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Gastroparesis with severe symptoms!
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
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Never heard of using Botox, but whatever works.
Had gastroparesis for a long time, but it was pretty benign, then had fundoplication and it went into complete paralysis for a while. I found out the hard way that oatmeal is not good for me. Lots of diarrhea.
Gastroenterologist put me on Cholestyramine and that has made all the difference. Slowly adding some fiber back into my diet.
I think I've been lucky to have good doctors.
I find it astounding that the so-called profession of gastroenterology is permitted to exist. I have been to many gastros over the years and I find that they have one thing in common. Their uncontrollable desire to administer a colonoscopy. it's almost like they are unable to function unless that is number one on their menu.
From there they proceed to the try this, try that, mode. In my experience, there is no consideration for cost and insurance coverage. For example, I have United Healthcare. They do not cover Ibsella. The cost for this drug is approximately $1500/ month. Without discussing the cost, this provider thought that this drug "might" be worth a try. I think he might join the real world and understand that some people can't afford $1500/month.
My point is, there is no direction. There is no assurance that they will handle this very serious issue.
I have noticed that this problem is not an unusual one. It is prevalent amongst the older population. It is also a very debilitating condition, and it is time that it is given the attention that it deserves.
As for hospital emergency rooms, on my last trip to North Shore Hospital in Manhasset, New York, they told me that the wait to see a physician would be around four hours. Need I say more?