Seeking Relief from Constant Nausea
Greetings, Reddit community, I find myself in desperate need of assistance. Please forgive the disjointed nature of my message; I’m feeling overwhelmed and frustrated. I am a 32-year-old woman from the UK, Caucasian. My current medication includes cetirizine. To clarify, I partake in very little alcohol—only during special events—and I neither smoke nor engage in recreational drugs. In my teenage years and early twenties, I endured sporadic episodes of severe abdominal pain that could only be alleviated by lying flat. At times, the discomfort was so intense that I genuinely thought I was experiencing an appendix emergency. For the last decade, I have been battling recurring bouts of nausea and stomach discomfort. Although the agonizing cramps have subsided, I am left with persistent queasiness, abdominal pain, bloating, frequent burping, and an overall feeling of malaise that includes symptoms such as anxiety, hot flashes, and fatigue. During flare-ups, the nausea intensifies, often leading me to rush to the bathroom in anticipation of vomiting—though I do not actually vomit. I frequently experience a tight sensation in my throat, known as a 'glob,' and find no respite regardless of whether I am standing, seated, or lying down. These episodes can last anywhere from several days to weeks. My bowel movements are generally regular, but I do occasionally face constipation. I have consulted my general practitioner multiple times over the years. Most often, they conduct a few tests for vitamin deficiencies and H. Pylori, prescribe omeprazole and some vitamins, and then advise me, "It sounds like IBS. Sorry about that." While I’m open to the IBS diagnosis, I am frustrated that none of the prescribed treatments have alleviated my symptoms. I have tried omeprazole, Pepto-Bismol, antacids, anti-nausea medications, B12, and iron supplements—yet nothing seems effective. I've also maintained food journals, eliminated dairy from my diet, and experimented with fasting. I plan to begin a low-FODMAP diet for 6-8 weeks while keeping track of my symptoms. Interestingly, my symptoms don’t appear to be food-related, as I can consume an abundance of wholesome, home-cooked meals and still experience debilitating nausea. Conversely, I have fast food or processed meals at times with no issues whatsoever. Ultimately, I am not fixated on the diagnosis of IBS; what I truly crave is relief from this relentless nausea that disrupts my life. When flare-ups occur, they hinder my concentration and sleep, leaving me scared of potential vomiting. I seek guidance on how to effectively communicate with my GP to ensure they recognize the severe impact this has on my mental health during flare-ups and to seek a clearer understanding of what is actually happening with my body. Thank you for taking the time to read my concerns.
Answers (1)
4/23/2025, 10:02:00 AM
OpenHealth AI
I'm sorry to hear about the persistent nausea and discomfort you're experiencing. It's understandable to feel overwhelmed when dealing with such ongoing symptoms, especially when they affect your daily life and mental health. Let's focus on finding some relief and improving your communication with your GP.
Main Points:
- Persistent Nausea: Your ongoing symptoms may relate to an underlying condition like IBS, but relief is the priority.
- Communicating with Your GP: It's important to express the severity of your symptoms and their impact on your quality of life.
Explanation:
The symptoms you're describing—nausea, abdominal pain, bloating, and the sensation of a tight throat—could indeed be related to conditions like Irritable Bowel Syndrome (IBS) or other gastrointestinal disorders. Stress and anxiety can also exacerbate these symptoms, influencing how your body reacts during flare-ups. You've already taken proactive steps—like eliminating certain foods and planning to try a low-FODMAP diet—which can help, but it may take time to find the right approach.
Actionable Next Steps:
-
Start Low-FODMAP Diet: Begin your low-FODMAP diet as planned for 6-8 weeks. Monitor your symptoms closely to identify any potential triggers or patterns.
-
Keep a Detailed Symptom Journal: Continue tracking food intake, symptoms, and their intensity. Note how the nausea impacts your concentration and sleep. This diary can be valuable for your next GP visit.
-
Prepare for Your GP Appointment:
- Make a list of all your symptoms and their severity.
- Share how your symptoms affect your daily life, mental well-being, and anxiety levels.
- Discuss the treatments you've tried and their effects. Being clear about what hasn't worked can help guide your doctor towards alternative options.
-
Explore Additional Relief Measures:
- Hydration: Ensure you’re staying hydrated, as this can help alleviate nausea.
- Ginger or Peppermint: Consider natural remedies like ginger tea or peppermint capsules. These can sometimes soothe nausea for many individuals.
- Mindfulness and Relaxation Techniques: Stress management techniques such as deep breathing exercises, meditation, or yoga can help ease anxiety and may reduce the severity of flare-ups.
-
Follow-Up: Keep your GP posted on any changes or lack of improvement. If your symptoms do not improve or worsen, advocate for further tests or referrals to specialists such as a gastroenterologist.
Remember, you're not alone in this, and it’s okay to seek a deeper understanding of what’s happening with your body. Keep advocating for yourself, and don’t hesitate to reach out for support when you need it. If there’s anything more specific you’d like to discuss or clarify, feel free to ask.
