Belching, Weight Loss, Blood In Stool And Stiffness In Legs. Could This Be Diverticulitis?

Posted on Mon, 4 Nov 2013

Question: I've been belching excessively. And, I have unintended weight loss even though it doesnt feel like it. I dont feel like eating even though I try to consume a little food to nourish myself. I have been drinking gatorade and water off and on. I also feel a stiffness in my legs and at the top of my arm. I had blood in my stool but it doesnt seem to be a lot as of now. Now, i have this sensation in my throat of discomfort and fullness. I went to the GI doctor and she doesnt seem to be concerned. She, however, did order a blood test to see about bacteria I think. I go to get a CT scan next Monday.

I also have urges to go to the bathroom but nothing happens and I dont want to force myself. Ive been taking pepcid but thats about it. My doctor said it may be diverticilitis (sorry if its speller incorrectly). Two of my family members (uncle and grandmother) has it. But im only 23. What could this be? Im scared!!!

Answered by Dr. Amit Jain (15 days later)

Brief Answer:
Please see the details

Detailed Answer:
Hello! Thanks for putting your query in XXXXXXX I am a Gastroenterologist (DM).

It appears that you have acid peptic disease with acid reflux which leads to belching, discomfort in throat and fullness. For which take a proton pump inhibitor like rabeprazole along with a prokinetic agent like domperidone. Also do:
1. Do regular aerobic exercise at least 30 minutes / day
2..Observe when you take milk or milk products whether these symptoms worsen, if yes then please avoid them
3. Avoid carbonated drinks, wine or smoking if you do
4. take black tea and add cardamom and ginger to it and take them with meals
5. Don't forget to close mouth while chewing food and Eat slowly
6. Take Tablets that contain enzymes protease, amylase, lipase with meals

Presence of blood in stool may be due to either hemorrhoids or anal fissure or some ulcer or diverticular disease for which I will advise you to get sigmoidoscopy examination or may be colonoscopy if you are above 50 years.

Stiffness in legs and arms may be due to weakness due to less caloric intake or may be due to vitamins or mineral deficiency for which take some multivitamin.

Weight loss is a bit worrisome. However it also appears that you are taking less caloric diet. But I still advise you to get endoscopy examination also and let's wait for the report of CT scan

I hope I have answered your query and this will help you. If you have any further query I will be happy to answer that too. Remain in touch and get-well soon.

Above answer was peer-reviewed by : Dr. Chakravarthy Mazumdar

Follow up: Dr. Amit Jain (9 hours later)

Thank you for your answers. I went and had a colonoscopy and upper gi done. The doctors found a 8mm sessile polyp and it was removed. Im waiting on the results from the pathologist. I am eating again and im starting to gain back a little weight at a time which is a good thing. I still have a little right arm stiffness and some belching. My only problem now is it feel likes something is on my chest like cold or gas and i feel a little lightheaded but i an suffering badly from what i believe is a sinus infection because i was running a low fever, sore throat, nasal drip, yellow and brown mucus and so on...other than that im doing better.

Answered by Dr. Amit Jain (23 hours later)

Brief Answer:
Please see the details

Detailed Answer:
Hello! Thanks for feedback and sorry for delay.

Lets wait for the report of histopathology of that polyp , I hope it will be a benign polyp.

For belching or gas as I advised earlier take rabeprazole and domperidone

For stiffness take multivitamins also containing minerals like Capsule Zincovit

For sinus problem take a course of antibiotic of penicillin group like augmentin, and a antihistaminic like cetrizine and paracetamol for fever.

Let me know about the report of biopsy whenever it comes. Wish you a good health

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Above answer was peer-reviewed by : Dr. Chakravarthy Mazumdar