Severe Chronic Nausea

[shellekp]

My husband has been suffering from Chronic Naseau 24/7 and vomits or dry heaves 2-3 times a day (mostly in the morning). The nausea is so bad (mostly in the mornings) that he can't eat anything until close to noon.  Then he can only eat very little until dinnertime.  He doesn't have any pain in his abdomen & has no other complains or symptoms.  When he does vomit it is mostly bile and occassionally his dinner from the night before.   This has been going on for 14 months.  We have seen 3 Gastro dr's and still don't have any answers.  He has had 2 Endoscopies w/biopsy (H-Pylori positive - 3 rounds of treatment and was cleared in April of that) CAT Scan of Abdomen, ultrasound of gall bladder, MRI of brain, barrium swallow, motility study, Stool tests, barrage of blood work and even a Physc work up for generalize anxiety disorder.  ALL tests come back negative or normal.  He has tried donnatal, compazine, zelnorm, reglan, zofran, protonix & nexium.  Compaznine took the edge off for about 9 months.  Now he takes Reglan and that isn't helping too much.  He has lost probably 15lbs since this all started and the sickness is starting to take a toll on his personality.  We feel like we don't know where to turn or what to do.  Is there anything else out there we can be tested for or are there any diseases, maybe not Gastro that you think he should be tested for?  We are trying to get into the Mayo Clinic to see if they might have some answers but thought we should check all avenues.  Any help or further direction you could give us would be greatly appreicated.

[Kevin Pho, MD]

There has been a comprehensive workup performed that can rule out many of the major GI disorders.  

More uncommon tests such as a gastric emptying scan, as well as HIDA scan will CCK stimulation can be considered.  This can evaluate for gastroparesis as well as the gallbladder ejection fraction respectively.  These disorders can also lead to chronic nausea if not appropriately treated.  

The MRI of the brain would rule out obvious neurological causes of nausea.

These options can be discussed with your personal physician.

Followup with your personal physician is essential.

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, M.D.
kevinmd_

[Jackie2015]

A related discussion, Help for others with nausea. was started.

[pattipie]

A related discussion, chronic nausea after cipro was started.

[Applegeek]

I had a friend who had terrible nausea and she went to Mayo Clinic in Rochester because all the UW GI doctors in Madison, WI couldn't find any anwsers.

NOW THIS SOUNDS STRANGE...BUT IT'S TRUE:

They told her that her body just couldn't hold any more food and that's why it comes back out.  Her entire body was blocked up.

They had to teach her how to have a bowel movement. It seems her sphincter in her anus had bascially forgot how to work.

They had her practice by inserting a small ballon inflating and then squeezing exercises and low and behold she got better.

This is all I know and I probably won't come back to this POST again, but I do hope this helps someone out there.

Vicki

[peipaws]

My husband has been battling nausea for 6 months with no answers.  He's lost about 50lbs.  He had EVERY test done imaginable just as your husband.  It was a MRI/CT scan of his brain/head that may have found the possible cause.  GET THAT TEST.  Since nausea gives the impression that it is a "gastro" problem thats what they focus on.  Has he had a colonoscopy?

[Nursgirlie23]

I have had intractable nausea for the past 24 months.  Mine however, is caused by chronic pancreatitis.  I've been on most anti-nausea medications, and the one that works the best for me is phenergan.  It isn't as costly as some of the bigger ones, like zofran, and kytril.  I can use it as a shot in my muscles or through an IV (I have a PICC line).  Also something else that works wonders is something called a "magic bullet". It has a few things mixed in it, phenergan, ativan, and a steroid.  It comes in a suppository form and works wonders.  My GI doc prescribed it to me, it is something that cancer patients usually use, so it is pretty strong. I hope you get some answers soon, I know how horrible constant nausea is.  I am unable to eat much of the time, but have had success with drinking boost breeze, in the wild berry flavor.  It is a clear liquid, so it goes down a lot better than the creamy forms of boost.  At least it helps give you some nutrition!

[Buckeyegirl]

I have dealt with chronic Nausea for the past four years. My weight goes up and down depending on how severe my nausea, and vomiting gets. I have had pancreatitis twice in the past few years, but haven't had it lately. The doctors have tested me and hospitalized me regarding the nausea and cannot find any reason for having it. They see me vomit, but cannot figure out medically why.  I get through most of the rough days by taking my Zofran. I have been to the Cleveland Clinic for this issue, but they also couldn't find any reason. I basically have come to the conclusion that I will have to live with this. I have gotten through the last year a lot easier with a little anxiety medication. It doesn't help the nausea, but it sure does help me deal with the affect that the nausea can play on me mentally. Goodluck with your search for a reason for your husbands nausea.

[hbp702]

I do believe he needs medical help but in the meantime I have been able to prevent vomiting a couple of ways.

1. Strong pressure on an accupressure point on the inside of the wrist.
2. Slow, deep breathing
3. Mental focus, trying to distract oneself from the nausea

I haven't had to use this often (luckily I am not too often nauseaous) but it usually works. And until you get treatment any help would likely be better than none.

Any nerve problems, diabetes or recent travel to exotic locales?

[kimbacat]

I've had good results with accupunture for episodes of bad nausea.  I see an MD certified in accupuncture.  for occassional, milder nausea, slices of ginger root steeped in hot water and sipped slowly work well for me.  

take care