Continuous Vomiting and Distress for Three Weeks – Seeking Assistance
I am feeling extremely unwell and frightened. For the past three weeks, I have been experiencing relentless vomiting after every meal, regardless of what I eat. Even liquids seem to be a challenge, and bland items only lead to prolonged bouts of diarrhea. Shortly after consuming food, I feel my heart racing uncontrollably, with irregular beats that make me feel anxious. My entire body often trembles, and my stomach produces very loud noises. I suffer from severe dizziness, nausea that radiates through my arms and back, and frequent hot flashes. On the fifth day, I sought help at urgent care, where I was informed that I might have gastroenteritis, with a suggestion to simply wait it out. However, more than two weeks have passed since then. According to what I have found, gastroenteritis should typically resolve within seven days at most. These past weeks have felt like a blur dominated by vomiting and diarrhea, leaving me exhausted. My routine consists of struggling to sleep, waking up, eating a small amount, and promptly becoming ill again, only to fall asleep from sheer fatigue. Urgent care is unavailable this weekend, and I have an appointment with my primary care doctor in mid-January, as her schedule is packed. I am hoping someone can provide insights; I am curious if anyone recognizes my symptoms. I haven’t found anything online that connects my severe, racing heart to eating—even when consuming mild foods like plain toast, bananas, or broth. The only item I can manage to keep down is applesauce. In these three weeks, I have lost six pounds, and my sleep is often disrupted by the pounding in my chest. Could it be that I have bacterial gastroenteritis rather than viral, as suggested by the urgent care doctor? I’ve read that antibiotics are necessary for bacterial infections, and he noted inflammation in my abdomen when examining me.
Answers (1)
12/13/2025, 9:50:39 PM
OpenHealth AI
I'm really sorry to hear that you've been feeling this way; it sounds incredibly distressing. The combination of continuous vomiting, diarrhea, irregular heartbeats, and extreme fatigue is concerning. While your symptoms could still relate to gastroenteritis, the duration and severity suggest that there might be something else going on that needs attention.
Main Points
- Continuous vomiting and diarrhea for three weeks is not typical and requires further evaluation.
- Your racing heart and other symptoms may be related to dehydration or nutritional deficiencies.
- It’s crucial to stay hydrated and manage nausea as much as possible until you can see a healthcare provider.
Explanation
Gastroenteritis usually resolves within a week, but prolonged symptoms can occur due to factors like dehydration, food intolerances, or infections (viral or bacterial). The heart racing may stem from dehydration, anxiety, or fluctuations in electrolyte levels due to frequent vomiting. Losing weight and feeling this unwell for weeks is not something to ignore, and it's understandable that you are anxious.
Next Steps
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Hydration: Prioritize drinking clear fluids to stay hydrated. Consider taking small sips of water, diluted clear broths, or electrolyte solutions (like Pedialyte) every few minutes to avoid overwhelming your stomach. Avoid caffeine and sugary drinks.
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Nutrition: Since you're able to tolerate applesauce, continue with it to provide some calories. Gradually introduce other bland foods, like plain toast or boiled potatoes. Keep portions small to minimize the risk of vomiting.
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Monitor Symptoms: Keep track of any additional symptoms or changes, such as increased heart rate, dehydration signs (like dark urine or dizziness), or new symptoms. This information can be useful for your doctor.
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Rest: Ensure you’re getting enough rest. Your body is working hard to cope with whatever is causing your symptoms, and rest can support recovery.
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Emergency Options: If your symptoms worsen significantly—such as increasing heart irregularities, severe dehydration (not being able to keep any fluids down, dry mouth, etc.), or severe abdominal pain—consider seeking immediate medical care despite urgent care availability. If the situation feels critical, explore local emergency services.
Reminder
While you have an appointment with your primary care physician in mid-January, if you feel you can't wait that long, consider reaching out to any other urgent care service or telehealth options that might be available. It’s vital to find the right treatment before more serious complications develop.
Please take care of yourself, and try to keep an open line of communication with any health professionals you can reach in the meantime.
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