Can pulmonary embolism cause digestive issues?

Question

Hello doctor,

I am a 27-year-old and have a medical mystery. My health problems began about four months ago when I suffered a PE. Prior to that, I was perfectly healthy. About a month later I began to develop digestive issues which I attributed to the blood thinners I was taking. After trying Coumadin and Eliquis I was switched to a non-oral medication, Lovenox, hoping that would relieve my symptoms but they only got worse over time. Eventually, I was unable to eat anything without getting pain in the pit of my stomach above my belly button and extreme nausea that occurred 30 minutes after eating and lasted hours. Sometimes it would take me a full day to completely feel better. After multiple tests coming back negative and trips to the hospital, they found that my gallbladder had zero function. I had it removed and now three weeks later, the pain is not as bad but the discomfort is still there no matter what I eat. I am living off of yogurt, crackers, applesauce, and jelly at this point. I have been put on prescription acid reducers and sucralfate but nothing helps. An upper endoscopy found some inflammation but nothing else. I have been on these medications for weeks since before my gallbladder was removed. I also have GERD symptoms. I have lost 50 pounds since this all began four months ago, going from 175 to 125 pounds, and still losing weight. I am desperate and a mystery to my doctors. Does anyone have any idea what could be going on? kindly suggest.

Thank you.

Answer 1

Hello,

Welcome to icliniq.com.

I have read your query and can understand the distress you are going through. Before suggesting anything, first of all, I would like to go through your medical records and investigation reports. So kindly upload them particularly CT (computed tomography) scan and MRI (magnetic resonance imaging) and follow up. It will require multiple to-and-fro queries and replies to solve this out, so kindly bear with me. Also kindly elaborate as much as you can regarding your pain symptom now,

1. After the surgery, where is the pain now?

2. How it starts and builds up and the duration, and progression of a typical episode of pain. What relieves it?

3. How is your bowel habit?

4. Any constipation or diarrhea or vomiting?

5. Any blood or black stools?

6. Have you been told what clotting disturbance you are suffering from?

I would also like to know about your past or childhood illness. Any allergies or other surgeries besides gallbladder removal. Details and outcome of pregnancy, if any. Till then try to follow the following:

1. Multiple small meals - seven to eight times a day. You can take boiled potatoes or sweet potatoes, apples, strawberries, mangoes, citrus juices, potato bread, and fresh veggies.

2. Try taking bland, non-spicy foods.

3. Avoid alcohol, smoking, and black coffee.

I hope you find this helpful.

Thank you.