Zantac reflux disease

The issue of gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD) was returned for correction of a duty to assist error in the prior decision. We failed to get an examination(s) and/or medical opinion(s). We will develop for VA examination. Favorable Findings identified in this decision:
You have been diagnosed with a disability. VA examination dated April 13, 2023 shows a diagnosis of Gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD). Participation in a toxic exposure risk activity is conceded: Burn Pits and Other Toxins, Including Fine Particulate Matter (BPOT).
Evidence shows that you performed service in SWA- South West Asia (Iraq and Kuwait).
This claim is under higher review right now and been on for like 6 months now. Anyone had good results with similar claim like this?
Thank you

After literally 20 years of no specialist doctors knowing what's wrong with me I think I just find out by accident that I mastocytosis.

1. Extreme urinary pain since I was 20 years old after eating any alcoholic, or fermented drink . My bladder is fine and there's no cystitis.
   
2. Extreme skin itchiness (all around) that started at 24, specially after sudden temperature changes (Everytime after shower) but it could happen at any moment. Anti-hestamines work fine for this.
   
3. Acid reflux but just gastroesophageal reflux and caused me chronic coughing for years, specially after gaining weight 5 years old (I'm 40 now) and recently gained weight again, I learned that eating very small meals and no coffee and sparkling water did the trick, I would still occasionally get it (if I overeat or drink coffee) but the coughing is gone.
   
4. Recently I had constant snots in just one nostril side, every 30 min I have to blow my nose, this is recent and very annoying.
   

Obviously I need to get diagnosed I mean I just heard of mastocytosis a few hours ago but this is the only disease that I've ever read about that is associated with all my symptoms. Does anyone here have my same symptoms? Skin itchiness and urinary pain are my oldest symptoms over 15 years,, reflux has been around for 7 years now and the constant snots about 3 months ago. Now what I don't have is any noticeable skin reactions like rashes.

After literally 20 years of no specialist doctors knowing what's wrong with me I think I just find out by accident that I mastocytosis.

1. Extreme urinary pain since I was 20 years old after eating any alcoholic, or fermented drink . My bladder is fine and there's no cystitis.
   
2. Extreme skin itchiness (all around) that started at 24, specially after sudden temperature changes (Everytime after shower) but it could happen at any moment. Anti-hestamines work fine for this.
   
3. Acid reflux but just gastroesophageal reflux and caused me chronic coughing for years, specially after gaining weight 5 years ago (I'm 40 now) and recently gained weight again, I learned that eating very small meals and no coffee and sparkling water did the trick, I would still occasionally get it (if I overeat or drink coffee) but the coughing is gone.
   
4. Recently I had constant snots in just one nostril side, every 30 min I have to blow my nose, this is recent and very annoying.
   

Obviously I need to get diagnosed I mean I just heard of mastocytosis a few hours ago but this is the only disease that I've ever read about that is associated with all my symptoms. Does anyone here have my same symptoms? Skin itchiness and urinary pain are my oldest symptoms over 15 years,, reflux has been around for 7 years now and the constant snots about 3 months ago. Now what I don't have is any noticeable skin reactions like rashes.

Hi all I was diagnosed with costo in January. Pain started in left rib, along bottom/tips of ribs and under shoulder blades in Dec ‘23 following covid infection. Any twisting, stretching or heavy lifting aggravated it. As a volleyball coach that was a problem. In Jan ‘24 dull rib tenderness turned to sharp left rib pain.
My doc did exam and found ribs and sternum especially painful. She diagnosed me with costo and chest xray showed pneumonia. Went on antibiotics with muscle relaxants (did nothing) and ibuprofen 2 pills every 6 hrs x3 wks (aggravated my reflux). Ended up in ER with severe chest pain.
F/u chest xray showed spot on lung. Chest CT was suspicious for malignancy. All the while sternal pain worsened (stress probably contributed). Petscan and lung biopsy and many additional symptoms later- diagnosed with sarcoidosis (an inflammatory disease) in additon to costo.
Sternal/rib pain and tenderness add to my exhaustion, anxiety and sadness. I had to stop working (I love my job) and do basically nothing. Sleeping on side, Sitting unsupported, and often what seems like regular movement or even nothing in particular aggravates it eg just wearing a bra sometimes is irritating.
What can I do for this? Docs are no help. I need to go into remission for the sarcoidosis but pain and stress of costo probably is inhibiting that. I have started an anti inflammatory diet, yoga and use lidocaine patches. Other than that I am at a loss.
Any thoughts or ideas would be greatly appreciated! Thanks

I, 23F have highly-suspected endometriosis. I'm booked for a laparoscopy, hysteroscopy, appendectomy, and pelvic floor Botox (since pelvic floor physio did nothing for me) in early August (yay!)
I've been on something of a low-wheat diet for the last five years. I knew I had GI reactions to wheat (note the distinction, not gluten, just wheat), so I avoided it where possible but never strictly since I found a happy medium. I had a blood test for coeliac disease done and it came back negative. I'm aware not having gluten in your system can cause a false negative but I believe I was still eating enough gluten to trigger a response in the blood test. When my endo really started to control my life, the only GI symptoms I experienced were nausea and acid reflux, both of which were fixed by CBD oil. I also have strong pain with bowel movements but it feels very much connected to my pelvic pain and the way I always felt on my period (just... all the time now, not only on my period).
My sister has had very strong IBS-like symptoms for months and received a positive blood test result for coeliac disease today. Since it's genetic, her GP (who is also my GP) strongly suspects I may have it as well. The GP suggested I go to a gastroenterologist for an endoscopy, which, based on the health system at the moment, might not be possible before my laparoscopy. I'm crossing my fingers I somehow get in soon since the recovery from the laparoscopy is going to take much longer and I don't want to have to wait that long.
I know there is a strong connection between autoimmune diseases such as coeliac disease and endo. But now I have spiralled and started wondering if my endo symptoms are just coeliac disease and I'm about to go in for a laparoscopy for no reason. I know, logically, the appendectomy and Botox will have to help with some things, but I'm really scared of the doctor not finding endo.
If anyone can shed some light on this (especially if you have both diseases and can "distinguish" your symptoms), that would be wonderful.
(cross-posting to here and endometriosis)
tl dr; is it more likely that I have endo and coeliac disease OR that I only have coeliac disease and my pelvic pain is somehow a consequence of that.

I, 23F have highly-suspected endometriosis. I'm booked for a laparoscopy, hysteroscopy, appendectomy, and pelvic floor Botox (since pelvic floor physio did nothing for me) in early August (yay!)
I've been on something of a low-wheat diet for the last five years. I knew I had GI reactions to wheat (note the distinction, not gluten, just wheat), so I avoided it where possible but never strictly since I found a happy medium. I had a blood test for coeliac disease done and it came back negative. I'm aware not having gluten in your system can cause a false negative but I believe I was still eating enough gluten to trigger a response in the blood test. When my endo really started to control my life, the only GI symptoms I experienced were nausea and acid reflux, both of which were fixed by CBD oil. I also have strong pain with bowel movements but it feels very much connected to my pelvic pain and the way I always felt on my period (just... all the time now, not only on my period).
My sister has had very strong IBS-like symptoms for months and received a positive blood test result for coeliac disease today. Since it's genetic, her GP (who is also my GP) strongly suspects I may have it as well. The GP suggested I go to a gastroenterologist for an endoscopy, which, based on the health system at the moment, might not be possible before my laparoscopy. I'm crossing my fingers I somehow get in soon since the recovery from the laparoscopy is going to take much longer and I don't want to have to wait that long.
I know there is a strong connection between autoimmune diseases such as coeliac disease and endo. But now I have spiralled and started wondering if my endo symptoms are just coeliac disease and I'm about to go in for a laparoscopy for no reason. I know, logically, the appendectomy and Botox will have to help with some things, but I'm really scared of the doctor not finding endo.
If anyone can shed some light on this (especially if you have both diseases and can "distinguish" your symptoms), that would be wonderful.
(cross-posting to here and Celiac)
tl dr; is it more likely that I have endo and coeliac disease OR that I only have coeliac disease and my pelvic pain is somehow a consequence of that.

