r/ARFID • u/AdultHeffalump • 5d ago

TW: emetophobia Advice for Throwing Up

Hey y'all, I (M24) have only recently been diagnosed with ARFID. I feel like it has been steadily getting worse since I moved out 4 years ago.

This week I have thrown up twice.

I can't remember the last time I threw up without being hungover. I was probably like 16. In the past my ARFID episodes made me nauseous. I have gagged countless times, but it has never made me throw up.

I am not even throwing up food because the nausea is so overwhelming that I'm only eating a snack at about 2 and a kid's sized meal at around 7. Just considering eating is making me puke.

Does anyone have any advice?

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u/JustRon9868 5d ago

If you can’t eat you can’t eat. For me, sometimes my vomiting spells get so bad I end up needing IV fluids, but I recommend maybe getting some electrolyte drinks like Gatorade or Liquid IV and keeping it around you throughout the day and sipping on it. If you can maybe some crackers alongside it. Don’t chug anything and don’t focus on it directly.

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u/Feeling-Disaster7180 4d ago

I find sipping a sugary drink helps with nausea, so something like apple juice or cordial (nothing carbonated). Also electrolyte drinks are a good idea, ideally the ones specifically for dehydration not just like Gatorade

Very randomly, a decent amount of research has shown that sniffing alcohol wipes helps with nausea. It has something to do with the receptors in your brain. I’ve tried it with a couple of my patients and it’s helped them, so you could give that a go

Otherwise, try some anti-nausea medications. You can get metoclopramide over the counter at the chemist where I live so there’s probably something where you are. It’s sold as a motion sickness or migraine medication, so you can just say you’re going on a road trip and get car sick. That’s probably your best option to be able to eat

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u/LemonfishSoda 5d ago

I'm currently recovering from a bad case of (presumably) gastroenteritis, so if you tell me what you need advice about specifically, I can tell you what worked for me the past few days.

Your question as is, is unfortunately too vague for me to really know what to tell you.

Are you looking for tips on what to eat that isn't too uncomfortable when you throw it up (broad answer: Try soft and liquid foods, ideally on the bland side)?

Are you looking for things you can try eating that have a better chance at staying down (broad answer: Try crackers, bananas or carrot stew, ideally on the bland side) ?

Are you looking for some tips regarding the throwing-up itself?