Nine Months of Persistent Vomiting
Age 29, residing in the UK. In June 2024, I encountered a sickness bug that seemed to be circulating. This marked the first time I’d experienced a stomach bug in nearly two decades. By July 2024, I had recovered but was still troubled by acid reflux and an overall sense of unease. The symptoms I endured included intense nausea that even affected my vision, along with discomfort in my mid to lower left back. I also felt a striking pain in my stomach before instances of vomiting, a burning feeling reminiscent of severe acid reflux, and pungent burps akin to a rotten egg smell that only ceased after expelling the contents of my stomach. In August 2024, the vomiting resumed, rendering me unable to retain even food or water for approximately six weeks, resulting in a weight loss of around two stones. By October 2024, I was diagnosed with an H. pylori infection and underwent a week-long course of antibiotics. I did experience some improvement, yet my eating habits remained abnormal. I gradually reduced my medication intake, but by December 2024, my symptoms re-emerged, leading to a significant vomiting episode that lasted over a day. I began using medications as necessary, including omeprazole for acid reflux and anti-nausea drugs during bouts of queasiness. Fast forward to March 2025, and I was vomiting weekly with the same troubling symptoms recurring. An endoscopy was performed, which appeared clear, and I am also scheduled for additional blood tests. I am left seeking answers regarding these prolonged issues affecting my health for the past nine months; I desperately need to know what could be causing this ongoing distress.
Answers (1)
3/26/2025, 12:20:49 PM
OpenHealth AI
I understand that you’re facing a challenging situation with ongoing vomiting and discomfort, which have affected your quality of life for the past nine months. Your symptoms following a sickness bug, along with your diagnosis and treatment for H. pylori, indicate that there may be several factors involved in your ongoing issues. Here’s a structured response to help you navigate this:
Main Points:
- Persistent vomiting and digestive issues can be complex, often involving multiple underlying causes.
- H. pylori can lead to significant gastrointestinal symptoms, but other factors such as diet, stress, or additional conditions may also contribute to your symptoms.
- Your recent tests, including an endoscopy, are steps in the right direction towards identifying the root cause.
Explanation:
Vomiting frequently can stem from various conditions including gastritis, peptic ulcers, or conditions like gastroparesis (a delay in stomach emptying). After an acute illness like a stomach bug, it’s not uncommon for recovery to be prolonged, sometimes leading to dysmotility or increased sensitivity in the gastrointestinal tract. H. pylori infection treated with antibiotics can alleviate symptoms related to ulcers or chronic gastritis, yet it’s crucial to monitor and manage any persisting symptoms.
Next Steps:
-
Dietary Adjustments: Focus on a bland, easily digestible diet (such as bananas, rice, applesauce, and toast) to see if this reduces nausea and vomiting. Avoid spicy or fatty foods and caffeine, as these can aggravate acid reflux and nausea.
-
Hydration: Keep hydrated, especially if vomiting persists. Sipping on clear fluids, such as water or electrolyte solutions, can help. If nausea continues, consider consuming small amounts frequently rather than larger meals.
-
Medication Management: Continue using omeprazole as directed for acid reflux, but also discuss ongoing usage of other medications with your doctor. Keep a log of what you’re taking, food intake, and symptoms, which can help identify triggers or patterns.
-
Follow-Up Tests: Stay in communication with your healthcare provider about any testing results, especially after your upcoming blood tests. These may help rule out additional causes like anemia or other deficiencies due to your weight loss and ongoing symptoms.
-
Stress Management: Explore stress management techniques like mindfulness, breathing exercises, or gentle physical activity, which can support your overall well-being and potentially reduce gastrointestinal symptoms.
-
Regular Check-ins: Consider scheduling regular follow-ups with your healthcare provider to assess your progress, discuss your symptom diary, and refine your treatment plan based on ongoing evaluations.
I empathize greatly with the distress and uncertainty you are experiencing. Prioritizing these steps while working with your healthcare team can help you find clarity and relief. If new symptoms arise or your current symptoms worsen significantly, make sure to seek immediate help.
