I'm posting this for my husband (40, 277, in good physical condition previously, with physically demanding job), who has been having medical issues for a year now. It began with waking up in the morning with pressure in his lower back that was remedied by going to the bathroom. Bending, twisting, picking up things, etc. never bothered him, which seemed to indicate it's not a back problem. Then it moved on to constipation, & when he could go his stool was flattened. Over time his symptoms are getting worse & more seem to pop up every time we go to the doctor. Fatigue to the point he takes 1-2 naps a day & still sleeps through the night. Coughing fit when exerted, shortness of breath when walking, decreased appetite. Swelling in his feet & legs off & on, which got worse this March to the point he had pitting when skin was pressed. Two weeks ago he woke up to find his work pants were more than 2 inches too small (same work pants he wore the day before). So far he's seen 3 different family doctors, GI specialist, & ortho, all who say there's nothing wrong. 3 recent blood tests all show levels in the normal range; some on the low end, some on the high end, but everything within normal. A recent x-ray showed a possible blockage, but CT & MRI ruled it out. One blood test came back with high thyroid levels, but thyroid ultrasound showed nothing. GI specialist said to walk more (which he can't because of swelling & shortness of breath), increase fiber & eat more fruits/veggies. When he went to the ER because of the abdominal swelling, they told him to cut back on fiber, fruits & veggies. The current family doc ordered an MRI, then referred him to the ortho for possible back injury; ortho said there's no indication of back injury. He did have a case of diverticulitis about 6-7 years ago, had no pain associated whatsoever even though everyone told him diverticulitis is extremely painful, & so far has has no pain to speak of. Minor discomfort at times, infrequent pain (4-6 on the hospital's 1-10 scale), but nothing lasting. After a year, all we seem to get is "let's wait another month and see if it clears up on its own", but he's out of leave for work & is at risk of losing his job, not to mention his quality of life is horrible. At this point I'm looking for ANY suggestion or idea.