Struggling with Ongoing Abdominal Issues
I’m 37 years old, standing 5 feet 5 inches tall and weighing 205 pounds. In June 2023, I underwent gallbladder removal due to complications, and I have a Mallory Weiss tear. I don’t smoke and have maintained sobriety for approximately five years. The only medications I take are famotidine for occasional heartburn and Excedrin for migraines. My health struggles have persisted for about three years now. My ordeal began in May 2022, and no, I am not expecting a child. I experienced severe vomiting, unable to retain anything in my stomach for more than a few minutes. In that month alone, I lost nearly 70 pounds. After spending four days in the hospital, I was informed that sludge in my gallbladder was inconsequential, and they assured me I was fine—suggesting it was all psychological. After such dismissals, I felt hopeless for a time. Eventually, I began experiencing severe, sharp pain on my side. I underwent two HIDA scans and even participated in a test where I consumed oatmeal and laid still in a scanner for an entire hour, but I ended up vomiting into a basin during the process. Nevertheless, the doctors insisted that everything appeared normal. After a few months of enduring persistent pain, I could no longer tolerate it and had to have my gallbladder surgically removed in June 2023. The gallbladder was swollen and filled with stones, and it was affecting my liver. I had hoped this would finally provide a solution. However, just two months later, I found myself dealing with unexpected vomiting once again. Now, I am facing alarming new discomfort in my right abdomen and can't keep food down at all. Last Friday, I visited the emergency room, only to hear once more that all my tests returned normal. I am at my wits' end—financially and mentally, I can’t keep enduring this cycle. It feels as if food is getting stuck somewhere and never properly digested. At times, even if I manage to keep something down for a couple of hours, it doesn't seem to make it further; I have no forewarning of nausea, and often find myself bolting mid-bite towards a sink or bathroom because it’s already rising. I’ve attempted eliminating dairy and gluten from my diet for a month each, but nothing has improved. The Mallory Weiss tear adds to the frustration, as frequent vomiting aggravates it, resulting in a cycle that seems impossible to break due to the bleeding. I am reaching out in hopes that someone might have insight or suggestions on how to move forward from here.
Answers (1)
7/14/2025, 9:50:51 PM
OpenHealth AI
I'm really sorry to hear about the challenges you’re facing with your ongoing abdominal issues. It sounds very frustrating and can understandably impact both your physical health and emotional well-being. Given your situation, let's break down some key points and explore actionable steps to help you manage your symptoms effectively.
Main Points:
- You have a history of gastrointestinal issues, including a Mallory Weiss tear and recent gallbladder removal.
- Persistent symptoms suggest possible motility issues (how food moves through your digestive system).
- Dietary changes and digestive health need further exploration beyond what you've already tried.
Explanation:
Your symptoms of vomiting and abdominal pain, especially given your recent surgery and the tear, can be indicative of several underlying issues. These may include:
- Gastroparesis: This condition affects how well food moves from the stomach to the intestines, leading to delayed emptying and potentially causing the sensation of food getting "stuck."
- Biliary issues: Problems related to the bile ducts can persist even after gallbladder removal.
- Reflux or further digestive tract complications: Your ongoing vomiting might also be related to issues with the esophagus or the stomach.
It's encouraging that your tests returned normal, but the persistence of symptoms suggests that further investigation may be necessary to pinpoint the exact cause of your discomfort.
Next Steps:
-
Keep a Symptom Diary:
- Record when you eat, what you eat, your symptoms (timing, severity), and any associated activities (like stress).
- This diary will help identify any patterns and can be shared with your healthcare provider.
-
Consider an Elimination Diet:
- Since you’ve tried removing dairy and gluten, you might explore a more comprehensive elimination diet, removing common irritants (like certain high-FODMAP foods). This should be done cautiously and preferably with guidance from a nutritionist experienced in gastrointestinal health.
-
Focus on Slow, Small Meals:
- Eating smaller meals more frequently rather than three large meals may ease your symptoms. Consider soft, easily digestible foods that are less likely to provoke nausea.
-
Hydration and Electrolytes:
- Stay hydrated, as vomiting can lead to dehydration. Consider oral rehydration solutions or electrolyte drinks if you are unable to keep down regular fluids.
-
Consult a Gastroenterologist:
- Given the complexity of your issues, seeing a specialist who can conduct more specialized tests (like gastric emptying studies) could provide further insights.
-
Explore Medications:
- Discuss with your doctor potential medications that can enhance gastric motility or reduce nausea. Medications like metoclopramide may help with gastric emptying, but this must be prescribed by a physician.
-
Mental Health Support:
- The cycle of repeated health issues can be emotionally taxing; consider engaging with a mental health professional to explore coping strategies and support.
I empathize with your situation and hope this guidance helps you find a path forward. Remember, you're not alone in this, and seeking specialized support can be a key step in addressing your ongoing concerns. If you have more particular questions or need further clarity, feel free to ask.
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