How Can Eating Make You Feel So Sick?
You know, laptops are really handy. I’m lying on my bed right now with my knees raised trying not to throw up. Granted, my MacBook, as fairly light as it is, probably isn’t helping pressing against my lower abdomen.
I really want to puke. Sorry, that’s not very pleasant, I know.
I’m seeing my gastroenterologist tomorrow. I was feeling fine…oh, around two months ago when I wasn’t eating but now that I am again, all of my symptoms have returned. Yes, how charming. As long as I don’t eat, I remain symptom free.
As I have blogged before, I have had to tighten my belt yet another notch. Let’s see what I weigh tomorrow? Maybe I am still at 100lbs. I will be sure to let you know; I know you are all waiting with baited breath.
And yes, I ate dinner tonight. You see, that is the problem! And it was healthy too. I mean, not super duper macrobiotic or anything ridiculous but decent food. I am trying. But it is hard to try when eating makes you feel like upchucking or it hurts or you get this insane feeling of…how do you describe it? Maybe a couple of hours later you feel this bizarre sense of emptiness that hurts too but you’re not hungry. Heartburn can be a bit of a problem as well but I do take a prescribed med for that. But only in the morning.
And I won’t even get into the nastier symptoms of the Lower GI tract. I’ll leave that to your imagination.
Oh yes, and if you didn’t know already, I’ve become pleasantly anaemic because of all of this craziness. I’ve never been anaemic in my life. Exhauted beyond belief, had a pallor that would make me look like the walking dead but my iron levels have always tested fine. Well, who’s laughing now–or not? I am taking lovely supplements and again, I will not even begin to tell you what they do to your lower GI tract. I fucking hate them.
May I repeat that I want to puke right now?
*PA sits up to sip some water*
Wait a sec…
*PA pads to kitchen to pour a glass of gingerale*
Okay, sitting up now to drink. Gingerale is actually really good for an upset tummy. Ginger as an herb (or rather a root) has been used in China and other countries for hundreds of years for stomach ailments and so many other things (I can’t believe I’m doing basic research beyond what I already know while being nauseous…)
I’d tell you more but I don’t know if you care and I’m tired…how pathetic for someone who loves to look up fun stuff on the internet all the time…
Perhaps I should run to the local grocery, grab a ginger root and just start chewing on it. Believe me…I’ve thought about it. My gastroenterologist hasn’t provided much other help (yet.)
Yes…so gingerale…it makes me burp…HA! No, it feels good. I blogged about that too and how my ex-partner made a big fuss about me burping regarding my tummy troubles. She had tummy problems too and when she realized how much it helped we just burped away whenever we needed. Well, at home anyway–not out in public *laughing* Oh, bless whoever invented gingerale.
So who here has ever been on the BRAT diet? If you don’t know what it stands for (then you’ve never been on it–or had kids) it stands for Bananas, Rice, Applesauce and Toast. And let me tell you, here and now, it absolutely sucks. I can not tell you how many times I have had to revert to it over the last year (approximately how long this stomach business has been going on.) I have added for “variety” to the diet some clear broth! Oooh! How daring! That’s probably because I’m not a big fruit fan and I feared the acidity of the applesauce. However, for the toast, I did use jam because who on earth would want to eat a piece of plain toast with nothing on it?! I swear, when going back to the BRAT diet, I’d just as soon not eat at all but that was the norm anyway…I never wanted to eat when sick and I still don’t.
Another blessing? Ex-partner. People who have read this blog since the beginning when we were together know that she is a trained chef. She kept me fed. PA can cook but it was easier with ex-partner who did a better job and just did it naturally! I mean, why cook when you’ve got someone who can do it better than you and who does it for a living (even though she wasn’t working as a chef when we were together.) Again, bless her…she kept the weight on PA as when they first met, PA was on the Topamax/Topiramate diet…that Anticonvulsant is known for making you lose a lot of weight. I lost about 15lbs? PA’s, again, only 5’2″. Barely.
So, anyway…I’ve taken to doping myself up with Gravol/Dimenhydrinate lately. It doesn’t do a thing for the pain but it helps with the nausea. Ah yes, another symptom that can definitely crop up. I usually take it at night or I’d get pretty loopy during the day. And in small doses as with my sleepy meds I already get pretty knocked out but at least it sort of gives me a bit of relief in the evening. And loopiness is fun! Heh. PA won’t deny that. Hey, at least it’s OTC!
