Lots of Symptoms

I am 27 and male and have been healthy my whole life.  I've been having lots of primarily GI symptoms for almost a year now.  I've had a change in bowel habits and consistency, bloating, and loud noises, and also what seems to be anal sweating, although a couple of times it has smelled very sulfuric, but more medicine than like 'rotten eggs.'  I've also had joint aches, some episodes of feeling very tired, and once I had this very intense flushing episode of the face.

I've had lots of tests: blood (for Celiac and thyroid), upper endoscopy with biopsies, colonoscopy with biopsies, CT of abdomen with contrast, upper GI series with small bowel follow through.  Only abnormalities were a 15cm spleen on CT scan.  I've also had some blood work recently that showed a slightly elevated level of calcium.

Could this be a neuroendocrine problem?  The flushing worries me, although it only happened once about 4 months ago.  What else could this be?  What causes your sweat to smell sulfuric?

[Kevin Pho, MD]

I agree with the testing thus far, and it has been extensive.  

I would consider further, more specialized tests for malabsorption or celiac disease.  This can involve sending the stool off for analysis and antibody blood tests to exclude celiac disease.  

With the flushing and GI symptoms, you may want to consider carcinoid - a urine test to look for the metabolite 5-HIAA can be considered.  

I do not know a condition offhand that makes your sweat to smell sulfuric.

These options can be discussed with your personal physician.

This answer is not intended as and does not substitute for medical advice - the information presented is for patient education only. Please see your personal physician for further evaluation of your individual case.

Kevin Pho, M.D.
www.kevinmd.com
www.twitter.com/kevinmd