Struggling with Chronic Nausea
At 23 years old, standing 4'11" and weighing approximately 45 kg, I recently shared my ongoing battle with persistent nausea, vomiting, and diarrhea. After consulting with my healthcare providers, they identified that I am suffering from pronounced low phosphate levels along with deficiencies in several essential vitamins. They attribute my gastrointestinal issues to severe gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD) and irritable bowel syndrome (IBS). Despite being prescribed cyclizine, my doctors are hesitant to continue it, as I still struggle to consume adequate food—not eating at times due to frequent vomiting and diarrhea. Currently, my treatment regimen includes lansoprazole, cyclizine, and loperamide in an effort to alleviate my symptoms. Regrettably, I've reached a breaking point and am feeling utterly hopeless, contemplating drastic measures because this way of living has become unbearable. Over the last six months, I've experienced significant weight loss, and I'm on the verge of losing my job due to excessive absences; even leaving my home is a challenge because of severe fainting, vomiting, and diarrhea episodes. I would greatly appreciate any suggestions for additional therapies or treatments to consider alongside my current medications. Furthermore, what tests should I insist that my doctors perform? Any guidance or support would mean a lot to me.
Answers (1)
3/29/2025, 1:30:47 AM
OpenHealth AI
I'm truly sorry to hear how debilitating your symptoms have been and the impact it's having on your quality of life. It's understandable to feel overwhelmed when facing persistent health issues like chronic nausea, vomiting, and diarrhea, especially when these have led to significant weight loss and challenges in your daily life. Let's focus on some actionable steps that can help manage your condition better.
Key Points:
- Addressing Nutritional Deficiencies: It's critical to manage any vitamin and mineral deficiencies, particularly low phosphate levels, which can contribute to your symptoms.
- Symptom Management: Since conventional medications have not fully alleviated your symptoms, exploring additional therapies could be beneficial.
- Monitoring and Testing: Engaging in discussions with your healthcare provider about further tests can lead to better-targeted treatment options.
Explanation:
Chronic nausea and gastrointestinal issues can often be intertwined with nutritional malabsorption, especially with conditions like reflux disease and IBS. The medications you are currently using, such as lansoprazole for GERD, cyclizine for nausea, and loperamide for diarrhea, are helpful but may need to be adjusted or complemented with other approaches.
Next Steps:
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Nutritional Support:
- Consider seeing a registered dietitian: They can provide tailored advice to help you maintain nutrient intake, focusing on high-calorie, nutrient-dense foods that are easier to digest. They may suggest options like smoothies or soft foods to alleviate gastrointestinal discomfort.
- Possible Supplements: Discuss with your healthcare provider about taking phosphate or vitamin supplements (such as B vitamins or vitamin D) to address deficiencies without causing further gastrointestinal upset.
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Additional Therapies:
- Probiotics: Some evidence suggests probiotics can help stabilize gut health in IBS patients. Ask your doctor whether starting a probiotic supplement could provide you with some relief.
- Alternative anti-nausea options: Speak with your doctor about other medications or therapies like ondansetron that may be more effective than cyclizine and might help with nausea and vomiting.
- Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT): If stress or anxiety exacerbates your symptoms, exploring CBT or working with a therapist may help manage your condition more holistically.
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Proactive Testing:
- Thorough blood tests: Request a complete metabolic panel to check electrolyte and vitamin levels comprehensively.
- Endoscopy or imaging: If suggested, these tests can help rule out other underlying conditions and assess the severity of GERD or any potential structural issues in your gastrointestinal tract.
- Hydrogen breath test: To evaluate for any potential issues with carbohydrate malabsorption, which might inform your approach to dietary changes.
Support:
Please know that you're not alone, and there are professionals who can help you navigate this tough time. Consider reaching out to a support group, either online or locally, to connect with others experiencing similar challenges.
It’s important to stay persistent in seeking relief, and please don’t hesitate to advocate for yourself in conversations with your healthcare providers. Let me know if you need further assistance or clarification on any of these points.
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