Do gastroparesis symptoms slowly creep up on everyone?

Posted by Brewnews @brewnews, Jul 20, 2023

I am not diabetic nor do I have blood sugar problems.
This Spring (2023) I started getting full after only a few bites. After awhile, constipation became an issue followed by waking up so hungry I wanted to throw up. 6 weeks ago the nausea and vomiting began, particularly after eating. On bad days it’s 4-5 vomiting episodes and after every “meal” I go through a crazy routine of trying to keep food down. I’ve lost 20 lbs in 6 weeks & ended up in the ER.
Is the slow buildup of symptoms typical of gastroparesis? I’m a healthy 57 year old woman with chronic MDD which is currently under control so I have no idea how I developed gastroparesis. I’ve discovered that bananas & Fresca are life savers!
Any input &/or advice is greatly appreciated. Thank you.

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Profile picture for maggie1627 @maggie1627

I was diagnosed 2 years ago but have had issues with my digestive region since I was about 12 years old. I'm 61 now so they didn't do any testing when I was a child just told antacids. In my 20's I had a scope and was diagnosed with GERD, but 2 years ago bam I was having pain under the breast area, feeling the food just sitting at the top of my stomach for hours and hours, severe constipation, severe nausea. The meds used for it I can't have due to allergies, not compatible with some of my meds and one I tried and did nothing for me. I've been referred for the stimulator and will probably have the surgery the end of December or in January. Nothing helps my nausea and my food processing has slowed down as well, I can eat the day before but still after about 24 hours be belching that previous days food. Oh and I'm diabetic, I was on Maunjaro for about 1 1/2 years before my diagnosis. I came off of it just to see if any difference (my dr. said they doubted and said most likely the diabetes) so I stayed off of it for over 6 months with no changes. The surgeon who is going to put in the stimulator wants me off of it at least until after my healing from the surgery. I went off of it again anyway 5 weeks before I saw her just to test it again. I have gained weight from this as well and the bloating is horrible which are both symptoms, so I do follow the diet but now going to again get back on liquid diet. I'm not at the point yet for a feeding tube or IV feeding but sadly I think it's heading that way. I sleep in my recliner 90% of the time, I only lay in my bed when my lower back needs no pressure on it (had surgery 14 weeks ago) and then back up in the recliner, sleeping is sporadic and I do work 40 hours a week in an office. I pray for all suffering from this, my friends don't understand it and I wish they would just research it a bit to see that these symptoms are real and severe.

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You poor dear, having suffered for so long!! I too, have similar issues and have posted/replied to others in similar situations. I suffer from GERD, bit there is no Rx that doesn't make me sicker. I have had bloat 24/7 for 1.5 years, maybe longer now. I did have COVID about 3 years ago and had spinal surgery 1.5 years ago. Been to 6 G.I. docs. So done with them in all respects. Have had every known test and imaging done. Sure, I have slow motility, but my current symptoms are more than that. 1 day is relatively good, when I can eat, the next day is bad when I cannot, and also cannot pursue my exercise regime. I have a relatively high pain threshold, but this is too much for me.

You mentioned an upcoming surgery--can you describe further?
Best of luck to you!!

Beth

REPLY
Profile picture for bkatz43 @bkatz43

You poor dear, having suffered for so long!! I too, have similar issues and have posted/replied to others in similar situations. I suffer from GERD, bit there is no Rx that doesn't make me sicker. I have had bloat 24/7 for 1.5 years, maybe longer now. I did have COVID about 3 years ago and had spinal surgery 1.5 years ago. Been to 6 G.I. docs. So done with them in all respects. Have had every known test and imaging done. Sure, I have slow motility, but my current symptoms are more than that. 1 day is relatively good, when I can eat, the next day is bad when I cannot, and also cannot pursue my exercise regime. I have a relatively high pain threshold, but this is too much for me.

You mentioned an upcoming surgery--can you describe further?
Best of luck to you!!

Beth

Jump to this post

Beth,
My gastro doctor recommended that I have a stimulator put in that helps it's called Enterra therapy and can help with nausea and vomiting. I'm willing to try anything, I wanted to get it done this next month but my work office is moving and I'm moving so I'm struggling now with lifting and walking but I will have lifting restrictions and some pain for up to 2 weeks. Once I'm moved then I'm going to try for the end of December. The stimulator will have to be adjusted in the doctors office which this one is an hour away from me but my local gastro dr. will be starting to do the adjustments and visits starting in October.

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I was diagnosed about 8 years ago with gastroparesis. I had not heard of it before I was diagnosed.
Has your doctor prescribed Ondansetron ? That is a life saver. It takes the nausea rather quickly. If you have not been prescribed it, ask for the pill that dissolves under your tongue.
Take care !

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