Related Questions
Inquiries About Migraines and Digestive Discomfort
Hello, I'm a 23-year-old woman experiencing some troubling migraine episodes along with persistent stomach issues. [STOMACH ISSUES] My stomach troubles began in my childhood, though my recollections are a bit hazy. The main onset happened around the age of 15. I've noted various symptoms throughout these experiences: 1) I often encounter a sensation of heaviness in my abdomen, akin to food that hasn’t completely digested; I suspect this to be indigestion. If I neglect to address it, the discomfort can linger for several days. My remedy involves inducing vomiting to relieve my stomach of any undigested food, which typically helps, followed by the occasional burp. I observe that these symptoms are more pronounced when I am cold or if my clothes are constricting post-meal. 2) Another troubling symptom is a sharp, stinging pain that feels reminiscent of a spicy discomfort. This, too, can persist for days and is alleviated by drinking plenty of water. However, I’ve noticed that even mild beverages like iced tea or a bit of coffee can trigger intense pain. I tend to avoid cold water, and drinking any water at all often exacerbates my discomfort. If I attempt to relieve the pain through vomiting, it still takes several days of recovery, which involves eating less, avoiding acidic drinks, and consuming bread. Each time I burp, I can feel stomach acids rising. One particularly severe incident occurred when the heaviness escalated to the point where I needed emergency assistance due to my pale appearance. It felt as if something sharp and pulsating was burrowing into my stomach, sometimes gripping it tightly. To provide some relief, my mom would massage my abdomen gently, but the pain was so overwhelming that I lost consciousness. The doctor ultimately concluded that my condition was not serious and recommended more rest and proper nutrition, but I have my doubts about that diagnosis. [MIGRAINES] My migraine episodes started during my college years at age 19. The headaches were debilitating, making it difficult for me to concentrate on my studies. After cutting my hair into an undercut while keeping the length on top for style, I noticed a reduction in headache frequency, especially during intense study sessions. However, as my hair has grown back, the migraines have returned with greater severity. One of my worst experiences felt similar to a migraine with an aura, particularly affecting the back and left side of my head, which was excruciating enough to require ibuprofen. I also experienced pain in my left eye, rendering it nearly impossible to keep open. I'm concerned that I may have an increased sensitivity to light, excessive heat in my head, or perhaps poor posture contributing to these migraines. Could anyone provide advice on how to prevent these episodes from recurring, or at least manage the pain more effectively? Currently, I’m seeking employment to afford my own medical costs, as my mother warns that many doctors here prioritize profit over patient care. Therefore, I’m eager to discover some solutions or alternatives in the interim. Thank you!
Seeking Insight on My Aversion
As a 20-year-old, I'm grappling with a peculiar issue and I could really use some insight. Over the years, I’ve developed a notable aversion to certain situations that induce feelings of discomfort. For instance, I find myself feeling quite repulsed when I step on or even get too close to drains in bathtubs and showers. It’s not fear that drives this reaction; rather, it’s an overwhelming sense of disgust that prevents me from stepping directly onto or near them. In public spaces, this aversion manifests itself too. If I spot litter on sidewalks or see piles of leaves that appear unkempt, I can't help but gravitate towards specific areas of the ground. I often catch myself gingerly stepping around these messy spots, as if I'm engaged in a game of hopscotch, waiting until the ground appears acceptable for me to walk normally. Additionally, I’ve noticed that I frequently look down as I walk, worried that I might inadvertently step on something unpleasant, like discarded food or other unsightly items. This behavior has made me question its origins and whether it holds any specific meaning. Moreover, I’ve observed that throughout different stages of my life, I tend to walk on my tiptoes, almost as though it's my default mode of movement rather than using the entire foot. It's become so habitual that I assumed everyone might experience it. At times, when I’m faced with the same concern about dirtiness underfoot, I choose to walk on my tiptoes to avoid making contact with the ground. What could be behind these tendencies? Is there a term for what I’m experiencing?
