I feel like something more is going on

[Sad27YearOld]

I have been on and off bloated (more often than not) for a year now. I constantly look dehydrated even though I drink lots of water. My skin is oily and saggy looking. My hair is constantly oily and gets greasy fast.

Today, I am the most bloated I’ve ever been. And I feel absolutely awful.

I just really don’t feel myself.

The GP has done stool tests, an ultrasound. All fine. Checked my vitamins, all ok, only slightly low on iron. Told me my cortisol was fine. Thyroid normal. Told me to keep a food diary which I did, and no patterns at all. Did a cancerous blood test, fine.

I just feel like I’m constantly feeling worse and worse, and I’m not getting any answers. I feel so rough in all ways and I’m tired of it, and I don’t know what else to do

Forgot to add, my heart rate is always so high. Especially when I literally walk up the stairs or move the tiniest bit. They did an ECG and apparently fine.

I'm sorry op, sounds miserable. Perhaps it's some sort of food sensitivity? Have you tried going off the usual suspects of gluten, dairy etc and seeing how you feel after a couple of weeks? Then slowly reintroducing to check your reaction.

I would get tested for coeliac. I’m not coeliac but if I eat bread, pizza, pasta, cakes etc I get instantly bloated.

How are you with dairy? The way to test is to drink a whole glass of milk, see if you get bloated.

I did cut out dairy for a week and I noticed no change. Would food intolerance likely cause skin and hair issues too?

Have you been tested for coeliac disease?
Bloating and low iron are indicators.
I would try and see another Dr and get more tests done.

How’s your health generally - eating a balanced diet, exercise etc? Are you under any stress?

What are your periods like, could it be hormones?

I think reactions can vary. It might be worth trying to avoid gluten next, preferably for at least a couple of weeks.

My GP is admittedly a bit 'alternative' but talks a lot about inflammation in the body leading to lowered immune system and so on. I have had problems with fatigue in the past and she explained that even if I wasn't actually intolerant to certain foods, they could still lead to more inflammation in the gut which would prevent my body from fighting back against other infections etc.

She recommended cutting out sugar (except for a very small amount after a meal if I felt I needed a treat), gluten, dairy and (horrified shudder) caffeine. Oh, and getting lots of vitamin d.

I do feel better following her advice, though have relaxed after the first month of being v strict.