Experiencing Dark Green Vomiting?
I'm reaching out to see if I should seek medical attention, as I've come across some alarming information regarding dark green vomit online. I’m a 55-year-old female, weighing 190 lbs, and measuring 5'8”. I have mixed IBS and also deal with spinal stenosis. I believe I may have contracted norovirus after traveling out of state on Tuesday. I felt fine until yesterday morning when I woke up with a mild headache; however, it wasn’t anything concerning. Earlier in the day, I noticed a bit of loose stool, which isn't out of the ordinary for me. Although I didn't feel hungry throughout the day, I managed to eat breakfast and a substantial lunch. As dinner approached, I began feeling slightly nauseous but tried to eat something. Unfortunately, I ended up feeling faint at the restaurant, which was quite alarming, followed by another episode of severe loose stool. Once I returned to my hotel, things took a turn for the worse with frequent vomiting and diarrhea, alternating between episodes of feeling hot and shivering (I don't have a thermometer). It felt like nothing I had consumed the previous day was able to digest, as everything I vomited came up intact. At one point, I threw up a considerable amount of dark green liquid, which I understand is bile, and it had a sharp smell that hurt my nose. The volume was about two measuring cups, with a somewhat gritty texture. An odd experience I had while attempting to sleep was a strong urge to move my body, particularly my legs. I have restless leg syndrome, but this sensation felt different; almost like I was experiencing involuntary tics. Eventually, by early morning, the vomiting and diarrhea subsided, and I was able to catch a bit of sleep. My 17-year-old is doing their best to care for me during this time. I have plenty of Sprite on hand, and my nephew has offered to bring me Tylenol as my headache is becoming increasingly painful, as well as some Gatorade. I’ve managed to keep some Sprite down, but my energy levels are quite low, and I still feel hot and cold. Given that the vomiting and diarrhea have stopped, should I be concerned about the dark green vomit? I really want to avoid visiting urgent care or the emergency room if it's not necessary. Thank you for your input!
Answers (1)
3/27/2025, 2:10:43 PM
OpenHealth AI
It sounds like you're going through a very challenging time, and it's understandable to feel worried about the dark green vomit and your overall condition. Let's break down your situation.
Key Points:
- Dark Green Vomiting: This likely indicates the presence of bile, which may result from severe nausea and vomiting.
- Current Symptoms: You have experienced vomiting, diarrhea, headaches, chills, and fatigue, but these have eased somewhat.
- Potential Cause: Given your recent travel and symptoms, norovirus may be a possibility, which often causes gastrointestinal upset.
Explanation:
The dark green color in vomit typically occurs when the stomach is empty, and bile is being expelled. This can happen during episodes of severe vomiting. Since you've had a change in bowel habits and vomiting, it's essential to stay vigilant about your hydration status and overall symptoms. The fact that you've been able to keep some fluids down is a good sign.
Next Steps:
-
Hydration: Continue to sip on clear fluids like Sprite and Gatorade, but focus more on solutions like Pedialyte for proper electrolyte balance. Avoid sugary drinks if they cause discomfort.
-
Rest: Prioritize rest to help your body recover. It's important to allow yourself to heal.
-
Monitor Symptoms: Keep track of your symptoms. If you experience any of the following, seek immediate medical attention:
- Severe abdominal pain or tenderness
- High fever (above 100.4°F)
- Persistent vomiting (unable to keep any fluids down)
- Signs of dehydration (dry mouth, less urination, dizziness)
- Severe headaches that do not respond to Tylenol or worsen
-
Continue Pain Management: If you're able to take Tylenol for your headache, do so as recommended. Ensure that you stay within safe dosage limits.
-
Consider Restless Leg Syndrome Management: If the unusual sensations in your legs continue, you might find gentle stretching or light massage beneficial until you feel well enough to consult about your usual restless leg management.
While I understand the urge to avoid urgent care, if symptoms worsen or do not improve within the next 24 hours, please reconsider seeking medical advice for safety. Your well-being is the most important thing right now. Take care, and I hope you feel better soon!
