Dealing with nausea

9 years ago

I've just started taking a new med, and the top side effect is nausea. Any advice to help that? A swig of Pepto didn't help much, later there was a bit of vomiting, and then I had a headache because of course with the nausea, I didn't feel I could stomach any food. Ended up eating quite a while later, but sticking to a schedule is impt. (Wish I could've just taken a nap, but I don't think my co-workers would've appreciated that!)

I've been told ginger can help, but I doubt ginger ale will do much good...

Sort by:Oldest

Comments (25)

threejs
9 years ago
flat ginger ale should help and dry crackers
morz8 - Washington Coast
9 years ago
I find ginger ale does help with the queasies, so can ginger snaps (the cookies). I used to keep both on the boat along with ginger capsules for friends who might have motion sickness. But, it's hard to say what might offset something caused by a new medication. If I were you, I'd ask my doctor, see if there is something that could be added to keep your stomach settled. Make sure he/she knows you actually vomited. .
Related Discussions
Another thing you can get from ticks: Anaplasmosis
Q
Comments (18)
To all who have wished me a speedy recovery: Thank You! I am feeling steadily better (1 month out), and expect to be back to full strength shortly. @Alisande, If you think you may have babeseosis at the moment, then insist on being tested. Same with anaplasmosis, both are less-difficult than Lyme to diagnose from blood smears, I believe. (The issue with the blood supply, aside from the traditional head-in-the-sand attitude of the blood industry, and of course the cost, is that there is no rapid-enough test for babeseosis -or possibly the other tick-borne diseases -to work with the need for fresh blood.) But as I mentioned, anaplasmosis has distinct, characteristic, changes in routine blood work that are almost diagnostic. I can check next time I am in the medical library if there are specific changes in the case of babeseosis. I may have that info for erlichiosis, if you'd like to know it. Anaplasmosis has distinctive mullberry shaped artifacts (morullae) in the disease-specific blood smears (as does erlichiosis, I believe). Babeseosis is different but unless you, like I, have had malaria it's pretty distinctive in the blood test for it. The tests aren't inexpensive (the unadjusted street price for them is $500-$1,000 -each- but my insurance company whacked both of them down considerably. Since you're on Medicare, you'd only pay a percentage of the CMS-negotiated cost which is likely to be as aggressively moderated as that of my own insurance company's contractual rate. Since all three are bacterial, not spirochete, -caused it doesn't require the complex analysis of PCR bands that Lyme does. But frankly if I was on my second continuous month of Lyme I would have pretty awful constitutional symptoms from that lengthy treatment alone. I can barely make it out the 30 days of a single course before I have disturbed sleep, night sweats, muscle aches and pains, etc. Part of my fierceness about discovering ticks early is to avoid the need for the lengthy course of anti-Lyme doxy. Since doxy won't really do anything for babeseosis - and other drugs will - why keep taking what may be the wrong cure? I don't think you would experience symptoms from babeseosis or anaplasmosis (or even Lyme) infection before locating the tick. The incubation time needed to get sick from a still-attached tick would have resulted in a deer tick as big as a green pea, a nasty pearly-grey tight blob. It's hard to imagine you wouldn't have noticed it well before getting sick if it was still attached. Don't you itch like mad when you have a tick attached for more than a few hours, not to mention days? I'd be wild! BTW, the tick-hours-of-bite measurement has a built in problem: the aging relies on analysis of stomach digestive contents. But that assumes, and it is not always true, that the bite the tick was discovered making is the only bite, not a second one. Also you mentioned you squashed the critter in removing it. You might want to consider beginning more intensive searches for ticks on your body twice a day in order to not miss one. I have hair so long I can sit on it so I do realize it can be hard to check your scalp and hair. I have also found attached ticks under my breasts, in my belly button, on various unmentionable parts of my bottom, and even larval ones between my toes and fingers. I usually keep my long hair tied up in pigtail outdoors. I tuck the pigtail down the back of my shirt to minimize the likelihood of ticks getting caught in my hair. Of course I always have a hat on outside for sun protection, so my head and scalp are less-common tick areas. I do tick-checks at least twice every day of the year, unless I am away from home overnight in the city. It's just like brushing your teeth. I'm not convinced that Lyme "lurks in your body" but given that it is caused by spirochete I suppose it's possible. (Another