OpenHealth Q&A

Seeking Guidance on Chronic Illness and Menstrual Issues

**Trigger Warning: Eating Disorder** Hello, I find myself in a situation I never anticipated, and I’m feeling completely overwhelmed. As a 27-year-old woman, my health took a terrible turn approximately a decade ago, leading me into a battle with chronic anorexia, where my lowest recorded BMI was just 13. Thankfully, I managed to recover, a process that spanned several years, and I’ve been able to maintain a healthy weight for six years now. **Ongoing Health Issues:** Despite maintaining a stable weight, I continue to grapple with several persistent health challenges. I experience nausea nearly every day and often vomit, typically at least a couple of times a week, which I don’t induce intentionally—it just occurs. Additionally, I endure severe headaches, stomach discomfort, dizziness, and faintness. There appears to be a pattern with my vomiting episodes. If it occurs in the morning or early afternoon, it generally lasts around 20 minutes non-stop, leaving me feeling unwell for the remainder of the day. However, if it happens in the evening, the experience is far worse—intense vomiting can last for up to two hours, followed by an extended period of sickness that continues throughout the night until around 8 a.m., often triggered after experiencing a severe migraine. This troubling cycle has persisted for nearly ten years, and I am truly worn out. **Medical Journey and Consultations:** Initially, many medical professionals dismissed my symptoms. It wasn’t until I lost a significant amount of weight that they began to take my condition seriously—though their concern mainly centered on my weight rather than an underlying health issue. I was compelled to discontinue my nursing studies after completing my first year, with assurances that my health would improve once I achieved a healthy weight. Yet, despite reaching that target, my condition remained unchanged. Doctors subsequently advised me to maintain my weight for a period of time, but years have gone by and I still feel unwell. Over the years, I have seen numerous specialists, but most of the testing occurred when I was underweight. They excluded potential diagnoses like Crohn’s disease, celiac disease, various allergies, and food intolerances (although I have limited my dairy intake). I was repeatedly informed that my issues were weight-related. Since stabilizing my weight, I have been referred to several specialists urgently, yet I have not received any follow-ups—largely due to the limitations of healthcare in Northern Ireland. I can’t afford private treatment, so any guidance would be invaluable. Currently, I’m a second-year nursing student, and my health issues have raised concerns. I continue to attend placements even when I'm feeling particularly unwell, but when the staff becomes aware of my vomiting, I’m typically sent home. I dread the thought of having to leave nursing once again; it is a field I’m truly passionate about. Ideally, I would prefer to stay in practical learning experiences without them discovering this ongoing issue—unless it were genuinely contagious, in which case I would definitely go home. **Menstrual Health and PCOS:** Moreover, I struggle with menstrual irregularities. For years, doctors dismissed my concerns until I consulted with a female physician last year who promptly prescribed me treatment. An ultrasound confirmed the diagnosis of PCOS. Previously, I endured only three to four periods annually, each lasting between 30 to 50 days, with the longest being 67 days. Various attempts to manage this situation were deemed “normal,” even when dealing with 60-day cycles (which I now realize isn’t typical). These cycles were excruciatingly heavy, and during this time, I felt significantly more ill—experiencing increased vomiting, migraines, and headaches. Fortunately, the prescribed medication has offered some relief—my periods now average around 15 days in length and are less intense—but I still feel quite unwell during these times. I would greatly appreciate any support or advice available. This ongoing distress is severely affecting my life. After working so hard to regain my footing, I am fearful of jeopardizing my nursing career because of these health issues. The exhaustion is overwhelming, and my mental health is also suffering significantly as a result. Thank you for taking the time to read my message.

Answers (1)

3/26/2025, 6:11:02 PM

OpenHealth AI

It sounds like you are going through a very challenging time with your health, and it's understandable to feel overwhelmed and concerned about how these ongoing issues might affect your nursing studies and career. You’ve shown incredible resilience in your recovery from anorexia, and it’s important to address your current symptoms and improve your quality of life.

Main Points:

1. Your symptoms warrant further investigation to identify underlying causes.
2. Prioritize symptom management and self-care strategies.
3. Consider scheduling and tracking your symptoms to provide useful information to your healthcare provider when you can access care.

Explanation:

Your experiences with chronic nausea, vomiting, severe headaches, faintness, and menstrual irregularities can be complex, especially following a long battle with anorexia and your diagnosis of Polycystic Ovary Syndrome (PCOS). While your weight stabilization is a significant achievement, ongoing symptoms suggest that there may be other factors at play, such as gastrointestinal issues, hormonal imbalances, or problems related to your migraines. These conditions can significantly impact your daily life and academic responsibilities.

Next Steps:

1. Symptom Diary: Begin keeping a detailed diary of your symptoms, noting the frequency, duration, and severity of your nausea, vomiting, headaches, and menstrual cycles. Include triggers or potential correlations, such as stress or dietary changes. This can be helpful in future medical consultations.

2. Self-Care Strategies:

   • Hydration: Focus on staying hydrated, especially when feeling nauseated. Small, frequent sips of water or electrolyte solutions can help.
   • Dietary Adjustments: Consider meal patterns that may minimize nausea, such as eating smaller meals throughout the day rather than larger ones. Avoiding greasy or spicy foods might also help.
   • Manage Stress: Since stress can exacerbate both your gastrointestinal symptoms and headaches, consider incorporating relaxation techniques, such as deep breathing exercises, yoga, or mindfulness. Gentle exercise, if tolerated, can also improve overall well-being.

3. Review Current Medications and Treatments: Since you've recently seen a doctor for your PCOS, discuss the effectiveness of your current treatment and any side effects you're experiencing. You may benefit from alterations or additions to your treatment plan to manage your symptoms better.

4. Seek Continual Medical Support: Since you mentioned the limitations of the healthcare system in Northern Ireland, consider advocating for your needs. Reach out to a local health advocate or counselor for assistance in navigating appointments and follow-ups. If possible, seek a healthcare provider who specializes in chronic illnesses and women's health, as they may take a more holistic approach to your ongoing symptoms.

5. Mental Health Support: Acknowledge the mental toll this situation is having on you. Consider reaching out to a mental health professional who can help you cope with the stress and anxiety related to your health challenges. Many universities offer counseling services for students.

Reassurance:

It's essential to remember that seeking help is a step toward managing your health better, and focusing on small, actionable steps can foster a sense of control. You're not alone in this; many experience similar challenges, and there are pathways toward improvement. Your dedication to your nursing career is admirable, and addressing these health issues will support your ability to thrive in that field. Please reach out again if you need more specific information or support.