Nine Months of Unrelenting Nausea
**Age: 22, Height: 5'7", Weight: 113 lbs, Ethnicity: Caucasian, Location: United States.** Since July 2024, I've been suffering from chronic nausea that refuses to subside. I lead a lifestyle free from alcohol, tobacco, and illegal substances, and all my pregnancy tests have come back negative. This condition has led to a significant weight loss of over 15 pounds, severely impacting my ability to perform daily activities. Unfortunately, over-the-counter anti-nausea medications such as Zofran, Reglan, and Phenergan have been ineffective, and traditional home remedies have provided no relief. Additionally, I've been plagued with recurrent urinary tract infections (UTIs), having experienced five of them since September 2024, with the latest likely developing now. The bacteria identified include E. coli, E. faecalis, and S. aureus. I've had ongoing UTI problems since childhood, along with a dual-functioning left kidney that required surgical intervention to address overly constricted ureters. **So far, I have undergone various tests:** * **Gastrointestinal:** Biliary ultrasound, HIDA scan, and CT imaging returned normal results, and a mild inflammation was noted during an EGD, possibly due to my limited food intake. Gastric emptying studies indicated a mild delay, with no evident signs of gastroparesis. * **Kidney Assessment:** Found bilateral kidney stones that are non-obstructive, a dilated upper renal pole moiety, and scarring on the upper left kidney that appears chronic. * **Cardiovascular:** A 14-day heart monitor displayed episodes of sinus tachycardia, but no alarming issues were detected. My resting heart rate ranges between 90 and 110 bpm. * **Other Tests:** My bilirubin levels are slightly elevated, which might indicate Gilbert syndrome. Although there was a slight improvement in my nausea after a round of antibiotics, the relief was temporary. Interestingly, I haven’t experienced any vomiting—having only been sick three times in my adult life. I occasionally suffer from mild abdominal discomfort, probably due to constipation, which seems to have been exacerbated by the nausea medications. Nausea symptoms seem to come in cycles, but there are times when the sensation reaches a debilitating level of 10/10, making daily life unbearable. I'm curious about what might be driving this persistent nausea. How is it possible to develop kidney stones at such a young age? What accounts for my recurring UTIs despite maintaining good hygiene practices? If anyone requires further details, I can provide additional information or answer questions that could assist in understanding my situation better. I am at my wits' end and desperately need to resolve this issue so that I can regain my quality of life.
Answers (1)
3/29/2025, 5:00:55 AM
OpenHealth AI
I'm sorry to hear about the persistent nausea and the impact it has had on your life. Your situation sounds quite challenging, particularly with the weight loss and recurrent urinary tract infections (UTIs). Let's break down your concerns and explore some potential avenues for relief and management.
Main Points:
- Chronic Nausea: Your ongoing nausea may result from several factors, including gastrointestinal issues or possibly related to the recurrent UTIs.
- Kidney Stones: Developing kidney stones at your age can occur due to various factors including dietary habits, fluid intake, or genetic predispositions.
- Recurrent UTIs: Even with good hygiene practices, recurrent UTIs can be influenced by anatomical variations, particularly given your previous kidney issues.
Explanation:
Your chronic nausea, lasting nine months, can understandably be overwhelming—particularly given that you've not found relief with traditional medications. The nausea can stem from various causes, including inflammation linked to your gastrointestinal issues or underlying metabolic factors, like Gilbert syndrome that you've mentioned.
Regarding the kidney stones, they can form due to high levels of substances such as calcium, oxalate, or uric acid, even at a young age, influenced by diet, dehydration, or genetics. Frequent UTIs might be related to anatomical differences or other underlying factors despite healthy hygiene.
Next Steps:
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Hydration and Diet: Ensure you’re consuming a well-balanced diet and staying hydrated. Consider increasing your intake of water and foods high in potassium (e.g., bananas) and magnesium (e.g., leafy greens), as these may help manage kidney stone formation.
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Nausea Management: Explore dietary modifications such as eating smaller, more frequent meals rather than three large meals, and incorporating bland foods (like rice and bananas) that can help manage nausea. Avoiding trigger foods, particularly greasy or spicy foods, may also be beneficial.
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Symptom Diary: Keep a comprehensive diary of your symptoms, dietary intake, and UTI occurrences. This can help identify potential triggers and provide valuable information for any healthcare provider you consult in the future.
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Follow-up for UTIs: Discuss with a healthcare provider about potential long-term preventive strategies for your recurrent UTIs, which might include different types of antibiotics, or exploring potential underlying anatomical issues further.
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Consult a Specialist: Given the complexity of your symptoms, consider seeking a consultation with a gastroenterologist for the nausea and a urologist for the recurrent UTIs. They may explore further diagnostic tools or tailored treatment options.
Please remember that your wellbeing is paramount, and it's important to seek proactive measures that can improve your quality of life. Let me know if you need additional guidance or have specific questions about these recommendations.
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