Chronic Nausea: A Battle I Can’t Win
Hello everyone, I’m sharing my experience because I feel at a loss and need to voice my struggles. (This will be a lengthy read, so thank you for your patience.) Let’s rewind to where this all began. I’m a 23-year-old female who has endured relentless nausea for nearly two years now. Before diving into my tale, it’s essential to mention that I’ve generally enjoyed good health; aside from some mild anxiety that’s been with me since childhood, I’ve never faced any significant health concerns until now. Things took a turn when I opted for the Depo Provera birth control shot in June 2024. My healthcare provider gave me no warnings regarding potential side effects at the time (given I’ve been on various forms of birth control—pills and implants—since I was 15 without any adverse effects). Almost immediately after my first injection, I started to experience various side effects, the most alarming of which were persistent nausea, headaches, and gastrointestinal issues like indigestion and constipation. My OB assured me that these symptoms would diminish within a few months as my body adjusted to this new contraceptive method. However, as time went on, my condition only worsened, prompting me to consult my primary care physician. He dismissed my ongoing nausea as a natural part of aging, so I continued to ride it out, believing things would improve. Eventually, I received another injection, and that’s when it truly spiraled out of control. Nausea became my constant companion, greeting me daily and even robbing me of sleep at night, leading to episodes of dry heaving. Mornings were especially rough; I would wake up racing to the bathroom, with only stomach acid coming up to my throat, causing me to spit it out without a full vomit, yet the feeling of nausea lingered. Eating anything turned into a nightmare, as I began experiencing extreme fullness with minimal bites of food—just a few mouthfuls felt equivalent to a whole pizza. Constipation became a torment as well, with days stretching to five or six without a bowel movement. The headaches were debilitating, often blurring my vision and lasting for hours at a time. I found myself in tears nearly every day. Food, once a joy, morphed into a source of dread. My outings became limited, and Zofran became crucial for me just to keep up with work. I always had to be prepared with an emesis bag due to the unpredictable surges of nausea. Each episode felt as if my body was gearing up for a full-blown vomit—sweating, shaking, intense salivation, but ultimately, nothing would come out. Every bite of food, sip of water, or even pleasant scents would send me into waves of nausea. I zigzagged between my PCP and my OB, who humorously speculated whether I might be pregnant, despite all tests indicating otherwise. Countless doctors have been baffled by my condition, and I witnessed a significant weight loss due to my growing fear of food. After enduring an upper endoscopy, the results showed inflammation in my esophagus from the acid reflux. The medications to lower stomach acid provided minimal relief for indigestion but intensified the nausea and migraines. Despite my dietary changes and various restrictions, I found no relief. The situation has exacerbated my anxiety, placing my body in a perpetual state of fight or flight, ever preparing for the next episode. Fast forward to now, nearly a year after discontinuing the Depo shot, while the intensity of my symptoms has somewhat declined, they remain. Nausea visits me at any point during the day—and at night, lying down feels impossible without the sense of impending vomiting, even if I haven’t eaten a thing. My throat has taken on an irritated appearance, with tonsil stones appearing frequently, which has added to my distress. I’ve completed extensive lab work that came back normal, and I have a gastric emptying study on the horizon for next month, with hopes of finally uncovering some answers. I would welcome anyone who can relate to my plight to reach out. At this stage, I feel like I’m losing my mind.
Answers (1)
9/11/2025, 8:11:01 AM
OpenHealth AI
I'm truly sorry to hear about your experience with chronic nausea. Your struggle sounds incredibly challenging and frustrating, especially given the impact it's had on your life and well-being. It’s important to recognize that you are not alone, and there are potential steps to help you alleviate your symptoms.
Main Points:
- Persistent nausea can stem from various causes and is often challenging to diagnose.
- Recent experiences with medication, dietary habits, and anxiety may contribute to your symptoms.
- Managing nausea may require a comprehensive approach, including lifestyle adjustments and medical strategies.
Explanation:
Chronic nausea can have several underlying causes, including medication side effects, gastrointestinal disorders, dietary issues, and anxiety. Your experience with Depo Provera may have triggered gastrointestinal symptoms and reflux, leading to further discomfort. It's not uncommon for the body to take time to readjust after stopping hormonal contraceptives, which can sometimes worsen symptoms before improvement occurs.
The inflammation in your esophagus indicates that acid reflux is likely significant in your case. Nausea can exacerbate anxiety, creating a cycle of increasing distress, which might complicate recovery.
