I’ve been struggling with this stupid chronic nausea for two years now. I don’t remember exactly when it started – but I do remember having it when a friend visited in October 2010. It’s been a very long (and boring) saga. I saw my general practitioner. He ran bloodwork, saw nothing amiss, and said “maybe it will go away”. I went back several months later and he referred me to a gastroenterologist (GI specialist). He ran tests. He thought I had a tumor on my appendix, and referred me to an oncology surgeon. (I had surgery in October 2011. It wasn’t a tumor, it was just some stupid fibroid mass.) The GI specialist wanted to put me on steroids. I refused. I saw a gynecologist. I saw another GI specialist. More tests. No answers. I got a new general practitioner.
Then, in January I started having ear pain. My new general practitioner prescribed ear drops. Ear pain improved… but… NAUSEA ALSO IMPROVED! Doctor thought it was a coincidence. Used up ear drops – nausea came back a few days later. Started using ear drops for cats. Yes, I know that’s odd. I know a lot more about cats than humans. I know these particular drops, by Zymox, work very well for cats. They worked well for me, too. Nausea improved. Not completely gone, but tolerable on pet ear drops and 24-hour motion sickness pills.
Went to an ear, nose, throat specialist. He said it was a coincidence.
Hold on – this is where, in my very biased opinion, it gets interesting.
Complained to friends. Friends agreed with me – that it totally makes sense ear issues could cause nausea, like a mild form of vertigo. Helpful friends gave me links and information. None of them panned out, they didn’t sound like my problem… but using terms from the various articles they gave me, I found this:
Inner Ear May be Cause of Nausea, Vomiting
Well, that title about says it all, doesn’t it? Everything in the article seemed to fit me to a “T”. I tracked down the complete study. I did more research. I found something that said it often responded well to manipulation. I made an appointment with my chiropractor. My fabulous chiropractor met with me and said “OF COURSE ear issues can cause nausea. Neck issues can also cause nausea.” She suggested we start with a few adjustments, and if I wasn’t showing signs of improvement, she’d refer me to another ear specialist.
So, for several weeks now I’ve been seeing my chiropractor and having my neck and ears adjusted. Am I completely recovered? No, I wouldn’t say that – and the chiropractor said she wouldn’t expect that given how long I’ve been sick. But I AM feeling better. I’m no longer taking motion sickness pills, I’m using the ear drops less often, and while I have nausea on occasion, it’s less frequent and less severe.
Morale of the story? I honestly don’t know. Maybe it’s just further affirmation of why I don’t have a tremendous amount of faith in most health practitioners, human or feline. But, while jaded and bitter, I am also OPTIMISTIC. I FINALLY see hope that this will be resolved. That’s tremendous.
Life of the Lintee Bean 
Sorry you had to go through surgery, when all you probably had is vertigo. I suffer from it as well, but the dizziness and room spinning are my worst symptoms. I rarely have nausea, but nausea is one of the problems associated with vertigo. My ENT specialist referred me to my neurologist, who performed several tests to measure the intensity of the problem and I’m monitored from time to time. The initial attack was very intense; I felt as though I was on a boat rocking from side to side on the high seas! My attacks after that one have been much milder, and they come and go without warning. You may want to consult a neurologist since most vertigo is caused by an imbalance of the “crystals” in the inner ear. The neurologist can test you further. Hope you continue to feel better!
Thanks, Eileen.
It was a story similar to yours that eventually led me to the discovery of chronic vestibular dysfunction. A friend pointed me to to an article on benign paroxysmal positional vertigo. Her friend had it, and got relief from having her ear crystals adjusted by a physiotherapist.
I don’t think that’s what I have. I don’t have traditional vertigo – no spinning or dizziness. My symptoms don’t depend on position or sudden movement.
On the other hand, the symptoms of chronic vestibular dysfunction, as I said, fit me to a “t”.
My chiropractor is adjusting both my ear canals and my neck. I haven’t seen my neurologist in many months, but I’ll definitely keep what you said in mind!
Lynette
Good luck as you heal. Fortunately you have good feline company to help you rest in purrfect comfort.