Rikke

When I was 6 years old I was diagnosed with Cyclic Vomiting Syndrome (CVS). I spent most of my childhood at the doctors, in the hospital, and having tests done. Unfortunately the doctors didn’t know as much about CVS as they do today

Most people will be diagnosed with CVS as kids. I’ve lived with CVS since I was 6, and am still struggling with it as an adult. CVS presents differently in everyone, but here is my version of the disease.

CVS is a bit like migraine and epilepsy, just 100 times worse. Imagine having such strong nausea that you have to throw up every 15 minutes, around the clock. You really have to concentrate on not to throwing up all the time, sometimes just a simple motion, a sound, seeing a color etc. will make you throw up. You can’t eat anything, and can’t even swallow your own saliva because it makes you throw up. On top of that, you have the worst pain in your stomach, head and throat. That’s how i feel when i have an attack. It usually lasts for around 2 weeks each time, after which my body feels completely ruined.

When I was younger, I had a CVS attack about 4 times a year. It is fortunately rare that I have a CVS attack today, and I’ve been lucky enough to go up to 2 years without an attack. However, I still struggle with CVS symptoms almost every day, such as the severe nausea and migraines, but without having an actual attack.

I have tried just about everything to keep my CVS attack and symptoms down. I have tried epilepsy medication, antidepressants, nausea medication and Q10. Nothing has worked. Today, I only take painkillers and pantoloc when I need them for my symptoms.

I’ve been more conscious and aware of what might set off my CVS attacks, such as stress, pressure, and excitement, so when, for example, I feel stressed out and my CVS symptoms are getting worse, I know that I have to take it easy to prevent getting a full blown CVS attack.