I sure hope I get some good news tomorrow. Like I said, this has been going on for almost a year now. I know a lot of other people live with pain and illness for lengthier periods but they have diagonses? Or maybe not? I know of at least one person I’ve talked to recently who seems to be really struggling with a lot of things and keeps coming up with no answers at all. Some symptoms similar to mine…
*sigh*
Well, we’ll see how it goes but Mr. Gastro (well…Dr…but I do refer to him by his first name as he’s probably(?) around my age, got longish hair and looks really cool haha!)–well, we need to have a serious talk tomorrow.
Oh dear. I just gave kitty his wet food…blech. Not appealing to look at in the slightest. Time for the gravol, sleepy meds and more gingerale.
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July 18, 2007 at 5:45 pm
re: Gastro Update:
The Scots did invent deep fry Mars bars, but the Americans did Deep Fried Turkeys and Thanksgiving Turkeys basted in 2L of 7Up.
I had a post recently about being ill that took a while to catch some comments… I think if we had called it “defooding” instead of the traditional throwing up, puking or chucking for distance we might have encouraged more responses.
Even at your height, and I really don’t want to encourage any self-esteem issues, but 90lbs does seem a little low… and a 15lb drop would be significant.
With the gingerale… when I was a kid mom would stir the bubbles out before giving it to me. Or, alternatively, she would lie and give me gingerale that was past its due date. Either way it was easier on the tummy.
July 18, 2007 at 11:14 pm
Thanks feartheseeds for your insight and links. I’m a little bit pooped/knackered/exausted/dusted…etc… so I’ll come back to them but no worries about self esteem issues here. I look fine. I mean, I’m not emaciated or on death’s door or anything. I’m just really tiny! The irony is that most people might find me attractive? Thank you for warping what is beauty. Granted, I’m not tall enough to be a model.
However, it is the tiniest I’ve ever been in my adult life! Even 100lbs was the tiniest before. So now I’ve sunk lower.
Okay, then?
So, as above…just try and keep eating and pray the hell I don’t keep shrinking!
As far as gingerale, flat is okay if you’re really sick but for me right now, I prefer it straight up because burping (sorry everyone) relieves some of the gastric distress. Usually if you have some viral infection you don’t want to stir things up and burp or what not but with what I’ve got…oh, dear…get rid of it!
August 17, 2007 at 3:04 pm
Hey PA-
I have had those same symptoms for at least a year and then got some weird DVT/PAD symptoms on top- I was at a healthy 115 and then dropped to 85 when I started having your exact symptoms. It caused me to start having episodes of passing out and extreme sweating with nausea. Then came the DVT symptoms and I gained weight- lots of it- then I shot up to 135 and had never been that heavy in my life. I found out that I was exposed to two “sick “houses/a “sick” car and 2 homes with serious gas leaks- you might want to check your house for these – I never suspected it to be the cause- check your homes-apt -everything for mold or gas- that’s what got me sick and made me so sick I almost passed away.
GET Checked and get to your doc- Tell him about your symptoms – no one ever suspects this syndrome- and it takes years to diagnose.
If you keep loosing wright it will affect your whole system- I let it go and now I have swallowing problems and can’t work. I’m down to 85 and losing weight really fast. (not good) I have other issues on top (vascular, neuro) but please get to a COMPETENT doc ASAP.
ALLERGIST or specialst- have them check you for reactions to MOLD and gas. (natural)
trust me on this one- I have suffered for years because I listened to idiot docs who didn’t have a clue.
August 17, 2007 at 8:15 pm
Hi jojo, thanks for coming by my blog but oh dear, under such sad circumstances…well, crap…I write a lot of sad stuff here anyway so we can all shed tears together.
Wow, that all sounds pretty frightening. I don’t know about the gas leak stuff as I have recently moved apartments and really, all of this stuff has been going on for almost a year. So if there was a gas leak? Well, no…we had hot water/radiator heating in the last place. New place? Hmmm…gas probably but I’ve only been here a few months.
