What is the first line of defense when gastroparesis gets worse?

Posted by helpmytummyguts @helpmytummyguts, Nov 4, 2025

I'm searching for help with gastroperesis that has suddenly become worse. Where does a person start? I am hoping to avoid medication for as long as possible. I've suddenly developed constipation. The magnesium-citrate powder causes my blood pressure to drop if taken at the dose on the bottle. So much info and confusion on the Google. Anyone out there with experience with this?

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Profile picture for palermo1 @palermo1

I have gastroparesis, I take domperadone, as needed, its approved in Canada but I get it from Canadian pharmacy in states

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@palermo1 what is the pharmacy you get it at? I’m in the states. My doctor might prescribe it if we can find a Canadian pharmacy-

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Profile picture for truthfinder @truthfinder

@helpmytummyguts
Look for a hospital with dedicated motility program,you will fond a motility specialist there,mine is UCLA,hope you find one

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@truthfinder Thanks! I found one at Stanford and at UC Davis. Seeing my primary care for a referral tomorrow. I will go with whomever can see me first. You have been most helpful and I thank you again! Prayers that you will get as well as possible, too! Blessings!

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Profile picture for alc69 @alc69

@helpmytummyguts the doctor said there’s nothing more he can do for me. Reglan was awful. I also went through withdrawal coming off it. It was just nasty. If I could have dairy, I might not be so emaciated. I don’t care about sugar or anything, I just want to be a normal weight again.

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@alc69 Have you searched for a university hospital for a gastroenterologist specializing in motility issues? I just a few here in Northern CA.

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Profile picture for helpmytummyguts @helpmytummyguts

@jerce How did the ENT help you? I am curious about the medication approach. Although I want to avoid medication, at this point I am not opposed.

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@helpmytummyguts
Throats are often harmed by reflux. I googled and if I understand this, ENT MDs also do surgery on throats.

The medication recommended by the gastroenterologist healed my esophagus. Before that, for example, I could no longer tolerate black pepper because of the sores.

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Profile picture for helpmytummyguts @helpmytummyguts

@alc69 Have you searched for a university hospital for a gastroenterologist specializing in motility issues? I just a few here in Northern CA.

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@helpmytummyguts Yes- University of Virginia and Johns Hopkins aren’t accepting new patients. That’s it here.

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My daughter was diagnosed with gastroparesis , she has gone from 113 lbs to 107 lbs. im at a loss trying to help her gain weight. She is working with a nutritionist. Her worst fear is a feeding tube.
Please, any suggestions.

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Profile picture for alc69 @alc69

@palermo1 what is the pharmacy you get it at? I’m in the states. My doctor might prescribe it if we can find a Canadian pharmacy-

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@alc69 discount meds of Canada its in Florida 18774880638.

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At the risk of offending or sounding flippant: be sure you've tried moving your WHOLE body. Brisk walking is great for getting the whole body involved, including the vagus nerve. We are all sitting too many hrs. It's worth a try; possibly we can avoid meds? Works for me. (I'm 75 and fairly sedentary, diabetic, eat lots of veg/fruits/prunes/oranges, but if I don't walk, my digestion slows in just one day.)

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Profile picture for lauracbaker @lauracbaker

At the risk of offending or sounding flippant: be sure you've tried moving your WHOLE body. Brisk walking is great for getting the whole body involved, including the vagus nerve. We are all sitting too many hrs. It's worth a try; possibly we can avoid meds? Works for me. (I'm 75 and fairly sedentary, diabetic, eat lots of veg/fruits/prunes/oranges, but if I don't walk, my digestion slows in just one day.)

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@lauracbaker
Your suggestion is not offensive at all! I am a person diagnosed with me/cfs, fibromyalgia, and long covid. Moving consistently is an issue. However, I am very determined and have started walking out doors, slowly building up to being able to walk 10 minutes. I'm 66, overweight, and have a body that loves to store fat! There are MANY reasons for me to increase movement, however, I have to start super slow so I don't trigger a flare up that will land me in bed for weeks. I have to get my heart happy with the movement, then the other muscles have to be slowly challenged to do the same. I'll be getting physical therapy to get my gait strong again. This is coming from a gal that used to walk a and hike a lot! I greatly appreciate your encouragement in increasing movement!!

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