I got my only food intolerance when I was about 25-30, so whilst younger than 50, I wasn't a kid either.The food intolerance is worth thinking on. I wonder, though, at the age of 50+ why I would develop a food intolerence now after never having a single issue with food or diet ever before.
Tape worm?Thanks so much for the conversation.
It's a thought (the ulcer thing) but perhaps my description of 'pain' is not correct. There is no traditional pain, just that message that I need food but really need it urgently.
How can I compare it.... like anyone would have if they had not eaten all day and were on their feet all day is how I feel as the baseline all day. that would be bad enough but that exact same feeling intensifies to the point of 'panic stations' as soon as eating commences and the persists for hours until retreating to baseline stage again.
I get extremely distressed about it, not because I am in actual pain in the traditional sense, but because it has removed all pleasure and normality from life. I guess the trouble with all symptoms is that only the person suffering is the one to experience it.
Even reading my own posts, I can see how the medical people I have spoken too are having a tough time with this. It's sounds almost unbelievable...
One thing to hold on to is that feeling hungry won't kill you. My brother developed a food intolerance in his 50's, as did one of my close friends. How is your mental health? I am NOT suggesting at all that what you feel is not real, but anxiety etc can also throw in symptoms which can muddy the waters of diagnosis.Hi there - oh no sorry - I don't feel uncomfortable at all - pleased to keep going - I was more worried about how much of your time I am taking up!
The food intolerance is worth thinking on. I wonder, though, at the age of 50+ why I would develop a food intolerence now after never having a single issue with food or diet ever before.
Duodenal Ulcer is another thing I hadn't really thought of - but surely that would have a pain of a different kind? And feeling full quickly - I think my mentioning pain might have been misleading - it is not pain but more an intense feeling of hunger. It is like hunger I have experienced when well (for example when I skipped meal due to work pressure) but multiplied many times in its intensity and, as mentioned, 24/7.
On the drinking water - yes I am drinking a lot of water. I am also suffering from a very dry mouth amongst other things, so I am never far away from a water bottle!
What brought me here in the first place was a belief (before my HSa1c Tests, fasting test and random test) that I had developed Type 1 Diabetes. The hunger, thirst, pins and needles, initial weight loss (fast) and generally feeling awful (plus the history of it in my family) meant I was scared this had happened. Now I am at loss as to what is causing all this unpleasantness. I will take on board all of the suggestions.
Thanks all.
Thanks for your post.One thing to hold on to is that feeling hungry won't kill you. My brother developed a food intolerance in his 50's, as did one of my close friends. How is your mental health? I am NOT suggesting at all that what you feel is not real, but anxiety etc can also throw in symptoms which can muddy the waters of diagnosis.
What meds are you on? Have they changed? Did anything happen before this started? Please don't worry about taking up my time. It took a while before my brother's food intolerance was found, although I recognize this may not be what is wrong with you.
Have you had proper tests and examination of your body and stomach?
did they do an endoscopy?I have been examined by a gastroenterologist
Not yet. They want to rule out pancreatic issues first apparently (tested low for enzymes- having a second test to confirm).did they do an endoscopy?
Vagas nerve problem perhaps?Update on my situation. since last being here, I have seen an endocrinologist and a gastro specialist privately as GP has reached end of ideas.
Had another HSAC1 test all fine, plus a fasting test which was 5.1 so also fine. So it looks like no diabetes causing this - the day before the fasting test I consumed as normal (lots!)...
Gastro specialist is perplexed - is testing for anaemia and pancreatic disorders and malabsorption as a last ditch attempt to see what could be contributing to this.
Meanwhile, it just goes on. The hunger and need to eat is so strong now (getting worse all the time) - I am a grown man who in has never suffered from anything health-wise for decades and was previously fit, healthy and a careful eater, but I am literally in tears with the hunger pains I am experiencing.
I just ate (wolfed down) a large cheese and ham sandwich, crisps, large apple, biscuits (3) for lunch. Afterwards I was literally crying out for more and more food - it is so distressing. I had a large bowl of shredded wheat to try to help the situation (as I often do).... it didn't make an ounce of difference - it was gone in seconds and I was, if anything, suffering from more hunger than before (as is always the case).
All this overeating is not adding any significant weight - I am almost 6 foot and now just over 11 stone. I had been as low as 10 stone 3 pounds earlier this year initially the weight was dropping off me despite the over-eating for some reason. Before all this I was healthy, muscular 12 stone.