https://imgur.com/a/kzaHkDP https://imgur.com/a/hl9pGM5
I'm a male in my mid-30s. For context: I'm not overweight, however I'm quite sedentary (working on this). I've taken prednisone infrequently over the past year in connection with a GI problem. This may have worked out to an average of 15 mg to 20 mg, single doses, twice or thrice a month. The prednisone is no longer needed and has been retired. I also take finasteride as a prophylactic measure against androgenic hair loss at 1.25 mg per day. I'll be reducing this to 1.25 mg every two days, so a 50% reduction.
Notably, I do have varicose veins on my legs. They're not severe, however they've resulted in a pretty significant number of spidesecondary veins.
I have started developing prominent blue veins all over my chest in addition to telangiectasia. The photograph I've attached clearly shows the telangiectasia on the side of my chest, however the camera fails to capture the intensity of the blueness of the larger veins. They're mostly on my upper-chest and the sides of my abdomen. The telangiectasia seem to be branching from the blue veins, perhaps due to reflux. This is both alarming and cosmetically unappealing. I've arranged for my hormones to be measured and estradiol was 147 pmol/l with total testosterone at 29 nmol/l (free is 391 pmol/l). Progesterone is < 0.6 nmol/l.
I haven't yet undergone bloodwork to assess the health of my liver -- this is a major priority. It's my understanding that this sort of thing is typically associated either with estrogen excess and/or liver disease (fatty, cirrhosis, etc.) I'm in the process of trying to arrange consultations with vascular surgeons/specialists and further bloodwork (as mentioned), in addition to reaching out to my gastroenterologist about my liver.
First question, what comes to mind as a potential cause? What are these sorts things usually associated with?
Second, can lower-extremity venous insufficiency, or varicosed veins, translate into issues impacting the upper-body?
Third, might this indicate thrombosis or something of that nature?
Fourth, can corticosteroids cause this type of thing in and of itself?
Fifth, is my estradiol level higher than one might expect? I assume this is related to DHT inhibition and higher-than-average testosterone levels, and therefore, greater aromatization of testosterone into estradiol. Should I have estrone measured as well? What bloodwork would be worth undertaking beyond what's planned?
Thank you for your time and any help that can be offered. This has greatly diminished my QOL as it's definitely harmed my appearance. I'm developing telangiectatic lesions under my eyes and on my cheeks as well, which is very disturbing, and my response to PDL/VBeam hasn't been great.

Where do I begin. For the purpose of this post, I will use fictious names and locations as it is ongoing, and out of respect (even though she doesn't deserve any)
My name is Daniel. I am 35 years old, and i am dying. I have a disease called systemic sclerosis. I am currently on a supplemental disability plan, until I get approved for SSI (social Security). Until then, my income is about 4K a month. I own a home but after child support and bills, NOT INCLUDING gas, food, haircuts, medical appointments, and or emergencies like my fridge just broke. (which i never go out) I am left with $260 that has to last me a month. I also have three children who I have to take care of half the time per the 50/50 agreement.
Recently, I found out my oldest, (who is 13) is not biologically mine. I decided to look into it as I had concerns for a while since my divorce as her cheating was very rampant. I also had caught her in 2017 with a man in my house, which is what prompted the divorce. But FL being a no fault state, doesn't matter. I also had to pay child support since the beginning and WHILE LEGALLY Married since 2010 because she had applied for financial support like food stamps and government assistance then. I know what your thinking. Why didnt you stop it then? I tried. You cant take yourself off child support. I also never grew up with a father and wanted that two-parent household. I don't run from responsibilities, like he did. Its how I was raised. Anyways, I married her, tried to do the right thing, she lied numerous times. she never worked, and I worked 90 plus hours a week. To look into her cheating, was impossible at the time as I was never home. and to busy providing for my family.
fast forward to now. My disease started to become worse and over three years; it didn't reveal itself until last year fully to actually pinpoint what this was. for instance, I had in 2019 pain behind my eyes and horrible headaches to the point that I thought I had MS. following year, I had trouble swallowing for 3 months. next year itching in the skin for three months. But prior, I had visited various doctors to see what was going on, each time a flare up then would last 3 to four months, which again, when you don't understand what's going on, you need to take time off to go see doctors, run tests, but this illness was and still is very elusive. with that being said I had 5 jobs since its first flare up till last year to continue to support my family and to pay child support. as of last year. I'm having trouble moving on certain days, breathing and acid reflux and muscle atrophy. (disease progression) especially when this is going on, it worsens everything as this is flared up. I was working under the table to try and make ends meet as I was paying child support still. I should add that the child support with 50/50 custody was $1029 for three kids cause I was making six figures at the time of divorce in 2018. Last year however, I couldn't work anymore, and filed for disability.
In june of last year, I had asked Susan, to get the children school supplies, (which she never does) as I was still paying at the time $1029 in child support. She said she didnt have the money despite now making 70k and her new BF living with her and is working whom she cheated on me with. With me working under the table, I bought them clothes, haircuts, school supplies (ive done every year) but then, I noticed she went on vacation to puerto rico and got a giant leg tattoo. At the time, I had already known what I had, and I asked myself why the heck am I doing this? So i turned to an attorney to get it modified. Again, this is June 20th to be exact of last year. My lawyer, stated that this was only going to be a 90 day turn around for the temporary modification then we will go for the final.
Since then, I have gone for a DNA test. I had to know. I am dying. I wanted to know. And you may judge me for this. but i have filed for disablement for paternity, meaning I am removing myself from the birth certificate. However, in the state of Florida, a mother can deny this and so can the courts. before you judge me, I have many reasons none of which have to do with him other then his mental disability (Aspergers) This illness, as days go by takes more and more from me. As previously aforementioned, I am left with 250 a month. I cannot go get a drs appointment pay for groceries or start planning my funeral which I will start making payments on soon. He also eats three times the amount that we all collectively do (Not his fault) but I have paid enough both mentally and financially. He also has trouble communicating as my suspicions is, that he was born of incest (gross) which is why I was 'chosen' to be his father at the time. Before you ask how do you know? Lets just say she had an uncle 'leave' during that time.
anyways, in February, I had the temporary modification hearing for child support and needless to say it was a circus. My doctor was subpoenaed to be there by my attorneys request to better my argument, even though I felt we didn't need her, she advised me to have my doctor there. Well, he attorney attacked my doctor and me for an hour and 40 mins when the court case was only supposed to go for an hour. He said "you saw another dr Max so and so and they said it was all in your head" (again I had flare ups on a illness that hadnt revealed itself correctly since last year). So there argument was that I was doctor seeking to avoid child support. After I have paid for 13 years never missing a payment. Her lawyer also targeted people who are living with me. Now I'll admit that I said they were friends which is true but how else can I pay for my attorney? Cant work, cant sell drugs, cant rob a bank? So they want to take there income into consideration. BS. She also hired a private investigator to watch me exercise outside and stated that because I can exercise, I can work..... Ok. Where's the 23 hours of the rest of the day watching me in pain. or when do you have me on video of a flare up from this terminal illness? (that's what I wanted to say)
Although I was granted the temporary modification, of $209, I left the court thinking wow, this woman can cheat, commit paternity fraud, not give two craps about our children, live with her mom in a section 8 home, and here I am doing whatever I can and I've done nothing wrong but be lied to and this is how my government, my country treats me? No wonder men my age dont have children this is insane. The paternity issue wasn't even brought up they said that this isnt the place for this and that the disestablishment will be another trial for those wondering. My lawyer only spoke for 5 mins. Asking her about her income cause thats the only thing that has changed since 2018 since she didnt work at the time. Other than that, it was an attack on me and my disease arguing my ability to work.
after leaving that, I didnt eat for 96 hours. I have since been crying nonstop. Compilating suicide. I am already heart broken about my son not being mine. Sure does a terminal illness make me said, no question everyday. But a life wasted on another? Cause I decided to be a man and take up responsibility? thats soul crushing. And to say "well, there is a big chance the courts will deny your request' thats BS. If i go to prison because I was accused of a robbery for 13 years, and DNA evidence proves I wasnt there, I get out of jail and can sue. This is no different. If anything, DNA evidence needs to be more of a factor in family law than in almost every court of law if not as equally important. My bad for not investigating her infidelity not only in the beginning but also in the end. How about not being a POS. sorry rant over
gets better. Her mom and dad smoke in the section 8 house, kids reek of cigarette smoke and marijuana, all day. they dont take showers there, they were hand me down clothes, they live in the garage shared with there mother, that isn't air conditioned. and he makes only a few thousand less than I do a month. She stated in court that she pays her mom $500 in rent which is BS, she is only doing that now so that she makes herself look bad. I know she is doing pills, like oxy and what not. Id love to prove it.
after the temp hearing, in april, I had to go to court to contest my drivers license suspension as I hadn't paid child support since, august of last year. again, there is no way, I can pay my bills, feed my children, go to the doctor, pay my lawyer to end all of this BS and pay the current child support amount. and again, this final hearing is still not set yet. So they intercepted my tax return, even though the temporary modification was approved, the final is what gets it retro backed to the date of filing, so they took, a much needed 5500 tax return from me. I needed that cause one of the issues I failed to mention as well, hurricane Ian has destroyed my home and I'm still going through that process too. not to mention I am on payment plans with Mayo clinic and other various medical facilities. (no one cares) but the interest that accrues, makes it impossible to catch up. also, Florida department of rev is overstepping I feel, and asking for medical info to be sent to them as well as updated doctors letters to be sent saying that I am still on disability.
a few weeks ago, I got an email from my lawyer having a withdrawal notice from her lawyer. in the withdrawal, he stated that he cannot represent her, due to something she may have withheld or lied about (more or less wasn't worded like that but you can tell). In feb court appearance they never produced the PI report, or videos, they had medical info they shouldn't have had, and they had very outlandish comments about my lifestyle. So my lawyer filed immediately a motion to compel. meaning, we want to see everything you have on my client. this was filed almost immediately after court appearance on feb 20th. Susan has failed to provide any updated info requested by my attorney so on june 18th, we have that upcoming hearing.
in the mean time, I have sent my lawyer, a very heavily requested topics, such as "where did they get my medical records, if those were lies, what are the consequences if any"? What did exercising have to do with any of this despite various drs saying he has to or he will get worse.
I know wat you must be thinking, what about your oldest, how can you do that to him. Please listen. This woman has taken everything from me. And i mean everything but the roof over my head. I am seeing a therapist to help with the suicidal thoughts. it isnt enough. the reality of it is, I chose to be loyal and it bit me in the butt. This disease will rob me of everything, my teeth will fall out ( I had 5 cavities last time I went to the dentist) I haven't had a cavity since I was 30 and even then I was suspicious. And I am brushing 5 time s a day to save them. My skin is tightening, and my arms and muscles are wasting. I will literally be left with nothing. My organs will also start to harden, and I will have to start getting around the clock care.
I forgot to mention they (child support) recently, sent a letter to SSI (social security) saying that they would garnish my SSI before I even got it, totaling $1029. the incorrect amount. I sent this to my lawyer and she is looking into it. But it shows that child support will overstep and breaks every law or freedom you may think you have. I DO take care of my children. if they need a haircut i do it, school supplies clothes, anything I do it. And I do it, cause she wont. What I want to leave you with, is that woman can be dead beats too. Child support was designed to have woman off of government subsidized programs like section 8 food stamps and what not. Also to make the man pay for their children man or woman I should say, I know this. I am not running from my obligation. I just want Susan, to have to pay for what's she's done to me and the kids.
I would like to hear your thoughts on this, please comment and share, all names are fake, but everything else is unfortunately real. I know it was wordy, but I wanted to provide as much backstory as possible. And please. Respect my descions. When you are end of life, I hope someone would be kind enough to respect yours. You may not agree and that's ok, but I am asking you to respect them. Thank you for reading.