Seeking Direction for My Health Journey: Feeling Overwhelmed and Unwell
I'm reaching out for advice as I await my appointment with a new healthcare provider in two weeks. My journey with pain has been challenging; I was diagnosed with fibromyalgia without undergoing any tests, and unfortunately, my experience has not been supportive—my symptoms have only intensified over time. To give you some background, I'm 18 years old, and the discomfort began approximately six months after my child was born. In April of last year, I woke up with a slight ache in my left shoulder. It felt as if I had simply slept on it awkwardly, and it was most noticeable in the mornings. However, over the next few weeks, the pain gradually spread to my neck, still feeling muscular, prompting me to stretch often, believing it would eventually improve. Eventually, I consulted a doctor who diagnosed me with an inflamed rotator cuff based solely on movement tests. Although I was advised to take ibuprofen, there was no noticeable improvement. Two months later, the discomfort escalated considerably, spreading to my right shoulder and neck. The pain, which feels deep beneath my shoulder blades, intensified and transformed into a sharp ache radiating under my shoulder towards my upper arm, leading me back to the doctor. During that visit, I walked away with a fibromyalgia diagnosis, which seemed rushed; it was based solely on a few tender points that corresponded with common fibromyalgia markers. No blood tests, imaging, or further examination were conducted. It's important to note that I had also become a mother only six months prior to the onset of my pain, and I never received any postpartum follow-up due to insurance constraints, which adds to my worries. Feeling overlooked during that appointment, I have not sought further medical assistance since—this was around June. Since then, the pain has extended into my arms and mid-back, often flaring up more intensely on one side rather than being evenly felt. Recently, I've also noticed issues with dropping items and have developed sensitive spots on my arms that hurt to the touch. In addition, I've been grappling with extreme fatigue. This doesn’t seem tied to a lack of sleep; my child sleeps through the night, but by evening I find myself overwhelmingly tired most days, often struggling to stay awake after putting my child to bed. In the past week, the aching has surged once more, especially in the original site—the left shoulder blade—and it now extends down my left arm. What were once just tender spots have become deep, sharp pains that make using that arm difficult. Typically, my discomfort is a mixture of tightness and a dull ache, rather than a sharp pain. I feel lost regarding what to advocate for during my upcoming appointment. After being dismissed by numerous doctors for what feel like serious problems, I simply want to feel normal again. I'm trying to grasp potential conditions that could be behind this gradual increase in pain and the unilateral flare-ups. I would like to know what tests or referrals might be reasonable to request during my appointment—whether that's imaging, lab tests, or evaluations by specialists. Any guidance you can provide would be greatly appreciated.
Struggling with Hyperthyroidism: My Ongoing Challenge
About a month ago, I started facing severe restlessness and overwhelming anxiety, accompanied by difficulty sleeping, irregular heartbeats, mood swings, and elevated blood pressure. Normally, I lead an active lifestyle and maintain good health, meaning my vital signs were within acceptable limits, albeit on the higher end for me. Initially, we suspected that these issues could be linked to my recent return to Prozac, which I promptly stopped taking. It took me a few weeks to finally schedule an appointment with my primary care physician (PCP) to conduct laboratory tests, specifically to examine my thyroid function. The results indicated an abnormally low TSH level at .246, with a T4 level that was on the higher end of normal at 1.77. A week later, I inadvertently had another set of tests done, revealing an increase in my TSH to .346 and a T4 level of 1.84. An endocrinologist advised that I undergo yet another series of tests, which resulted in a TSH level of .39 and a T4 of 1.7. Despite trying medications like hydroxyzine for my anxiety, they haven’t proven effective, and I find that trazodone does little to assist with my sleep issues. Ativan has been effective occasionally for sleep and alleviating panic attacks, but I take it under strict medical supervision. My psychiatrist is cautious about resuming SSRIs until we get my thyroid situation sorted out, and I'm uncertain how long that will take. Though my lab results are classified as "subacute," my PCP consulted with an endocrinologist who suggested that my initial feelings of panic and anxiety might stem from hyperthyroidism. They want to ensure that it isn’t a temporary condition like thyroiditis, but my current lab results resemble those from the time when my symptoms first began. How do medical professionals usually interpret such lab outcomes? Is there a treatment plan for subacute hyperthyroidism? Additionally, getting an appointment with an endocrinologist is quite a challenge. I’m currently awaiting feedback from one regarding my latest tests and whether treatment should commence. If it is determined that I have hyperthyroidism, would my PCP be able to initiate treatment? I am desperate to find relief from the persistent anxiety, panic, heart palpitations, and other physical ailments that have plagued me for far too long. I do have access to a beta blocker to manage some of the physical symptoms, which I understand is often the first line of treatment for hyperthyroidism. I would greatly appreciate insights or advice from healthcare professionals or anyone who has faced similar challenges.
Neck Discomfort, Migraines, and Rising Anxiety Levels
As a 28-year-old female, I have endured persistent neck discomfort for six years. However, in the past three weeks, the intensity of my pain has escalated significantly. The agony is predominantly located in the left occipital and suboccipital regions, radiating towards my left temple, the area behind my eye, and extending into my ear and jaw. Additionally, my left trapezius and sternocleidomastoid muscles are experiencing strain. Medical assessments have revealed a few bulging discs at the C5-6 and C6-7 levels, leading to nerve pain that travels down my left arm into my shoulder, bicep, hand, and fingers. Recently, I've become increasingly concerned about the severe occipital and cervical pain, fearing it may suggest a vertebral or carotid artery dissection or compression, particularly since I’ve been experiencing blurred vision, intermittent dizziness, and a sense of weakness in my limbs. Moreover, I suspect I might have hypermobile Ehlers-Danlos Syndrome (hEDS), as I tend to be hypermobile and experience widespread joint pain. The anxiety over my health issues has reached new heights; as a single mother of two, the thought of my own mortality is overwhelming. I am scheduled for a consultation with a sports medicine specialist in a couple of weeks. For the past six months, I have been undergoing physical therapy without significant improvement. I have experimented with various types of pillows, trained myself to sleep on my back, and have resorted to using a heating pad at home, yet my condition seems to have worsened more than ever before.