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:
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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.
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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.
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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.
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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.
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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!
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