Unexplained Symptoms: A 7-Month Journey Through Medical Mysteries

Sick for seven months?

I am a 26-year-old male, and since March of this year, I have been experiencing a series of health issues.
Initially, I had unexplained gas pressure on my chest, and my bowel habits changed to once or twice a day (previously, I would have a bowel movement every three days).
My stools are now shaped but very soft, and their color is mostly light yellow with some dark green, almost black.
Additionally, I have developed issues with my nose; the bridge of my nose often feels tight, which is followed by difficulty breathing, requiring me to breathe through my mouth.
My hands, feet, and face also experience numbness.
I have undergone several tests, including gastroscopy, colonoscopy, nasal endoscopy, chest X-ray, and blood tests, all of which returned normal results, except for the discovery of seven polyps in my colon that were removed.
What could be wrong with me? What other tests should I consider?

yin, 20~29 year old female. Ask Date: 2002/08/05

Dr. Liu Jinyong reply Family Medicine

Due to the presence of incomprehensible codes in the medical history, a complete assessment cannot be made.
Therefore, only general recommendations can be provided.
It is important to maintain a balanced diet, eat regular and appropriate portions, exercise regularly, and drink plenty of water or consume vegetables.
Weight control (B.M.I.) should be monitored, with a standard of 22 as a reference.
Regarding the sensation of gas pressing against the chest, it may indicate dyspepsia, abdominal bloating, or the need for further evaluation through an electrocardiogram.
If the stool is black (with a positive fecal occult blood test), it is necessary to repeat the test at least three times for confirmation.
Potential underlying conditions include peptic ulcers, colon cancer, gastric cancer, hemorrhoids, ulcerative colitis, diverticulitis, adenomas, and hiatal hernias.
Additionally, since you have had seven polyps removed from your colon, it is important to review the pathology report to determine if they were benign or malignant.
It is recommended to follow up with the surgical hospital for further examination or visit a local hospital's colorectal department for additional testing.

Reply Date: 2002/08/05

More Info

It sounds like you have been through a challenging and frustrating journey with your health over the past several months. The symptoms you describe—chest discomfort, changes in bowel habits, unusual stool colors, nasal issues, and episodes of numbness—are indeed complex and can be indicative of various underlying conditions. Given that you have undergone multiple diagnostic tests, including endoscopies and imaging studies, and that these have returned normal results aside from the polyps, it is understandable that you are seeking further clarity on your situation.

Firstly, the gastrointestinal symptoms you mentioned, such as changes in bowel habits and the characteristics of your stool, could be related to several factors. The presence of polyps in the colon, while often benign, can sometimes be associated with changes in bowel habits. It is crucial to follow up with your gastroenterologist regarding the polyps to ensure appropriate monitoring and management. The stool color changes you describe—especially the dark green or near-black stools—could be due to dietary factors, such as the consumption of certain foods (like leafy greens or iron supplements) or could indicate bleeding in the upper gastrointestinal tract, although your endoscopy would likely have ruled this out.

The sensation of pressure in your chest and the need to breathe through your mouth could suggest a few possibilities. Anxiety and stress can manifest physically, leading to symptoms such as chest tightness and difficulty breathing. It might be worthwhile to consider whether your symptoms have been exacerbated by stress or anxiety, especially given the uncertainty surrounding your health. Additionally, conditions such as gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD) can cause chest discomfort and may also be linked to changes in bowel habits.

The numbness in your hands, feet, and face is concerning and warrants further investigation. This could be related to neurological issues, metabolic conditions (such as vitamin deficiencies), or even anxiety. A thorough neurological evaluation, including nerve conduction studies or an MRI of the brain and spine, might be necessary to rule out any neurological disorders.

Given the complexity of your symptoms, I recommend the following steps:
1. Follow-Up with Specialists: Continue to work closely with your gastroenterologist regarding the polyps and any gastrointestinal symptoms. A referral to a neurologist is also advisable to evaluate the numbness and any potential neurological issues.

2. Consider Psychological Factors: If you haven't already, consider speaking with a mental health professional. Anxiety and stress can significantly impact physical health and may be contributing to your symptoms.

3. Comprehensive Blood Tests: Ensure that you have had comprehensive blood tests, including vitamin B12, folate, thyroid function tests, and metabolic panels, to rule out deficiencies or metabolic disorders.

4. Lifestyle Modifications: Pay attention to your diet, hydration, and stress management techniques. Keeping a symptom diary may help identify triggers or patterns related to your symptoms.

5. Further Imaging or Testing: If neurological symptoms persist, discuss the possibility of advanced imaging studies or tests with your healthcare provider.

6. Seek a Multidisciplinary Approach: Sometimes, a team approach involving different specialists (gastroenterology, neurology, psychiatry) can provide a more comprehensive understanding of your symptoms.

In conclusion, while your symptoms are indeed perplexing, a systematic approach involving follow-up with specialists, consideration of psychological factors, and thorough testing can help uncover the underlying causes. It is essential to remain proactive in your healthcare journey and advocate for yourself as you seek answers.

Similar Q&A

Understanding Unexplained Symptoms: Seeking Guidance from Family Medicine

Hello, I am a 20-year-old female college student. Since the summer vacation before my senior year of high school, I have experienced some strange symptoms. Each episode begins with a feeling of increasing heaviness in my body, followed by difficulty breathing (no matter how I bre...

Dr. Gao Qingyun reply Family Medicine
Dear Michelle, There are many potential causes for the symptoms of shortness of breath and weakness. It is advisable to seek emergency care during an acute episode or to undergo a comprehensive health examination to identify the underlying cause. Thank you! Wishing you safety a...

Struggling with Unexplained Health Issues: Seeking Effective Solutions

Hello, doctor. I have been experiencing many health issues, but I have encountered obstacles in seeking medical help and have not been able to find the cause of my problems or receive effective assistance. Therefore, I would like to seek your opinion. Since childhood, I have been...

Dr. Lin Wufu reply Internal Medicine
Hello, you may need to schedule a follow-up appointment with the Infectious Disease Department for further examination to determine if there are any physiological issues. Additionally, please measure your body temperature daily to check for fever after experiencing chills and shi...

Understanding Unexplained Neurological Decline: A Patient's Journey

In March 2014, my weight inexplicably dropped from 70 kg to 58 kg within a month (and eventually down to 48 kg over the last six months) with no abnormalities found during health check-ups, and it was not due to intentional weight loss. Between April and July, I experienced sever...

Dr. Gao Chunde reply Neurology
You described your condition in great detail, and the persistent symptoms on one side of your body primarily suggest a central nervous system issue. However, your electromyography (EMG) and nerve conduction studies also show abnormalities, indicating that there may be peripheral ...

Understanding Unexplained Symptoms: A Journey Through Medical Misdiagnosis

At first, my friend's father felt like he was coming down with a cold, and then he experienced a lack of energy. He went to a small clinic, where the doctor diagnosed him with a cold. He didn't suspect anything at first, but after a few days, he felt worse and began to ...

Dr. Dai Wanxiang reply Psychiatry
Hello, based on your description, the symptoms presented by your friend's father seem to be more related to neurological issues. It is advisable to seek assistance from a neurologist to determine if any neurological examinations are necessary. Currently, there are no indicat...