For the last half hour I've had this feeling like I'm gonna gag every time I try to fall asleep. I also had some heartburn and took zantac about an hour ago as well. I had pizza last night so I'd assume the heartburn/acid reflux would be from that but can it cause the feeling like I'm gonna gag? My stomach feels relatively ok but I'm worried this is real nausea. Lately I feel like I've been able to recognize throat nausea and not get anxiety from it but now that I have this 'gaggy' feeling I'm scared but I don't think I'm having anxiety so I can't tell if it's real nausea or not.

Age: 22
Sex: F
Height: 5’1”
Weight: 164 lbs
Race: hispanic
Duration of complaint: 3 months
Location: abdomen
Currently have high cholesterol. bad cholesterol count of 103 according to my primary care.
Current medications: metoclopramide 5mg. sertraline 25mg, pantoprazole 40mg
i’ll include pictures of some tests that i’ve had done in the comments if i can.
Gonna try to include as best of a description of my symptoms as i can, i’ll also try to edit anything if it makes my description better.
this all started 3 months ago. literally the last week of february. at the time i wasn’t on any type of medication. bowel movements were normal before as well. nothing changed in my eating habits, except for the fact that i’d had panda express for the 1st time ever starting in february.
i became constipated suddenly one afternoon and this continued for a week. went to the doctor and i was sent to get a ct scan. but obviously, i’m not familiar with medical terms. from what i understand, there’s evidence of slow transit through my small bowel, but don’t know where or why exactly.
symptoms include: constipation accompanied by side and abdominal discomfort/aches/ pains. my upper abdominal area aches a lot some days. it feels as if the area right under the breast bones wants to cramp up. i feel burning in my stomach and abdomen too. gas is hard to pass somedays and feels trapped. i also have upper back aches. doctor told me it’s because of my small intestine. i also have lower back aches as well, but was told it could be because of kidney stones i didn’t even know i had, but just thought i’d mention this. i have diarrhea (once i went and it was very watery,) loose stools, stools with mucus and pieces of undigested food, mainly meat, of varying shapes and consistencies. the mucus on my stool is clear and white and appears like strings on my stool. sometimes i’ll have a semi normal movement, but with mucus. sometimes my stool will be thin, in small pieces, or just very loose even after a “normal” bowel movement. other times i’ll go but it’s just mucus. all my stools are also slimey in texture from what i can tell. also, everytime i wipe my stool it’s yellow in color with mucus and/or clear fluid. sometimes i’ll have this urgency to go despite being constipated.
also, not sure if this has to do with my current condition but have been wiping light red blood after i go, both with my more solid stools and loose ones. in one instance i even wiped only blood. there’s also been times where i’ve seen streaks of blood on my stool too. clear fluid also seems to be leaking out of my anal area…. clear mucus sometimes too. this causes my anal area and the inside of it to itch and sting. it feels like that sometimes after a bowel movement, even if it’s soft, other times it just feels itchy throughout the day, even if there is no anal leakage or if i don’t go to the bathroom. the mucus that comes out sometimes has pieces of stool/liquid that is the color of my stool. even with the supplements and meds i’ve been given, i’m lucky if I go even once a day now, but constipation is getting worse in my opinion.
in late march/early april i started to experience nausea, heartburn, acid reflux, and severe loss of appetite. all of these symptoms have persisted since. i no longer eat any of the food i used to. i can’t eat fast food or meat any more. i’m sticking to fruit, no citrusy fruits, crackers, soups, and cereal with almond or lactose free milk. even with these changes in diet my symptoms have persisted.
i eat very little because i just don’t feel hunger like i used to at all. even if i do i find that i get full very easily. i’m bloated after i eat as well. also, like i said i’m constipated so my bowel movement are little to none.
also, not sure if this is relevant (before i started taking any medication as well) but during these last 3 months i’ve also started to urinate more frequently at night. i have to wake up and go. i can feel a burning discomfort if i don’t near my bladder area. i was diagnosed with bacterial vaginosis for the first time ever earlier this month. previously the only symptoms id had of this was white, thicker, and more than usual discharge. some itching and a burning pain not when i’d urinate but on my sides at my sides, on my back, and the pain wrapped around to my upper abdomen sometimes. urinating a bit of blood while also wiping light pink and seeing visible bright res streaks of blood when i wipes as well. i was given metronidazole 500mg for a week to treat it. Now, i’ve been experiencing a slightly weaker urine stream & that same burning discomfort, mainly around my left back side, but still feel it on my right. i also wiped bright pink and noticed blood in my urine as well as a bright red streak when i wiped again. i also still have to wake up at night or early in the morning to urinate, but only saw blood today in the afternoon. i also sometimes feel bloated but not sure if this has to do with whats going on with my digestive system or this. and, i’m unsure if this has to do with a reaccuring infection, i read that this could happen, or if it’s another issue entirely. i included pictures of an ultra sound i got, but my doctor did tell me that nothing abnormal was seen when it came to my pelvis, bladder, kidneys, and all of the other organs in my abdomen. i was told that the 3 kidney stones that were found, largest 3mm, are still in my left kidney. they did find 2 cysts, one on my left ovary during the ct scan, and one on my right ovary during the ultrasound. interestingly, the cyst on my left ovary was gone by the time they found the cyst on the right ovary.
i currently still have all of the symptoms above and they don’t seem to be improving.
in a addition to a ct scan i’ve gotten tested for a blood infection, negative. celiac disease blood test came back negative. stool test for h pylori came back negative. a test to find if there was any blood digested and present in my stool came back negative. a stool test that was done to measure levels of fat in my stool came back indicating normal levels of fat in my stool. i also got an ultra sound for lumps that appeared on my abdomen but it was found that they were just fatty lumps. i also got an endoscopy in late april where 3 tissue biospies were taken. apparently, the 3 things they tested for all came back negative. other than a bacterial infection, i have no idea what else they ruled out. i’m not even quite sure what bacterial infections they ruled out.
honestly, i’m getting more questions than answers at the moment and just want to know if there’s any more testing that i should ask for. what could possibly be happening to me and why?

