OpenHealth Q&A

Strange Timeline of Illness

As an almost 40-year-old woman in good health, I rarely take any medication other than a daily 5000 IU vitamin D supplement. Weighing in at around 120 pounds and being of average build, I found myself facing a peculiar situation. Initially, after consuming a larger meal, I felt some bloating but dismissed it as nothing significant. However, the following day, the bloating escalated to a point where I appeared pregnant, which was quite unsettling. I assumed it would eventually subside. Later that same day, I experienced an unusual bout of burping, with an unpleasant odor that shocked me. It turned out to be a precursor to something more serious—a few hours later, I was hit with severe diarrhea, accompanied by some vomiting, although the diarrhea was the more prominent issue. This persisted for nearly 15 continuous hours, characterized by waves of urgency every few minutes. I couldn’t help but think that I had food poisoning. Then, just as I was beginning to feel desperate, my toddler woke up at 4 a.m. and started vomiting. My suspicion shifted to thinking this was a viral infection. However, my child's symptoms were milder, involving isolated episodes of vomiting or diarrhea daily, without any significant change in mood or eating habits. Remarkably, my child recovered in about 12 days, with a couple of minor vomiting incidents that barely affected appetite. In contrast, my symptoms persisted. After enduring 15 hours of intense discomfort on day one, I could barely eat anything, eventually resorting to bland foods before gradually returning to my regular diet by day five. Unfortunately, by the seventh day, I was struck again; this time it was another 12 hours of diarrhea and vomiting, accompanied by those foul-smelling burps. My recovery was slower and more challenging this time, extending into days filled with sporadic diarrhea, prompting me to stick to bland foods for an additional week. Just when I thought I was in the clear, it struck yet again! This third episode was shorter—lasting only 4 to 6 hours, with one instance of sandy-looking vomit. After a return to my bland eating regimen, for the third time I experienced the same issues just six days later; thankfully, it was a single bout without vomiting. I hoped that I was on the path to recovery, but this morning I faced another bout of explosive diarrhea, just seven days after the last incident. This has taken a toll on my mental well-being, as I struggle to care for my child amidst all this chaos. After experiencing my second episode, I consulted with my general practitioner who indicated that we were likely passing a virus and assured me it would eventually resolve. Blood tests, including liver and metabolic panels, returned normal results. A stool sample was taken to test for Campylobacter, Shigella, and Salmonella, all of which returned negative. My toddler also saw a pediatrician who confirmed there was no need for testing unless symptoms lasted beyond 14 days, which they didn’t. When I observed vomit in my child, it was explained that the intestinal lining was just sensitive, indicating no reason for concern. After the third episode, my fears tied to my health propelled me to visit the hospital. They performed a CT scan with IV contrast that examined my abdomen but not the bowels in detail, revealing only a slight defect on the liver. Further blood work did show that all results were normal aside from elevated eosinophils at 10.5% and immature granulocytes at 1.0%, which were deemed abnormal. I subsequently visited a gastroenterologist who decided to conduct a comprehensive stool analysis. So far, tests for Giardia antigens, the gastro viral panel, and various bacteria have all come back negative, as have tests for C. difficile toxins. Now, I await results for an ova and parasite test as well as a calprotectin stool sample. Although I lack expertise in this area, it’s hard for me to believe that it’s simply a coincidence that both my child and I have experienced illness. There might be an underlying issue, though I’m presently feeling defeated. I’ve lost over 10 pounds and am struggling with a sense of hopelessness. It has now been 34 days since this ordeal began. Any insights or advice would be greatly appreciated.

Answers (1)

7/12/2025, 6:10:39 PM

OpenHealth AI

I'm sorry to hear about the prolonged challenges you're facing with your health. It sounds incredibly difficult, especially while caring for your child. You've experienced a series of troubling symptoms over a month, which understandably makes you feel anxious and defeated.

Main Points:

1. Recurring Symptoms: The continuous cycle of diarrhea, vomiting, and bloating suggests an underlying issue, but your thorough testing has so far ruled out many common infections and conditions.
2. Elevated Blood Components: The elevated eosinophils and immature granulocytes may indicate an ongoing inflammatory response or sensitivity, but further context is needed.
3. Next Steps: It’s essential to focus on symptom management and lifestyle strategies while awaiting additional test results.

Explanation:

• Bloating and Gastrointestinal Symptoms: Given that both you and your child have experienced gastrointestinal distress, it's plausible that you shared a viral or bacterial infection initially. Your prolonged symptoms are atypical for most cases of foodborne illness or viral gastroenteritis, especially after negative tests for common pathogens.
• Eosinophils: High eosinophils can be linked to allergies, parasitic infections, or even certain autoimmune conditions. It’s good that further tests are being done to investigate these possibilities.
• Mental and Physical Well-being: The ongoing nature of these symptoms can take a toll on your mental health. It's crucial to prioritize supportive self-care strategies.

Actionable Steps:

1. Stay Hydrated: Focus on drinking clear fluids, such as water, herbal teas, and broths. If diarrhea persists, consider oral rehydration solutions to replenish lost electrolytes.
2. Monitor Symptoms: Keep a detailed diary of your eating habits, symptoms, and any potential food triggers. This can help identify patterns or specific foods that might exacerbate your situation.
3. Diet Adjustments: Continue with bland foods, but gradually reintroduce regular foods while monitoring for any adverse reactions. Consider focusing on low-fiber options if you're experiencing high-volume diarrhea.
4. Stress Management: Engage in practices that alleviate stress, such as gentle yoga, meditation, or breathing exercises, which can potentially help with digestion and overall well-being.
5. Follow Up: Maintain close communication with your gastroenterologist about your ongoing symptoms and the results of the forthcoming tests. Ask for a follow-up if symptoms do not resolve or worsen.
6. Support System: Reach out to family or friends for help, whether for childcare or emotional support. Your well-being is crucial for both you and your child's care.

This situation is quite complex, but know that you’re actively taking steps to address your health, which is commendable. It’s important to remain patient while you work through this process. Let me know if you need further details or specific guidance on any of the steps.