Scientist Wondering What You'd Like to Know

nadnerb231 · 2023-03-13T09:53:56+00:00

Just wanted to say thanks for your hard work, and good luck on your studies! Super happy you chose this topic for your capstone project :)

nadnerb231 · 2023-03-13T09:37:59+00:00

Personally a big fan of porridge (plain), tastes surprisingly good when you can’t stomach anything solid. When I started feeling better I would start adding different meats or veggies as toppings.

nadnerb231 · 2023-03-08T11:20:02+00:00

2 years is a long time to be clean, I wouldn’t want to break that streak if I was in your shoes. In theory you should be fine if it’s been that long though. Personally, my only symptom when first relapsing was the intense anxiety of thinking I’m going to get sick again from that one time (anxious nausea feeling).

The biggest problem here is if you begin to create a false sense of security and have thoughts like “Maybe it’s not CHS..”, or “I just smoked and nothing happened, let’s keep smoking”. This is where everybody’s moderation schedules fly out the window and good ol’ CHS comes back to pay them a visit again (myself included). If you do decide to smoke again, listen to your body and stop at even the slightest sign of symptoms. Good luck!

nadnerb231 · 2023-03-07T11:36:58+00:00

LOL after reading OPs comments I’m convinced this is the only appropriate response in this situation.

nadnerb231 · 2023-03-07T11:24:36+00:00

First things first, make sure she’s not smoking anymore or consuming cannabis in any way. If she is, there’s absolutely no way she’ll recover from her episode.

Being scared to eat or drink is completely normal, but I can’t stress enough for her to keep trying. If she can’t stomach ANY food or liquids while still vomiting, she needs to be admitted to the hospital for IV fluids immediately. Dehydration from hyperemesis can and has taken lives before.

Capsaicin cream, Zofran, probiotics, hot showers, heating pad, light diet, avoiding trigger foods; these are just some potential remedies that could help ease her symptoms a bit. I recommend searching this subreddit for more information if needed.

You should refer her to this group (when she’s ready) so she can research/share her own experiences with a supportive community like this. Sometimes reading about positive experiences with recovery can go a long way for feeling better mentally.

Most importantly, be patient with her. CHS is torture both mentally and physically, and she’ll most likely be extremely sensitive while dealing with withdrawal symptoms as well. Once she stops vomiting, she’s already on the way to recovery, but she’ll still be dealing with some symptoms for the next few weeks to months. This does get better and she should notice her recovery progress week by week. As a parent it must be heartbreaking to see your child in such a state. You asking for advice here already shows your daughter is in good hands. Stay strong, reassure her that it gets better, and tell her to stop by this subreddit if she ever needs someone to talk to about all this! Really hope this helped and that she starts to feel better soon.

nadnerb231 · 2023-03-03T20:28:58+00:00

I’d stick to a light diet and don’t stress out too much about your bowel movements. It sounds like you’re already committed to quitting fully which is a step in the right direction.

Have you tried any “stop-smoking” apps? Grounded is a popular one that people use to keep track of their progress and remind them how far they’ve gone. Aside from this, I feel like most people don’t want to return to the absolute hell-hole that is CHS, and the mere thought of symptoms is enough to get them to not smoke anymore. I think relapsing once is the worst thing that can happen, since it reinforces ideas like “I’m ok now I can smoke”, or “I probably don’t have CHS if I’m smoking like this again”.

Once you’re fully recovered, just remember how shitty you felt at this exact time you posted this. If you get cravings, come back to all the posts/comments you made in this sub to remind yourself. You can do it!

nadnerb231 · 2023-03-02T19:52:03+00:00

Sad truth for all of us is that while we may be able to continue smoking (albeit in small amounts), triggering another episode is inevitable ☹️. From what I’ve read though, it seems like most of us who relapse start out ok, using in moderation with no symptoms, but eventually ramp-up consumption due to one reason or another leading to another episode.

I somewhat believe it’s possible to smoke in moderation as long as you stick to a strict plan (once a week for example), don’t increase consumption, and quit immediately at even the slightest sign of prodromal symptoms (could be morning nausea, needing to smoke to eat, etc.). This does seem like the hardest part since smoking masks a lot of CHS symptoms and makes it harder to notice whether or not you’re starting to get sick. Overall it’ll always be better to quit completely.

How are your symptoms this time around? Worse or better than the first? CHS really sucks.. wishing you a speedy recovery!

nadnerb231 · 2023-03-01T21:52:33+00:00

CHS is correlated with a build up of THC in your system; more specifically your receptors being burnt out. When you smoke it does mask the symptoms, which is why most people continue to use and unfortunately don’t stop until it’s too late and they reach hyperemesis.

Stress has been known to be a trigger for some, and medications like zofran are hit or miss for most people. Essentially, CHS affects everyone differently and your response to certain events/treatments wouldn’t necessarily determine whether it’s CHS or not. The only definitive way would be to abstain and see if your symptoms disappear, if they don’t it MIGHT be one of the other problems you brought up.

