Still can't eat! Haven't eaten a full meal in 4 weeks.

[tarheel78]

The past 4 weeks I have been horrible. I have been to my family doctor with additional contact via phone (thought diverticulitis due to lower abdominal pain, nausea, lack of appetitite and elevated white blood count), ER 3 times and Gasto Dr. First ER visit they did ultrasound of gall bladdar which looked good and lower CT scan which showed gastritis, went back 2 days later dehydrated, and 1 week later for severe impaction (size of babies head). The following week I continued having difficulty with bowel movt., continued nausea and lack of appetite, and abdominal discomfort. This past week I had enough and went to Gastro Dr. He completed a colonoscopy which looked good (no diverticulities, chron's, polyps, etc) and an endoscopy which showed some Acid Reflux (no ulcers or mass). He has sent off a number of biopsies to check for bacteria, celiac, and other things. He has me taking Prilosec once a day and Lispress to help with bowel issues. I am to go back and see him in 3 weeks for the results and see how things are going. He said if things have not improved we will do a barium ct. It's been 3 days since the test and I am still not eating well, drinking well, or having bowel movts. I am losing weight and becoming more tired each day. It has been 4 weeks of surviving on maybe a yogurt, jello, and sometimes a banana each day. (Many times I don't finish them.) I am trying to push foods and liquids - but it's hard because my lower abdomen feels so bad afterwards and the nausea escalates. What could be going on? What can I do? How long can my body survive like this?

[CAMA8990]

I have a friend going through the same except its been 6 weeks.  How did you beat this?  She is desperate!  

[S. Kaul, MD]

Hi there!

Well, without knowing the relevant details or a detailed clinical evaluation it would be difficult to comment specifically on the situation. Possible causes that may need to be considered include dietary issues, GI motility disorders, GI infections, inflammations, hormonal/ endocrine abnormalities, growths/ masses etc. I would suggest following your doctor’s advice for the time being and if the symptoms do not seem to improve over the specified time, you may seek a review with your treating gastroenterologist for further evaluation and review in the management plan.

Take care!