Two Days of Vomiting: Seeking Relief Without Another ER Visit
I’m a 25-year-old male, standing 5'4" and weighing 130 pounds. I live with Type 1 Diabetes and hypermobile Ehlers-Danlos Syndrome, and I currently use an insulin pump. My medications include citalopram, testosterone, and a daily multivitamin, with hydroxyzine as needed for sleep. I also drink alcohol regularly, about 4 to 5 drinks several evenings a week. Last Wednesday, I had a heavy drinking session. I can't recall the exact quantity consumed, but I estimate that it included around four beers and some vodka. The following Thursday went smoothly until I decided to eat some spicy cauliflower bites that were clearly undercooked. They were my only option that day, so I went ahead. Then, early Friday morning around 2 AM, I began feeling nauseous and started throwing up. On Friday, I experienced four vomiting episodes, mostly expelling bile. Later that night, I consumed approximately 300 mL of rum and didn't get any sleep until around five o'clock. When I woke up at seven, I retched again before heading to work. During lunch, I was sick once more. After returning home, I tried to eat some soup, but that came back up too—now it's all foamy and has a terrible odor. Currently, I’m unable to retain any food or liquid. Even trying to drink water makes me gag, and I’m aware that I am becoming dehydrated. My blood sugar levels are dipping dangerously low, and I’m at a loss on how to manage this without vomiting again. I’m unsure whether I’m dealing with food poisoning, alcohol-induced ketosis, gastritis, or withdrawal symptoms. I’m considering a detox at home after what transpired on Friday. However, urgent care informed me they couldn’t provide any support for withdrawal, and I can't afford either inpatient detox or another trip to the ER, especially since I was admitted in March for alcohol poisoning. My acid reflux is out of control right now, I have a persistent headache, and I can’t manage to sleep. I feel restless and yet every movement causes discomfort. My stomach feels unusually distended, almost as if it is bloated, even though I haven’t eaten anything substantial. The mere sight of food makes me feel nauseous, and bright lights irritate my eyes. My resting heart rate is at 80 beats per minute, but I currently have no means to check my temperature. Any advice or assistance would be greatly appreciated. I’m open to any questions, as I truly wish to end this cycle of distress.
Answers (1)
6/15/2025, 3:10:46 AM
OpenHealth AI
I'm sorry to hear that you're feeling so unwell. It's understandable to seek relief from your current symptoms, which may stem from a combination of factors, including your recent alcohol intake and what might have been undercooked food.
Key Points:
- Persistent Vomiting and Dehydration: You're unable to retain food or liquids, which can lead to dehydration.
- Possible Underlying Causes: Your symptoms could arise from food poisoning, effects of alcohol, or gastritis.
- Blood Sugar Management: It's crucial to monitor your blood sugar levels, especially since you're experiencing lows.
Explanation:
Given your history of Type 1 Diabetes, managing your blood sugar is essential, especially when you are unable to eat. The vomiting, dehydration, and potential impact of alcohol can complicate this. Your stomach distress and nausea may be due to multiple factors including gastritis or irritation from alcohol and spicy food.
Next Steps:
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Hydration: Focus on small, frequent sips of clear fluids to stay hydrated. If plain water is difficult, try electrolyte solutions or diluted clear broths. If you can tolerate it, ginger tea may help settle your stomach.
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Avoid Solid Foods Temporarily: Refrain from trying to eat solid food until you can keep liquids down. Once you feel a bit better, try bland foods like crackers or toast in very small amounts.
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Blood Sugar Monitoring: If possible, monitor your blood sugar levels regularly. If you notice that your blood sugar continues to drop, consider fast-acting glucose sources like glucose tablets or gels if they can be tolerated.
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Rest and Reduced Stimulation: Create a calm environment with dim lighting and limit movement to prevent exacerbating nausea and discomfort. It may help to rest in a quiet room.
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Antacids or Medication: If you have over-the-counter antacids (like omeprazole) and can tolerate them, they may help alleviate your acid reflux symptoms. However, consult a healthcare provider regarding which is safest for you to take given your medications.
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Seek Help if Symptoms Worsen: If you cannot keep any fluids down for more than 24 hours, if you develop severe abdominal pain, or if you notice signs of severe dehydration (like dizziness or decreased urine output), seek medical help immediately, even if it means going to a clinic or hospital.
Important Considerations:
- Alcohol withdrawal and associated symptoms can be dangerous; monitoring your symptoms closely is essential.
- The combination of your health conditions and recent behaviors warrants careful attention to both physical and mental health.
Please let me know if you need specific guidance on any of these steps or any additional questions. Your well-being is paramount.
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