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Gastroparesis and EPI related?
Digestive Health | Last Active: Feb 16 3:34pm | Replies (29)Comment receiving replies
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
Replies to "Hi Susanh824, Thanks for reply. I am 68 and was diagnosed with both GP and EPI..."
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….
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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.