spirochete-caused illness, syphillis, has a proven habit of lingering on and re-occurring, often despite treatment.) I know, for certain, that I have had Lyme (from clearly positive blood tests), been treated successfuly and subsequently had lengthy periods of profound physiological, and mental stress, without Lyme popping back up and adding to the problems. And I still have one band for Lyme on the latest PCR, which indicates an old, resolved infection, so there's no question it's still visible in my blood, but not thankfully making a pest of itself. I also still have serological evidence of malaria in my blood and I haven't had any illness from it in more than fifty years! But the bacterial diseases (anaplasmosis, babeseosis and erlichiosis) seem extremely unlikely lurkers and later-pouncers, especially if treated. What I definitely think they can do, however, is damage other organs and systems resulting in consequential, long-term problems (like the poor fellow described above who lost his spleen as a result of a babeseosis infection.) Your description of high fevers, muscle aches and pains, etc., sound much more like anaplasmosis than Lyme. Did you have any "regular" blood tests done at the time? The average time from bite to onset of symptoms with anaplasmosis is 8 days. I could look that time up for erlichiosis and babseosis, if needed. I don't know enough about Fibro, but aren't night sweats and aches and pains part of that, too? You may not need to go to any doctor more specialized than your primary care doc to check for the bacterial tick-borne illnesses. And then you'll be able to know, and treat, any that are there. I didn't get any hint that the tests for them lead to confusing, or contradictory results, as I know the Lyme test can, because it is a different, and more complicated test.. If you test negative for them, including having normal routine blood results, you can cross them off your list of worries and look elsewhere. (And get off the wretched doxy!) HTH, L.
...See More
Help for my Mom dealing with Dad's terminal cancer
Q
Comments (22)
Hi, Kay. Yes, she is going through all of the paperwork, and she is getting a bit overwhelmed. My dad left everything to her, and my sister-in-law, who is an accountant, is the executor of the will. She is doing most of the work, but they are waiting on the official death certificate before the house can be put in my mom's name. She can't sell until that is done. She also has to get rid of the car, since she doesn't drive, but one of my brothers needs a trade-in, and he is going to buy the car from her ( at a fair market price, of course). My dad did have his affairs in order, and all of the investments were in my mom's name anyhow, so she doesn't have too much to do. Right now she is slowly going through the house getting rid of things she won't need in an apartment. They lived in the same place for 44 years, so it's quite a big job, although in recent years they did begin to clear out a lot of junk. The biggest job is already done. My dad was into model trains, and had a huge set-up in two rooms in the basement. He had literally hundreds of cars, plus little villages, etc. He kept all of the boxes, but it still took us the better part of a week to dismantle the whole thing. The trains are going to be divided up between my brothers, and my mom didn't have to do a thing. We have been very fortunate that there have been absolutely NO arguements over money or disposing of posessions. I have heard so many stories about how a death in the family can bring out the absolute worst in people, but this is not the case for us. All of my brothers and I just want our mom to have as smooth a move as possible, and to end up with as much money as she can get. She is anxious to sell, she finds there are just too many memories in the house, and she wants a fresh start. Hopefully, she can be settled in her new place before the winter weather begins.
...See More
Treatment for Sciatica or arthritic hips?
Q
Comments (23)
The most important thing is to have a proper diagnosis for any and all orthopedic problems. Physical therapy can help, but if the exercises are treating the wrong problem, then they can make things far worse than they already are. The same goes for a chiropracter especially. Manipulations of the spine or any joint that are done without the proper diagnosis can do serious harm, especially if there is any osteoporosis going on or displaced joints. Please see an ortho doc that specializes in your specific problems and they will send you for the proper tests, usually MRIs to determine the problem. Then, together, you can formulate a treatment plan. Just swallowing pain pills will not resolve the underlying problem. Catherinet, you need a new PT person. The best would be physical therapists who are sports medicine ones. They are well trained in all kinds of PT as well as new techniques and fibromyalgia as well. As for how a knee can cause all kinds of problems and pain elsewhere, it's simple. If you think of your body standing up