Low Serotonin

[Pumpkin2009]

I have been having IBS symptoms and mast cell activation symptoms. I have lupus which confuses things as well as long haul Covid since last November. My GP ran some tests and low serotonin showed up. I know that serotonin can affect the digestive system. It seems the episodes of diarrhea have gotten much worse with nausea and headache. I have many of the MCAS symptoms, but not sure about the flushing. Any help would be appreciated.

Thank you.

[Orchid99]

Hi , I thought low serotonin was connected to constipation. What symptoms do you get with lupus and how did you get diagnosed do you have issues with your white cells?

[Pumpkin2009 in reply to Orchid99]

Hi Orchid, Depending on other symptoms, it seems to be both ways. If the low serotonin is part of a mast cell problem, I think that may be different. All I know at the present time is that along with the chronic diarrhea, pain, bloating and now increased nausea, the blood work and urine test came back with low serotonin which is confusing. I really can't separate any symptoms I have totally from lupus either or long covid. Mast Cell Activation comes up with long covid and I wondered if that is what got triggered, I had Covid last November and again, can't separate what is what. The only thing I know for sure is that the loss of taste and smell is Covid. I just want the intestinal and stomach issues better because at this point, they come on suddenly and are disabling. Also have sinus drainage since Covid that is much worse at night. I have anemia with iron deficiency and have to get B-12 shots monthly and although my white count has been gradually getting lower( it went from high to in the middle now, lower each time taken), it is now in the normal range. My GP is working with me, but what kind of doctor do I need - immunologist, gastro which I have seen in the past, allergist, he will refer to whatever. The rheumatologist relies on his blood work and not inclined to think out of the box. Sorry for making this so long.

Thanks for helping.

Healing hugs.

[Orchid99 in reply to Pumpkin2009]

Hi, I have the opposite and been diagnosed with slow transit colon, but since my tummy issues got bad my white cells are always low and they have said I have neutropenia but the hematologist won't see me as they haven't gone right down to below 1, I wondered if I was suffering from a autoimmune condition that is effecting my digestive system but I haven't been tested for that. I didn't know you could test for serotonin, is that something you have to ask the gp for? Have you considered a antidepressant to help the serotonin and diarrhoea, they normally prescribed low doses for IBS?