help me pls

[Lena85]

In feb last year I felt like I had had the flu for a month. one night I had a chocolate ice-cream and as I was eating it all I could taste was metal, 5 seconds later I started vomiting nonstop. I got severe pain on my left side and felt like it was the worst pain of my entire life. I was rushed to hospital. They did blood tests and found a white cell count of 21. My kidney function was below 60.

* for a month after discharge my symptoms got worse, antibiotics did not help. I got high fevers, my blood pressure was measured at the doc to be 160 on top. My heart palpitations were extreme and I would wake up drenched in sweat with severe nausea, shaking badly and wanting to vomit.  

I  went back on the gluten in April as the only food I could tolerate was bread and fruit ice blocks. my fevers went away after a course of flagyl (5th antibiotic they tried).

* I saw a gastro who gave me an endoscopy and colonoscopy and found only blastocystis a parasite that doesn't usually cause such severe problems. I was treated with 5 weeks worth of antibiotics and the parasite tests came back negative.

* since this incident I have been extremely sick, here is a summary of my symptoms

*  severe consistent nausea - especially with bowel movements
* heart palpitations
* stabbing pain on left side and sore rib cage
* chest/neck pain
*constant sore throat
*dizziness
* constant urge to poo
* fatigue
* mood swings
* entire body aches  
* always feeling hot
* fevers between 37.5 and 38 that come and go for 2 or 4 days and then go away/chills
* sore lymph glands, thighs and breasts  
* sensation of chest on fire with nausea
* headaches  
* 18 kilo weight loss
* stomach cramps

Thank you,
Lena

[Lena85]

Hello Doctor,

Thank you for your response. I have ruled out anxiety (I have been on lexapro almost 4 months now) and not improved the nausea. However, mood wise i am good despite of everything.

I have had a blood culture done, would that rule out a systemic infection?

I've seen an endocrinologist who says my only issue is a borderline overactive thyroid in the past which has now returned to normal. I've done a diabetes test which came back negative. infact my sugar was only 4.3 after a GTT, 2 hrs after having the glucose drink.

In terms of micronutrients, ive also had that screened. I used to have low vitamin D but since taking daily supplements my levels have been very good. All my other vitamins were good.

My heart has been checked, including a heart ultrasound. I have some tachycardia and bradycardia during a 24 hr holter monitor test - but was told it was nothing to worry about.

As for autonomic and respiratory tract illnesses, what would you suggest are possibilities?

Thank you very much! Lena

[S. Kaul, MD]

Hey Lena!

Well, without a detailed clinical evaluation it would be difficult to determine the cause of your symptoms. The symptoms may or may not be related to GI issues. Nausea is a very non-specific symptoms and aide GI issues, could also result from systemic infections, stress/ anxiety, hormonal/ endocrine imbalances, metabolic issues, micronutrient deficiencies, medication side effect etc.  Possible causes that may need to be considered include GI causes such as infections/ inflammation, motility issues, GU infections, inflammations, stress/ anxiety, medication side effect, hormonal/ endocrine issues, causes related to the respiratory tract/ cardiovascular system, autonomic disturbances etc. I would suggest considering an initial evaluation by an internist and depending on the cause(s) diagnosed/ suspected, it can be managed accordingly or specialist(s) care may be sought.
Hope this is helpful.

Take care!