I agree with you about difficulty with diagnostics and frustration due to some doctors. I’m not sure but I might be feeling a bit better? I am eating a bit more than I was–that’s for sure–and a lot of my symptoms have improved, I believe? Or some? Maybe this whole Milk of Magnesia and Bran business has actually done something after all. I do slip off it sometimes as ugh–I hate it. I’m still trying to monitor things closely. And at least the Concerta hasn’t seemed to make me any tinier!
I probably will remain a wee thing as when single I live like a bachelor and do not take care of myself. I hate to say it but I need to have a partner to help me! Or encourage me. Or something. I know…pathetic. I feel like a child but this is nothing new. Welcome to being disordered–but it’s part of my charm. I’m rather cute to take care of *wink*
Anyway, we’ll see how I weigh in next time around.
I’m really sorry that you’ve had to deal with all of this. I also hope that you too can find a way to gain. 85lbs. is just a bit below me and I don’t know how tall you are but my, if you are taller than me…oh boy.
September 12, 2010 at 2:12 pm
I know it’s been quite awhile since this posting was active, but I figured maybe a bit of time would have helped and maybe you’ve found some routine that works by now.
I’ve been struggling with this exact same thing as well as depression for nearly my entire life. I’ve never really known anything different and would more than appreciate if someone out there knows, since there isn’t a whole lot that I can find.
September 12, 2010 at 4:11 pm
Hi Corey. Nice to meet you and welcome. I don’t mind coming back to my older posts at all. Really, I love it.
Unfortunately, I haven’t found much since writing this that has helped. I got sick again this year, so we did more tests and nothing. I am seeing a dietician now, but at the very least, my hope is to get back up to 100lbs.
Depression can absolutely affect appetite and food intake. Apart from mood issues, have you been having any gastro problems for basically all of your life, too? If so, have you spoken to any doctors about it? Well, both for that matter.
If not, I would suggest that you do to see if there are any underlying medical factors. I won’t even begin to mention any (apart from Dr. PA not being an actual physician.) It’s more the fact that there could be so many!
I know it is very frustrating when you can’t get answers to health problems that seem to exist forever. So, if you haven’t talked to anyone, I think that would be a good thing to do. If you have, try to persevere. You may end up getting an answer somewhere down the line.
Take care,
PA
October 29, 2010 at 5:17 pm
After all the research I have been doing this month, this post randomly shows up. You have basically everything that has been going on with me. Everyone is SICK of me talking about the fact I can’t eat. My boyfriend thinks I’m nuts, telling me I can’t keep doing this to myself. Its like yea buddy I’m aware of this. The doctors don’t seem to concerned I’ve lost 10lbs in a week. Not like ive been one who can loose weight easily, and for my height Im sure still considered over weight, by like 5lbs. Anyways, I see from your last comment, still no luck? I’ve been in the ER 4 times, this is the first week I haven’t gone. Oh if we could talk more and compare symptoms that would be great. Im at the point of forcing myself to eat, even tho I know it will make me sick. I just ate pizza, 2 little slices. Normally I could eat 3/4 of it. Im so uncomfortably full. Im sure the nausea will set in soon! I’m waiting on some tests to come back and next week I’m seeing the GI doc. No one seems to have much luck with the GI docs. Ugh this is just frustrating, and all i wanna do is go to the BIGGEST buffet in the world and EAT everything!
October 30, 2010 at 11:26 am
Hi Sheri. Nice to meet you and welcome. Yes, I completely understand. I’m also sorry to hear that you’re not getting support, either personally or professionally! Losing that much weight so drastically is not good! The same thing happened to me and everybody flipped out!
Wow. Having to visit the ER four times. I can’t recall but I think I only went once? The pain was just unbearable but I knew they probably wouldn’t be able to do much. They gave me an IV NSAID, IV Gravol (which was heavenly!) and then a script for the NSAID in pill form. It did nothing. I also take a script PPI (Proton Pump Inhibitor) for GERD and it’s generally alright.
I try and force myself to eat as much as possible as well, but I find it so difficult. Also, I have found that living alone makes it harder. I have less motivation. Also, with my psych diagnoses, that can be a problem with motivation, too!
I went for another gastroscopy in the spring and after a bajillion biopsies, nothing! The first time around, I had both a gastroscopy and a colonoscopy.
