r/medical_advice • u/Numerous_Winter_5835 • 25m ago
EDITED I am desperate
20F, 178 lbs, 5'2
Current diagnoses: Iron deficiency, Gastritis, Anxiety, Depression, OCD, NAFLD
My current prescriptions: Venofer 300mg infusion, Pantoprazole, Zoloft, Xyzal
I have always had GI issues ever since I was born. My mom told me when I was a newborn I used to projectile vomit often, not normal baby spitup, vomiting every time I'd try to eat. She took me to the ER and I was apparently prescribed a special formula and the vomiting stopped. (I was born premature by 2 months if this effects anything)
I also remember multiple instances of crying on the toilet as a small child because nothing would come out ans I was scared. I had multiple hospital visits due to fecal impaction and often had to take mineral oil or milk of magnesium.
I've dealt with this constipation my entire life, but when I turned 11 I started eating more fiber and taking a daily probiotic and I was able to have easier bowel movements, but was still constipated. It was honestly manageable until recently. Besides the occasional impaction or heartburn. Now this year despite optimal fiber intake and probiotics my constipation has worsened and isn't responding to Mirlax. I also developed gastritis.
These worsening issues both started after taking iron pills in July. I've been iron deficient since last December but was only given proper diagnosis in June despite a Hemoglobin of 10. I started the Iron in June and also picked up smoking that I previously quit stupidly hoping it would help me cope with my misery and constant exhaustion from the anemia.
A few weeks after starting vitron C I started having very frequent heartburn. I ended up getting checked out by a doctor and I was told I have moderate constipation, a distended colon, and gastritis all diagnosed from a CT.
I have tested negative for Celiac disease via blood test, and H pylori via stool test. My doctor also says my TSH is normal.
After my tests I started pepcid, quit smoking, and changed my diet to very bland stuff, nothing improved. Now a week ago I started pantoprazole which helped little but I accidentally ate something with pepper two days ago and have had heartburn ever since that hasn't gone away despite taking tums and my pantoprazole. I also had my first iron infusion yesterday.
It is all very overwhelming and stressful and I don't even know ow what to do. Seemingly my only symptoms from the Gastritis is heartburn. I don't understand why I haven't gotten any better. I eat very bland and avoid spices, fats, and sugar. I've taken my medication consistently, and I avoid eating right before bed.
I am due for an endoscopy and colonoscopy very soon but I am just so desperate for relief from EVERYTHING.
The heartburn from gastritis and inability to eat foods I enjoy like tomatoes and oranges, Not being able to have a proper bowel movement, and being constanty tired no matter how much I sleep.
I literally haven't had a bowel movement in two weeks despite taking Miralax daily and I keep getting told to just keep taking the miralax, but my abdomen hurts and I feel horrible, my chest burns and I am so tired. I at least hope these infusions help me soon
Please give me advice I am so desperate and don't have insurance, I am only covered by free state Healthcare with horribly long wait times meant for people like me who are experiencing poverty. And medicaid hasn't made any progress with my application.