hair loss, diarrhea, nausea, vomiting.... - Hair Loss / Alopecia Message Board

frenchie77 · 09-03-2003, 07:29 AM

Okay, here is my story...
26 yr old female-
My mother has Lupus, sister Crohns, and several uncles have intestinal problems. Yesterday I went in for a colonoscopy and upper endoscopy because I have been having strange symptoms for over 2 years- severe diarrhea, stomach cramps, nausea, and vomiting, extreme hair loss (about 50%), body aches, headaches, fatigue, dizzy spells, and tooth decay. My blood tests have shown that I am severely low in calcium and iron and this is why the doctor assumed I may have Crohns or a malabsorbtion problem. Well, after the colonoscopy yesterday he said that my colon, stomach, and all looked normal and that I would now have to wait to see the results of the biopsies. I am very confused as to what else could be going on with me and really want to get my symptoms taken care of as soon as possible. He did say that I may need to have another exam where he gives me a pill/camera thing to swallow (don't remember the name) that can take pictures of my small intestine to make sure that there is not a problem there. Does anyone have any advice, ideas, or suggestions? Some of my symptoms are strange and I would like to know if anyone else is suffering the same thing. I am currently living in France and want to be sure that I am having the best treatment possible, though I do feel that the doctor I am seeing is very thorough. Another thing I should add is that I was diagnosed with PCOS- Polycystic Ovarian Syndrome, about 4 years ago and take multiple meds for this- Glucophage, Spironolactone, Mircette, and then Paxil and Xanax. Would any of these meds be causing such symptoms. Thanks bunches for any info...

gillian30 · 09-03-2003, 10:47 AM

When you are biopsied in your small intestine, make sure you are tested for Celiac Disease. It is a malabsorbsion disease which can cause a lot of symptoms similar to yours. A blood test is usually done first, then the biopsy. If you're positive for it, you'll be told to follow a strict gluten-free diet for the rest of your life, to heal your intestine. The diet is very complicated but works well in improving symptoms in most people. Good luck.

09-05-2003, 10:18 PM

Have you ever heard of fibromyalgia? Most of the symptoms you have described are very similar to the ones for this condition. Vomiting can also be a symptom of reflux, which is also a symptom of fibromyalgia.

Refluxing stomach acids can cause tooth decay, it is very common. Also people with reflux get stomach cramps, chest pains and nausea.

A Mobility problem can cause reflux, this is when the food takes too long to go through the digestive system, it can also cause vomiting and nausea.

I hope you feel better soon

************* · 09-06-2003, 02:16 AM

frenchie,

your condition is definitely not fybromyalgia. Acid reflux doesn't cause tooth decay, but a manifestation of an underlying cause.

Ginger9708 · 09-06-2003, 05:56 AM

Have you had your thyroid checked? It can cause these symptoms especially the hairloss, tiredness, achiness, etc. Also if you are not eating a very healthy diet it may also do this.