For test number two, I was hoping something would come up as my signs/symptoms were curiously looking like malabsorption. I’d never had that combination before.
Now? I seem to be a bit better with the problems that required the medical intervention back then. My food intake? I’m not sure but I’m still trying. I’m working with a dietician. I said the only thing possible was getting me back up to 100lbs. Don’t hope for anything else! I’ve only been at that number ever since getting sick years ago! I haven’t weighed myself in a while so I’m sure where I stand.
It is very frustrating. After all these years, I feel I’ve just resigned myself to the whole thing. No matter what I eat, I’m going to be the size of a 12 year-old boy and that’s it! Well, a 12 year-old boy with breasts! *laughing* If the problems flare up again, we can do another gastroscopy and/or I go back to the original treatment plan.
Feel free to share your symptoms with me if you wish. Ditto the results? I have no problems talking about mine.
Take care,
PA
April 27, 2011 at 7:19 pm
I have all of the same symptoms! Has anyone found answers yet????? I can’t eat, when i force myself to i get sweaty and want to puke. The doctors removed my gallbladder and appendix and still no relief. An upper GI scope thing showed nothing wrong. Please someone shed some light on what’s going on!!
May 28, 2011 at 12:59 pm
Hi Heather. Welcome to my blog as I believe you are new. However, I apologize for the slow welcome and response. I’ve not been so well.
It sounds like you’ve really been through the wringer. After having your gallbladder and appendix removed, too? That’s really heavy duty to go under the knife, I think. However, that’s just me. My own feelings are to leave surgeries as final options.
I’m currently having problems again, but with a very upsetting twist. I can’t understand it. It’s an absolute medical mystery. It just can’t be possible! Something so drastic changed with my body in “a while,” but again in two days!
Please forgive me for not mentioning it here. Well, okay. It has to do with my weight, but it doesn’t match my symptoms, and again, it can’t be medically possible.
However, I sort of want to include more of it in another post that explains the reasons why I haven’t been (mentally) well enough to come back online. I left for a while, thus my very slow response time to you. That medical piece of information has triggered my PTSD.
Enough of that, though. I very much understand your frustration! Someone once suggested to me that I try an Endocrinologist. It’s still on my mind. Dr. PA is not a real physician, but these things may be hormonally based. You never know.
Take care,
PA
January 4, 2012 at 9:39 am
I have had those same symptoms. It doesn’t matter how much i eat i still feel nauseous and my stomach hurts, it’s almost like a cramp. I’ve been gagging too. Sometimes i can’t even eat a lot cause i feel like i’m gonna throw it up. I’m scared to know what it is.
January 9, 2012 at 2:59 pm
Hi Jessica. My tardiness isn’t so bad with you! Only a few days. Nice to meet you and welcome to my blog if we haven’t met before.
Well, as always stated, Dr. PA is not a real doctor. However, as frightened as you may be, Dr. PA says go see a real doctor! Now!
Psych/Neuro is really Dr. PAs Specialty, not Gastroenterology. Still, she’s flexible. Either way, this is something that you should speak to a Gastroenterologist about.
First, tell you primary care physician what is going on. They will probably do some preliminary things. A brief physical exam, and they may order some blood work. After that, they really should refer you to a Gastroenterologist. At least in Dr. PAs opinion. This is more complicated that stubbing your toe.
With your Gastro, you’ll speak more in depth about what’s really going on, and he or she will take things from there. I can’t say what will happen next, but I know standard procedures. Still, it all applies to you and your signs and symptoms.
If something doesn’t “feel right” with your body, you should always have it looked at. Even if it’s just the tiniest thing. Yes, sometimes it can be scary. But also, it could turn out to be virtually nothing! It’s like, “Oh, we can fix that! Easy!”
As a matter of fact, I had an appt. like that with Sweetie GP recently. I thought it was a serious problem and it turned out to be the easiest thing to treat!
January 12, 2012 at 10:39 am
Well i went to the doctor and they said they are not sure what it is and that it could be a number of things. But i looked up stress symptoms and i pretty much have all the symptoms. I was so stressed and depressed last night, i smoked 2 packs of ciggaretts last night. And i started crying. I don’t know tho
January 14, 2012 at 4:11 pm
Hi again Jessica. I’m really glad you went to the doctor. Good for you! But you know what? When I went in the beginning, they said it could be a number of things, too.
