u/metalissa

Finally got a diagnosis and way forward after 9 years of suffering (CW for those with emetophobia)

Content Warning: >!mentions of nausea, vomiting, diarrhoea !<

Some backstory (warning a bit gross):

>!For the past 9 years I have been having daily nausea, vomiting up to 10 times, chronic cough, fatigue, dizziness, migraines and for the past year diarrhoea was added into the mix, usually 4 times a day minimum. Waking up every single morning for 9 years running back and forth to the toilet has been hell, I hate nausea, I hate vomiting and somehow it still has me crying even after all these years of repeated Groundhogg Day hell lol.!<

Initially when this all started 9 years ago, after all the testing: bloods, stool, ultrasound, CT, endoscopy and colonoscopy, they said it was caused by stress. No treatment options besides the stress management I already do as a generally anxious AuDHD person, and it kept going and getting worse everyday.

Fast forward to today 9 years later and I've just finished my follow up appointment with a different Gastroenterologist. I have been officially diagnosed as having Disorders of gut-brain interaction (DGBI)! Something that has treatment options!

I have a medication to trial and a referral to a gut-brain psychologist (I didn't know they existed, but gut-brain hypnotherapy is a thing, how cool!).

The Dr reassured me that it is not in my head, and is a pathological condition. This was very validating to hear.

I am just so relieved, I really hope these options will bring some relief from this daily nightmare cycle!

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u/metalissa — 22 hours ago

Anyone else's symptoms diagnosed as stress, anxiety or brain-gut axis issue? Any relief? CW: Emetophobia

Hi everyone, thanks for having me.

I've been having a difficult time waiting for test results and having no relief and wanted to know I am not alone in this.

My symptoms:

Past 9 years every morning, worse on weekdays, I've been waking up with intense nausea, cough, runny nose, vomiting multiple times, fatigue, dizziness, weakness. The past year diarrhea has joined the party, multiple times each morning.

Testing and Doctors diagnosis:

9 years ago when this all started I had a CT scan, internal ultrasound, colonoscopy, endoscopy, hpylori test.

They found nothing and said the cause was stress. Recommended to see a psychologist, I've seen multiple since.

9 years later of this hell every single day, it's getting worse and I'm waiting on stool and blood tests before confirming if I need a colonoscopy again.

Dr said it seems like brain-gut axis issue and my body is essentially stuck on fight or flight. Said there's a medicine to trial to weaken this connection but wants me to see a psychologist and dietitian first to see if that solves it... as if I haven't been trying that haha but I'll do as he recommends as he's a Gastroenterologist at a hospital.

While I'm waiting for these results and psychologist/dietitian appointments, I just want some kind of relief or to know it's possible to overcome.

Anyone else struggling with similar symptoms? Did it end up being stress and how did you get some relief?

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Oher diagnosis incase relevant, I've heard gut issues are more common in us ND people:

ASD Level 2, ADHD inattentive type, C-PTSD, Generalised anxiety disorder, Agoraphobia, GERD, PMOS, past Anorexia Nervosa, ARFID, Asthma.

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u/metalissa — 2 months ago

Nausea, vomiting, coughing and more every morning for 9 years straight, diarrhea for 1 year straight added on now. Dr thinks brain-gut axis issue, waiting on test results.

To preface: I am diagnosed with GERD, PCOS/PMOS, GAD, ASD level 2, ADHD inattentive type, C-PTSD, Migraines, Depression, Agoraphobia, Psoriasis and lately potential IBS but the Gastroenterologist is ruling that out for now. Recovered from Anorexia Nervosa in my mid-20s, now mid-30s in Obese BMI range.

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9 years ago I started getting nausea and vomiting up to 10 times per morning among other symptoms.

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Every morning is the same:

wake up to exhaustion, severe nausea, runny nose, coughing, then the urge to vomit gets me out of bed and I throw up bile up to 10 times, with cold sweats and dizziness if I'm extra stressed and lately for the past year it's also diarrhea up to 4 times all before having to almost crawl to my WFH office. Every single weekday without fail, only vomiting 2 times per morning on weekend which is indicative of stress as a cause or making it worse.

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My muscles feel weak and I'm so tired, the nausea keeps going all day, with brain fog and the diarrhea happens maybe 2 more times per day but the mornings are always the worst. There's also a burning abdominal pain that happens.

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When it started I had a CT scan, bloods, stool test, hpylori breath test, colonoscopy and endoscopy. All were clear, Gastroenterologist said stress.

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Since then I have had the same symptoms for 9 years straight and every morning I think "I can't take this anymore", but I push through because I have a lot of responsibility at my job. I worked full-time during near death Anorexia and so why not this... but honestly I'm day dreaming about going to a mental hospital or jail just to have an excuse not to go to work and to get basic meals and self care without needing to work.

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I know that isn't realistic and would likely cause more stress so I'm going to do that, it's just a bit of comfort in the daydreaming. Plus it used to be s*icidal thoughts so I think it's a bit healthier to move on to living solutions, in my mind anyway.

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Anyway, because the diarrhea is newer I'm seeing another Gastroenterologist and so far he's thinking my brain-gut axis is stuck in fight or flight causing all this. I'm awaiting results of blood and stool tests to see if I need another colonoscopy.

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I took my first sick day in over a year last week and I'm proud of that, it's so hard to know when to take sick days when I'm sick everyday.

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I'm hoping these tests give more info, I also have a referral to see a psychologist and dietitian which I've already tried for years... the doctor said to try that before we try medicine but I just can't stand the wait.

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Anyone else had something similar, were you able to get relief?

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u/metalissa — 2 months ago
▲ 10 r/balatro

800+ hours in and I still love this game!

I'm not great at it, but I'm proud of beating Gold Stake on 5 decks so far, I just beat Purple stake on my 6th deck last night!

I love to put on a podcast and play Balatro to chill out after work. I am autistic and have ADHD and have been in burnout, Balatro has really helped me relax and forget about work stress.

I also love to share my wins with my fiancè, as he shares my excitement! We both play our respective games together and share our wins, it's really nice.

I tend to rotate between multiple games, but Balatro has been a constant for the past year or so and I'm still enjoying it.

My goal is to beat Gold Stake on all decks. After that it might be 10 years before I get to C++ at my rate haha, so I'm not sure if I'll attempt that.

Anyone else just going for Gold Stakes?

u/metalissa — 2 months ago