Constant nausea and vomiting

Posted by katelynlanz @katelynlanz, Jun 24, 2023

46 year old female, constant nausea and vomiting for 8 months. Pt. Has history of polycythemia Vera, cervical cancer ( total hysterectomy), thyroid cancer ( total thyroidectomy), hypertension. Pt. has been hospitalized multiple times over the last 8 months with no answers. Pt. has had multiple CT’s and X-rays of the stomach, as well as stomach emptying study, endoscopy, and many blood tests. Everything is “normal”. Doctors say she is an anomaly and cannot diagnose her. They have ruled out gasteroparesis, stool blockage, spreading of cancer, and food allergies. Pt. cannot keep fluids or food down, has very high and very low blood pressures, has had hallucinations, bloody noses, chest pain (usually with the vomiting), has lost 80lbs in the last 5 months, and has been in pre-renal failure many times due to the dehydration. I know there is plenty I am missing so please please please ask questions and I will answer them to the best or my ability. The Pt. is my mother who I am convinced will die unless i find someone who has seen this sort of thing can before and help find me answers. She cannot just be an anomaly with no answer’s. Someone out there has to have seen this before. Please help me.

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Profile picture for Teresa, Volunteer Mentor @hopeful33250

Hello @charles826 and all others who have participated in this discussion on nausea. I have read several posts encouraging the use of charcoal in the treatment of nausea. However, I would like to caution you on the use of this supplement for nausea.

I'm providing a link from a reputable website, WebMD, regarding benefits as well as side-effects. Always, of course, discuss changes in your supplements with your doctor before adding a new supplement. Supplements can often run interference with other medications.
https://www.webmd.com/vitamins-and-supplements/activated-charcoal-uses-risks

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From Shelley, I did read the link to webmd.com, and I did find a mention about constipation. I have horrible CIC, 17 years and counting. I don't, won't ever try anything that has even an hint towards causing CIC. Again, I apologize for overstepping the boundaries of this site. I thought I had done a better job with describing my use of charcoal, but I obviously failed miserably, since both you and the Connect Director posted about this.

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Profile picture for Colleen Young, Connect Director @colleenyoung

Hi @shelleyw, thanks for posting. Yes, you did the right thing in advising that the things you do work for you. I appreciate that. Your post was not done improperly.

Charcoal was popular on social media and touted by supplement companies a few years ago. Hence we jumped in to post evidence-based information about its use.

Activated charcoal is effective for clearing out toxins in emergency poisoning situations for specific toxins. There have been a few studies that have researched charcoal for indigestion: to reduce gas and bloating, and to treat and prevent diarrhea. But the evidence remains inconclusive.

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I have learned to be more careful. I definitely will be.

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Hello. I'm a 61-year-old male. About six years ago at 54, I woke up around 3:00 AM with vomiting, severe nausea, significant stomach acid and burping. I threw up my entire dinner eaten about six hours prior. This spell lasted about five days, with the vomiting and nausea persistent throughout. I couldn't keep any solids, liquids or medications down. Any cough, throat-clearing, sneeze, nose-blowing, hawking or burping triggered vomiting. I was completely incapacitated during this time, too ill to even answer an e-mail or call a friend. I spent most of these days in a warm bath which was THE only thing that brought relief. I couldn't sit up in a chair or lay down in bed. After this time, the illness gradually subsides, and a simple diet of minimal servings of fruit juice, nutrition shakes, canned pears and chicken broth for a few days can be kept down until acid subsides, and diet and appetite return to normal. I've had about 14 episodes since and am just coming off one today Tuesday 11/05/24 that started last Wednesday (6 days). One such episode lasted 9 days and put me in the ER. In addition to the vomiting and nausea, this illness wreaks havoc on my entire body and psyche, causing other side effects, and taking days to recover. Employment, relationships, finances and overall lifestyle continue to be affected by this disorder.
A team of Gastroenterologists here have given me every test they can think of but cannot diagnose the problem. I quit alcohol 19 months ago thinking it was a contributor, but I've had three episodes during my abstinence, so that's not the issue (I've maintained my abstinence regardless). I am an occasional user of medical cannabis, but my GP ruled out CHS based on medical history and experience with cannabis. In addition, I had a vomiting episode during a six-month abstinence from medical cannabis, so again this doesn't appear to be the issue. If anyone has any info that may help, please share. My doctors and I are out of answers. I've retired recently and plan extensive travel, so I need to get this figured out. Thanks in advance.

