Since cancer treatment I get indigestion at the drop of a hat. Various kinds, with or without cramps, due to wrong food combinations mainly. Once I feel it coming on, I must not eat or drink anything at all. It runs its unpleasant course over the next 8-16 hours and I often feel that if only I could be sick, it would be over a bit more quicky.
But vomiting has never come easily to me, though in these cases it does happen eventually, 3-4 times, before I start to feel better.
Does anyone know how to help trigger that, other than by sticking a finger down your throat? I read about tickling inside your nose with a feather, but that doesn’t work for me.
Drink water with a LOT of salt in it.
In my younger, far less sensible, days I remember using this on friends who had drunk too much (far, far too much) or who had taken an overdose. (In my defence, it was the 60s. )
I used to feel like you Anne Mary, but could never summon the courage to stick my fingers down my throat - and nor would I ever be able to put salt water into my mouth - the very thought - yeucchhh!!!
However, I did finally work out that once I was able to eat again after chemo/radiotherapy, I went back to old habits, and then suffered horrendous indigestion, and should have taken out shares in gaviscon etc. What I did eventually find helped, was when I ditched bread from my diet - after that, potatoes, then I went the whole hog and dropped most high carb stuff. Ever since (touching wood here) I have had no problems at all - the only times I do suffer reflux, is when we have been out somewhere for a meal, or visit friends, and I've eaten the same as them - and oh boy, do I regret it for days after, until the lack of carbs kicks in again.
Not about being sick, but I've treated and helped a lot of people undergoing chemo, by getting rid of everything that isn't targeting the actual cancer.
Now, I don't know from your letter if this is specifically what you are talking about, but I'm sure there's something that could be done.
Forgot (it's been a long time!) but I did find that a table spoon of apple cider vinegar in a small glass of water before meals also helped with reflux. My husband still does this, especially if he has something like fish and chips.
Thank you all.
I know why I get sick. Normally, your kidneys recycle the nutrients you need, and get rid of those you don't. My kidneys don't do that anymore, so I have to make sure I don't get too much, or too little of any particular vitamin or mineral. A multivitamin, for instance, would not work for me at all, because depending on what I've eaten I might need some vitamins that day, but definitely not others.
So if I have too much potassium, or salt, copper or vitamin A (carrots!) I get stomach cramps. Too little potassium or copper, a different kind of indigestion. Keeping an eye on these things works, but can be complicated. I am sorry for all those who don't have the time/interest/opportunities I am blessed with!
I will try the strong salt solution next time.
By the way, I think having my daughter and (v. fussy!) kids staying for a week did not help my digestion ......
Would a strong probiotic or a natural live yoghurt not help settle your stomach to the point you'd not need to make yourself sick?
PS: Ginger might be worth a try too
Would a strong probiotic or a natural live yoghurt not help settle your stomach to the point you'd not need to make yourself sick?
No, it's not that kind of indigestion I'm afraid. There are many kinds!
I could not face the strong salt solution in the end. I managed to lessen the damage by drinking a cup of Bamboo (coffee substitute), which worked slightly soothing. As I said, there is indigestion and indigestion: you just have to feel your way.
And I managed, accidentally, to find the quotation marks again.
Okay. I hope you find something to ease your discomfort.
All the best.