Related Questions
Managing Early Appendicitis: Antibiotics vs. Surgery
I’m a 21-year-old who recently had a CT scan revealing mild inflammation in my appendix and lymph nodes. My doctor informed me that surgery might not be necessary if the antibiotics effectively alleviate my discomfort by tomorrow. However, I can’t shake my fears about a potential recurrence of the inflammation. The thought of going through a post-surgery recovery terrifies me, so I really want to steer clear of that option. Has anyone opted for antibiotics rather than surgical intervention? What was your experience like?
Severe Abdominal Discomfort
An 18-year-old male, with no history of smoking or current medications, finds himself at home, surrounded by his sleeping family. He stands approximately 5 feet 11 inches tall and weighs around 220 pounds. Lately, he has been experiencing persistent discomfort in the lower left side of his abdomen. This sensation has intensified recently, culminating in a bout of vomiting, which was notably different this time, presenting more solid material rather than the usual liquid with some fragments. The level of pain has escalated significantly, leaving him uncertain about seeking medical assistance at this moment. What steps should he take?
Concerns Over My Partner's Persistent Pain and Resistance to Seek Medical Help
I’m facing a worrying situation with my partner, a 40-year-old man who stands 6 feet 1 inch tall and weighs approximately 19 stone. Here's a brief overview of his medical background: Twenty years ago, he experienced two instances of deep vein thrombosis (DVT) in his left shoulder. Following the second incident, doctors discovered an abnormal growth of a rib that was pressing against a vein, which was the cause of those DVTs. More recently, he dealt with a blood clot in his calf last year. Fortunately, that was successfully treated, and he returned to his normal health. Although he was advised to continue taking apixaban for the long term, he has, unfortunately, chosen not to follow through with this guidance. He also has a history of elevated blood pressure. For the past couple of days, he has been experiencing two concerning symptoms that emerged simultaneously: a persistent cough with no accompanying cold or flu signs, and a severe pain located on the right side of his torso. He describes this discomfort as being mostly in his stomach yet extending slightly to his back. I would pinpoint the troubled area as the lower part of his ribs along the side of his body. It's unusual for him to express discomfort or complain about his health, so his recent grievances signal to me that the pain is likely quite significant. Despite my repeated suggestions for him to visit a doctor, he insists that he may have simply pulled a muscle. To manage the pain, he's been applying an ibuprofen cream (voltarol) and taking naproxen, but neither seems to provide relief. What might be the underlying issue here? I hope that some medical professionals who see this post can offer their insights, which might persuade him to consider making a doctor’s appointment. I’m open to providing any additional information you might require for a more informed perspective. Thank you for your help!
Experiencing Unusual Sensitivity to Paracetamol
Hello, Reddit community! I'm a newcomer here, so please bear with me as I navigate this platform as well as the rules. I appreciate your understanding regarding my writing skills. I find myself in a situation that lacks sufficient information online, and I'm reaching out for insights from others. Currently, I have reasons to believe that I might be experiencing a unique sensitivity to paracetamol, and I’d like to share my timeline regarding this matter. Throughout my life, I generally had no issues with paracetamol. I used various brands multiple times and felt fine. However, starting in the fourth grade, I began to experience difficulties with it. My initial problems were respiratory-related, but soon they also affected my gastrointestinal system. I haven't had any formal testing yet, but I can safely use other pain relievers like NSAIDs without any adverse effects. Initially, I tolerated paracetamol relatively well; my early symptoms seemed like common side effects. Unfortunately, it escalated to severe reactions, including vomiting, tightening of the throat, blood in my mucus, and shortness of breath. In my confusion, I thought limiting my dosage could help, which it did temporarily, but eventually even the reduced amounts failed to be effective. I experimented with syrup formulations that contain less paracetamol or where it isn't the primary ingredient, and found those to be more manageable. Recently, however, even those have become problematic, making it necessary for me to seek alternatives to paracetamol, as it has become increasingly intolerable. Through my research, I discovered that such reactions often stem from cross-sensitivity to other medications or from preexisting respiratory conditions. I lack a history of asthma or other respiratory issues, so I’m inclined to dismiss that possibility, although I remain uncertain. Moreover, I have no known allergies, which adds to my confusion since my reactions only occur with this one particular medication while all others seem fine. It is difficult for me to process this change, especially since I used to have no issues with paracetamol. It is widely available and generally considered safe, so I struggle to understand the source of my suffering. Many people insist that these reactions are normal side effects, leading me to question whether I am overreacting. The immediacy of my reactions intensifies my concern; I don’t even need to swallow the medication completely before I notice my throat constricting, increased mucus production, and shortly thereafter, some blood in my mucus along with persistent coughing. This pattern has become consistent, whereas it used to depend on the dosage. Now, regardless of how much I take, the same symptoms occur. I’ve tried to dismiss it, not wanting to worry my parents or seek medical attention for a dosage safety test, fearing I’ve already pushed my body too much. However, I am considering discussing my concerns with my mother since she is increasingly worried about my use of this medication. I’m not seeking a diagnosis or medical advice—I understand I should probably consult a professional. I’m just interested in knowing if anyone else has faced similar experiences, as the confusion grows. What I once assumed were normal side effects now seem to signify something more concerning.
