Gastroparesis and EPI related?

Thank you , I hope it helps , I’m so tired of no appetite

Hi Susanh824,
I too have both Gastroparesis and EPI. I've searched online for someone like me with both conditions and you are the ONLY one I found! We have the bad luck of having to deal with 2 battles at the same time.
My main issue with EPI is the diarrhea after every protein supplement drink. Do you have this issue too? If I take Creon, wait 30 minutes, then drink the supplement, I will have less diarrhea, but still can't avoid it completely. If I don't wait after taking Creon, then the diarrhea is even worse. Very frustrating. If you see this post, I would appreciate your opinion, or anyone else's opinion who has the same issue.

Hi Yukisun,
So sorry that you are fighting the same battles. I think I may have it a bit easier than you do though. I take Creon as well, and it has really helped me up my food intake. I do have loose stools occasionally, but my biggest battle is with constipation and just lack of interest in food.

If you don’t mind my asking, how old are you, and how long have you had each condition? I’m 65, and symptoms began 4-5 years ago. I was diagnosed with EPI about a year ago, then gastroparesis 3-4 months later. No known cause, though I do have an autoimmune disorder and have had multiple abdominal surgeries in the past.

Wishing you healthier days ahead!

Susan

Hi Susanh824,
Thanks for reply. I am 68 and was diagnosed with both GP and EPI 2 - 3 years ago. These issues started out "mild", but gradually became worse. I had 46% of food remaining after a 4-hour gastric emptying test. I too have had multiple abdominal surgeries before; which I think may have caused my issues. My Doctor thinks the cause is "idiopathic", but I don't think so. It was 3 years after my Nissen Fundoplication surgery when I was diagnosed. Now my Doctor is talking about a new procedure for GP - Gpoem.

It seems like we have opposite symtoms. My diarrhea and your constipation. I don't know if you know about a prescription drug "Motegrity"? My Doctor prescribed it for my GP, but I am afraid to take it due to its' side effect of diarrhea. This drug is FDA approved for treating constipation in US, but Doctors in Europe prescribe it for GP according to my Doctor. Maybe you can ask your Doctor if Motegrity might work for you since you have both GP and constipation. I too lack interest in food. I live on Boost and Ensure even though they cause me to have diarrhea. I wonder if I am the only EPI patient who has this issue? Did you ever drink one of these protein drinks and have had diarrhea?

Best to you too,
Yukisun

Hi Yukisun,
I know of some patients who are doing well on Motegrity, and may consider it in the future. Have you tried Linzess? That evened things out for me when I took it, but unfortunately, my out-of-pocket costs are too high for me to continue taking it.

Do you have access to Facebook? There are support groups for both conditions, and occasionally I will run across someone else who also has both. Wish I could remember their names.

My GI doctor recently advised me to increase my fiber intake. So I’m going to see if that helps. I do drink Boost and Fairlife Protein Drinks, and do think they may cause loose stools. Just ordered a high quality blender to see if my body is able to tolerate smoothies. I’ve got to get some protein and vitamins in somehow.

I suffer from diarrhea also but have not been diagnosed with EPI, but have diarrhea frequently & can’t leave the house…. Sometimes I know it’s related to being lactose intolerant, but never knew of EPI possibilities…. Thank You….

I would definitely get tested!

I have a routine appointment with primary tomorrow….. Thanks For Info!🥰🎊

I am joining the club with both Gp and EPI. I have had GP for many years. Stomach had air bubble the size of a football and I would get intractable hiccups from the pressure on diaphragm. Terrible constipation from lack of peristalsis throughout my gut. Then came the diarrhea from EPI. I have found Vital pancreatic enzymes (stores and Amazon) are almost identical to Creon in lipase units but $40.00 for 180 capsules. I also have several autoimmune diseases and was diabetic when the EPI started in 2023. I am 74. Diabetes is a risk factor for both conditions. I’m thankful we have each other to share information and support for putting up with these awful issues!