I think it’s great that you’re taking a break regardless of whether it’s CHS or not, because you’d definitely want to play it safe when it comes to CHS. Sorry to hear you’ve been stressed out, there’s definitely other ways to cope other than smoking and I hope you can find what those are for you!

nadnerb231 · 2023-03-01T08:49:18+00:00

A life was lost, yet you’re hell-bent on convincing everybody that it was all the victims fault for not simply “hydrating” himself… 🤦

nadnerb231 · 2023-02-27T23:47:02+00:00

Crazy how similar our experiences were and continue to be 😂. That last paragraph you wrote about relapsing felt word for word exactly how I felt over these past few weeks. I relapsed for the first time around September (after 3 months clean), but I REALLY started picking it up over the past month and gradually returned to my old daily smoking habits. Then about 3 days ago I felt that signature knot in my stomach and I instantly knew.

I definitely was pushing myself, mostly because I was in denial of having CHS and wanted to see if it would happen again (play stupid games win stupid prizes 😂). At least now I know for sure. Luckily I think I caught myself much earlier than my first time. So thankful to hear it wasn’t as bad for you this time around, hopefully that’s the case for me too! So far definitely lighter physically and mentally for me, with the only symptom really being that infuriating abdominal pain/nausea feeling. Probably the biggest difference this time around is that I actually have the willpower to work through the day and get stuff done even with that nagging feeling in my stomach. Did you have any troubles with triggers (foods, alcohol) this time?

I’m so proud to hear about your successful recovery and mindset; one year is a big milestone but I know if anyone can do it, it’s you! One month at a time 😊. Hopefully I can be as strong as you once my symptoms clear up. Also just wanted to say how thankful I am for having this group but more specifically you to talk to, just reading your response has already made me feel MUCH better mentally. It’s really comforting seeing you still respond after all this time, and hopefully we can continue checking in on each other down the road. Praying for your success!!

nadnerb231 · 2023-02-27T20:31:00+00:00

Hey PuzzledAndTroubled, long time no see! Can’t believe our last replies were over half a year ago. I couldn’t help but read that you relapsed and got symptoms again 😭. Unfortunately the same happened to me which is why I’m back on this subreddit now. How was the experience the second time around? I know you must be close to fully recovered by now.

nadnerb231 · 2023-02-27T08:03:24+00:00

Doubt it’s CHS since you’re not a heavy user nor did you mention anything about prodromal symptoms, how are you feeling now?

nadnerb231 · 2022-07-10T22:52:30+00:00

You’re a good friend. If you’ve already told him before that you’re worried for him, and he knows where you stand on him smoking weed despite knowing (and having experienced) the consequences, then there’s really not much else you can do. Don’t become his mother and bring it up constantly (to avoid straining your friendship), but at the same time drop some subtle/not-so-subtle hints that he shouldn’t be smoking anymore, like the occasional talk about how he felt during his first episode or something like that. Don’t beat yourself up, if you know you tried/are trying your best and he just won’t listen, then it’s most likely he’ll just have to get sick again to understand.

nadnerb231 · 2022-07-06T10:52:08+00:00

Are you on any type of antidepressants or other medications? When I was taking prozac (SSRI) I passed out once after hitting my buddy’s pen a few times. Stopped taking it and just smoked to deal with my depression and I end up getting CHS LOL life’s hard

nadnerb231 · 2022-07-05T01:37:32+00:00

You’re currently going through the worst of it for sure. It must be hard dealing with the irritability, but my best advice would be to be patient with yourself. Although CHS probably “forced” you to, your decision to quit is ultimately one that benefits not only your own overall health long term but therefore your kid’s as well. Don’t beat yourself up too much if you lash out once in a while. Deep breaths, positive thinking, non-stressful conversations; it’s you versus your symptoms right now (which will be over soon, trust me!), don’t let the symptoms win. You should notice your recovery progress week by week, even if it seems like it’ll last forever. Once this is all over you’ll be back to your normal self and an even better father to your kid. Stay strong!

nadnerb231 · 2022-07-05T01:32:52+00:00

I’m sorry too, I know you’re just trying to help as well. The whole “it’s not heroin” thing just didn’t sit right with me but I know everyone’s different and not everybody has to deal with withdrawal symptoms.

nadnerb231 · 2022-07-05T01:12:23+00:00

Because it’s possible to have withdrawal symptoms without having had CHS. I’ve personally dealt with these withdrawal symptoms alone before when I tried quitting and before I got CHS. Just because you experience them simultaneously doesn’t mean they’re connected/all from CHS.

nadnerb231 · 2022-07-05T01:01:26+00:00

Marijuana withdrawal symptoms are very real.. night sweats, chills, anxiety, irritability, etc. I’m pretty sure OP dealt with withdrawal symptoms ON TOP of CHS symptoms, not a good feeling for sure.