I am in recovery from my ureteroscopy on a calyceal diverticulum, and while I found some journal articles and a few stray posts on here about them, I want to paint a bigger picture about my actual experience and what I felt.
This is a very long post because I wanted to err on the side of more information so that others may feel much less alone than I have felt. I have included subheadings so you can read only what is useful to you.
To start, I am a 31-year-old female with endometriosis (I explain the implications of that in one of my subsections.). I live in New York City and was operated on by a surgeon at Smith Institute for Urology at Lenox Hill Hospital, which specializes in “complex anatomy” and kidney stones.
TL;DR Calyceal diverticula are pockets on the kidneys affecting 0.5% of the population. Stones can form and get trapped due to their narrow opening (infundibulum). As a result, their pain pattern is different and diagnosis can be delayed. To resolve the problem, you will need a surgeon to remove stones and expand the opening and/or ablate the lining of the diverticulum via ureteroscopy or percutaneous nephrolithotomy.
What is a calyceal diverticulum?
For a good scientific review of what calyceal (kay-luh-SEE-uhl) diverticula are, there is a review study from 2014 with primary author Nikhil Waingankar. In short, these are pockets within the kidneys that have much narrower entry points (“infundibula”) than a normal calyx, and they are theorized to only occur in 0.5% of the human population, with an estimated 96% of those who have them forming stones inside them.
They are often found incidentally on imaging because many people remain asymptomatic. In my case, we saw “a cyst requiring further imaging to rule out neoplasm” (cancer) when I was having my appendectomy in 2022 and had a CT scan in the ER.
They will look like cysts until you either get a radiologist who knows what to look for and sees a stone inside, or until you do a CT urogram, which is a more involved CT scan where you can see if the urinary system communicates with the “cyst.” Simple cysts and neoplasms will not show urine entering the mass; a calyceal diverticulum will, because it has an entrance.
Important stipulation in my experience: endometriosis and its surgeries
My story is complicated by the fact that I have endometriosis, which is a disease wherein cells resembling uterine cells occur outside the uterus. This is an extraordinarily painful condition that causes widespread inflammation due to the uterus-like cells’ having “menstrual periods” outside the uterus. It that can occur anywhere in the body; while most people’s disease presents primarily in the ovaries, uterus, and Fallopian tubes, the disease has been found in every organ in the body. In my case, my disease was confirmed to be extrapelvic as soon as my appendix pathology report revealed that my appendix had endometriosis on it; the cells existed beyond the typical pelvic organs.
I have already had two laparoscopies for endometriosis, and while these were immensely helpful in restoring my quality of life, every abdominal surgery comes with the risk of adhesions. Adhesions are bands of tissue that the body forms when it experiences inflammation or trauma. Endometriosis forms adhesions by itself, and surgery to remove it risks further adhesions. In 2020, when I had my radical excision surgery, my surgeon had to perform ureterolysis to cut my ureters free: whether from previous surgery in 2016 or the disease, my ureters were stuck to my uterus due to adhesions.
I share this because having endometriosis and its surgeries in my history affected my path to diagnosis and probably my pain pattern. (Endometriosis forms its own nerve endings, too!) But for the record, the kidney stones and the kidney surgery in my case were more painful than endometriosis…probably because they freaked out any remaining endometriosis.
(Sorry for no source on this endometriosis information. I am unfortunately very well-read on the disease! If you want to learn more, I recommend The Center for Endometriosis Care website and the book Beating Endo.)
What did the calyceal diverticulum feel like at first?
On a Tuesday in January 2024, I was trialing prazosin, an alpha blocker related to Flomax (tamsulosin) due to PTSD nightmares.
One day after taking this drug, I woke up with 8/10 pain muscle spasms in my “iliac crest,” which is the top edge of my pelvis, on the right side. I thought I had “slept funny” and the pain subsided after about 3 hours. I tried to roll around on a lacrosse ball, thinking it was a muscle spasm.
I took the prazosin for two more days. By that Thursday, the pain lasted more like 6 hours and did not go away; I had the muscle spasms as well as a feeling that there was “trapped gas” right at my waist, right on the side of my body. Because the pain stayed at 8/10, nothing would calm it down, and I couldn’t focus on work, I went to the ER. We did a CT scan and saw nothing different from my last CT for my appendectomy. They decided it was probably a kidney infection with strange presentation due to my endometriosis and sent me home with cefpodoxime, an antibiotic.
I finished the course of the antibiotic over 7 days and felt better.
But then the “trapped gas” feeling returned and lasted 18 hours. I went back to the ER, mostly concerned that I had failed antibiotics and the “infection” was getting worse. I made a urologist appointment while I was waiting in the ER because I suspected this might be beyond their mandate of ruling out anything life-threatening. We did another CT, and this time I really carefully read the results: inside what we had identified as a calyceal diverticulum in 2022 during my appendectomy CT scan were two kidney stones, each about 0.2mm. Because there was not much change from my last ER visit, the doctor at the ER did not think this explained how I was feeling. He did not want to send me home with antibiotics because he thought his colleagues were too cavalier with testing, but he did send for a urine culture and sent me home at least assured there was no emergency.
The culture came back, and I did test positive for E. Faecalis, which is a rarer bacteria to have, so the doctor at the ER urged me to get on Levaquin, an antibiotic, as soon as possible. (My endourologist later theorized this bacterium was an incidental finding; he thinks I just happened to be colonized with it and it was not causing symptoms. Regardless, it was not present in my culture before surgery.)
Again, I took almost the full course of the antibiotic and was feeling better and safer. I also saw a urologist, and she was skeptical it was an infection but told me to continue the course. She was pretty sure it was endometriosis-related but saw that I had seen my gynecologist, who has been treating me for 5 years, days prior who was pretty sure this was NOT consistent with what she had seen when we operated in 2020. The urologist said she felt this might be beyond her skills and referred me to one of her medical school colleagues who is a specialist in “complex anatomy” like calyceal diverticula as an endourologist professor at Lenox Hill in NYC.
