[25M] With persistent vomiting, abdominal pain, and constipation

What might be happening

Based on the symptoms you’ve described—forceful vomiting for almost a week (sometimes green or brown), severe abdominal pain above the belly button (rated 9/10), constipation, lightheadedness, and inability to eat or drink—there are several serious conditions that could explain what’s happening. Here are the most likely possibilities:

1. Bowel Obstruction
   A bowel obstruction occurs when something blocks the normal flow of food and fluids through your intestines. Symptoms like green or brown vomit, severe abdominal pain, constipation, and inability to eat or drink are classic signs. This can be caused by scar tissue, hernias, or other conditions, even in people without prior surgeries.

   • Testing and Treatment: This is a medical emergency. Doctors may perform imaging tests like X-rays or a CT scan to confirm the diagnosis. Treatment often involves hospitalization, IV fluids, and sometimes surgery to remove the blockage.

2. Severe Gastritis or Peptic Ulcer Complications
   Gastritis (inflammation of the stomach lining) or a peptic ulcer can cause severe abdominal pain, nausea, and vomiting. If the vomit appears brown, it could indicate bleeding in the stomach or upper digestive tract.

   • Testing and Treatment: Doctors may perform an endoscopy to look inside your stomach. Treatment could include medications to reduce stomach acid, IV fluids, and possibly addressing any bleeding.

3. Foodborne Illness or Infection
   Given your recent travel and airport meals, it’s possible you’ve contracted a severe foodborne illness. Some infections can cause abdominal pain, vomiting, and constipation, though the severity of your symptoms suggests a more serious complication, like dehydration or intestinal inflammation.

   • Testing and Treatment: Stool tests and blood work can help identify the infection. Treatment may involve antibiotics, IV fluids, and supportive care.

4. Pancreatitis
   Pancreatitis, or inflammation of the pancreas, can cause severe abdominal pain that radiates to the back, nausea, vomiting, and an inability to eat. This condition can be triggered by various factors, including diet or alcohol use, though you’ve recently stopped drinking.

   • Testing and Treatment: Blood tests and imaging (like a CT scan) can confirm this. Treatment typically involves hospitalization, IV fluids, and pain management.

What you can do

Your symptoms are serious and could indicate a life-threatening condition. Here’s what you should do:

1. Seek Emergency Care Immediately
   You need to go to the emergency room as soon as possible. Call 911 or have someone drive you to the hospital. Do not delay, as conditions like bowel obstruction or internal bleeding require urgent medical attention.

2. Stay Hydrated if Possible
   If you can tolerate small sips of water, try to stay hydrated. However, avoid eating or drinking large amounts until you’ve been evaluated by a doctor, as this could worsen certain conditions like a bowel obstruction.

3. Monitor for Worsening Symptoms
   Watch for signs like worsening abdominal pain, fever, confusion, or changes in your vomit (e.g., bright red blood). These are signs of a medical emergency.

4. Bring a Summary of Your Symptoms
   When you go to the hospital, bring a clear summary of your symptoms, including when they started, how they’ve progressed, and any recent travel or dietary changes. This will help the medical team assess your condition quickly.

Bryan, your symptoms are concerning and require immediate medical attention. Please do not wait to seek care. If you feel too weak or lightheaded to get to the hospital safely, call 911 for assistance.