Venting

bjkoziara

I have had a "stomach bug" for 3 weeks now. I see my doctor on Monday finally, and only because I scheduled an appointment for a physical and plan to sneak that bit in, because the earliest appointment for a new problem that was available as of a week ago was end of August.

I don't think it's a stomach bug though. Originally it may have been, but at this point I find it hard to believe. I haven't had a solid BM in 3 weeks, but I also can't eat. My goal is ~1800 at a 1,000 cal deficit and for many of the days, I'm lucky if I can get 1,400. (I know that probably sounds silly to some because 1400 is what many of your goals are I'm sure, but I am over 300 pounds so I need a lot of calories to run efficiently.)

Anyway, there have been days where I can eat 1800 and then some - but then days like today where I eat something small (a small roasted chicken sandwich) and feel okay at first, but then gradually more and more full until I literally have to make myself throw up to feel better. If I don't, I am in so much pain that I can't even move without my stomach hurting.

I'm also afraid if I tell my doctor that, she's going to think I have an eating disorder. While I have a history of disordered eating, I am not bulimic and don't purge out of guilt or shame. I'm just trying not to be in pain. I'm sure doing that is somehow making it worse, too.

I'm at a point where I want to say *kitten* it and just stop eating until I see my doctor. I won't, because I know I need calories, but something has to give. Anyway, thanks for listening.

Terytha

You can stop eating for a little while. When I had my stomach problems a year ago, the doctor told me if it hurt to eat, not to. And all I had was broth until it passed two weeks later.

Worry about your health before worrying about calories. Don't force feed if it hurts.

NovusDies

It is not ideal but it should be safe if it is making you that uncomfortable. It is certainly a better plan than forcing yourself to regurgitate food that is causing you pain. I think broth or stock would be advisable since straight carbs like juice could tank your bg. I have done 48 hour fasts before when I was younger (not for weight loss) and it isn't easy and even harder if you have already been eating less so keep your activity down to a minimum. You should avoid driving.

MikePTY

I think it is admirable that you are committed to trying to do your weight loss with a healthy calorie intake, but there becomes a point where that can be unhealthy for you, and it seems like this is that situation. If eating is making you sick, it is okay not to eat when you are dealing with a medical condition. You can try to get some calories through liquids. But I wouldn't worry about how much you are getting now. Rather focus on just recovering your body, which is rest.

Lillymoo01

Look up the symptoms of gallstones and see if that is a possibility. If so then eating small meals and limiting fats might help ease symptoms until you see the doctor, or at least give you an idea of when you should seek more urgent attention.

missysippy930

If you can manage liquids until your appointment Monday, try that . Like Boost or something with some nutrients. You should be able to make it until your appointment. Try to stay hydrated at least. Hope things go well.

bjkoziara

Thanks for the responses, everyone. You're all right, of course - I shouldn't put myself in pain for the sake of eating.

@Lillymoo01 I looked it up just now and it definitely does sound like a possibility. It can't hurt to keep the fats low, which should be fairly easy if I do a liquid diet.

@missysippy930 thank you, I was struggling to think of liquids that at least offer nutrients and forgot about Boost. I'll check it out.

LyndaBSS

Listen to your body. I hope that it's something easily remedied and that you feel better soon. ❤

bjkoziara

LyndaBSS wrote: »

Listen to your body. I hope that it's something easily remedied and that you feel better soon. ❤

Thank you! I hope so too, honestly!

Strudders67

Travellers with upset stomachs are advised to drink plenty of fluid and eat small amounts of bland foods for a few days - dry toast, plain boiled rice, dry crackers - just to give you a bit of energy whilst allowing your stomach to recover. Coke (not diet) allowed to go flat, with a pinch of salt in it, also helps. Hope you feel better soon.

NovusDies

How are you doing?

Harebelle

Just re-reading your original post, and wondering if you've ever previously had any problems with constipation?

tmi warning: it's possible to get a 'stuck' stool that becomes very dry and impacted somewhere within the colon, and the person then experiences 'overflow diarrhoea' that passes around the blockage.

I hope your doc palpates your abdomen and considers this as one of several possibilities; whatever it turns out to be I hope it's resolved quickly and easily for you.

bjkoziara

NovusDies wrote: »

How are you doing?

I did go out and buy some Ensure the following day and that actually felt much better. I had a small solid lunch today about 5 hours ago and I'm still quite full, so I may be having Ensure for dinner. I did get the Plus for the sake of having enough calories so it seems so far, so good.

Since the liquids are sitting well I'm wondering if I'm having problems digesting solid foods. My doctor had to unfortunately move my appointment to July 31st. I did explain the situation but I didn't have a choice in the matter. So here we are.

Thanks for checking in!

SueSueDio

Is there a walk-in clinic in your area that you might be able to go to, rather than having to wait another 2.5 weeks when you're in pain and can hardly eat? That will be nearly six weeks since your issues started.