But before I could see the endourologist, only one week after my last ER visit, I was in 9/10 pain for 7 hours overnight. I really did not want to go to the ER again, but I was vomiting, sweating, using the bathroom (both ways) constantly. After 7 hours not being able to get it to calm down, I went back to the ER.
The first thing they did was test me for sepsis, because I was being treated for an infection. They also did a CT scan again and then we saw it: one of the kidney stones had left the calyceal diverticulum and was stuck in the ureterovesicular junction (“UVJ”). By the time I was diagnosed, I was in 9/10 pain for 18 hours, so what we now know to be the renal colic phase lasted for 18 hours. They admitted me overnight to the hospital to observe and had me on ketorolac (Toradol) and oxycodone/acetaminophen (Percocet) every 6 hours alternating. The pain subsided the next morning.
Confirmation and surgery
Luckily, I had the endourologist appointment on the books already, and I got all of my images from the ER to bring to this doctor, letting him know I was confirmed to have passed the stone.
What he was able to do for me I will never forget: he showed me exactly why I was in enough pain for the ER each of the three weeks I went. Unlike a normal stone situation, a stone in a calyceal diverticulum has far more opportunities to get stuck. Also unlike a normal stone, you can feel the stone passing before it reaches the ureter because it has to leave via the narrow opening of the diverticulum. This means the pain can feel different and, due to its location within the kidney is more prone to being referred pain (pain you feel in a place other than where it originates). This is why I did not feel the pain in the classic place and why it felt much more like trapped gas. Furthermore, most radiologists do not have the same training as he did to identify where in the opening the stone was, which explained why they believed the stone was in the same place each time.
We wanted to take a “wait and see” approach on the second stone, but my body did not want to wait. As I was falling asleep one night in early March 2024, I felt that familiar “trapped gas” feeling, way too far right to be my intestines. This is 6/10 pain, so I could go to work for an important meeting, but I called to get an ultrasound and appointment right away. (We have since found that for my specific diverticulum, ultrasounds are not useful. I will need a CT urogram any time we want to visualize the kidney post-op.)
My doctor said that he wanted to attempt ureteroscopy before percutaneous nephrolithotomy because it is a less-invasive modality and we were worried about impacting any endometriosis. He had me sign paperwork consenting to either method, and it was a “game time” decision based on what he saw with the camera.
In the two-and-half week wait til surgery, his hypothesis gained traction: I would have days “on” with the pain and “off,” suggesting the stone was able to enter the diverticular opening and then flow back into the diverticulum. When I was in pain this time, I would also feel a lot of fatigue and brain fog that made it hard to work. This could be consistent with a kidney blockage, but it is hard to say for sure with an area so small.
The surgery, the stent, and the pain after the stent
The surgery itself went pretty well and only lasted 1.5 hours. The surgeon let me know that it was not easy to get into the diverticulum because the opening was not straight, as expected. He was, however, able to complete the surgery with only ureteroscopy. He removed a 0.2mm stone and observed that the stone was exactly the width of the opening, meaning it could absolutely flow into and out of it and get stuck for days. He widened the opening with laser to be “wider than a normal calyx” to allow for scarring, and, at my request to avoid further operations, ablated as much of the lining of the diverticulum as he could, encouraging it to close up.
While the surgery was uneventful, I am one of the unlucky ones who cannot tolerate a stent. This is probably due to my endometriosis, which leaves me in a heightened baseline of inflammation and nerve arousal, as well as the fact that, for me, the stent had to go into the diverticulum, which had been lasered and burned, in order for it to heal. I spent four hours in the recovery room while we tried to get my pain down to my goal of 7, which meant we needed to dose me, as we did in the ER, with ketorolac (Toradol) and oxycodone every 6 hours with no gaps in between.
I only had the stent in for 3 full days, and unfortunately, due to my specific circumstances, that was the worst pain I have ever been in. I was agnostic about 10/10 pain until this time, in which I felt like I was passing a stone and experiencing my worst endometriosis cramps at the same time. I was in 8-10/10 pain despite the painkiller regimen, and since we found that dilaudid does not work for me, this was good as they could do for me.
Thankfully, my surgeon listened to my experience and agreed to take the stent out as soon as was responsible: 72 hours later. The actual removal was uncomfortable but not painful beyond a “scrape” sensation in the urethra, and as soon as it was out, my husband noticed I could move as normal and was talking more like myself.
However, 1 out of 4 people will experience pain after the stent is removed, and risk factors include female anatomy, being “younger” (I am 31.) and having a stent in for less than or equal to 7 days.
The day of the removal I had some muscle spasms but was mostly so relieved that I slept all day.
34 hours after the removal, I experienced a feeling like I was passing a kidney stone. I was in 9/10 pain for 6 hours, feeling like I needed to move my bowels (which was not easy after opioids!) and having unrelenting spasms above my right iliac crest (top of pelvis). I was on ketorolac (Toradol) during this and knew what it was, but I otherwise may have gone back to the ER. I refused to take more opioids because my bowel was upset as well.
Today, I have had one episode of the iliac crest muscle spasms lasting an hour. I have found that crouching on the floor, against a wall, and/or going into “reclined butterfly pose” may help. It may just make me feel like I have more control over the situation.
I will update this post if I feel more pain in the coming days.
What’s next?
My endourologist/surgeon thinks it is very unlikely that I am “a stone-former” because the stones were only in the diverticulum and likely formed due to the urine reflux of that structure.
We will follow up in 3 weeks to see if the sensation I felt in March of the “trapped gas” recurs. If it does, only then would we do a CT urogram to see if the diverticular opening closes up to anywhere near its former width of 0.2mm.
This is unlikely because the surgeon lasered the opening very wide, “wider than a normal calyx,” to allow for scarring to take place. The ablation of the lining of the diverticulum should also take care of its tendency to collect urine.
I am not expected to have further stones or need for surgery, but he has seen cases of recurrence, so we need to manage my expectations.
Despite the extreme pain of the stent, I am content with my decision and hope that I do not have to go through this again. The one blessing in my case is, if this surgery succeeds, I should not have any further kidney stones.