Chronic Hypersomnia Since Adolescence: A Seeking Path for Answers
I am a 30-year-old white male, standing 5 feet 11 inches tall and weighing 160 pounds, residing in the United States. **Current Medications:** - Adderall XR 40 mg - Sunosi 150 mg - Lisinopril 40 mg - Atenolol 25 mg - Tolvaptan 60 mg **Medical Background:** - Autosomal Dominant Polycystic Kidney Disease (ADPKD) at stage 2 (eGFR 67) - Obstructive Sleep Apnea (utilizing CPAP machine since July 2024) - Complex Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder (CPTSD) **Symptoms Experienced:** - Persistent and overwhelming sleepiness—more than just fatigue—accompanied by a heavy feeling in my face and chest; I struggle to keep my eyes open and often feel as if I am burdened. - I sleep for 10 to 14 hours every night, supplemented by involuntary naps lasting 1 to 2 hours multiple times throughout the day. - None of my sleep feels restorative, leading to a groggy, hangover-like state upon waking. - Cognitive challenges including a lack of focus, forgetfulness, and trouble retrieving words, which have grown more pronounced over the last four years. - Activities as simple as showering or cooking now feel like moving through molasses. - I experience low physical endurance and lengthy recovery times, even though I previously maintained a regular exercise routine. My late father exhibited similar symptoms with the addition of seizures he associated with alcoholism, although he was never assessed medically. I, on the other hand, do not have any alcohol or addiction issues. **Specialist Consultations:** - **Sleep Specialist:** A Multiple Sleep Latency Test (MSLT) ruled out narcolepsy with no Sleep Onset REM Periods (SOREMs) and a 12-minute latency. I comply with CPAP therapy for an average of eight hours each night, but there has been no alleviation of my symptoms. Testing revealed no periodic limb movement disorders, alpha-delta intrusions, or unexplained nighttime arousals. - **Nephrologist:** Symptoms are considered unlikely to stem from my current stage of ADPKD. Tests show I’m not anemic, with standard iron levels. - **Rheumatologist:** An ANA titer of 1:320 with a speckled and nucleolar pattern appears elevated; however, all specific autoimmune tests returned negative. Monitoring was suggested without a clear diagnosis provided. - **Psychiatrist:** It was determined that my symptoms do not seem to be connected to mental health issues. My therapist has also validated in a letter that my condition is unrelated to psychological factors. - **Miscellaneous Findings:** An arachnoid cyst was detected in my brain. My white blood cell count is borderline low and my red blood cell count alternates between normal and low realms. Testosterone levels are within the normal range, though morning cortisol is slightly elevated. Normetanephrine is elevated at 2.15 nmol/L, while metanephrine remains normal at 0.27 nmol/L. Both Vitamin D and B12 levels are adequate. Tests for STIs returned negative results. **Current Situation:** I am currently on disability, unable to work even in part-time capacities and can no longer engage in exercise, finding myself nearly confined to my home. I feel as though I am being sent from one specialist to another without gaining clarity on my condition. What avenues should I explore next? Which type of medical professional might offer further insight? I'm beginning to doubt my own experiences, pondering if I am merely being lazy or overly sensitive.