Persistent Vomiting and Confounding Endoscopy Findings
I'm struggling to articulate my situation adequately, but I'll share everything and hope not to overlook any details. I'm 16 years old, standing at 5 feet 7 inches tall, and weighing 140 pounds. My blood tests have returned normal results, although I do have slightly low vitamin D levels, and my stool samples have come back clear. My current medication regimen includes 30 mg of Vyvanse, 20 mg of propranolol taken twice daily, 300 mg of gabapentin at night and 150 mg in the morning, and I recently began taking 25 mg of amitriptyline a week ago. Since I was about four or five, I’ve experienced unusual digestive issues, such as diarrhea, stomach cramps, constipation, and acid reflux, with the most alarming symptom being unexplained vomiting. Daily abdominal cramps and constipation are common for me, and surprisingly, these symptoms don’t seem to be influenced by my diet or activities. Around the age of five, I started to vomit inexplicably, particularly during times of excitement like the Super Bowl, birthday celebrations, or, most notably, vacations. When I turned 12, my condition worsened significantly after contracting COVID-19. I started experiencing dry heaves or vomiting almost every morning, which led to frequent school absences, severe migraines concentrated mostly on the left side of my forehead, and worsening stomach troubles. Living in Washington, I consulted numerous specialists at Swedish, including both an allergist and a gastroenterologist. The allergist suspected mast cell disease and prescribed Cromolyn, which unfortunately did not provide any relief. The gastroenterologist suggested that I had an issue related to my "lizard brain" and advised me to “find a hobby.” I also visited a cardiologist due to low blood pressure, where I was diagnosed with neurocardiogenic syncope. Recently, I convinced my general practitioner to refer me to a children’s hospital, where I underwent an endoscopy. To my surprise, the procedure revealed food remnants in my stomach despite having fasted for over 11 hours beforehand. Both the anesthesiologist and gastroenterologist expressed some skepticism regarding my fasting claim. I'm reaching out in search of any recommendations or insights. This ongoing illness has reached a point of frustration for me, and I desperately want to uncover its cause. The gastroenterologist who performed the endoscopy mentioned a possible gut-brain disorder, but this diagnosis is still quite vague. I am preparing for my next consultation and would appreciate any feedback. We have suspect cyclic vomiting syndrome for a while, but now I’m starting to wonder about gastroparesis as well. Honestly, I feel like this situation may have turned me into somewhat of a hypochondriac.
Answers (1)
2/8/2026, 8:10:34 AM
OpenHealth AI
Main Points: It sounds like you're experiencing complex and frustrating digestive issues, including persistent vomiting and other gastrointestinal symptoms. Identifying the underlying cause is key, and you're rightly seeking answers.
Explanation: It’s understandable to feel overwhelmed given your history of digestive problems and how they’ve impacted your daily life. The symptoms you describe could be related to several conditions, including cyclic vomiting syndrome, gastroparesis, or other functional gastrointestinal disorders. Your history of unusual symptoms starting at a young age and worsening after COVID-19 is significant and may suggest a disturbance in how your gastrointestinal system functions.
The fact that remnants of food were found in your stomach during the endoscopy might indicate delayed gastric emptying, which is common in conditions like gastroparesis. Both gastroparesis and cyclic vomiting syndrome can cause similar symptoms, including nausea and vomiting, but they are different in mechanisms and management.
Next Steps:
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Keep a Symptom Diary: Track your symptoms daily for at least a week leading up to your next appointment—note when you vomit, what you eat, stress levels, and any other activities. This can help your doctors see patterns that might help in diagnosis.
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Home Management: Until you get more clarity, consider small, frequent meals that are easy to digest (like bananas, rice, applesauce, and toast). Staying hydrated is essential, so ensure you're drinking enough fluids throughout the day.
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Consider Trigger Identification: Since your vomiting occurs especially during excitement or stress, developing coping mechanisms or relaxation techniques (like breathing exercises or mindfulness) may help reduce these responses.
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Evaluate Medications: Discuss the side effects of your current medications with your healthcare provider, especially concerning nausea and vomiting. They may need to review your regimen for potential adjustments.
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Prepare Questions for Your Specialist: When you meet with the gastroenterologist or other specialists, focus on specific questions about your diagnosed conditions, such as:
- How can we differentiate between cyclic vomiting syndrome and gastroparesis?
- What treatments are available for each condition?
- Are there any lifestyle modifications or therapies that may help?
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Consider a Multidisciplinary Approach: If you haven't already, ask about working with a team that includes a dietitian or psychologist, as they can provide additional support tailored to managing your condition and stress.
Your frustration is valid, and it's commendable that you're advocating for your health. Stay strong, and remember you deserve to find answers and effective management strategies. I wish you all the best in your upcoming consultations.
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