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Profile picture for usmahers @usmahers

Hello. I'm a 61-year-old male. About six years ago at 54, I woke up around 3:00 AM with vomiting, severe nausea, significant stomach acid and burping. I threw up my entire dinner eaten about six hours prior. This spell lasted about five days, with the vomiting and nausea persistent throughout. I couldn't keep any solids, liquids or medications down. Any cough, throat-clearing, sneeze, nose-blowing, hawking or burping triggered vomiting. I was completely incapacitated during this time, too ill to even answer an e-mail or call a friend. I spent most of these days in a warm bath which was THE only thing that brought relief. I couldn't sit up in a chair or lay down in bed. After this time, the illness gradually subsides, and a simple diet of minimal servings of fruit juice, nutrition shakes, canned pears and chicken broth for a few days can be kept down until acid subsides, and diet and appetite return to normal. I've had about 14 episodes since and am just coming off one today Tuesday 11/05/24 that started last Wednesday (6 days). One such episode lasted 9 days and put me in the ER. In addition to the vomiting and nausea, this illness wreaks havoc on my entire body and psyche, causing other side effects, and taking days to recover. Employment, relationships, finances and overall lifestyle continue to be affected by this disorder.
A team of Gastroenterologists here have given me every test they can think of but cannot diagnose the problem. I quit alcohol 19 months ago thinking it was a contributor, but I've had three episodes during my abstinence, so that's not the issue (I've maintained my abstinence regardless). I am an occasional user of medical cannabis, but my GP ruled out CHS based on medical history and experience with cannabis. In addition, I had a vomiting episode during a six-month abstinence from medical cannabis, so again this doesn't appear to be the issue. If anyone has any info that may help, please share. My doctors and I are out of answers. I've retired recently and plan extensive travel, so I need to get this figured out. Thanks in advance.

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That sounds really distressing. During these episodes, have they checked your blood sugar levels? Or, have you had an A1c test?

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Profile picture for usmahers @usmahers

Hello. I'm a 61-year-old male. About six years ago at 54, I woke up around 3:00 AM with vomiting, severe nausea, significant stomach acid and burping. I threw up my entire dinner eaten about six hours prior. This spell lasted about five days, with the vomiting and nausea persistent throughout. I couldn't keep any solids, liquids or medications down. Any cough, throat-clearing, sneeze, nose-blowing, hawking or burping triggered vomiting. I was completely incapacitated during this time, too ill to even answer an e-mail or call a friend. I spent most of these days in a warm bath which was THE only thing that brought relief. I couldn't sit up in a chair or lay down in bed. After this time, the illness gradually subsides, and a simple diet of minimal servings of fruit juice, nutrition shakes, canned pears and chicken broth for a few days can be kept down until acid subsides, and diet and appetite return to normal. I've had about 14 episodes since and am just coming off one today Tuesday 11/05/24 that started last Wednesday (6 days). One such episode lasted 9 days and put me in the ER. In addition to the vomiting and nausea, this illness wreaks havoc on my entire body and psyche, causing other side effects, and taking days to recover. Employment, relationships, finances and overall lifestyle continue to be affected by this disorder.
A team of Gastroenterologists here have given me every test they can think of but cannot diagnose the problem. I quit alcohol 19 months ago thinking it was a contributor, but I've had three episodes during my abstinence, so that's not the issue (I've maintained my abstinence regardless). I am an occasional user of medical cannabis, but my GP ruled out CHS based on medical history and experience with cannabis. In addition, I had a vomiting episode during a six-month abstinence from medical cannabis, so again this doesn't appear to be the issue. If anyone has any info that may help, please share. My doctors and I are out of answers. I've retired recently and plan extensive travel, so I need to get this figured out. Thanks in advance.

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There is something called cyclic vomiting- look into that.

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Profile picture for usmahers @usmahers

Hello. I'm a 61-year-old male. About six years ago at 54, I woke up around 3:00 AM with vomiting, severe nausea, significant stomach acid and burping. I threw up my entire dinner eaten about six hours prior. This spell lasted about five days, with the vomiting and nausea persistent throughout. I couldn't keep any solids, liquids or medications down. Any cough, throat-clearing, sneeze, nose-blowing, hawking or burping triggered vomiting. I was completely incapacitated during this time, too ill to even answer an e-mail or call a friend. I spent most of these days in a warm bath which was THE only thing that brought relief. I couldn't sit up in a chair or lay down in bed. After this time, the illness gradually subsides, and a simple diet of minimal servings of fruit juice, nutrition shakes, canned pears and chicken broth for a few days can be kept down until acid subsides, and diet and appetite return to normal. I've had about 14 episodes since and am just coming off one today Tuesday 11/05/24 that started last Wednesday (6 days). One such episode lasted 9 days and put me in the ER. In addition to the vomiting and nausea, this illness wreaks havoc on my entire body and psyche, causing other side effects, and taking days to recover. Employment, relationships, finances and overall lifestyle continue to be affected by this disorder.
A team of Gastroenterologists here have given me every test they can think of but cannot diagnose the problem. I quit alcohol 19 months ago thinking it was a contributor, but I've had three episodes during my abstinence, so that's not the issue (I've maintained my abstinence regardless). I am an occasional user of medical cannabis, but my GP ruled out CHS based on medical history and experience with cannabis. In addition, I had a vomiting episode during a six-month abstinence from medical cannabis, so again this doesn't appear to be the issue. If anyone has any info that may help, please share. My doctors and I are out of answers. I've retired recently and plan extensive travel, so I need to get this figured out. Thanks in advance.