to start with and look at it that way, you will see that the pressure on your body, goes from the feet up to the ankles, the legs, the knees, thighs, hips, spine, neck to your head. Any one of those pressure points, when not moving or functioning correctly can and will throw the entire body off and cause pain both below and above it. For example, if you have a problem with your knee, then you are not standing on the affected leg, ankle, knee and foot. You put pressure incorrectly on the hip, all the way down to your foot. By doing that, you then put strain on all those joints, tendons, muscles, ligaments. At the same time you are pulling the spine and neck on that side off as well. As you do this to the affected side of your body, you start putting strain on the opposite side and you start pulling everything out of wack. Sometimes, what you are feeling a permenent pulled muscles and joint irritation from what is going on and sometimes it will create further medical problems from long standing problems with one joint. The other big issue is the spine. As we age, the spine starts to wear down, and though we may think that the pain in the knee or the hip is directly from those joints, the real problem is with the spine. Don't be sorry that the pain is getting to you. I've been there and no what that is like. I've had several orthopedic issues for the past 10 years and found out last year, that everyone of them was stemming from spinal stenosis in my lower back. When that was fixed, oh, the pain was completely gone, until my feet decided that they like my back the way it was before and created ortho problems for me. Got that taken care of and the ankles got pissed at both the spine and the feet. So took care of that, all with custom orthotics, good shoes and Pt. I just have to remember that I can't over do or I really get screwed. Like now. Really over did it last weak and tore a muscle in the lower back that needs big time PT and pain meds. If not healed in 4 weeks the muscle wil have to be stitched. Anyway, get the proper diagnosis for what is going on before you head off to a PT and if you are suffering from any kind of osteoporosis, a good doc will tell you to never go near one ans the manipulations will break bones on you. Try seeing a sports medicine orthopedic doc that specializes in spines. And below is a great link to a spine forum with lots of support and helpfull info. My doc thinks it's one of the best locals on the web for info and support. Click on the link and when the page comes up, go to the left side of the page and click on discussion forums. You have to register to post on the forums and use the live chat. same kind of thing as with GW, but its a wonderful site to be part of. I joined and love it there. Good luck and e-mail me if you want any further info or help or someone to vent to. Fran Here is a link that might be useful: spine-health.com
...See More
Does anyone here use Essential Oils?
Q
Comments (23)
Allison, my D levels are good so I don't think I want to take that. I have been advised not to take echinacea because of allergies. I rarely get sick as it is, but I always think about flu season, etc. Yes, Thieves is one I have heard about. YL is the brand the acquaintance uses and I must say her family of 4 (2 young sons) seem extremely healthy. I will look at the other brands you listed. I'm really only interested in diffusing - I especially thought of it during flu/cold season on days I work! Too many people come in when they should take a sick day. Is there a certain brand you like Allison? Kswl, I'm sorry you deal with nausea daily. I had a bout a couple of years ago with some stomach ulcerations and ginger tea really helped. But I'm with you on the Zofran. I had never had it until a few months ago after my colonoscopy. I woke feeling a tiny bit nauseated and the doc gave me Zofran. I told him I didn't want something that made me sleepy/groggy - and it didn't.
...See More
Lindsey_CA
9 years ago
There is most definitely a medication that can be prescribed to combat the nausea. Contact the office of the doc who prescribed the med that's causing the nausea.
ravencajun Zone 8b TX
9 years ago
Zofran odt or regular Zofran, the odt you put under the tongue and it goes to work faster. I have some of my meds that cause nausea and my doctor prescribed it for me just for that. I don't plan to ever be with out it because it works so amazingly well.
If the doctor knows that the med causes nausea he should be happy to send in a script for the Zofran.
No need to suffer unnecessarily.
grandmamary_ga
9 years ago
I take a prescription drug once a day for nausea. If that doesn't help dry a couple of saltines. I keep them handy just in case I get that feeling.
Mary
rob333 (zone 7b)
9 years ago
Not just for pregnancy, I suggest nausea Sea-bands. Because, it may be that the nausea subsides once you get the medication going. And if it doesn't subside, then you can ask for meds. Meds may (will!) probably cause another side effect. But it's just one suggestion.