Related Questions
Understanding the Impact of Increased Fiber on Stool Shape
It might seem contradictory to some, as we typically hear that fiber contributes to bulkier stools. However, I’ve noticed that when I increase my fiber intake, it seems to lead to a quicker transit time, resulting in flatter stools. Interestingly, once I reduce my fiber consumption, the stool shape returns to its usual form. What could be the reason behind this phenomenon? Is it possible that it’s related to a sensitivity to fiber or perhaps a sudden surge in foods high in fiber, including drinks with psyllium husk?
Significant Bloating Following General Anesthesia
It has been just over a day since I underwent general anesthesia, and I currently feel as if I’m six months along in pregnancy. Despite only having a little food during this period, I am experiencing considerable discomfort, akin to having indulged in three feast meals! As a healthy 47-year-old woman who is not on any other medications, I underwent a dental implant procedure that was free of complications and did not require any pain relief medication afterwards. Could this sensation be attributed to gas, and if so, what could be causing it? How long might this discomfort persist? I have come across suggestions that using heat, peppermint, and engaging in walking or stretching may alleviate the situation. Are there any additional remedies or strategies that could provide relief?
Nosebleed Episode After Extended Dry Heaving
I’m a 28-year-old male, standing at 5'7.5" and weighing 280 pounds. My background is Jewish, though I don't believe that detail is particularly relevant here. I deal with various health conditions including Postural Orthostatic Tachycardia Syndrome (POTS), potential May-Thurner syndrome (still under evaluation by my doctor), restless leg syndrome, sciatica, spinal stenosis, plantar fasciitis, along with a range of mental health challenges. My current medications consist of minoxidil, lamotrigine, bupropion, and a low dosage of Xanax. Greetings everyone! I have been struggling with relentless bouts of retching—primarily dry heaves, akin to ‘morning sickness’—that have persisted throughout January and into February. I can’t pinpoint any changes in my diet, medications, or lifestyle that could have triggered this episode. Interestingly, I don't usually feel nausea in my belly; instead, it manifests mostly in my throat and chest. Although I suffer from GERD, this is an unusual level of discomfort for me. I normally manage it with calcium supplements and occasional omeprazole, but I keep that to a minimum to avoid additional stomach issues. Despite my efforts, my dietary choices aren't particularly acidic. I find myself expelling mostly saliva and stomach acid rather than actual food. Zofran hasn’t alleviated the persistent nausea I’m experiencing. I consulted my primary care physician about these issues, but unfortunately, his recommendations weren’t helpful. He implies that my nausea stems from not maintaining a proper diet, suggesting that if I could just afford better food, I wouldn’t have this problem. He was far from supportive, and to make matters worse, every GI clinic nearby isn't accepting new patients for months, so finding a specialist has been quite challenging. Today, during another episode of retching, I finally ended up vomiting a small piece of apple along with the usual saliva and stomach acid. This was alarming, but even more concerning was the sudden onset of a severe nosebleed. It wasn’t a mere trickle; blood was pouring from my nose, staining my chin and dripping onto the floor. I hurried to the bathroom and managed to curb the bleeding within five minutes, but the experience rattled me considerably. I felt dizzy and unsteady throughout the day following this incident. Could there be a link between the excessive vomiting and the nosebleed? Is it possible that such intense straining caused a rupture in a blood vessel in my nose? Additionally, I’m curious if anyone has insight into the cause of my persistent nausea. With the recent bleeding, my speculation leans towards an irritation in my sinuses causing me to unknowingly swallow blood at night, contributing to the nausea. Despite retching five to ten times daily, this sudden, severe bleeding is a new development. Thanks in advance for any advice or suggestions; apologies for the lengthy post!
Dealing with Nausea and Vomiting
Hello, I'm a 16-year-old male. For the last five hours, I've been experiencing persistent vomiting accompanied by feelings of nausea. Could anyone share some tips on how to alleviate this condition?
Experiencing Sudden Neck and Head Pain – What Could It Be?
As a 17-year-old male weighing 59 kilograms, I occasionally encounter a sharp pain in my neck and head. This happens sporadically while I am simply sitting and unwinding. Whenever I turn my head slightly to either side, I suddenly experience a jolt of pain that travels from my neck to the area at the back of my head. Notably, this discomfort is not centered on my spine; rather, it occurs more toward the left and right sides at the back. Following this, I sense a chilling, almost icy feeling spreading across the back of my head, and gradually, the pain diminishes. Could you help me understand what this might indicate?