Nausea and no appetite

jurple132
jurple132 Posts: 19 Member
edited December 2 in Goal: Gaining Weight and Body Building
For the last two and a half months I have been extremely nauseous with little appetite. Before this I was a healthy and active 22 year old with no health problems. I ran a half marathon earlier in the year. I weighed 63 kg; now I weigh 56 and am still losing weight. My lifestyle is becoming more limited; I can't eat much other than crackers, fruit and soup and I can't exercise much (too dizzy from low bp from weight loss), and I'm finding it harder to work as I feel so crappy.
Does anyone have any ideas on what could be going on? I'm being referred to specialists as my gp has run out of ideas.
Blood tests, stool, urine, abdominal ultrasound, physical exam have all come back normal and I am not pregnant.
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Replies

  • psuLemon
    psuLemon Posts: 38,431 MFP Moderator
    GI issues are extremely difficult to know without test. It could be a wide variety of things. Can you drink any calories like milk or juices? How about things like avocado? Below is a thread that has a lot of high calorie foods that you might find helpful.


    http://community.myfitnesspal.com/en/discussion/10326769/are-you-a-hard-gainer-please-read/p1
  • mom23mangos
    mom23mangos Posts: 3,069 Member
    Anxiety? Maybe that you are not even aware of? I used to suffer from a lot of GI issues. I would spend days throwing up, curled in a fetal position with cramps. At first I thought it was a stomach virus or food poisoning, but when it would happen several times a month that seemed far fetched. Dr's couldn't find anything...and when they can't find anything they go with IBS. Turns out it was just anxiety and I was unknowingly hyperventilating and making myself nauseous. Learning to recognize when I'm feeling anxious (I have stress dreams I've learned to recognize) and doing square breathing really helped me to control it.

    But you are definitely doing the right thing by seeking medical attention. It sounds pretty serious.
  • mom23mangos
    mom23mangos Posts: 3,069 Member
    Square breathing will help rebalance the 02/CO2 levels in your blood.
    https://www.psychologytoday.com/blog/making-change/201305/stop-your-anxiety-now
  • jurple132
    jurple132 Posts: 19 Member
    I can't seem to tolerate any dairy except yoghurt and even moderate amounts of that cause problems. I'm trying juices etc but just have no appetite even for those. I don't think it's psychological as it is the same every day regardless of stress level or days off etc and I've been prescribed medication to reduce nausea which is effective but doesn't bring my appetite back.
  • jurple132
    jurple132 Posts: 19 Member
    Ta for the link, will definitely try some of those things.
  • KetoneKaren
    KetoneKaren Posts: 6,412 Member
    You've been tested for celiac disease?
  • jurple132
    jurple132 Posts: 19 Member
    Yup. Negative result
  • KetoneKaren
    KetoneKaren Posts: 6,412 Member
    So frustrating for you. What's next? Cardiologist? Gastroenterologist?
  • jurple132
    jurple132 Posts: 19 Member
    A long wait until I can see a specialist. Not sure what type; I think the dr referred me to a few.
  • KetoneKaren
    KetoneKaren Posts: 6,412 Member
    Ugh. So you are in limbo.
  • Spontaneously
    Spontaneously Posts: 36 Member
    Sorry to say, but this seems to be something that is near the limit of our present medical understanding. I wrote about a similar experience here, which still stumps me. Idk if all of the symptoms have indeed been resolved by pregnancy, or if they'll return afterwards. (Not to say that pregnancy is the cure... ;) Whatever the reason, what you are experiencing is real, and you will have to be your own greatest advocate for this "invisible disorder."

    If I could go back through the past year and do it all again, I'd skip the nutritionist. You'll learn the same or better (more tailored) info by learning how others online have adapted to their food tolerances. Read up on how those with celiac, lactose intolerance, and cancer get nutrition. Here's another thread where I posted some practical tips for calories beyond pb & milk.

    I'd also bring up Candida to my doctor (any doctor). It seems an oral Nystatin trial is pretty low risk, and internal yeast infections are common and could explain your symptoms. They're likely to give it a whirl before endoscopies and more invasive testing... IF YOU ASK.

    Pretty, pretty please share your experience to help others in the community. It is frustrating, but for better or worse, there are others in the same boat. Good luck!
  • kbearista
    kbearista Posts: 1 Member
    I know this post is a few days old, but I can relate. It is so frustrating to be suffering and not know why. I have been experimenting with a plant-based diet for a couple weeks now and my symptoms seem to be improving considerably, but they are still pretty bad at times. Hopefully we both will get this figured out and resolved soon!
  • szodyraa
    szodyraa Posts: 60 Member
    I was literally about to post the same question. Mine started up a few weeks ago.and I can't get rid of it :s
  • KetoneKaren
    KetoneKaren Posts: 6,412 Member
    It's a long shot, but for some reason there are people who have had success using an antihistamine like Benadryl or Zyrtec plus an antacid like Pepcid or Tagamet...apparently stimulates appetite plus blocks histamine. Might be worth a try?
  • mom23mangos
    mom23mangos Posts: 3,069 Member
    edited July 2016
    KetoneKaren wrote: »
    It's a long shot, but for some reason there are people who have had success using an antihistamine like Benadryl or Zyrtec plus an antacid like Pepcid or Tagamet...apparently stimulates appetite plus blocks histamine. Might be worth a try?

