OpenHealth Q&A

Recurring Health Issues Over Several Weeks

**Age:** 19 **Gender:** Female **Height:** 5 feet 3 inches **Weight:** 141.6 lbs **Ethnicity:** Caucasian **Duration of symptoms:** Around a month **Affected area:** Lower abdomen and swollen pituitary gland **Current medications:** Hyoscyamine sulfate and Zofran (prescribed during ER visit) Hello, Reddit community! This is my first time posting here, and while I do have forthcoming medical appointments at the end of this month, I wish to share my experiences in detail. If graphic descriptions make you uncomfortable, consider this too intense to engage with. To give you some context, on July 10th, I woke up feeling generally unwell. There was no nausea, yet I was frequently vomiting alongside having dark green to black, soft, and tar-like stools. Notably, the odor wasn’t unpleasant, merely typical of stool. I had to collect a sample for tests, which meant dealing with it myself, and it was somewhat distressing. Initially, I thought my discomfort was due to nerves because I was scheduled to pick up a friend for a concert at my boyfriend's place. I began my day around 7 or 8 AM, dealing with continuous vomiting and rapid trips to the bathroom. Although I experienced some relief initially, subsequent bathroom visits produced only small amounts of stool until nothing came out; eventually, I was retching only saliva. Despite feeling poorly, I persevered and fetched my friend, as she had spent a great deal on concert tickets. I felt somewhat better on the return trip and that evening. However, the concert’s morning was a different story. I woke up doubled over in pain, drenched in sweat, and experienced more vomiting along with similar stool consistency. We managed to attend the concert, but after eating a pretzel, I had to leave and missed a significant part of the show. It was quite frustrating. The trip home was a repeat of earlier vomiting and bowel distress, leading to me collapsing into bed. On day three, I needed to return my friend home, yet I awoke at 8 AM with intense pain primarily in my lower abdomen, with cramping around my uterus and gastrointestinal area, and I was also sweating and shaking. The ER staff conducted a CT scan, administered IV fluids, and tested my urine, but couldn’t determine the issue and sent me home with medication that surprisingly provided some relief. This included a stomach relaxant and nausea medication—though I was retching without feeling nauseated; it felt like my throat was perpetually open, producing saliva. After leaving my boyfriend’s place, I was unwell for nine more days while staying with my grandma. It lasted from the 10th to the 17th or 18th, but eventually, my symptoms diminished, leading me to believe I had overcome the illness. I did notice, however, an increase in swelling of my pituitary gland from all the vomiting, but it felt manageable. Interestingly, my symptoms usually re-emerged at night or early morning, worsening upon awakening but gradually easing off. Fast forward to August 4th: I had been symptom-free for about a week. I underwent wisdom tooth removal and felt fine throughout the day until around 6 PM when the black, tarry stool returned along with severe abdominal pain and that troubling sensation in my throat. The next morning, I vomited again and could only produce stool intermittently, experiencing frustrating efforts in the bathroom. It felt like no matter how much I attempted to go, I would end up sitting for an extended duration for minimal results. Now, I find myself on day three of sleeplessness this early morning, trying to stave off sickness before bed to ensure a peaceful night devoid of waking up in pain. Since the 5th, I’ve retched multiple times, including twice that day, three times the following day, and just recently purging stomach acid at 3:30 AM alongside a brief episode of tarry stool. Soft, cold, and lukewarm foods are all I can manage currently, completely avoiding anything requiring suction or straws. I’m seeking insights into whether anyone else has experienced similar symptoms and any understanding of what might be happening within my body that I’m currently unaware of. **Symptoms Overview:** - Vomiting without accompanying nausea - Black green tarry, sticky stools produced in short intervals - Cramping and aching in the lower abdomen, described as a burning sensation that shifts when I change positions - Persistent swelling of my pituitary gland, which started on the fourth day of my initial episode and has since subsided somewhat but continues to be present. This marks the second incidence of these recurring symptoms, and I find myself staring in the mirror trying to reassure my reflection out of fear for what’s happening to my health. Any advice or thoughts would be greatly appreciated!

Answers (1)

8/7/2025, 11:31:24 AM

OpenHealth AI

It sounds like you’ve been through a very distressing experience with your recurring gastrointestinal symptoms, and it's understandable that you're seeking clarity and reassurance. Your symptoms, particularly the episodes of vomiting, black tarry stools, and abdominal pain, certainly warrant careful attention. Here's a structured response:

Main Points

1. Potential Causes: Your symptoms, especially the black tarry stools (which can indicate bleeding in the upper gastrointestinal tract), and the severe abdominal pain could be signs of various conditions, including gastrointestinal bleeding or inflammation, infections, or other serious issues.
2. Symptom Monitoring: It's important to closely monitor your symptoms, including any changes in stool color or consistency, the frequency and severity of pain, and any new symptoms that arise.
3. Immediate Considerations: Seek immediate medical attention if you experience any worsening symptoms, such as increased pain, signs of dehydration, or further episodes of dark stools or vomiting.

Explanation

• Recurrence of Symptoms: The context suggests that your symptoms could be cyclical, possibly related to underlying conditions affecting your gastrointestinal system. The presence of black tarry stools can be particularly concerning as it can indicate gastrointestinal bleeding, which could stem from ulcers or other issues in the digestive tract.
• Swelling of the Pituitary Gland: While you mentioned swelling of the pituitary gland, it's less commonly connected to gastrointestinal symptoms and might require evaluation by an endocrinologist to ensure no hormonal or systemic issues are contributing to your condition.

Next Steps

1. Monitor Symptoms: Keep a detailed diary of your symptoms, including when they occur, their severity, and any potential triggers (food, stress, activities).
2. Dietary Adjustments: Focus on a bland diet, avoiding rich, spicy, or fatty foods that may irritate your stomach. Gently cooked foods like plain rice, bananas, and applesauce might help.
3. Hydration: Make sure you’re drinking plenty of fluids to stay hydrated, particularly since you're experiencing vomiting. Consider sipping on clear fluids like water, broths, or clear electrolyte solutions.
4. Professional Follow-up: Since you already have appointments scheduled, be sure to discuss all your symptoms and any changes in them comprehensively with your healthcare provider. They may recommend further testing or referrals based on your symptom diary and examination.

Final Thoughts

Your health concerns are valid, and it's important to be proactive. Don't hesitate to seek immediate care if you feel your symptoms are worsening or if you're in severe discomfort. You are taking the right steps by seeking to understand your condition better, and support from your healthcare team will be crucial in navigating this situation. Stay hopeful, and take care of yourself!