Momjogger

There’s so many things it could be. I’m so glad you’re going to your doctor. Don’t let your doctor blow you off either - advocate for yourself. Bring a friend or family member if you need the support. Stomach issues can be hard to diagnose. It could be anything from gallstones to celiac to lactose intolerance to IBS. I hope your doctor is a good one and takes this seriously. Keep us posted!

LyndaBSS

Doctor's offices always have open slots in their schedule for emergencies. Tell them to bump you up.

bjkoziara

Momjogger wrote: »

There’s so many things it could be. I’m so glad you’re going to your doctor. Don’t let your doctor blow you off either - advocate for yourself. Bring a friend or family member if you need the support. Stomach issues can be hard to diagnose. It could be anything from gallstones to celiac to lactose intolerance to IBS. I hope your doctor is a good one and takes this seriously. Keep us posted!

Someone mentioned Celiac and my dad has a history of gallstones. I'm already diagnosed with lactose intolerance. You're right, there are soooo many options it could be. Hell, combined with other issues that I have that I have been thinking of as separate, it could even be something like ovarian cancer. So many options.

Like @LyndaBSS said, I may have to talk to someone else because the receptionist that called me was not sympathetic at all. They must have something else.

GRNEYEGAL

I had same problem and had to have my gall bladder removed. Feel free to add me.

TallGent66

Are ulcers possible? ... I had my first big problem from a very acidic breakfast that wiped me out for a few days, in bed... through reading I learned about alkaline eating ... I went big on cucumbers (filling, low calorie) mixed with other goodies... chick peas, black beans, corn... and walking 1, then 2 hours a day. (I keep Tums around just in case.) Also ended up losing a good amount of weight in a short time.

staticsplit

If you're lactose intolerant, does boost/ensure not have milk?

Definitely advocate to see another doctor sooner. My gp also has same day emergency appointments if you call first thing in the am.

missysippy930

I think you should call back the clinic and ask to speak with a physician’s assistant, if not the doctor. Explain your situation. That’s too long to have to wait. Did the receptionist indicate why your appointment had to be canceled at the last minute?

DivaDreamer77

Try using a juicer and broth based soups. I couldn't eat after having jaw surgery for months. It's easy on stomach with almost no solids and it's great to flush your system.

Momjogger

The thing about being lactose intolerant is that there’s milk in a lot of things you don’t expect such as bread and packaged snacks, so it could be sneaking into your diet in ways you don’t realize. If you’re really sensitive, that could be affecting you. Maybe you need lactaid pills before meals just to be safe?

SueSueDio

missysippy930 wrote: »

I think you should call back the clinic and ask to speak with a physician’s assistant, if not the doctor. Explain your situation. That’s too long to have to wait. Did the receptionist indicate why your appointment had to be canceled at the last minute?

Or another possibility - I don't know where you live but here in Canada pharmacists can now write prescriptions for minor ailments, and in case they can be good sources of advice on other issues. It might be worth calling in to talk with yours and see if they can offer any suggestions?

bjkoziara

staticsplit wrote: »

If you're lactose intolerant, does boost/ensure not have milk?

Definitely advocate to see another doctor sooner. My gp also has same day emergency appointments if you call first thing in the am.

It does but it is considered safe for lactose intolerance and it doesn't bother me at all.

I did call and got an appointment with another physician in the practice - I guess mine is on vacation for a couple weeks.

bjkoziara

Tha ks everyone for the responses. I think I will push for them to check my gallbladder among other things. I called and apparently my PCP is on vacation, guess it must have been a surprise vacation for her to have canceled appointments.

I did make an appointment for this Thursday morning with another physician in the practice, so only 1 more day of Boosts as meals for me, although I will say they're surprisingly tasty.

Lillymoo01

I am relieved that you are seeing a doctor sooner rather than later. Fingers crossed that it turns out to be something relatively easy to fix.

bjkoziara

Update: the appointment went well. The provider I saw actually had a GI background. Even though it was supposed to be a 15 minute appointment, she spent about 45 minutes making sure she noted all my symptoms, family history, and talking about what tests she thought were necessary. She was a bit concerned because my BP was low (100/70) that I am dehydrated but told me to just drink more electrolytes.

She ordered bloodwork that included a CBC with differential, comprehensive metabolic panel, A1C, Celiac profile, and TSH just in case. I have a referral to a GI doctor.

She said my symptoms are most consistent with post-viral gastroparesis, but that a GI doc needs to do an endoscopy to properly diagnose.

For now I stick to bland foods, Pedialyte, Boost, Zantac twice a day, Immodium after every loose stool, and a probiotic until I see the GI.

LyndaBSS

So relieved that you were given an appropriate exam and that you're heading towards a result. ❤

yirara

Lillymoo01 wrote: »

Look up the symptoms of gallstones and see if that is a possibility. If so then eating small meals and limiting fats might help ease symptoms until you see the doctor, or at least give you an idea of when you should seek more urgent attention.

From personal experience: I was thinking exactly the same. I'm currently keeping my fats at below 50g per day but will probably have to go lower than that.

Momjogger

Great that the Doc took you seriously and that you’re getting the care you deserve!