Age: 30 Sex:M No current medications
I’ve been to every specialty you can think of. It’s been a whole year and is nonstop no matter what I do.
Diagnosed with hiatal hernia, gastritis, SIBO, silent reflux. Mutiple GI and ENTs say these don’t come with those odors. Am I being lied to?
Just got diagnosed with clostridium difficile (toxin A/B)
Multiple dentists have ruled out oral cause.
Do I have a never heard-of before rare disease?

Throwaway account because I don’t want my family members on Reddit worrying
Female 33 years old 5’2” 130lbs Physically active and working at a physically demanding job.
Medical Hx: Genetic Torsion Dystonia (dyt1 mutation), Stevens Johnson Syndrome (2005), cholecystectomy (2008), IVF treatments (2020), Pregnancy w/out complications 2020-4/2021 but prolonged labor and c-section, COVID-19 (December 2021), 4 total COVID vaccines. I was prone to UTI as a child and as an adult I’m prone to sinus infection and chronic cough after respiratory illnesses.
Current medications: Levocetirizine (seasonal allergies), Vitamin 2 (2000 iu/daily), Fish oil daily, fiber capsules daily (as recommended by her GI), medical cannabis for dystonia pain (less than weekly, and sometimes less than monthly).
Recent Hx and concerns:
In Fall 2021, I began experiencing epigastric pain/pressure unrelated to food consumption. The sensation also occasionally was uncomfortable enough to make breathing difficult. Doctors suggested heartburn. An upper GI fluoroscopy did not indicate reflux, chest x-ray was normal.
I tested positive for COVID-19 in mid-December 2021. My symptoms were considered “mild-moderate” though I was out of work for 3 weeks. I continued to have a persistent cough requiring multiple courses of antibiotics and inhaled steroids to clear. I also continued to experience sharp and sudden headaches for a few seconds at a time, chronic fatigue, and blurry vision. Ophthalmologist exam was normal. Around that time I began to experience pain on the outer edge of my left breast. Ultrasound was normal.
In August 2022, I began experiencing frequent (monthly) migraine headaches with aura. I have only experienced a handful of such migraines over my lifetime prior to this. I was prescribed Sumatriptan, which was ineffective. Was then given Ubrelvey (ineffective) and later (2023) Relpax and Fioricet (Relpax dulls the migraine, but does not take it away. Fioricet was ineffective) as well as Nurtec (i had an allergic reaction–hives). In winter 2022, I had a couple of instances of sudden nausea, diarrhea, and vomiting. My PCP ordered abdominal and pelvic ultrasounds, all of which were normal.
In the summer of 2023, migraines became more extreme and more frequent (only a week or 2 in between). I began experiencing jaw and tongue pain, light sensitivity (not previously experienced with migraines), tingling in the left hand, dry mouth, and sensitivity to touch and temperature sensations during migraine episodes. Medications continued to be ineffective. In August 2023, I also began experiencing dizziness/unsteadiness when moving quickly or turning, worsening fatigue with need to nap regularly, mental fog and forgetfulness, inability to focus. A sleep study was ordered and results were normal. I underwent a neuropsychological evaluation, the results of which were similar to my previous assessment 5 years prior.
In November 2023, the I began experiencing frequent sudden onset of sweating/chills and racing heart followed by diarrhea and vomiting, sometimes lasting hours. These episodes would then be followed by up to 2 weeks of constipation and sharp abdominal pains, sometimes severe enough to make breathing difficult. The pain was being similar to gallstones. I received an abdominal x-ray after an episode, which showed significant bowel buildup but not in the colon, and constipation was alleviated naturally later that day. These episodes appeared to be in connection with my menstrual cycle (onset and conclusion, or sometimes ovulation). Hormone panels were normal as were stool and urine. After consult with a gastroenterologist and an upper endoscopy, my GI system appeared normal, though with mild inflammation from the vomiting. I was prescribed a 2-month course of Pepcid to assist with the inflammation. In considering the GI exam and migraine history, I was diagnosed with abdominal migraines. I continue to experience epigastric pain with some regularity, and sometimes quite intensely.
Due to migraine severity and frequency, my neurologist ordered a brain MRI w/o contrast in early January 2024, which showed sinus swelling (I came down with a cold later that day) and no other concerns. During the month leading up to this MRI, I had a persistent sinus infection and had been on repeated courses of antibiotics and steroids. The neurologist prescribed daily Topiramate with a tapering up dose. I was only able to taper up to 50mg each night and developed the following side effects before stopping the medication after 6 weeks: significant lapses in memory, worsening fatigue and inability to stay awake, rapid weight loss, tingling in the hands, menstrual irregularity, worsening brain fog, difficulty breathing, and low stamina. An EKG and chest CT w/ and w/o were ordered and were normal. I continued to get migraines on this medication. Difficulty breathing and all other side effects were alleviated after the medication was stopped. The neurologist then prescribed nortriptyline, which the patient responded better to, and migraine frequency decreased. However, after a month, my heart rate was consistently elevated, so the medication was stopped.
CBC in early January was normal except for: WBC 11.6 (high) HCT 45.4 (high) MCHC 32.4 (low)
In late January 2024, I began to notice a squeezing sensation in both knees when I stood from sitting, and a similar sensation around the waist when she was getting dressed or undressed, or in the shower. The squeezing sensations increased in frequency and severity, but are not painful. In February, I noticed numbness in the left-most toes of my left foot while in the shower and within a month was also experiencing it in my right foot. These sensations come and go, but happen daily/near daily and throughout the day. I also now experience occasional numbness along the left side of my left hand, and occasional shooting electric sensations in the same spot. I continue to have brain fog, fatigue with the need for regular naps, blurry vision (worse after exercise/exertion, with fatigue, or with stress), squeezing sensations in my legs/knees and waist, and the numbness sensations in both feet, occasionally my knees, and left hand. I also notice I sometimes stumbles over my own feet, my legs feel heavy often and sometimes weak, and I am quick to lose stamina.
I met with a second neurologist who ordered cervical and thoracic spine MRIs w/ and w/o contrast, which appear normal. Blood panels for STDs, autoimmune diseases, vitamin deficiencies have all been ordered and are unremarkable.
I consulted with a long-Covid clinic, which does not feel my symptoms are related to long-covid except possibly the blurry vision, fatigue, and foggy headedness, based on symptom onset compared to last known infection. They prescribed speech therapy, which I will start in June at a rehabilitation center. They also suggested amantadine for the fatigue, but I haven’t started it. A nerve conduction test was mentioned as a possibility, but was not recommended as the doctor did not feel it would be accurate or beneficial.
Since March 1, 2024, I have been getting weekly acupuncture, and have been on a gluten and dairy free diet. I limit caffeine intake to only decaf coffee or tea infrequently (less than weekly), and has not consumed alcohol since the onset of the abdominal migraines in November 2023. On one occasion, I was unable to avoid gluten and dairy, and the following day experienced severe leg pain, though it could have been weather related as well.
Thanks for taking the time to read! Any thoughts or suggestions would be greatly appreciated.