I can't adequately put it into words how strong this hunger sensation is now. Perhaps it is what one would feel like if one had walked for 24 or more hours without food - and then imagine that feeling 24/7 and being stronger than ever immediately after eating a massive meal.
My stomach always feels completely, and utterly empty. It doesn't really matter what food is eaten - carbs, veggies, sugar - anything - I am just crying out for more all the time. The only thing I cannot face are very sugary things and alcohol of all types.
I have been told over and over again I do not have diabetes. HSAC1 (I have had 3 over the last 8 months - all fine), random tests (always 4.5-5.5) and now a fasting test (5.1), but the only thing I can liken this to is what I have read (and seen once in my family) what untreated type 1 can do to hunger levels. I have had this now for months.
Sorry to go on, but this (along with a load of other unpleasant symptoms) is driving me (and my poor wife) to despair now. I appreciate all of your helpful suggestions so far. Please note this is not a binge eating thing - this is 24/7.
I keep asking myself if there anyway this could be undiagnosed type 1 diabetes - despite the HSAC1, random and fasting tests.... I have been told in no uncertain terms to drop this idea by my GP but, my goodness, this hunger is so distressing...
I can see why you are hungry again, I would and anybody here would also. carbohydrates do not fill anyone up, just crash, crash. eat crash.Thanks for all the info so far. In the best scenario the carbs issue would be the thing... I am craving carbs but would happily ditch them for the rest of my life if it sorted this out.
It is the sheer gnawing hunger that doesn't add up. To be able to wolf down an enormous pasta dish and not feel at all full during and after eating at any stage... so it is not waiting for the subsequent craving to happen - there is no let up.
I am more than happy to move to good fats, nuts, no bread or pasta etc, if that allowed me to feel full.... I know it won't though. I could eat a jumbo bag of mixed nuts, 1lb of cheese and a 5 egg omelette with low fat ham... and still feel hungry and completely empty.
It is getting to the point that I would do anything to feel full or satisfied after eating. I honestly feel like someone who has fasted for 24 hours immediately after eating a large fish and chips with vegatables.... and for the hours that follow. the hollow feeling is awful...
To try and put the feeling into context, imagine if you skipped breakfast and lunch whilst having a very physically demanding day... then by, say 5pm, a superb roast dinner was wafted under your nose! That is how I feel all the time, even after eating the roast :-(
This tends to lead to snacking all day long too.... the only way I know I have had enough is when I have eaten so much my belly is swollen and I feel nauseous ... but even then the hunger urge is still telling me to eat more.
As mentioned my weight is not affected upwards. I lost as stone (I couldn't afford to lose) early this year for no reason and it will not go back on despite my carb-fest :-(
Absolutely, I thought not enough fats, protein,@Edwardian Gentleman - when you write about trying to feel full - you are still listing carby and high carb food - not a leg of chicken, roast lamb meat , pork slices, crackling to chew on, (the low-fat ham doesn't cut it in my food-book!), soft cheeses, hard cheeses, fathead pizza (made with almond butter and mozzarella - the singly most filliing thing in my weekly menu).
I had a giggle with @bulkbiker's block of butter, but I can't eat butter on its own... can you? But LOTS of butter on that non-diabetic-you's bread is not bad at all. And we mean butter - NOT marge!
Olives, and lots of cheese if you are dairy-tolerant. ie - fats and proteins.
Salads and coleslaws with low-sugar/no-sugar added mayo and aioli. (The salad won't fill you - but it's a great way to eat the mayo! Which should/could.)
And write it all down in your food diary - which I do believe you should absolutely be keeping for those endo appointments. (Do endos do food though? Probably not, come to think of it...)
It is very hard for we humans to not feel satiated with high healthy fat and protein. I am not convinced from reading your above that you are giving high healthy fat, and high protein a good go. When you do - and if you are still feeling hollow and empty inside - that is very good info for the dietician (which I suspect the endos will direct you to...).
Hi there - oh no sorry - I don't feel uncomfortable at all - pleased to keep going - I was more worried about how much of your time I am taking up!
The food intolerance is worth thinking on. I wonder, though, at the age of 50+ why I would develop a food intolerence now after never having a single issue with food or diet ever before.
Duodenal Ulcer is another thing I hadn't really thought of - but surely that would have a pain of a different kind? And feeling full quickly - I think my mentioning pain might have been misleading - it is not pain but more an intense feeling of hunger. It is like hunger I have experienced when well (for example when I skipped meal due to work pressure) but multiplied many times in its intensity and, as mentioned, 24/7.
