Uncontrollable vomiting

[OldFatChick]

I had a fundoplcation a few years ago after being admitted to the hospital with uncontrollable vomiting. Was diagnosed with hiatal hernia, sludge in my gall bladder and a cyst on my Fallopian tube. I was told that after a fundoplication I would be unable to vomit. Apparently I was misinformed. I just spent the last 24 hours heaving and retching uncontrollably, even throwing up. It feels exactly the way it did before surgery, except for the quantities I throw up. This happens periodically. I was hospitalized twice in July for the same thing. The first time they said it was due to a virus that attacked my heart and caused cardiomyopathy. The second time, two days later, I was back in for the same thing.  

I know it isn't hiatal hernia, gallbladder or ovarian or Fallopian cysts, as I had the gallbladder, ovaries and tubes removed the same time they did the fundo. So, apparently I had the fundo for nothing, as that was apparently not the true cause. Now I am left to start over. These episodes happen every few months and the time in July lasted almost two weeks. It seems to me that the cause of the pain and nausea is the spasms in my upper stomach. I cannot afford to keep having these expensive tests and procedures only to continue to have this problem. Can anyone shed light on what this could be?

They did a gastric emptying study in July and it was fine, so I am pretty sure it isn't gastroparesis. I just can't continue to deal with this. It already cost me my job, not to mention thousands of dollars.

[S. Kaul, MD]

Hi there!

Well, without knowing the relevant clinical details or a detailed clinical evaluation it would be difficult to comment specifically on the situation. Nausea is a very non-specific symptom and could result from GI infection/ inflammation, micronutrient deficiencies, GI motility issues, or non-GI causes such as stress/ anxiety, hormonal/ endocrine imbalances, metabolic issues, micronutrient deficiencies, medication side effect etc. While fundoplication would help improve the tone of the lower oesophageal sphincter, it may not completely prevent vomiting. I would suggest considering a detailed evaluation by an internist initially and depending on the cause diagnosed/ suspected, this can be managed accordingly or specific specialist care may be sought.
Hope this helps.

Take care!

[OldFatChick]

I guess I never really asked a question above. Does anyone have any suggestions as to what could cause this? I've lost 12 lbs in 4 days and I'm exhausted from the constant retching.