I did use these during pregnancy. I had a hydatidiform mole, and the word is nausea is off the charts (according to the National Institutes of Health, could be bad enough for a hospital stay) in this malady. The bands truly helped.

Here is a link that might be useful: Sea band
dances_in_garden
9 years ago
Ginger, definitely. Gravol has a version that is just ginger, and it works very well. generic ginger pills also work, but I find they are ground ginger in capsules and it seemed to burn my stomach all day long.

Another trick is sucking on lemon wedges. I learned that from a marathon runner, which he used to deal with nausea from the smell of car fumes while running. Lemon water also works, but being full of water sometimes leads to more nausea LOL.

You can also try sipping peppermint, fennel, or anise tea.

Dances.
rhizo_1 (North AL) zone 7
9 years ago
Ginger candy or crystallized ginger works like a charm for me. I keep a stock of Gin Gins on hand at all times. Amazon usually has best price.
chloe_cat
9 years ago
Stop taking it!

:)
naughtykitty
9 years ago
Ginger - ginger ale doesn't work because most don't actually contain ginger. There are ginger flavored Altoids that are tasty and do well, Trader Joe's has ginger candies that are really good. Ginger tea is available at most grocery stores.

Green Apples

I like lemon flavored bubble water when my stomach is queasy. Really cold. That seems to help me the most.

Sea Bands

One thing that might help with info is to go to the CruiseCritic website and search under seasick remedies

Good luck. I know it isn't fun. Hopefully you get used to the meds and the sick tummy goes away
alisande
9 years ago
Did you tell your doctor about this side effect? Maybe he can give you a different med.

Although I know it's common practice, I dislike the idea of prescribing another med to counteract the side effects of the first one.
lisa_fla
9 years ago
Nothing worked when I was PG. Later, I saw a remedy with great reviews that I never saw before-potato chips washed dow with lemonade.
sjerin
9 years ago
I'm sorry you're feeling nausea so often--that's such a crummy feeling. If you eat ginger candy, be sure to check that it's not made in China as there have been some problems with ginger candy made in that country.
jkayd_il5
9 years ago
Sorry you are going through this. If it was me I'd be calling the doctor. Hope you will feel better soon.
nycefarm_gw
9 years ago
Green tea
Tagamet
glenda_al
9 years ago
crystalized ginger

ginger capsules
talley_sue_nyc
9 years ago
Will it help if you breathe through an open mouth? Sometimes I find that changing my breathing patterns helps fight that a little bit--as a short-term, in-the-moment fix, to get me through the worst parts.

Or, maybe deep breathing:

http://www.drdavidwilliams.com/nausea-natural-treatments/#axzz39k9drcHX

This post was edited by talley_sue_nyc on Thu, Aug 7, 14 at 17:25
blfenton
9 years ago
Are you allowed to mix gravol with your medication?
Rose_NW_PA
9 years ago
Zofran
kittiemom
9 years ago
If you want an OTC remedy, try Ginger Trips. I found mine at whole foods. I took them when I was flying to help combat the horrible motion sickness I get every time I fly, no matter how smooth the flight. They seemed to help.
rob333 (zone 7b)
9 years ago
I also do what tally suggests. Mouth breathing truly combats nausea.

Not that it matters why, but I think it relaxes the ribcage/abdomen so it doesn't get too tense.
ont_gal
9 years ago
turn your hand,palm up and place 3 fingers from your other hand at the bend in the wrist.where your 3rd or middle finger lands is a reflexology point that might help you-press and hold there for a minute or so,and see if that helps you
pammyfay
Original Author
9 years ago
Well, I "gingered up" -- Trader Joe's triple-ginger cookies, ginger chews (not from China) and some ginger mints spotted at the cash register display. And had a cup of lemon/ginger tea. That's helping.

(Don't know how my doc would feel about the potato-chips-and-lemonade cure, but I know I'd love it!)

I'll see what Whole Foods has in the ginger/natural anti-nausea department, too...
jannie
9 years ago
Check your drug store, ask if they have either Coke Syrup or "Emetrol". Both are OTC liquids, you just swallow a little bit, it works great for me. I've used it for morning sickness in pregnancy, and whenever I've been nauseated.
ravencajun Zone 8b TX
9 years ago
I hope you have discussed this nausea problem with your doctor that prescribed it, that is always the first step because in some cases if the nausea is bad enough to cause vomiting it is more than just a mild side effect. It is causing the proper amount of medication not to be fully used by the body. Or it could be a reaction to a combination of drugs or something.
It is not uncommon to be prescribed a drug like the Zofran I mentioned earlier if this is a " normal" side effect.

Some drugs like for example Metformin for diabetes is often prescribed along with a vitamin B12 because it affects the normal vitamin B12 in the body and that can cause nausea. Taking it with your B12 supplements can make it much easier to take. My doc prefers me to take the B12 in liquid form and sometimes by shots.

Dealing with nausea

Comments (25)

threejs

morz8 - Washington Coast

Related Discussions

Lindsey_CA

ravencajun Zone 8b TX

grandmamary_ga

rob333 (zone 7b)

dances_in_garden

rhizo_1 (North AL) zone 7

chloe_cat

naughtykitty

alisande

lisa_fla

sjerin

jkayd_il5

nycefarm_gw

glenda_al

talley_sue_nyc

blfenton

Rose_NW_PA

kittiemom

rob333 (zone 7b)

ont_gal

pammyfay
Original Author

jannie

ravencajun Zone 8b TX

COMPANY

BUSINESS SERVICES

GET HELP

CONNECT WITH US

Dealing with nausea

Comments (25)

Related Discussions

pammyfayOriginal Author

COMPANY

BUSINESS SERVICES

GET HELP

CONNECT WITH US

pammyfay
Original Author