Where do I begin. For the purpose of this post, I will use fictious names and locations as it is ongoing, and out of respect (even though she doesn't deserve any)
My name is Daniel. I am 35 years old, and i am dying. I have a disease called systemic sclerosis. I am currently on a supplemental disability plan, until I get approved for SSI (social Security). Until then, my income is about 4K a month. I own a home but after child support and bills, NOT INCLUDING gas, food, haircuts, medical appointments, and or emergencies like my fridge just broke. (which i never go out) I am left with $260 that has to last me a month. I also have three children who I have to take care of half the time per the 50/50 agreement.
Recently, I found out my oldest, (who is 13) is not biologically mine. I decided to look into it as I had concerns for a while since my divorce as her cheating was very rampant. I also had caught her in 2017 with a man in my house, which is what prompted the divorce. But FL being a no fault state, doesn't matter. I also had to pay child support since the beginning and WHILE LEGALLY Married since 2010 because she had applied for financial support like food stamps and government assistance then. I know what your thinking. Why didnt you stop it then? I tried. You cant take yourself off child support. I also never grew up with a father and wanted that two-parent household. I don't run from responsibilities, like he did. Its how I was raised. Anyways, I married her, tried to do the right thing, she lied numerous times. she never worked, and I worked 90 plus hours a week. To look into her cheating, was impossible at the time as I was never home. and to busy providing for my family.
fast forward to now. My disease started to become worse and over three years; it didn't reveal itself until last year fully to actually pinpoint what this was. for instance, I had in 2019 pain behind my eyes and horrible headaches to the point that I thought I had MS. following year, I had trouble swallowing for 3 months. next year itching in the skin for three months. But prior, I had visited various doctors to see what was going on, each time a flare up then would last 3 to four months, which again, when you don't understand what's going on, you need to take time off to go see doctors, run tests, but this illness was and still is very elusive. with that being said I had 5 jobs since its first flare up till last year to continue to support my family and to pay child support. as of last year. I'm having trouble moving on certain days, breathing and acid reflux and muscle atrophy. (disease progression) especially when this is going on, it worsens everything as this is flared up. I was working under the table to try and make ends meet as I was paying child support still. I should add that the child support with 50/50 custody was $1029 for three kids cause I was making six figures at the time of divorce in 2018. Last year however, I couldn't work anymore, and filed for disability.
In june of last year, I had asked Susan, to get the children school supplies, (which she never does) as I was still paying at the time $1029 in child support. She said she didnt have the money despite now making 70k and her new BF living with her and is working whom she cheated on me with. With me working under the table, I bought them clothes, haircuts, school supplies (ive done every year) but then, I noticed she went on vacation to puerto rico and got a giant leg tattoo. At the time, I had already known what I had, and I asked myself why the heck am I doing this? So i turned to an attorney to get it modified. Again, this is June 20th to be exact of last year. My lawyer, stated that this was only going to be a 90 day turn around for the temporary modification then we will go for the final.
Since then, I have gone for a DNA test. I had to know. I am dying. I wanted to know. And you may judge me for this. but i have filed for disablement for paternity, meaning I am removing myself from the birth certificate. However, in the state of Florida, a mother can deny this and so can the courts. before you judge me, I have many reasons none of which have to do with him other then his mental disability (Aspergers) This illness, as days go by takes more and more from me. As previously aforementioned, I am left with 250 a month. I cannot go get a drs appointment pay for groceries or start planning my funeral which I will start making payments on soon. He also eats three times the amount that we all collectively do (Not his fault) but I have paid enough both mentally and financially. He also has trouble communicating as my suspicions is, that he was born of incest (gross) which is why I was 'chosen' to be his father at the time. Before you ask how do you know? Lets just say she had an uncle 'leave' during that time.
anyways, in February, I had the temporary modification hearing for child support and needless to say it was a circus. My doctor was subpoenaed to be there by my attorneys request to better my argument, even though I felt we didn't need her, she advised me to have my doctor there. Well, he attorney attacked my doctor and me for an hour and 40 mins when the court case was only supposed to go for an hour. He said "you saw another dr Max so and so and they said it was all in your head" (again I had flare ups on a illness that hadnt revealed itself correctly since last year). So there argument was that I was doctor seeking to avoid child support. After I have paid for 13 years never missing a payment. Her lawyer also targeted people who are living with me. Now I'll admit that I said they were friends which is true but how else can I pay for my attorney? Cant work, cant sell drugs, cant rob a bank? So they want to take there income into consideration. BS. She also hired a private investigator to watch me exercise outside and stated that because I can exercise, I can work..... Ok. Where's the 23 hours of the rest of the day watching me in pain. or when do you have me on video of a flare up from this terminal illness? (that's what I wanted to say)
Although I was granted the temporary modification, of $209, I left the court thinking wow, this woman can cheat, commit paternity fraud, not give two craps about our children, live with her mom in a section 8 home, and here I am doing whatever I can and I've done nothing wrong but be lied to and this is how my government, my country treats me? No wonder men my age dont have children this is insane. The paternity issue wasn't even brought up they said that this isnt the place for this and that the disestablishment will be another trial for those wondering. My lawyer only spoke for 5 mins. Asking her about her income cause thats the only thing that has changed since 2018 since she didnt work at the time. Other than that, it was an attack on me and my disease arguing my ability to work.
after leaving that, I didnt eat for 96 hours. I have since been crying nonstop. Compilating suicide. I am already heart broken about my son not being mine. Sure does a terminal illness make me said, no question everyday. But a life wasted on another? Cause I decided to be a man and take up responsibility? thats soul crushing. And to say "well, there is a big chance the courts will deny your request' thats BS. If i go to prison because I was accused of a robbery for 13 years, and DNA evidence proves I wasnt there, I get out of jail and can sue. This is no different. If anything, DNA evidence needs to be more of a factor in family law than in almost every court of law if not as equally important. My bad for not investigating her infidelity not only in the beginning but also in the end. How about not being a POS. sorry rant over
gets better. Her mom and dad smoke in the section 8 house, kids reek of cigarette smoke and marijuana, all day. they dont take showers there, they were hand me down clothes, they live in the garage shared with there mother, that isn't air conditioned. and he makes only a few thousand less than I do a month. She stated in court that she pays her mom $500 in rent which is BS, she is only doing that now so that she makes herself look bad. I know she is doing pills, like oxy and what not. Id love to prove it.
after the temp hearing, in april, I had to go to court to contest my drivers license suspension as I hadn't paid child support since, august of last year. again, there is no way, I can pay my bills, feed my children, go to the doctor, pay my lawyer to end all of this BS and pay the current child support amount. and again, this final hearing is still not set yet. So they intercepted my tax return, even though the temporary modification was approved, the final is what gets it retro backed to the date of filing, so they took, a much needed 5500 tax return from me. I needed that cause one of the issues I failed to mention as well, hurricane Ian has destroyed my home and I'm still going through that process too. not to mention I am on payment plans with Mayo clinic and other various medical facilities. (no one cares) but the interest that accrues, makes it impossible to catch up. also, Florida department of rev is overstepping I feel, and asking for medical info to be sent to them as well as updated doctors letters to be sent saying that I am still on disability.
a few weeks ago, I got an email from my lawyer having a withdrawal notice from her lawyer. in the withdrawal, he stated that he cannot represent her, due to something she may have withheld or lied about (more or less wasn't worded like that but you can tell). In feb court appearance they never produced the PI report, or videos, they had medical info they shouldn't have had, and they had very outlandish comments about my lifestyle. So my lawyer filed immediately a motion to compel. meaning, we want to see everything you have on my client. this was filed almost immediately after court appearance on feb 20th. Susan has failed to provide any updated info requested by my attorney so on june 18th, we have that upcoming hearing.
in the mean time, I have sent my lawyer, a very heavily requested topics, such as "where did they get my medical records, if those were lies, what are the consequences if any"? What did exercising have to do with any of this despite various drs saying he has to or he will get worse.
I know wat you must be thinking, what about your oldest, how can you do that to him. Please listen. This woman has taken everything from me. And i mean everything but the roof over my head. I am seeing a therapist to help with the suicidal thoughts. it isnt enough. the reality of it is, I chose to be loyal and it bit me in the butt. This disease will rob me of everything, my teeth will fall out ( I had 5 cavities last time I went to the dentist) I haven't had a cavity since I was 30 and even then I was suspicious. And I am brushing 5 time s a day to save them. My skin is tightening, and my arms and muscles are wasting. I will literally be left with nothing. My organs will also start to harden, and I will have to start getting around the clock care.
I forgot to mention they (child support) recently, sent a letter to SSI (social security) saying that they would garnish my SSI before I even got it, totaling $1029. the incorrect amount. I sent this to my lawyer and she is looking into it. But it shows that child support will overstep and breaks every law or freedom you may think you have. I DO take care of my children. if they need a haircut i do it, school supplies clothes, anything I do it. And I do it, cause she wont. What I want to leave you with, is that woman can be dead beats too. Child support was designed to have woman off of government subsidized programs like section 8 food stamps and what not. Also to make the man pay for their children man or woman I should say, I know this. I am not running from my obligation. I just want Susan, to have to pay for what's she's done to me and the kids.
I would like to hear your thoughts on this, please comment and share, all names are fake, but everything else is unfortunately real. I know it was wordy, but I wanted to provide as much backstory as possible. And please. Respect my descions. When you are end of life, I hope someone would be kind enough to respect yours. You may not agree and that's ok, but I am asking you to respect them. Thank you for reading.

1. Service connection for barretts esophagus. Service connection for barretts esophagus as secondary to the service-connected disability of irritable bowel syndrome with gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD) and gastritis.

