Struggling with Severe Appetite Loss and Ongoing Health Issues
Hi there! I'm a 20-year-old female, and I'm reaching out after consulting with two physicians and a nurse practitioner, yet I'm still without answers. About a month back, I unexpectedly stopped feeling hungry—my meals, even those of my favorite dishes, seem unappetizing, and I can only manage a few bites before feeling overly full. Unfortunately, this has deteriorated to the point where, over the past three days, I've only managed to consume around 10 saltine crackers daily. In an effort to maintain some nutrition, I’ve been hydrating excessively and supplementing with vitamins and protein shakes, but I'm feeling quite dreadful. Here’s a comprehensive overview of my symptoms: - I wake up nauseous each morning, experiencing vomiting about half the time. - My sleeping pattern is disrupted—I struggle to fall asleep and wake up 8 to 10 times nightly. - I have no sensation of hunger whatsoever. - The mere sight of food sometimes triggers feelings of nausea. - When I do manage to eat, I feel satisfied far too quickly. - I constantly experience liquid diarrhea. - Overall, I feel unusually fatigued and weak. I have undergone blood and urine tests, both of which returned without any notable findings. Additionally, I have an ultrasound scheduled for two weeks from now. A similar episode occurred last year, which led to a significant weight loss of 30 pounds in just two months; I currently weigh 130 pounds at a height of 170 cm, and I'm concerned about slipping into an underweight category. As an electrician, my physical job has become exceedingly challenging under these conditions, and I would be grateful for any advice or insights. This situation is truly distressing for me.
Answers (1)
7/12/2025, 12:30:48 PM
OpenHealth AI
I'm really sorry to hear that you’re experiencing such distressing symptoms. It sounds incredibly challenging, especially given your physical job and previous episodes. Let's break down your situation to provide some guidance that addresses your immediate concerns.
Main Points
You've developed severe appetite loss with nausea, vomiting, disrupted sleep, and diarrhea, which is affecting your nutrition and overall health. It's essential to prioritize symptom management and explore potential causes while awaiting further diagnostic results.
Explanation
Your symptoms—loss of appetite, nausea, vomiting, diarrhea, fatigue, and disrupted sleep—can result from various underlying issues, including gastrointestinal disorders, anxiety, or metabolic concerns. While your blood and urine tests returned normal, this doesn't rule out conditions that might not be easily detected through standard tests. The upcoming ultrasound may provide further insights.
Next Steps
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Hydration & Nutritional Support: Continue prioritizing hydration but consider varying your liquid intake to include electrolytes and broths. If protein shakes are tolerable, keep consuming them, but try to blend in easy-to-digest foods like yogurt or smoothies for additional nutrition if you're able.
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Dietary Adjustments: Focus on small, frequent meals rather than three larger ones. Try bland foods—like rice, bananas, or applesauce—which may be easier to handle when you're nauseous. Listen to your body and eat what feels manageable.
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Report Changes: Keep track of your symptoms (when they occur, their severity, any triggers) to help identify patterns. Note especially any changes after eating different types of foods.
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Sleep Hygiene: Since your sleep is disrupted, establish a calming bedtime routine—this might include winding down without screens, engaging in light stretching, or practicing relaxation techniques like deep breathing.
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Stress Management: Consider techniques like mindfulness or gentle yoga, which could help alleviate some anxiety that may contribute to your symptoms.
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Follow Up on Symptoms: Keep in close contact with your healthcare providers. If your symptoms worsen (more frequent vomiting, significant weight loss, or inability to keep anything down), reach out as soon as possible.
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Gradual Activity: Listen to your body regarding work. You may need to adapt your workload or take breaks if you're feeling fatigued.
Your well-being is the top priority. It's important to keep advocating for your health, and I hope you find some relief with these strategies. If you have further questions or want to discuss anything in more detail, please let me know.
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