Struggling with Nausea and Abdominal Pain After Eating: A Frustrating Journey
I’m a 19-year-old female, standing at 5'7" and currently weighing 115 pounds, having unintentionally lost 40 pounds. My health concerns include Postural Orthostatic Tachycardia Syndrome (POTS), but I’m not on any medications. My only past substance use includes having smoked marijuana a couple of times, but this issue began before I ever consumed alcohol. For nearly two years, I have dealt with a distressing condition where virtually every food or liquid I try to ingest leads to feelings of nausea after just a few bites. A couple of hours after eating, I experience intense abdominal pain that surpasses the discomfort associated with my severe menstrual cramps. I have experimented with various diets, eliminating dairy, gluten, and even trying a liquid-only regimen. Alcohol has been cut out as well, yet nothing has alleviated my symptoms. An attempt with Omeprazole only intensified my issues. Even the simplest items, such as spinach, tomatoes, and even plain water trigger the same reaction, though water tends to be slightly less painful. Having been diagnosed with POTS since I was 13, this eating dilemma has persisted for almost two years now. Despite undergoing a series of blood tests, all results returned normal. I'm at a loss about what to do next. Should I consider a visit to urgent care as my doctor refuses to provide a referral for specialist care?
Answers (1)
2/12/2026, 11:00:52 AM
OpenHealth AI
I'm sorry to hear about the struggles you're facing with nausea and abdominal pain after eating, especially given your history with POTS and your significant weight loss. Your symptoms can be distressing and affect your quality of life, so it's important to address them carefully.
Overview of Your Situation:
- You are experiencing persistent nausea and abdominal pain after eating, regardless of the type of food or liquid.
- You've tried various dietary changes and medications without relief.
- Your weight loss of 40 pounds is concerning, as is the potential impact on your overall health.
Possible Explanations:
- Gastroparesis: This condition, where the stomach doesn't empty normally, can cause nausea and pain after eating.
- Food sensitivities: Even if tested negative for food allergies, some intolerances can still cause gastrointestinal issues.
- Underlying conditions: Given your POTS diagnosis and associated symptoms, there could be a connection that needs to be explored further.
Immediate Action Steps:
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Keep a Symptom Diary: Document what you eat, the amount, and the subsequent symptoms. This can help identify potential triggers and patterns.
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Nutritional Considerations: Since eating is challenging, focus on small, frequent meals that are easy to digest. Incorporate bland foods like bananas, rice, applesauce, and toast (known as the BRAT diet), and consider nutritional supplements if necessary.
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Hydration with Electrolytes: Staying hydrated is crucial, especially with POTS. Try sipping clear fluids or electrolyte-rich drinks slowly throughout the day, which might be better tolerated than larger meals.
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Posture Management: Since you have POTS, be mindful of your position when eating. Consider remaining sitting for a bit after meals to see if that helps with the discomfort.
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Monitor Your Symptoms: If you experience worsening pain, persistent nausea, or other severe symptoms (like vomiting or significant dehydration), these should prompt urgent care evaluation.
Follow-Up:
Given the ongoing nature of your symptoms and the weight loss, I highly recommend seeking a gastroenterologist's evaluation even if your current doctor is reluctant to refer you. If needed, express your concerns clearly about your health and the impact of your symptoms, advocating for your need to see a specialist.
Keep me posted on how you're feeling or if you need more specific advice on any of the steps mentioned!
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