Service connection may be granted for a disease or injury which resulted from a service- connected disability or was aggravated thereby. The evidence does not show that barretts esophagus is related to the service-connected condition of irritable bowel syndrome with gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD) and gastritis, nor is there any evidence of this disability during military service. (38 CFR 3.303, 38 CFR 3.304, 38 CFR 3.310)
Secondary service connection requires a primary service connected disability, a disability that is proximally related to the primary disability, and a link from the primary disability to the secondary disability. (38 CFR 3.310, 38 CFR 4.1, 38 CFR 4.2, 38 CFR 4.6)
VA examintion dated April 26, 2024, confirms the diagnosis of duodenitis. The examiner provided a medical opinion that the claimed condition is less likely than not (likelihood is less than approximately balanced or nearly equal) proximately due to or the result of the veteran’s service connected condition. The rationale: " The conditions of Barretts esophagus and irritable bowel syndrome with gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD) are not medically related. The Barretts esophagus is a separate entity entirely from the irritable bowel syndrome with gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD) and unrelated to it.
A thorough review of medical literature failed to demonstrate a causal relationship. A nexus has not been established."
Service connection may be granted for a disability which began in military service or was caused by some event or experience in service, nor was caused by service. (38 CFR 3.303, 38 CFR 3.304)
Service treatment records are silent for the treatment and/or diagnosis of barretts esophagus.
Service connection may be granted for a condition diagnosed after military discharge provided evidence establishes that the condition was caused by service. Service connection may be granted on this basis for a disability related to toxic exposure risk activity (TERA) during military service if evidence demonstrates that the Veteran was actually exposed in service and that a disease associated with such exposure resulted. (38 CFR 3.303, 38 CFR 3.304)
An examination and/or medical opinion based on toxic exposure risk activity (TERA) was not requested because the evidence shows your disability is a gastrointestinal, metabolic, and/ or digestive disorders, and the Secretary has determined there is no indication of association between this condition and participation in a TERA. There is also no competent medical or scientific evidence of an association between your claimed disability and in-service TERA. (38 U.S.C. 1168)
A direct grant of service connection requires: 1) medical evidence of a current disability, 2) evidence of the incurrence or aggravation of a disease or injury in active military service, and 3) medical evidence of a nexus (link) between the current disability and the in-service disease or injury. (38 CFR 3.303, 38 CFR 3.304)
Favorable Findings identified in this decision:
The claimed primary disability is service-connected. You are currently service connected for irritable bowel syndrome with gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD).
You have been diagnosed with a disability. VA examintion dated April 26, 2024, confirms the diagnosis of barretts esophagus.

1. Service connection for esophageal stricture (narrowing of esophagus). Service connection for esophageal stricture (narrowing of esophagus) as secondary to the service-connected disability of irritable bowel syndrome with gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD).

Service connection may be granted for a disability which began in military service or was caused by some event or experience in service. Service connection for esophageal stricture (narrowing of esophagus) is denied because the medical evidence of record fails to show that this disability has been clinically diagnosed. (38 CFR 3.303, 38 CFR 3.304)
Service connection for esophageal stricture (narrowing of esophagus) is denied since this condition neither occurred in nor was caused by service. (38 CFR 3.303, 38 CFR 3.304)
Service connection may be granted for a disability which began in military service or was caused by some event or experience in service. (38 CFR 3.303)
Service treatment records are silent for the treatment and/or diagnosis of esophageal stricture (narrowing of esophagus).
Service connection may be granted for a condition diagnosed after military discharge provided evidence establishes that the condition was caused by service. Service connection may be granted on this basis for a disability related to toxic exposure risk activity (TERA) during military service if evidence demonstrates that the Veteran was actually exposed in service and that a disease associated with such exposure resulted. (38 CFR 3.303, 38 CFR 3.304)
An examination and/or medical opinion based on toxic exposure risk activity (TERA) was not requested because the evidence does not show a current diagnosis. Additionally, the claimed disability is a gastrointestinal, metabolic, and/ or digestive disorders and the Secretary has determined there is no indication of association between this condition and participation in a TERA. There is also no competent medical or scientific evidence of an association between your claimed disability and in-service TERA. (38 U.S.C. 1168)
A direct grant of service connection requires: 1) medical evidence of a current disability, 2) evidence of the incurrence or aggravation of a disease or injury in active military service, and 3) medical evidence of a nexus (link) between the current disability and the in-service disease or injury. (38 CFR 3.303, 38 CFR 3.304)
Service connection may be granted for a disease or injury which resulted from a service- connected disability or was aggravated thereby. The evidence does not show that esophageal stricture (narrowing of esophagus) is related to the service-connected condition of irritable bowel syndrome with gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD), nor is there any evidence of this disability during military service. (38 CFR 3.303, 38 CFR 3.304, 38 CFR 3.310)
Secondary service connection requires a primary service connected disability, a disability that is proximally related to the primary disability, and a link from the primary disability to the secondary disability. (38 CFR 3.310, 38 CFR 4.1, 38 CFR 4.2, 38 CFR 4.6)
Favorable Findings identified in this decision:
The claimed primary disability is service-connected. You are currently service-connected for irritable bowel syndrome with gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD).

hi..! (25f) like most people here i never had a great body image even though i was thin in my teens. i started gaining weight in my early 20's as one does naturally and i hated myself even more. i finally lost the weight in a healthy way just casually dieting and working out and ever since i've been happy with the way i look. the prorblem is i've had this sense of panic whenever i gain a couple pounds. it slowly got to the point of, when i dont eat a healthy meal because i'm going out or its the weekend idk.. i purge the food i ate to make sure my weight stagnates. this has been a thing for about 8 months now, i just hate the fact that purging is so easy and making me happy. i'm also embarrassed about picking up an ed at my age it feels like something that happens when you're a teen or middle school and im here with my fully developed frontal lobe purging after a breakfast wrap because there's potatoes and bacon in it and im currently 4 pounds over my ideal weight (which is not underweight btw). anyways.. i just am trying hard to find something to make me want to get better, i know all the health things that could happen the cancer, the acid reflux, the diseases etc. but idk.. i just want to hear someone else's story i guess?

• GERD/acid reflux
• ulcers
• colon cancer
• pancreatitis
• gout
• migraines
• insomnia
• arrhythmia
• anxiety
• heart disease
• heart attack
• panic disorder
• high blood pressure
• depression
• stomach cancer
• liver disease
• kidney failure
• an autoimmune disorder
• multiple sclerosis
• tuberculosis

And when I say "thought I had", I mean truly truly believed it in my bones that I had one or all of these things at various periods over the last 5 years. I would go to doctors, never be honest about how much I was drinking and they'd be confused by all of my phantom symptoms and I would actually have the audacity the get pissed off them when my body wasn't healing. I was SO ashamed of my behavior that I just continued to lie to myself and everyone around that something else must be the problem; anything but my precious fucking alcohol.
I'm learning to be compassionate for that version of myself. I understand that this was all a part of my process and I'm grateful that somewhere along the way I recognized that I just couldn't keep doing that to myself. Lo and behold, when you put the bottle down... all of those things just start to fade away. Big fucking no brainer, dude. Once your body starts to heal, the next big hurdle is forgiving yourself for how many times you start to tell yourself that you fucked up along the way. The why didn't you do this sooner? and the How could you not see what was happening? and the Seriously, dude-- what the fuck were you thinking? starts to creep in. It's thinking that tries to make you feel anxious all over again, tries to make you feel ashamed of who you are and what you've done. It's the goddamn alcohol trying to show it's stupid fucking face again.
But if you can challenge that thinking-- and I mean really strap on the gloves and fight it every day for a little (long) while- there IS another side and all those seedlings of hope that existed in you for so long, but never grew, start to blossom it grows into forgiveness, compassion, and self love. I never- and I mean never- thought I'd see the other side.
But I gotta tell you guys, it's fucking beautiful over here.
I've since paid off my medical debt from all the visits, tests, scans, etc., and my health anxiety ceases to exist at this point. I'm moving through the ups and downs of life with such a greater ease. All the good things are immeasurable, impossible to quantify or put words to, other than fucking fantastic.
By the way: the only thing I do suffer from these days is:

• some mild heartburn/indigestion if I eat anything with tomatoes in it

so much love and happy friday.