Next Steps:
-
Track Symptoms and Triggers: Keep a detailed diary of when your nausea occurs, the severity, and any food or activity preceding the episodes. This information can help identify potential triggers and patterns.
-
Consider Dietary Adjustments:
- Eat smaller, frequent meals to reduce the feeling of fullness.
- Identify and avoid food triggers (spicy, greasy, or citrus foods may worsen symptoms).
- Stay hydrated with small sips of clear fluids throughout the day.
- Incorporate ginger or peppermint in your diet, which can be soothing for nausea.
-
Address Acid Reflux:
- Elevate the head of your bed to minimize nighttime symptoms.
- Avoid lying down right after eating; wait at least 2-3 hours after meals before reclining.
- Discuss with your healthcare provider the possibility of adjusting your acid-reducing medications or exploring alternatives that may have fewer side effects.
-
Manage Stress and Anxiety:
- Consider relaxation techniques such as deep breathing, meditation, or gentle yoga, which may help ease anxiety and, in turn, alleviate symptoms.
- Engaging in activities that you enjoy and share time with supportive friends or family can provide emotional relief.
-
Follow Up with Your Healthcare Provider:
- Ensure to discuss the results of your upcoming gastric emptying study thoroughly. This test can provide insight into your gastrointestinal motility and help pinpoint the cause of your symptoms more effectively.
- If medications for nausea are not effective, discuss alternative options, possibly including different classes of medication with your provider.
I understand how distressing and isolating this journey can feel, but take heart in your proactive approach to find answers. Please continue updating your healthcare team on any changes, as collaboration can lead to better insights and management strategies. If you have further concerns or questions as you navigate this process, don't hesitate to reach out for more information or support. You're taking essential steps to advocate for your health!
Related Questions
Vibrational Sensations in the Vaginal Area
I’m a 31-year-old woman located in Pennsylvania, weighing 90 pounds and standing at 5 feet tall. For the past two days, I’ve been experiencing an almost continuous sensation of twitching or vibration around my labia and clitoris, which is quite distressing. Alongside this, I’ve noticed a recurring odor akin to "death or decay" in that vicinity for several months now. Additionally, for the last couple of days, I've had a slightly painful sensation in my bladder and some itching. I haven’t experienced any fever during this time. I take Valtrex as needed and had been on a 500mg daily dosage for two days before these symptoms emerged, though I have used Valtrex in the past without encountering such issues. My medical background includes conditions like gastroparesis, chronic gastritis, esophagitis, duodenitis, degenerative disc disease, lordosis, HSV-2, and bacterial vaginosis. Diet-wise, I follow an animal-based regimen that incorporates beef, chicken, pork, eggs, bananas, melons, and honey, complemented by water and coffee. I limit my coffee intake to a maximum of three cups daily and drink between 32 ounces to a liter of water each day. I am sexually active with one partner, from whom I contracted HSV-2. I’ve also taken 50mg of magnesium, as I sometimes experience muscle twitches, and it tends to be beneficial; however, it hasn’t alleviated these current issues. What could be the possible causes of these sensations?
Concerns About Red Spots on Skin
I’m a 20-year-old female, weighing 108 pounds and standing at 5’5”. Two weeks back, I noticed a couple of red spots on my left forearm, which I initially dismissed as mosquito bites. However, since then, I’ve observed a significant increase in similar spots appearing on my inner arms, inner thighs, and torso. These spots are scattered, don’t turn white when pressed (non-blanching), are painless, and don’t cause itching. They come in various sizes, with most being flat, though a few are slightly raised. While some of these spots are gradually fading away, new ones continue to emerge. I want to add that I haven’t experienced any fever, fatigue, or other changes in my health. I’m not currently on medication, have no known health issues, and exercise regularly, albeit I acknowledge that my diet might not be as nutritious as it should be. I have an appointment scheduled with a dermatologist in a month. In the meantime, is there any reason for concern regarding these spots?