Medicine isn’t an exact science all the time–a lot of the time! That’s why some things require further investigation. Most definitely things that are inside of us. So again, I can’t tell you what to do, but I strongly encourage you to persevere. Keep going with it. A bit of unsolicited advice there, but it’s just how I feel about things.
Now I’m going to say something I feel even more strongly about. I don’t want you to think I’m giving you a hard time. I really want to help. However, I’m going to sound a bit ranty here.
Beware the Internet! There is a lot of garbage out there that people try and use to self-diagnose, or even “believe” is precisely what any and all illnesses are about. No person should ever self-diagnose, and there can be a myriad of reasons why people become ill.
There is a term, so often used, when people go to the Internet and believe what they’ve read is completely the problem. Some people have no problems at all, until they read about something on the Internet. Then, all of the sudden, they are immediately stricken with what they’ve read. The term is “Cyberchondria.” A lovely little portmanteau.
So, you thought it was stress, read some things where you had “pretty much all the symptoms.” Then, you got even more stressed! You see? That’s not good.
Now, I don’t know what you read and where. Stress can cause problems with the gut. It sure does for me. However, stress can wreak havoc with every medical problem.
Once again, I can’t tell you what to do, but if reading things from the Internet had this kind of effect on you? Maybe not a good idea.
Also, as I said above, there can be a myriad of reasons why people become ill. This extends even more to a myriad of signs and symptoms. It is extremely rare to nail all of them on a list. Damn near impossible!
If you want a perfect example, use me. With my diagnoses? So many items on “lists” do not apply. Yet, “enough” of them do to make a proper, medical diagnosis.
Wow. I really hope I didn’t go overboard, here. Like I said, I’m not trying to give you a hard time. I just really, really want you to get help and not be so scared.
Take care,
PA
January 18, 2012 at 8:02 pm
My sister has a condition called Gastroparesis. If you haven’t discussed this with your Dr. you might consider it. The symptoms are typically
Heartburn
Nausea
Vomiting of undigested food
An early feeling of fullness when eating
Weight loss
Abdominal bloating
Erratic blood glucose levels
Lack of appetite
Gastroesophageal reflux
Spasms of the stomach wall (my sister says these are painful)
She also belches A LOT! Anyway, the symptoms that many of you have described reminded me of her so I thought I would pass this info on. Best of luck.
January 19, 2012 at 1:57 am
Well thank you for the info. I went to see my dr. bout 2 wks ago and she said it could be a number of things and that was one of them. I know this is gonna sound weird but i think its what i have cause i have gas a lot for some reason.
January 19, 2012 at 12:29 pm
Hi Tamara Zizzo. Nice to meet you and welcome to my blog. Also, welcome to this conversation.
I know that this is not my problem, but I do have some of the signs and symptoms.
Hi again Jessica. It’s great to see the two of you talking together on my blog. I really like it when people are engaged in a particular subject, and these discussions take place.
Jessica, if you feel this might be an issue, then you should definitely bring it to your doctor’s attention.
Take care to the both of you,
PA
January 20, 2012 at 12:37 am
I have and nobodyy knows what it is…that makes me sad ;(
January 22, 2012 at 2:20 pm
Hi Jessica. I’m sorry you’re feeling so bad. I know how frustrating and upsetting it can be, when trying to make your way through the medical system and not well.
Still, if you can, I stay stick to your guns and keep trying. I’ve had to really persevere to get all of my mental diagnoses straightened out. But trust me, all of that time was definitely worth it.
Keep your chin up,
PA
January 28, 2012 at 9:41 pm
Well i think i might be pregnant…
January 29, 2012 at 4:40 pm
Hi jessica. Oh. Pregnant. Really. Well, that’s quite easy to “diagnose.” Also, in my opinion, I don’t feel it’s actually a “medical illness” per se.
February 1, 2012 at 5:50 pm
Well i went to the health dept last week and took a test and they said the line showed up positive and then went away but i don’t know. They said getting sick and tired after smoking is a sign.
