Unexplained Vomiting for days at a time, with IBS

[Charetti]

My niece is very ill right now and no one seems to be taking her seriously.  She has been vomiting non-stop for about a week now.  She had this happen last month and it lasted for 2 weeks and then she thought it had passed.  She was OK for about 10 days and back to vomiting again.  I have seen her wake up from a deep sleep becuase she is vomiiting.  Of course she is exhausted and not able to cope with her child.

She has also suffered from IBS for several years.  She has to have a bowel movement after she eats...everytime!  I think that is bizarre on its own.  Food doesnt move through you that fast.

The doctor did blood work and then nothing.  I think she believes its mental and stress related.  I agree that this may be part of it but cant believe its the entire reason.  I am afraid for her, she is losing it since its lasting so long.  Anyone have any ideas?

[Charetti]

Thanks so much for the replys.  Some other things that may or may not be involved is that she smokes pot daily, about a gram.  The IBS has been with her for years and the pot smoking just in the last few years.  She also suffers from a painful back.  She has a special needs child that can be challenging for her so this is even more distressing for her.  

I just talked to her Mom and she said that my niece talked about what she wanted done if she died.  I am so sad for her.  I will encourage her to get the help, even if I have to take her myself.

[Dr. Kokil Mathur]

Hi
I read through your post very carefully and based on that I feel that your niece is possibly suffering from Celiac Disease/Ulcerative Colitis/Irritable Bowel Syndrome/ Crohn’s disease. All these result in tender abdomen, loose stool or loose stools alternating with constipation, abdominal distention, cramps etc. Parasites in the gut like threadworm, tape worm, giardiasis etc can behave this way. Hence a stool test is a must. Problems of gall bladder and liver or that of pancreas too cannot be ignored.
A number of times a gastroenterologist is able to diagnose these conditions by clinical examination and detailed medical history. At other times a few tests are conducted. Blood tests to rule out anemia, stool test to look for white blood cells, sigmoidoscopy, colonoscopy etc are used to diagnose ulcerative colitis. Braium meal and follow through, endoscopy etc are done to rule out GERD, Crohn’s disease etc. Irritable bowel syndrome is diagnosed by elimination of other causes. Gluten is a complex protein present in four main grains---wheat, rye, barley and oats. If you have gluten intolerance, then you probably have celiac disease or Non Celiac gluten sensitivity. There are blood tests called celiac test to detect gluten intolerance. Crohn’s disease is a difficult entity to diagnose. Along with gut symptoms skin disorders and arthritis too are commonly seen with Crohn’s. An upper GI series using barium dye is done to see the condition of small intestines. The degree of involvement of the large and small intestine may vary from person to person.  A biopsy is the most confirmatory. An elevated ESR does confirm inflammation in the body. Low protein, minerals and iron in blood are the other findings in Crohn’s which may or may not be present. A recent advancement in Crohn’s diagnosis is video capsule endoscopy.
Your niece needs to consult a god gastroenterologist for this. A comprehensive investigation is required keeping all the points in mind.
Hope this helps. Take care!

[ErinBBC]

Hi,
Has she been tested for giardiasis?  I have an immune disease and this is something people with my condition tend to have trouble with.  It's an infection caused by the giardia lamblia parasite that causes vomiting, diarrhea, nausea, gas, and stomach cramps.  Most infections only last 2-4 weeks BUT according to MedicineNet website: "In many patients who are not treated, however, infection can last for several months to years with continuing symptoms. Some patients recover from their giardiasis, with or without treatment, but symptoms continue, perhaps because there has been bacterial overgrowth within the small intestine."

I think you should try bringing her to a gastroenterologist, maybe a specialist will be able to help you more than a primary care doc.

Good luck,
E