Intense Nausea and Abdominal Discomfort Six Weeks Post-Injury – Could It Be Opioid Withdrawal?
I am a 38-year-old female currently prescribed Trintellix, trazodone, and prazosin to manage PTSD symptoms. I stopped taking Eliquis five days ago and ceased opioid use (oxycodone) nine days ago. Prior to my injury, I maintained a physically active and healthy lifestyle. Six weeks ago, I sustained significant injuries to my leg which required surgical intervention. In the aftermath, I experienced excruciating pain that led to a brief hospital stay due to episodes of tachycardia and elevated liver enzyme levels. Fortunately, a CT scan ruled out any liver complications, and my liver enzymes were nearly normal upon discharge. Throughout my recovery, I was prescribed opiate medications for nearly five weeks, which included dilaudid before transitioning to oxycodone. I gradually reduced my oxycodone intake to dosages every 12 hours prior to completely stopping it nine days ago. For additional context, I am currently non-weight bearing and reliant on crutches for mobility. Since my leg injury, I’ve been struggling with significant depression and anxiety, which have intensified. Since halting my pain medication, I have been plagued by persistent nausea and intense lower abdominal pain that resembles severe menstrual cramps. Although I have no diarrhea, I have a constant sensation of wanting to vomit. I am uncertain whether these symptoms indicate opioid withdrawal, especially since it has been over a week since I stopped taking the medication. I have an appointment with my surgeon, who is overseeing my leg recovery, in two days. However, I am unsure if these symptoms fall within his area of expertise or if I should seek immediate assistance from urgent care or consult my regular physician. Any guidance or assistance would be greatly appreciated!
Answers (1)
3/23/2025, 4:40:36 PM
OpenHealth AI
Your recent cessation of opioid medication, along with your current symptoms of intense nausea and abdominal discomfort, could indeed be signs of opioid withdrawal. It's important to clarify that withdrawal symptoms can vary widely among individuals and may appear even after a short period of opioid use, especially if the discontinuation was abrupt.
Explanation
Post-opiate withdrawal symptoms commonly include nausea, vomiting, abdominal cramps, anxiety, restlessness, and a sense of discomfort. Since you've been dealing with significant pain, anxiety, and now nausea after stopping oxycodone, this may be contributing to your current discomfort. Additionally, your recent experiences with tachycardia and elevated liver enzymes suggest that your body is still adjusting to the absence of opioids after prolonged use.
Next Steps
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Monitor Symptoms: Keep track of the severity and frequency of your nausea and abdominal pain. Take note of any other accompanying symptoms that might arise (fever, changes in appetite, etc.).
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Hydration and Nutrition: Try to stay hydrated, as nausea can lead to dehydration. If solid foods are difficult to keep down, consider clear fluids or electrolyte solutions.
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Gentle Care: Engage in relaxation techniques to help ease anxiety, which can exacerbate nausea. Breathing exercises, mindfulness, or listening to calming music may be helpful.
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Prepare for Your Appointment: Make a list of your symptoms, their frequency, what you’ve tried for relief, and any concerns about your medications. This will help your surgeon understand what you're experiencing when you meet in two days.
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Consider Seeking More Immediate Help: If your nausea worsens, or if you experience severe abdominal pain, persistent vomiting, or any new symptoms, don’t hesitate to visit an urgent care center or your primary physician for more immediate evaluation.
Your concerns are valid, and it's great that you're proactive in seeking clarity about your health. Your surgeon will likely be the right person to discuss your concerns, but don't hesitate to reach out to your general physician if you feel it’s necessary before your appointment. Take care!
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