[40F] Experiencing persistent nausea with complex medical history

What might be happening

Based on the information you've provided, the following conditions could be contributing to your symptoms:

• Gastroparesis: This condition, which causes delayed stomach emptying, can lead to chronic nausea and vomiting. It's often associated with diabetes, which you mentioned you have.

  • Treatment typically involves dietary changes, medication to help the stomach empty more quickly, and, in severe cases, feeding tubes or intravenous feeding.

• Diabetic ketoacidosis (DKA): This is a serious complication of diabetes that occurs when your body has low insulin levels and starts to use fat as an energy source, which produces ketones. High levels of ketones can lead to nausea, vomiting, and abdominal pain. Given your history of type 2 diabetes and the symptoms you've described, DKA could be a possibility.

  • Treatment involves insulin therapy, fluid and electrolyte replacement, and treating the underlying cause.

• Gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD): This is a chronic condition where stomach acid frequently flows back into the tube connecting your mouth and stomach (esophagus). This backwash (acid reflux) can irritate the lining of your esophagus and cause nausea.

  • Treatment typically involves lifestyle changes and over-the-counter medication. If these don't help, your doctor might recommend prescription medication or surgery.

Please remember that this is not a comprehensive list of all possible conditions, and these conditions might not explain all of your symptoms.

What you can do

Given the complexity of your symptoms and medical history, it's important to consult with a healthcare provider for a comprehensive evaluation. They can order relevant tests, provide a formal diagnosis, and develop a treatment plan tailored to your needs.

In the meantime, here are some general tips that might help:

1. Try to eat smaller, more frequent meals instead of three large meals a day.
2. Avoid foods that are high in fat and fiber, as they can slow digestion and make gastroparesis worse.
3. Stay hydrated by drinking plenty of water, but try to do so between meals instead of with meals.
4. If you smoke, quit. Smoking can worsen symptoms of many gastrointestinal disorders.
5. Try to maintain a healthy weight. Obesity can worsen symptoms of many gastrointestinal disorders.
6. Monitor your blood glucose levels regularly and take your diabetes medications as prescribed.

What you should look out for

Please seek immediate medical attention if you experience any of the following:

• Severe abdominal pain
• Blood in your vomit or stool
• Sudden, severe headache
• Chest pain
• Difficulty breathing
• Confusion or difficulty staying awake
• Fainting or loss of consciousness

These could be signs of a serious condition that needs immediate treatment.