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Look at the NORD website for Cyclic Vomiting Syndrome. Excellent in depth article with information on prevention, treatment and research through the NIH. I think this will help you! Good suggestion tsch!

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Profile picture for usmahers @usmahers

Hello. I'm a 61-year-old male. About six years ago at 54, I woke up around 3:00 AM with vomiting, severe nausea, significant stomach acid and burping. I threw up my entire dinner eaten about six hours prior. This spell lasted about five days, with the vomiting and nausea persistent throughout. I couldn't keep any solids, liquids or medications down. Any cough, throat-clearing, sneeze, nose-blowing, hawking or burping triggered vomiting. I was completely incapacitated during this time, too ill to even answer an e-mail or call a friend. I spent most of these days in a warm bath which was THE only thing that brought relief. I couldn't sit up in a chair or lay down in bed. After this time, the illness gradually subsides, and a simple diet of minimal servings of fruit juice, nutrition shakes, canned pears and chicken broth for a few days can be kept down until acid subsides, and diet and appetite return to normal. I've had about 14 episodes since and am just coming off one today Tuesday 11/05/24 that started last Wednesday (6 days). One such episode lasted 9 days and put me in the ER. In addition to the vomiting and nausea, this illness wreaks havoc on my entire body and psyche, causing other side effects, and taking days to recover. Employment, relationships, finances and overall lifestyle continue to be affected by this disorder.
A team of Gastroenterologists here have given me every test they can think of but cannot diagnose the problem. I quit alcohol 19 months ago thinking it was a contributor, but I've had three episodes during my abstinence, so that's not the issue (I've maintained my abstinence regardless). I am an occasional user of medical cannabis, but my GP ruled out CHS based on medical history and experience with cannabis. In addition, I had a vomiting episode during a six-month abstinence from medical cannabis, so again this doesn't appear to be the issue. If anyone has any info that may help, please share. My doctors and I are out of answers. I've retired recently and plan extensive travel, so I need to get this figured out. Thanks in advance.

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This sounds so distressing. Have you been tested for Alpha Gal, it's a meat allergy caused by tick bites. Your episodes sound extreme like my cousins, mine were much less extreme but were all life threatening. It's a very undiagnosed and also some people it takes years to be diagnosed.
Here is a link to some information. A simple blood test can rule this out. I wish you the best!
https://alphagalinformation.org

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Profile picture for usmahers @usmahers

Hello. I'm a 61-year-old male. About six years ago at 54, I woke up around 3:00 AM with vomiting, severe nausea, significant stomach acid and burping. I threw up my entire dinner eaten about six hours prior. This spell lasted about five days, with the vomiting and nausea persistent throughout. I couldn't keep any solids, liquids or medications down. Any cough, throat-clearing, sneeze, nose-blowing, hawking or burping triggered vomiting. I was completely incapacitated during this time, too ill to even answer an e-mail or call a friend. I spent most of these days in a warm bath which was THE only thing that brought relief. I couldn't sit up in a chair or lay down in bed. After this time, the illness gradually subsides, and a simple diet of minimal servings of fruit juice, nutrition shakes, canned pears and chicken broth for a few days can be kept down until acid subsides, and diet and appetite return to normal. I've had about 14 episodes since and am just coming off one today Tuesday 11/05/24 that started last Wednesday (6 days). One such episode lasted 9 days and put me in the ER. In addition to the vomiting and nausea, this illness wreaks havoc on my entire body and psyche, causing other side effects, and taking days to recover. Employment, relationships, finances and overall lifestyle continue to be affected by this disorder.
A team of Gastroenterologists here have given me every test they can think of but cannot diagnose the problem. I quit alcohol 19 months ago thinking it was a contributor, but I've had three episodes during my abstinence, so that's not the issue (I've maintained my abstinence regardless). I am an occasional user of medical cannabis, but my GP ruled out CHS based on medical history and experience with cannabis. In addition, I had a vomiting episode during a six-month abstinence from medical cannabis, so again this doesn't appear to be the issue. If anyone has any info that may help, please share. My doctors and I are out of answers. I've retired recently and plan extensive travel, so I need to get this figured out. Thanks in advance.

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I have no answer for you but suffer a total life debilitating problem myself. On that issue, I can greatly sympathize!!

