My history with Cyclic Vomiting is something I've never before tried to document in an orderly fashion.
I had never heard of Cyclic Vomiting until the 1970's (age 23), when I was diagnosed by an Endocrinologist, at that time I thought he had invented the name on the spot. I would later develop atypical migraines, but not until my 30's. In my childhood, my CVS was triggered by what seemed to be an intestinal virus. As a teenager my episodes were harder, still no one thought it was anything other than an intestinal virus. I remember some very bad episodes where I'm sure I was very dehydrated. I don't think anyone knew how badly it hurt to vomit that many times. I was 20 when I was first admitted for dehydration.
After I was diagnosed at 23, my episodes had gotten more violent and I was treated by inserting a tube to empty my stomach. It was amazing to have a Dr. with the knowledge to seriously treat me, and wonderful to be talked to like I had something worth treating.
My first migraine was very sudden and violent, I was diagnosed as
having atypical migraines. (Migraine vision pattern without pain). As an alternative to any of the migraine medications, I started seeing a holistic MD. who listened to my history and then started me on a new diet and vitamins, along with exercise which I had done all my life. I eventually reduced my migraines to about 3 or 4 times a year. As I approached 40, my CVS and migraines started to blend together. I have been hospitalized many
times since then. I typically get sick in the middle of the night, more than 80% of the time episodes center around my hormone cycle. Episodes still appear to be associated with a virus, sometimes with temperatures as high as 103 and instead of an overnight in the ER I'm spending 2 to 3 days.
I now take Magnesium supplements daily and also at the first sign of any CVS symptoms. I have prevented more episodes than I can count.
I have developed a schedule that works for me, starting every day
getting outside exercise for 30-40 min. (indoor exercise does not work as well). I also try and do 20 minutes of low impact aerobics and end with a little Yoga stretching. (total about 1 hour of exercise). I have used the combination of exercise and nutritional supplements for about 20 years. I've learned that my CVS episodes happen when a multitude of triggers are all in line, starting with LACK OF SLEEP, stress, any virus, and lack of watching my diet. I cannot say enough, that I'm convinced my life would be very different if I didn't jump start my metabolism every day.
Alice
|
