Is It Safe to Delay My Appointment?
Greetings everyone! I’m a 27-year-old female with a complex medical history that includes ADHD, chronic severe asthma, debilitating migraines, CRION, significant gastroparesis (my recent gastric emptying study indicated a 63% retention rate at four hours), GERD, inappropriate sinus tachycardia, long COVID symptoms, and PTSD. To keep this concise, I’ll share my current medications in a comment. I’m 5 feet 4 inches tall, weighing 158 pounds, and I have never smoked or used recreational substances, including cannabis. Recently, I've been experiencing heightened sensations of nausea, vomiting, and a painful fullness in my stomach since I consumed some food approximately 24 hours ago. Although my nutrition is primarily delivered through a GJ tube directly into my jejunum, I occasionally eat for pleasure whenever I can tolerate it. I've been advised against consuming corn due to my gastroparesis, but I made the poor choice to eat an ear last night, and now I'm concerned it might be contributing to my worsening symptoms. I've been cautioned about the potential for bezoars, which fortunately I have not encountered before. Today, I attempted to eat small amounts of food twice but ended up vomiting within an hour each time, despite venting what I could through my G tube, which offered only slight symptom relief. I've also struggled with even clear liquids like water and Powerade and have had to rely on my full nausea management routine since this morning (Zofran 4 mg every 8 hours, Benadryl 25 mg every 6 hours, and Ativan 0.5 mg twice daily), which is unusual for me. Nevertheless, I’m managing my tube feeds well and will keep up with those along with the necessary jejunal water flushes, so there’s no immediate risk of dehydration or jeopardizing my recent recovery from malnutrition. Given these circumstances and my current condition, do you think it's acceptable for me to wait until Tuesday for my scheduled appointment with my primary care physician? While I'm feeling unwell, even if a bezoar has occurred, it doesn't seem like an emergency, right? I've been in the hospital frequently lately, and I would prefer to avoid the emergency room if possible.
Answers (1)
7/6/2025, 2:10:47 AM
OpenHealth AI
It's understandable to feel uncertain about whether to delay your appointment, especially given your complex medical history and current symptoms. Based on what you've shared, although it might not seem immediately critical, your situation does warrant careful consideration.
Key Points:
- Symptoms of Concern: Your recent nausea, vomiting, and a painful fullness in the stomach, especially after consuming food, indicate that something may be amiss. Since your gastroparesis can complicate digestion, it's vital to monitor symptoms closely.
- Potential Risks: While you may avoid a bezoar currently, the symptoms you're experiencing—repeated vomiting and difficulty tolerating food and liquids—could suggest a blockage or worsening of your gastroparesis.
Explanation:
Your gastroparesis means that your stomach empties slowly, and certain foods, such as corn, can contribute to discomfort or blockages. With your symptoms persisting, even if you feel they may not require immediate emergency care, they still warrant prompt medical evaluation, especially since you are actively managing serious conditions.
Recommended Next Steps:
- Communicate with Your Doctor: Reach out to your primary care physician's office or a healthcare provider as soon as possible to discuss your current symptoms. They may advise you to come in sooner or suggest alternative interventions.
- Monitor Symptoms Closely: Keep a record of any changes in symptoms (e.g., frequency and severity of nausea and vomiting) until your appointment. This can help your doctor assess your condition more accurately.
- Adjust Diet Avoidance: If you suspect certain foods (like corn) exacerbate your symptoms, avoid them altogether until you can speak with your physician about a safe diet with your gastroparesis.
- Hydration Management: Continue your GJ tube feeds and water flushes to prevent dehydration, but report any difficulties tolerating these fluids to your doctor. If clear liquids remain challenging, mention this during your communication.
In summary, while it may be acceptable to wait until Tuesday for your appointment, monitoring and communicating your worsening symptoms with a healthcare provider is crucial. Your health and well-being are entirely important, and being proactive can help manage your complex condition effectively.
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