February 8, 2012 at 11:23 am
Hi jessica. Well, you’ve really got me stumped here. I don’t know what else to say. Best of luck.
May 20, 2012 at 11:43 am
ive been the same way for the past 2 years….ive been diagnosed with ulcerative colitis when i was 15, im 27 now…no matter what i eat or when i eat, i get about 5 bites in and feel like im going to hurl…ive lost 60 pounds in the past 2 years…i went from 157 to just about 94 pounds now…its horrible, i have no energy, im very cranky and not a very pleasant person to be around…went to the doc and he gave me some pills for the UC and the nausea, but i dont think its working…plus he wants to run blood tests and there is only one thing on this planet that terrifies me to the point of having a full blown anxiety attack and anyone who has had an anxiety attack, it really feels like a heart attack and you feel like dying and that is needles…i feel so helpless and hopeless…it has seriously zapped all my desire to live life…and im not suicidal or anything, but sometimes i wish a car would run a red light and just end it…im tired of starving to death and i know i need to eat and everyone in my family says i have to force it, but i cant force myself to eat if i feel sick…i just cant do it…well, thats my rant
May 24, 2012 at 6:15 pm
Hi Josh. Nice to meet you and welcome. I’ll skip to the last part of your comment first. Feel free to rant as much as you want! I do so why should I reserve that “privilege” only for me? Commenters can rant as much as they want! *laughs*
Oh, my dear Josh. If I can call you “dear” in a friendly context. Your comment makes me feel…wow. However! DO NOT feel bad for writing it! We’re humans after all. We come with emotions!
UC is very painful and can be very hard to treat (from what Dr. PA has gleaned from both patients and the literature.) Although, do note that I am NOT a real physician.
Your weight loss is extreme. Our physical conditions (and mental) are interwoven with our emotions too. Further, in your case you need food. We all do, but again, your case goes beyond the majority.
I’ve learned to try not to tell people how to feel. We should be allowed to feel however and whatever we want, relative to the situation. We must be careful though, because if the feelings are so intense we can become “stuck” in them. Then, we may risk harm.
But I would like to say, if you can, please don’t beat yourself up for saying you are not a very pleasant person to be around. We tend to judge ourselves harder, than others do, us. Even though I feel pangs of pain in your comment, I would guess you are not a bad guy.
Do you drink Ensure or other DECENT meal replacements? They are a staple in my fridge! If I can’t handle anything, at least I’m getting some nourishment into me.
Now, the needles. A lot of people fear them, but it sounds really intense for you. Do you have anyone that you are close to that could accompany you when you have the blood work done? If so, that might provide some comfort and even a bit of distraction. You could have a conversation while the procedure is happening, and then done.
If that person (or anyone else) couldn’t be with you, maybe you could talk on the phone with someone. That may prove as a good distraction. I know it’s easier to type with two hands so you couldn’t leave a comment, but hey! If you’re REALLY desperate, you could read my blog?
I’m just being silly with myself and my crazy blog. However, whether you read it or anything else, it still may work as a distraction. If you’re not looking around or thinking about it, then it you might find yourself so immersed in whatever you’re doing, you might get through it faster than you think.
As far as your mood state, I’m so sorry. Here, I am feeling sharper pangs of pain. I am very glad to hear that you are not suicidal. And yet, I am rather worried about some undertones. Be prepared for Dr. PAs rant now.
I think you should seek some kind of psychiatric help to deal with all of this. It’s not just because of me seeing a bit of a red flag in the suicide area. Your moods altogether are dragging you down. Finally, you say your family is forcing you to eat, despite the fact they know you are sick.
THAT is a huge red flag to me! It’s almost making me see red! You need someone on your side to advocate for you. You need someone to support you (a professional) because you don’t have anyone who can give you support.
For people close to you completely ignoring such obvious states of illness, and then ignoring you is untenable. I don’t know what you think, or how you feel about the idea. I feel very strongly that you should speak to your doctor and seek help.
Explain the situation and if your doctor has a brain, he/she should get you a referral to a Psychiatrist and/or a Psychotherapist. You don’t need your family’s stress exacerbating your current situation and what already exists! It may actually be an impediment to your healing and getting better. Just my thoughts.
Take care and I hope this helped,
PA