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Profile picture for usmahers @usmahers

Hello. I'm a 61-year-old male. About six years ago at 54, I woke up around 3:00 AM with vomiting, severe nausea, significant stomach acid and burping. I threw up my entire dinner eaten about six hours prior. This spell lasted about five days, with the vomiting and nausea persistent throughout. I couldn't keep any solids, liquids or medications down. Any cough, throat-clearing, sneeze, nose-blowing, hawking or burping triggered vomiting. I was completely incapacitated during this time, too ill to even answer an e-mail or call a friend. I spent most of these days in a warm bath which was THE only thing that brought relief. I couldn't sit up in a chair or lay down in bed. After this time, the illness gradually subsides, and a simple diet of minimal servings of fruit juice, nutrition shakes, canned pears and chicken broth for a few days can be kept down until acid subsides, and diet and appetite return to normal. I've had about 14 episodes since and am just coming off one today Tuesday 11/05/24 that started last Wednesday (6 days). One such episode lasted 9 days and put me in the ER. In addition to the vomiting and nausea, this illness wreaks havoc on my entire body and psyche, causing other side effects, and taking days to recover. Employment, relationships, finances and overall lifestyle continue to be affected by this disorder.
A team of Gastroenterologists here have given me every test they can think of but cannot diagnose the problem. I quit alcohol 19 months ago thinking it was a contributor, but I've had three episodes during my abstinence, so that's not the issue (I've maintained my abstinence regardless). I am an occasional user of medical cannabis, but my GP ruled out CHS based on medical history and experience with cannabis. In addition, I had a vomiting episode during a six-month abstinence from medical cannabis, so again this doesn't appear to be the issue. If anyone has any info that may help, please share. My doctors and I are out of answers. I've retired recently and plan extensive travel, so I need to get this figured out. Thanks in advance.

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I’m going through similar last 8 months .
Did you try Zofran RX ?
I have 7 very chronic digestive disorders diagnosed, 10 years too .
I can’t do much of anything anymore because of all this .
Can barely eat anything either but gut constantly churning , 800 deep wet belching all day / evening.
Not sleeping well at all either , even on Ambien .
When I throw up 🤮 it hurts and seizes my stomach so painful.
I’m 63 just recently and my life feels like it’s been over since 53 .
I’m on 5 th Gastro even testing at Mayo Clinic Jax in 2021 .
Tried FM Dr’s and every supplement and a few RX’s . Don’t take any of it but Klonipin for anxiety from all this and Ambien and Ultra Pepto .
I also get pvcs ❤️‍🩹, and wonky high and low heart rates .
Chronic fatigue too .
It’s amazing these Dr’s cannot help us !!
I hope you get some relief 🥲 soon .

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Profile picture for usmahers @usmahers

Hello. I'm a 61-year-old male. About six years ago at 54, I woke up around 3:00 AM with vomiting, severe nausea, significant stomach acid and burping. I threw up my entire dinner eaten about six hours prior. This spell lasted about five days, with the vomiting and nausea persistent throughout. I couldn't keep any solids, liquids or medications down. Any cough, throat-clearing, sneeze, nose-blowing, hawking or burping triggered vomiting. I was completely incapacitated during this time, too ill to even answer an e-mail or call a friend. I spent most of these days in a warm bath which was THE only thing that brought relief. I couldn't sit up in a chair or lay down in bed. After this time, the illness gradually subsides, and a simple diet of minimal servings of fruit juice, nutrition shakes, canned pears and chicken broth for a few days can be kept down until acid subsides, and diet and appetite return to normal. I've had about 14 episodes since and am just coming off one today Tuesday 11/05/24 that started last Wednesday (6 days). One such episode lasted 9 days and put me in the ER. In addition to the vomiting and nausea, this illness wreaks havoc on my entire body and psyche, causing other side effects, and taking days to recover. Employment, relationships, finances and overall lifestyle continue to be affected by this disorder.
A team of Gastroenterologists here have given me every test they can think of but cannot diagnose the problem. I quit alcohol 19 months ago thinking it was a contributor, but I've had three episodes during my abstinence, so that's not the issue (I've maintained my abstinence regardless). I am an occasional user of medical cannabis, but my GP ruled out CHS based on medical history and experience with cannabis. In addition, I had a vomiting episode during a six-month abstinence from medical cannabis, so again this doesn't appear to be the issue. If anyone has any info that may help, please share. My doctors and I are out of answers. I've retired recently and plan extensive travel, so I need to get this figured out. Thanks in advance.

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Gigipatulla, thank you so much for sharing this information. I reviewed the website link you provided and it is very thorough and excellent! This may help many people and I hope the medical community will become aware of this allergy. These life altering and life threatening reactions could be diagnosed and prevented by a simple blood test and allergen avoidance. I am always intrigued by unusual and “weird” illnesses, and this one certainly qualifies. How does one best get the word out to medical professionals so patients don’t suffer so long?

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