestinal distress and anxiety rather than cancer. If you have concerns about your health, it is essential to discuss them with your healthcare provider, who can perform appropriate evaluations and tests to rule out any serious conditions.

6. Recommendations:
- Hydration and Nutrition: Ensure you are staying hydrated and try to establish a regular eating schedule. Eating smaller, more frequent meals may help alleviate some gastrointestinal symptoms.

- Stress Management: Consider incorporating stress-reduction techniques such as mindfulness, meditation, or gentle exercise to help manage anxiety.

- Follow-Up: Keep in close contact with your healthcare providers regarding your symptoms and medication. If your symptoms persist or worsen, further evaluation may be necessary.

In summary, your symptoms appear to be a combination of post-gastroenteritis recovery and anxiety-related issues. It is crucial to maintain open communication with your healthcare providers to address both your physical and mental health concerns effectively.

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