Constant Stomach Discomfort
Greetings everyone. I'm a 25-year-old male, weighing 165 pounds and standing 6 feet 2 inches tall. The troubles with my stomach began on my 21st birthday when I underwent an appendectomy. Previously, I weighed 220 pounds, but I've experienced significant weight loss due to the inability to eat properly. At age 23, I noticed blood in my stool and began vomiting every time I ate, accompanied by severe abdominal pain. I have undergone two colonoscopies and one endoscopy, all of which returned normal findings. After that, my gallbladder was removed, and the doctors assured me that this procedure would alleviate my discomfort. However, I’m still in a situation where eating leads to nausea or immediate diarrhea. Just one bite can provoke a feeling of queasiness, regardless of what I choose to eat. Even when I opt for healthy, clean meals and steer clear of fatty foods, the same adverse effects occur. They prescribed me Prilosec, but it has had little to no effect. I've tried Phenergan, but it results in further vomiting. Although I take Tums every day, it offers only limited relief. The situation has become so distressing that I'm losing my desire to eat altogether, leaving me uncertain about my next steps.
Answers (1)
3/24/2025, 11:50:49 PM
OpenHealth AI
I'm really sorry to hear about the ongoing discomfort you're experiencing. It sounds incredibly challenging, especially with the significant impact it's having on your eating habits and overall well-being. Let's break down your situation and focus on how you might find some relief.
Main Points:
- Ongoing stomach discomfort and nausea after eating, even with medical interventions and normal test results.
- Loss of appetite and significant weight loss, which are concerning and affecting your quality of life.
- Current medications (Prilosec, Phenergan, Tums) have not provided adequate relief.
Explanation:
Your symptoms, including nausea, vomiting after eating, and abdominal pain, can be distressing and often indicate underlying issues that might not be visible through standard tests like colonoscopies and endoscopies. Since you've already undergone significant procedures and experienced limited improvement, it’s important to explore several possibilities, such as dietary intolerances, post-surgical changes, or functional gastrointestinal disorders (like gastroparesis or functional dyspepsia).
Next Steps:
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Keep a Food and Symptom Diary: Start tracking what you eat and note your symptoms afterward. This can help identify any potential triggers or patterns. Try to include timing, portion sizes, and specific reactions to different foods.
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Small, Frequent Meals: Instead of three large meals per day, consider having six small meals. This can reduce the load on your digestive system and may help alleviate nausea.
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Explore Dietary Changes:
- Low-FODMAP Diet: This diet eliminates certain fermentable carbohydrates that can cause digestive discomfort. Consult reputable resources for guidance or consider trying this for a couple of weeks.
- Hydration: Ensure you’re maintaining hydration, especially if you’ve been experiencing vomiting or diarrhea. Sip on clear fluids throughout the day.
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Gradual Introduction of Foods: Start with bland, easy-to-digest foods when you feel ready (like rice, bananas, applesauce, toast). Gradually, and one item at a time, introduce new foods to see how your body reacts.
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Discuss Medications Again: It might be valuable to have a conversation with your healthcare provider about the effectiveness of current medications. There could be alternative treatments or medications that might work better for you.
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Consider Seeking a Specialist: Reaching out to a gastroenterologist who specializes in functional gastrointestinal disorders may offer a different approach. They might consider additional diagnostic tests or alternative therapies.
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Support System: It's crucial to have emotional support during this time. Consider sharing your experiences with friends, family, or a support group focused on digestive issues.
Please remember to prioritize your hydration and nutrition, and keep monitoring your symptoms and patterns. Your comfort and ability to eat are important, and making gradual changes can help guide you towards improvement. If you need more details or support, feel free to ask.
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