HELP - It's been a year

[crav41998]

Last april I awoke at 1am with severe nausea (no vomiting or diarrhea) and lethargy.  It felt like my stomach had closed.  Went to the ER and they gave me anti-nausea medicines and fluids and told me it was a virus.  Well over the next month I was back in the ER two more times because the symptoms did not go away and I could not eat and lost 12 lbs.  I had the following exams Endoscopy (tested negative for H Pylori), Colonoscopy, Upper Gi Series, UREA Test, Hida Scan, 2 stool samples, Lyme Disease (tested 5x), MRI (because I felt unbalanced and it was negative) Inner ear test, every possible blood test which can be run by an endocrinologist.  I have been to the following doctors Internists (2), GI (2), neurologist (2), Endocrinologist (2), GYN (1).  I also lost my job last August and my father had a heat attack )he is fine now).  The Neurologist told me it was anxiety and wanted me to take anxiety medication which, after trying several, I could not tolerate and I don't think it's that.  Here I am a year later, still not working, and still not feeling myself.  They tel you that you know your body and I know mine isn't right.  I still feel nausea though I am eating more but have not replaced any of the weightloss.  I am told by all medical practitioners that there is nothing wrong with me.  I feel as if I belong on the medical diagnosis show.  Is there anything someone is missing.  I am thinking of doing al my tests again or am I just looking for something that doesn't exist.    What would you tell your patient?

[Kevin Pho, MD]

You clearly have had a comprehensive evaluation, and many of the major causes would have been ruled out already.   Also, it is unlikely that I can come up with a diagnosis that hasn't already been thought of by the doctors you have seen.

That said, you may want to consider a gastric emptying scan.  Gastroparesis, or delayed gastric emptying, can lead to chronic nausea, I and I didn't see that scan in the list of tests you have had.

I assume that the MRI you mentioned was of the brain, since you mentioned it in association with balance issues. If not, it should be done.

Furthermore, imaging the abdomen can be considered, as liver or gallbladder problems can also lead to nausea.  An abdominal CT can be considered.

These options can be discussed with your personal physician.

This answer is not intended as and does not substitute for medical advice - the information presented is for patient education only. Please see your personal physician for further evaluation of your individual case.

Kevin Pho, M.D.

KevinMD.com
Twitter.com/kevinmd