Gastroparesis with severe symptoms!

Posted by paarak @paarak, Jul 17, 2011

Does anyone have gastroparesis (low stomach emptying) and what are you doing to manage the problem. I was finally diagnoised with this condition this year after at least 3plus years of unexplained illness. Most of my symtoms were related to pain in the chest; deep back shoulder pain; lightheaded/dizzyness; I always felt like I was having a heart attack. But each time I went to the ER all the heart test came back fine and was told it was just acid reflux. I have been to cardiology; neuralogy; gastrology. I have had heart test; stress test;;thryrod; diabectic test; all kinds of blood test (only showed low vit D) MRI of brain; spinal tap. Finally had stomach emptying test in March - which showed 85% food still in stomach after 3 hours. I have had to switch to a no fat; low fiber diet - pretty much all liquid; soft (babyfood like) foods. If I do experiment and eat something that doesn't move through - then I end up with the deep shoulder pain; lighthed/dizziness;; numbness in the arms/fingers and over all wekness. In order to overcome this feeling - It seems to work by drinking just water /gator aid for at least a day. I just don't know if this all started by a nerve damage issue or if it is reverserble. I have done a lot of internet reading and there doesn't seem to be anything to do except eating habit changes. And no one else seems to associate the pain I have with the stomach - I never seem to have stomach pain - Only fullness; nausea; bloating/gas. I also am not diabetic. Which my understanding is a reason for this condition. If you have this condition - what are your symtoms and how are you managing? Thanks

Interested in more discussions like this? Go to the Digestive Health Support Group.

@lindamks

I was diagnosed w/ gastroparesis many years ago, but no real problem until I had fundoplication, which means wrapping the upper part of my stomach around my esophagus. (because I had a hiatal hernia and my stomach had wandered up into my chest, interfering w/ breathing.)
I cannot figure out how to eat that doesn't cause diarrhea. Or constipation. Mainly I need to avoid fiber. I guess. I may need to cancel out on the 3 day family reunion.

Jump to this post

It’s interesting that you are now avoiding fiber. My current GI NP has me taking Benefiber in the AM and Miralax in the PM. Does this make sense to any one since I am dealing with chronic constipation?

REPLY
@trippster

It’s interesting that you are now avoiding fiber. My current GI NP has me taking Benefiber in the AM and Miralax in the PM. Does this make sense to any one since I am dealing with chronic constipation?

Jump to this post

Fiber is very tricky with my GP body. Often, I cant eat at all and drink thin protein drinks.

Too much fiber makes me miserable! Both soluble and insoluble fiber sit in my gut for hours, preventing me from being able to drink water.

I generally prioritize water over food for this reason.

One would think I'd lose weight.

REPLY
Please sign in or register to post a reply.