Unexplained Vomiting

[mom595]

My 15 year old daughter has been vomiting every time she eats for the last 93 days.  We have been to local doctors and to doctors at a Children's Hospital 5 hours away.  This has been an ongoing issue for over 5 years but before this it only lasted for 2-5 days at a time every few months.  She had a Hida Scan and Ultra Sound in 2008 and again this past November. The doctors have also ran Brain Scans, Gastric Emptying Study (the eggs they made her came back up within 2 mins), Upper GI and an Endoscopy.  The only diagnosis that anyone has offered is a severe case of Irritable Bowel Syndrome, IBS.  She has been taking Amitriptyline for almost a month now with no change.  The doctor now wants to take her out of school to eliminate stress but the only stress she has is that she has been sick for so long and no one knows why or how to fix it.  I took her out of school before Thanksgiving and didn't let her return till after the 1st of the year and she said that not being in school was more stressful and harder on her than going.  She has lost about 20lbs, and the only thing that she keeps down is liquids so we are experimenting with juicing recipes.  I feel like the doctors should be doing more to make my child better but other than the prescription and removing her from school to eliminate stress they haven't done anything.  Regardless of what/when she eats she is vomiting within 5 mins of taking her last bite. Within 15 mins of vomiting she is usually hungry again and ready to eat.  Has anyone ever heard of anything like this before?  I can't find any info about IBS only causing vomiting.  Also any juice recipes that might help her get the nutrients that she is missing would be appreciated.  

[tamith]

Thank you for not attacking me for my comment, I didn't even want to say it, and I didn't think it was.  It was just a thought.  I was going to say maybe food allergies too. What about Celiac Sprue, where wheat is the allergen?  Did they suggest GERD or Hiatal Hernia?  You are in a tough possition.  Please keep us posted.  This is a very interesting case.  Take care!

[mom595]

I didn't mind the educated comment but no I'm not educated, at least not with book smarts. I am just a single mom doing the best I can and so very thankful that I've been at the same job since she was a very little girl so they are very understanding about the time I have missed and my insurance thankfully picks up the biggest part of the tab.  I think that I will look into the Mayo Clinic, it sure wouldn't hurt.  We have seen all of the local Pedatric GI's and because of her age none of the other GI's in the area will see her that is why we are currently seeing a doctor 5 hours away.  The doctor contacted me today and said that she still believes it to be a very severe case of IBS or Chron's or possibly even a food allergy but that we'll have to wait on our next scope to find out more.  The next scope is scheduled for Feb 19th.  I was under the impression that the 1st scope she had back in November ruled out the possibilty of food allergies.  Neither she nor I would wish this on anyone but it would be wonderful to find someone that has had the exact same problem and be able to help us fix it.

[mom595]

It seems that the 1st thing people think because of her age is that she may be making herself do this and I don't take offense because this is such a difficult age anyways.  I am with her as often as I can be when she vomits, normally giving her a wet rag or water.  More often than not the liquids come up 1st and then the food is a solid mess so if she continues to sip on water while vomiting it makes it easier to come up.  She is absoutely not making herself do this but I can understand why you would ask.  I cannot find anyone that has heard of vomiting being associated with IBS, today the doctor mentioned Chron's and again I can't find anything about vomiting being an issue.  The Upper GI and the Endoscopy that she has had evidently ruled out the possibilty of an ulcer or hernia, and all gall bladder tests came back clear.  She never has nausea, cramps, diarrhea or constipation so I am not convinced with the IBS diagnosis.

[tamith]

Hi!  Please don't take this the wrong way, I'm only trying to help!  Do you see her vomit? Or does sh go to the restroom to vomit alone?  If you don't see her vomiting, maybe just maybe she is suffering from anorexia or bulemia.  I am not trying to offend you.  But it would account for the weight loss.  And it can start at her age. I have IBS and I get stomach cramps after I eat.  It causes both diarrhea and constipation, but not reflux in me.  What about a hiatal hernia, gallbladder disease or ulcer.  Maybe its a motility problem.  I hope you find answers soon!  Take care!

[RockRose]

I'm sorry,  that was crass.  The reason I mentioned you sound "very educated" is because my guess is,   you have the resources to exhaust local medical resources and have already tried to find local solutions.  

[RockRose]

I agree that the doctors should be doing much more because vomiting - on it's own - is an extreme health hazard.  She is at risk for a perforated esophogas with all this vomiting.  

You sound very educated.  Can you get her into the Mayo clinic?  It sounds like she needs to go to a facility that is dedicated to diagnosing unusual cases.  

Best wishes.  This must be very hard.