    Be careful with that!!! Because they usually have the exact opposite effect on me. I can't eat for days after.
  • KetoneKaren
    KetoneKaren Posts: 6,412 Member
    @mom23mangos Yikes...sudafed suppresses lots of people's appetites, but antihistamines usually don't have that effect...thanks for the heads up on your experience!!!
  • TavistockToad
    TavistockToad Posts: 35,719 Member
    Is there ANYTHING that you fancy eating?
  • mom23mangos
    mom23mangos Posts: 3,069 Member
    KetoneKaren wrote: »
    @mom23mangos Yikes...sudafed suppresses lots of people's appetites, but antihistamines usually don't have that effect...thanks for the heads up on your experience!!!
    Straight antihistamines don't. But if you get the Zyrtec D or Claritin D, those will.
  • KetoneKaren
    KetoneKaren Posts: 6,412 Member
    edited July 2016
    @mom23mangos Yep...the "D" stands for decongestant, big time appetite suppressants for some people (pseudoephedrine or phenylephrine).
  • jurple132
    jurple132 Posts: 19 Member
    It is so comforting to hear I'm not the only one with this kind of thing happening! but I hope you all are magically better and no longer having to put up with this! (Probably wishful thinking tho huh?)

    Those of you interested in an update..
    -my weight has remained pretty stable recently (im making myself eat even if nauseous/ or have no appetite). I think reducing the amount of dairy & rich foods has helped; as has snacking constantly through the day rather than eating proper meals
    - nausea has been more severe at times (like running to the bathroom)
    - Stomach cramps have seemed to get worse
    - Presence of mucus with stool at times (gross I know, sorry for tmi)
    - Current doc suggested stopping a antidepressant medication I've been on for years. Like a good patient I am following this suggestion despite no dose change to precede the nausea

    Not too sure about the antihistamine, I take zetop sometimes but hard to tell if that helps or my stomach is just behaving that day.

    Waiting to see a specialist GP at the nearby hospital in November
  • jurple132
    jurple132 Posts: 19 Member
    TavistockToad wrote: »
    Is there ANYTHING that you fancy eating?

    On a good day, everything! Before all this started my appetite was indestructible! Now on bad day, like today, I might get one meal in and then have no appetite whatsoever. When it gets like this I make myself eat but can only manage things like ice blocks, muesli bars or maybe a piece of fruit.

  • enterdanger
    enterdanger Posts: 2,447 Member
    I'm sure they asked you this already, but any chance you are pregnant? From your pic I can't tell if you are a girl, but you are describing symptoms that could be early pregnancy...Other than that, maybe try like FOODMAP diet or something.

    Did you move or start eating/drinking at a new place? Could be environmental....I keep thinking of lead poisoning from water like in Flint, MI and Trenton, NJ.
  • psuLemon
    psuLemon Posts: 38,431 MFP Moderator
    enterdanger wrote: »
    I'm sure they asked you this already, but any chance you are pregnant? From your pic I can't tell if you are a girl, but you are describing symptoms that could be early pregnancy...Other than that, maybe try like FOODMAP diet or something.

    Did you move or start eating/drinking at a new place? Could be environmental....I keep thinking of lead poisoning from water like in Flint, MI and Trenton, NJ.

    According to the profile, the OP is a female.
  • KetoneKaren
    KetoneKaren Posts: 6,412 Member
    OP, how much do you weigh now? Thanks for updating us.
  • lola_rd
    lola_rd Posts: 5 Member
    jurple132 wrote: »
    It is so comforting to hear I'm not the only one with this kind of thing happening! but I hope you all are magically better and no longer having to put up with this! (Probably wishful thinking tho huh?)

    Those of you interested in an update..
    -my weight has remained pretty stable recently (im making myself eat even if nauseous/ or have no appetite). I think reducing the amount of dairy & rich foods has helped; as has snacking constantly through the day rather than eating proper meals
    - nausea has been more severe at times (like running to the bathroom)
    - Stomach cramps have seemed to get worse
    - Presence of mucus with stool at times (gross I know, sorry for tmi)
    - Current doc suggested stopping a antidepressant medication I've been on for years. Like a good patient I am following this suggestion despite no dose change to precede the nausea

    Not too sure about the antihistamine, I take zetop sometimes but hard to tell if that helps or my stomach is just behaving that day.

    Waiting to see a specialist GP at the nearby hospital in November

    Glad to hear you're feeling a bit better! As gross as it is, mucus presence in the stool was what led me to believe I may have ulcerative colitis. After a colonoscopy, I did in fact have UC. I'm extremely lucky to say I've been able to manage it well with restricting certain foods and daily medication. Even through my pregnancy it's been well controlled. I would continue with the small frequent meals and if you are drinking any carbonated beverages, I would recommend cutting those out. Wishing the best to you!
  • comptonelizabeth
    comptonelizabeth Posts: 1,701 Member
    I was thinking the same thing about mucous. I have ulcerative colitis and that was my first symptom! I've just posted about it.
    The only way to get a diagnosis is with a colonoscopy - in your position I would push for further tests and in the meantime just eat what you can. You could try keeping a food diary to see which foods make your symptoms worse - I find I can't eat nuts,dried fruit or too much dairy.
  • Jcl81
    Jcl81 Posts: 154 Member
    Have you tested for endometriosis?
  • singingflutelady
    singingflutelady Posts: 8,736 Member
    I have mucus with my Crohn's
  • JenniferStaton1
    JenniferStaton1 Posts: 1 Member
    Interesting thread. I've had the same thing you describe for about a month now- long term nausea and dizziness are not something I've ever experienced before.
  • ThatUserNameIsAllReadyTaken
    ThatUserNameIsAllReadyTaken Posts: 1,530 Member
    I did not read all of the other comments so I apologize if it has been asked, but... ummmm... how's the "bathroom" part of this? Normal bowels?
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