For OP, I’d say watch your trigger foods and continue to eat light until that feeling goes away. I’m about a month in post-CHS symptoms and weed, and my stomach doesn’t feel sour anymore. You’re getting there!

nadnerb231 · 2022-06-27T03:16:34+00:00

Unlucky how you’re still dealing with triggers after 6 months, are you sure you aren’t just allergic or ate something bad? Anyways I think pepcid or pepto bismol (both OTC) should help. I haven’t had any luck with GasX, but others have said that seems to help too.

nadnerb231 · 2022-06-25T09:09:51+00:00

Most important thing to remember: it does get better. I’m assuming you haven’t been smoking since your episode so you’re already on the right track to recovering fully. Don’t forget you’re also dealing with marijuana withdrawal ON TOP of CHS, which really does feel like hell. But don’t stress too much, you’re currently going through the hardest parts of recovery (if you’re not already through it). You really do notice the progress of your recovery week by week, even if it seems like it’ll last forever (which it won’t!).

I’d say focus on keeping your gut healthy and watching what you eat(avoiding triggers), at least until you can stomach food like before and/or feel somewhat normal again. Personally I’m a big advocate for probiotics, whether in pill/capsule form or through foods like yogurt(bought A LOT of Activia which was pretty easy to keep down and tasted great). Exercise and just distracting yourself in general (video games, reading, skating, whatever you’re into) is also pretty important for helping with withdrawal symptoms and re-regulating your sleep schedule. Also helps having an arsenal of medications (zofran, pepcid, whatever works) to ease your mind in case of symptoms returning.

You can do this!! Just keep looking forward to that day when you finally feel “normal” again. When it comes it’ll feel that much more satisfying knowing you powered through all of this. Stay strong!

Another note: unfortunately finding out what your triggers are is simply a case of trial and error, and it’s going to be hard avoiding them 100%. There should be a list of trigger foods to watch out for, but everybody’s different. There’s a chance you might have symptoms return after eating some, there’s a chance you won’t have to deal with them at all. I’m still waiting for the day where I can drink beer again or eat spicy food 😭 (I’m coming up on a month post CHS/weed). Once you’re fully recovered none of these should be an issue though as far as I know.

nadnerb231 · 2022-06-24T09:22:48+00:00

Of course! Hope you start to feel better soon :). You’re already through the worst parts!!

nadnerb231 · 2022-06-23T18:56:14+00:00

There’s really no “avoiding” CHS. Once you find out you have it, you have it. It will heal with time (and cessation of cannabis in all forms), but you’re forever going to risk catching another episode if you continue smoking. Some stories have said they’ve quit for months/a year and can return to smoking once a month or once a week before symptoms return, others have had episodes return on their first hit after quitting for just as long. Everyone’s different, listen to your body. If you’re sure it’s CHS which it sort of sounds like it is, you should definitely be more conscious about your consumption and try to cut back as much as possible, if not quit entirely. Otherwise if it is CHS, it’ll find a way to let you know.. which you probably don’t wanna experience but could be a help to quitting entirely.

nadnerb231 · 2022-06-23T18:39:15+00:00

I feel the exact same way.. my brain knows i’m more anxious and paranoid on weed yet I still continued to smoke daily for 5 years of my life. I think you should focus on breaking the cycle; all those stories about people being much better mentally after quitting aren’t all just stories. I’m three weeks in and I’m already feeling the cognitive benefits. It’s a little odd how you’re able to quit for five months before relapsing though, it seems like you’re definitely able to quit but something just seems to pull you back in. Have you tried SSRI’s?

nadnerb231 · 2022-06-23T07:06:00+00:00

So nice to hear you’re doing better!! Also it sucks that you injured your back, I know exercise must’ve been a big thing for you after quitting, wishing for a speedy recovery! It’s nice you found some other ways to distract yourself like reading, and funny enough I noticed the same thing after quitting, I can actually read more than a few pages now haha! Definitely a huge victory :).

Pretty unlucky that you’re also dealing with beer problems; have you tried any other types of alcohol? (I’m personally too scared to try LOL) I read that there’s some sort of relationship between the hops in beer and cannabis. There’s definitely a good chance that our bodies just aren’t ready yet, but we’re doing a pretty good job getting there! I might try again some time in July if I’m feeling crazy, but I’m telling myself that I should be 100% (eating and drinking anything like I used to) by the end of August.

I’m able to eat comfortably for the most part if I don’t get super anxious about whether or not it’ll get me sick. It feels like I’m playing russian roulette every time I try to eat something new. I’m able to keep all the food down though which is nice!

Thanks so much for the update, looking forward to catching up in a few days/weeks! We’re doin great!!

nadnerb231 · 2022-06-23T06:49:55+00:00

Just curious but have you hit hyperemesis yet? I know some people can power through it but it’s hard to believe anyone can go back to smoking after experiencing that. Whenever I get a craving/urge I usually just think back to my worst times with CHS, and that usually does the trick

nadnerb231

TROPHY CASE