On the drinking water - yes I am drinking a lot of water. I am also suffering from a very dry mouth amongst other things, so I am never far away from a water bottle!
What brought me here in the first place was a belief (before my HSa1c Tests, fasting test and random test) that I had developed Type 1 Diabetes. The hunger, thirst, pins and needles, initial weight loss (fast) and generally feeling awful (plus the history of it in my family) meant I was scared this had happened. Now I am at loss as to what is causing all this unpleasantness. I will take on board all of the suggestions.
Thanks all.
Thank you - it really is so awful. It is getting worse by the day. Seems to be accumulating, never getting better just more and more hunger all the time.This is of no help but I want to say I really feel for you with the hunger bit. I call it psychohunger and my German language brain calls it HEISSHUNGER. For myself it was after food as my blood sugar levels rose and had me going to the doctors ending up on Metformin. I think this state of hunger is horrible and really affects quality of life. I hope you can keep trying different things and fix it .
You need at the very least, an endoscopy.Thank you - it really is so awful. It is getting worse by the day. Seems to be accumulating, never getting better just more and more hunger all the time.
I write this at my desk in absolute despair I feel so hungry and empty - yet I know I shouldn't be... It is like some form of torture - I am sure if it could be medically induced it could be used to make prisoners confess - I am not even joking here - Im at a point where I would gladly give away all I own if it meant losing this feeling 24/7. I know that sounds extreme but it really is that bad.
Here is a typical day:
I woke up, as usual, in the early hours because my brain and/or body was literally screaming out to eat. As is the norm I am so hungry when I wake that I can hardly think or speak properly. I am incoherent with urgent hunger feelings.
Somehow I manage to wait until 8am (wide awake and in tears from the hunger - and yes, I am a grown man who normally doesn't express emotions often) then had, what would have been in the days prior to this, a normal breakfast - bowl of low sugar cereal, slice of toast, some fruit.
I try not to wolf it down - I fail. The bowl is empty before I even make it from the counter to the fridge. I feel like a pig. I am so unhappy living like this.
I consider calling my GP, 111 or even 999. I have presented at A&E on a prior occasion only to be practically marched out again. Can I even go through that again? My GP is not able to help it seems.
I feel like people will think I am losing my mind. I am not. this is real. It is not a craving, it is not a large appetite it is not boredom.
Once breakfast is eaten the screaming to eat is stronger than before, the feeling of complete and utter emptiness in my stomach (even though it isn't empty) is so, so urgent - this is then with me all day long, progressively getting worse especially after each meal until I finally go to sleep again at the end of the day feeling utterly empty and desperate for more food.... then we repeat it, now it seems, from where we left off.
- - - - - -
I really appreciate all the help and pointers I have received here. I know we cannot diagnose and I appreciate that too. Also understand I talk about this a lot here, the severity of the sensation of hunger I suffer from these days and I apologise here for doing so. It's an outlet of types I suppose.
I am looking into all the suggestions as possible routes to diagnoses. I am being proactive in trying to work out what is going on.
The gastro examinations (and sudden low B12 and Folic for no reason linked to diet) and other tests do seem to suggest malabsorption is playing a part here, but the prospect of enzyme replacement therapy (and thoughts of what could be causing the malabsorption) is scaring me as there is absolutely no guarantee it will make this hunger go away and it requires so many pills.
Also the gastro doctor kept asking me over and over ... are you sure you are not type 1 diabetic... I have been reassured I am not after Random blood tests (the lab ones are always between 4.5 and 5.5), a fasting test (5.1) and HSAC1s well within non-diabetic range.
Oh well - onwards and onwards.
I have another gastro appointment in two weeks where I will be told if I am suffering malabsorbtion and pancreatic tested and enzyme replacements will be discussed. I will ask about an endoscopy then ..You need at the very least, an endoscopy.
Psychological conditions are very real, very painful, by the way. Have more physical tests to rule out physical conditions, but please don't dismiss the possibility of a psychological element. People with psychological conditions are not crazy.
Not been away where exotic. Not for a long time.I can’t believe they are doing endoscopy and colonoscopy. I’d really push hard for an explanation of why not if they don’t suggest it this time.
Totally random though but have you been anywhere exotic? The thought of various worms and parasites occurred to me (shudder!)
I agree with @HSSS . I can't believe they haven't done an endoscopy and colonoscopy. Have you had a CT scan of your abdomen, throat and head to rule out changes?. These are all important before any diagnosis and treatment plan.Not been away where exotic. Not for a long time.
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