Concerns for My Ailing Mother
My mother, who is 79 years old, has recently fallen ill, yet doctors have struggled to identify any specific health issues. I’m seeking insights into what might be going on with her. She has always been fairly active, though she is slightly overweight, and she utilizes a cane to assist her mobility. Back in April, she began experiencing a diminished appetite and noticeable weight loss, which led to a diagnosis of low iron, necessitating an iron transfusion. In May, she was admitted to the hospital with a kidney infection. After treatment with intravenous antibiotics, she was released. During this time, it was also discovered that she had a Baker’s cyst that was limiting her movement. Throughout June and July, her loss of appetite and weight continued, along with significant fatigue. Her low hemoglobin levels required yet another blood transfusion. In August, she experienced rectal bleeding which prompted another hospital visit. Initially, doctors were concerned it might be gastric cancer. However, comprehensive testing, including an endoscopy, gastroscopy, CT scan, MRI, and PET scan, returned negative results. There is a possibility of AL Amyloidosis, but both bone marrow and rectal biopsies were negative as well. Eventually, large hemorrhoids were discovered, which have since been banded, along with the removal of a polyp. She has now been discharged, as the doctors could not determine the underlying issue causing her symptoms. They indicated that the bleeding from her hemorrhoids should not account for the severity of her condition. She has been advised to keep track of her iron and hemoglobin levels, yet she still feels extremely fatigued. Additionally, she is currently taking medication for high blood pressure.
Diagnosis of Type 1 Diabetes in Adulthood
Creating a separate account for this discussion, as I’m not ready to link it to my main profile. I’m a 29-year-old woman, standing at 5 feet 5 inches and weighing 105 pounds, a noticeable drop from my usual weight of 120 due to a recent 15-pound loss. Previously, my only medications were Jornay PM 20mg for ADHD and Zyrtec for my allergies to dogs, although I do have a dog at home. Just five days ago, I was released from the hospital after suffering from diabetic ketoacidosis (DKA), marking the onset of my diagnosis of type 1 diabetes. I’ve shared this news with a few close friends and colleagues – and amusingly, I work in a medical office for an endocrinologist dealing with Medicare compliance – yet I find it extremely challenging to discuss my new health condition. Throughout my life, I have always considered myself to be incredibly fit and healthy. The only instances where I experienced significant health issues were during my childhood when I underwent an appendectomy, during the birth of my triplet babies nine years ago (which thankfully went as well as possible for a young mother), and when I suffered an ACL injury while skiing five years ago. I am struggling with the reality of being perceived as someone who now has a chronic condition. Currently, I am on the lookout for a therapist with whom I can establish a connection. While a counselor spoke with me during my hospitalization and I had a session with another recently, the fit just didn’t feel right. I would appreciate any guidance on managing the social stigma that often accompanies such a significant health diagnosis.
Burst Dental Abscess - Awaiting Surgical Consultation
Greetings! I am a 20-year-old female, standing at 5'2" and weighing 103 lbs. My current medications include Abilify, Duloxetine, hydrochlorothiazide, and Vitamin D3 (5000 units). I underwent the extraction of six wisdom teeth on August 29th, as they were the source of persistent headaches and discomfort. Specifically, I had two on the upper arch and one on the lower arch on each side. Initially, my recovery progressed smoothly; I adhered strictly to a no-chew diet and practiced diligent oral hygiene. After a follow-up appointment with my surgeon last week, everything appeared to be healing effectively. However, I woke up yesterday morning to some swelling returning to my left lower jaw and an intensification of pain after brushing my teeth. At first, I thought this might be a result of being too vigorous during my cleaning routine. By evening, I was alarmed to see that my face had swollen to a level reminiscent of the second day post-surgery. Pain escalated through the night, prompting a late-night visit to the emergency room due to my inability to fully close my jaw. I also recorded a mild fever of 99.5°F alongside a headache on the affected side. While there was no pus or unpleasant odor, my cheek and gum area were clearly swollen and irritated. The ER staff administered Augmentin and Percocet, advising me to see my surgeon the following morning. Fast forward to 4:45 AM, and sleep had eluded me as the Percocet offered only minimal relief from the pain. While shifting my neck, I foolishly tried to bite down and was immediately met with a rush of metallic bitterness in my mouth. Rushing to the bathroom, I ended up spitting out about a teaspoon of a greenish-grey substance mixed with blood. Surprisingly, I found that I could now close my mouth with less pain and felt some alleviation of the intense pressure that had plagued me. However, the dull ache in my jaw remains. I intend to meet with my surgeon at the soonest opportunity but have a few questions. Given that the pouch I assume contained pus has burst, should I be concerned about the potential spread of infection? After performing a saltwater rinse, is it advisable to brush my teeth again? Could what I experienced indeed be classified as a burst abscess? Any insights or guidance on these matters would be greatly appreciated. Thank you.