Cutting the Grass
I just got out of an extended stay at the hospital with my worst CHS episode yet. I figured I would share my experience with CHS, the effects it has had on me and what I've learned, and my plan for the future. My hope is that it helps someone else who is struggling with the same things.
For background, I have not been smoking for a terribly long time, maybe two years on and off. I usually smoke two 0.5g joints a day, 20-27% THC. I have tried lower percentages and different methods of "intake," but ALWAYS end up in emesis. I've lost count of how many emetic episodes I've had and how many times I've been to the ER, but I would guess it's around 11 in 2026 alone, and over 20 in total. I have tried quitting weed countless times.
I last smoked Monday night and went to bed feeling perfectly fine. Woke up around 6 am with anxiety and nausea, and started throwing up every 2-3 minutes, unable to keep ANYTHING down. I also had stomach cramps, dizziness, chills. I went to the ER thinking it was a typical episode for me, was treated with a small dose of droperidol and benadryl in an IV, and sent home that afternoon. Wednesday morning it was the same thing.
Thursday was fine, I was able to rest and thought I was out of the emetic phase. Was eating and drinking fine, only had lingering symptoms from the two previous days (a little nausea, exhaustion, sore as hell from 2 days of scromiting.)
Friday I had the most intense CHS episode I've ever had. I woke up at 4am throwing up again, but this time I was throwing up straight stomach acid and blood. I was unable to do anything besides scromit and cry for two hours in literal agony. My mom brought me to the ER for the 3rd time. I was so dizzy, disoriented and out of it while in the waiting room that I was imagining people saying my name and touching my arms and back. The pain and nausea/vomiting was nonstop and debilitating. All I could do was rock back and forth until I was pulled into a room. I spent maybe eight hours in the ER, and was treated twice with droperidol, benadryl, AND zofran in IV. I finally stopped throwing up around 2pm, but the pain and nausea still had me doubled over in my bed.
They decided to keep me for two nights because of the amount of droperidol used to treat my nausea, as it can cause cardiac issues, and the lack of vitamins and electrolytes from not being able to eat or drink anything meant I had to be hooked to IV fluids for two and a half days. I couldn't eat or drink for about 30 hours since arriving to the ER, and when I finally could have something, it was clear liquids only for another 16 hours. Because of the lack of solid food/fiber I had bad diarrhea for my whole stay. I have no complaints about the hospital or nurses/doctors who cared for me but being in the hospital for multiple days with this condition was hellish. I didn't sleep at all. I finally went home Sunday afternoon. I was released after being able to keep down solid food for several hours.
I am still feeling pretty crappy. Four days of nonstop vomiting has wrecked my esophagus, mouth, and stomach. My whole body is sore. I'm having a lot of acid reflux/GERD symptoms. I'm also pretty sure my heart has been damaged, but that could just be in my mind/a side effect from the meds - I can't catch my breath and I'm feeling what I think are mild palpitations. On top of all that, I feel extremely guilty and ashamed that I could so easily have prevented this if I just hadn't picked up weed again.
The cost of my CHS has been insane. Not only have the many many ER visits and medications been literally costly, but my mental health and physical health are taking hits. I have accepted that quitting weed is my only option. "In moderation" is not possible for me, and the method of use and lower THC products make no difference - I will ALWAYS find a way to end up in an emetic episode.
What has helped me during recovery phases: small sips of warm water and DECAF green tea. Funally having solid poops made my stomach feel much better - pooping helps flush the THC out of your system. Pepcid OTC and Tums for inevitable acid reflux and trapped gas during recovery helps a ton. Deep breaths of fresh air, especially after being stuck in a stuffy hospital for 3 days, helps a lot with the lingering anxiety and mild nausea. Small but frequent bland meals or snacks. Protein shakes/yogurt drinks are a saving grace. Sleeping as much as possible.
I also want to say that each time I have had an episode, the severity and length has gotten worse. My first ever CHS episode was maybe an hour or two long with mild nausea and vomiting - this last episode was almost a week long and I honestly would rather have died than had to go through it. I would never wish that on my worst enemy.
I have a follow-up appoinment scheduled with my PCP and decided to look into substance abuse counseling (it was recommended by my dr last year, but I brushed it off because there's no way you can be addicted to marijuana, and also I'm not an addict !!! /s)... I know I can't stay abstinent when left to my own devices. My family knows of my CHS and struggles with quitting, but I plan to tell more people in my life to cast a wider net of support and accountability. I've attended a few MA meetings before and plan to pick it up again when I feel ready. (Please note I'm just sharing MY recovery plan, not saying "If you have CHS you MUST find God and attend 12 step meetings religiously." I see a lot of mixed feelings about 12 step programs on reddit, so just keep in mind that this is what I'm trying for my own recovery!)
Overall I feel very hopeful that I can get out of this cycle! The agony of this week is what I needed to realize that this is not working, will never work for me, and it's time to throw in the towel. I'm very grateful for this sub for giving myself and others a place to learn and express themselves when it comes to this condition. I'm also more than happy to answer questions or talk more about my experience :) thank you