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Anyone diagnosed with Gastroparesis?
I have had problems similar to so many GI people. The swallowing problems (food stuck in the throat, bloating, nausea, feeling like choking, "fullness" for hours). Finally after many upper and lower scopes ( have 18 cm colon left and function 80% well when cervical neck is well), a small hiatal hernia, numerous different PPI's for stomach changes, reflux, etc. and now on Nexium, the finding out the main problem 6 years ago was gastroparesis caused by a pain medication. Instead of a pacemaker, I tried a "newly" approved drug for the pyloric muscle of the lower stomach, botox, placed in 3 places to keep the muscle open a little so food could continually be released into the small intestine. The erythromycin in a low dose is a prokinetic, making the nerves contract the stomach muscles but, wasn't working. Still use 4x/day. This way no food collected in the stomach being able to "rot" causing sepsis, and decreased daily nausea and vomiting. I still can only eat small amounts and is more liquid or soft medicine/foods. My appetite isn't the best. I often have reflux, bloating, constipation and hoarseness. But it has been 3 yrs since botox to my stomach and it is working. I take my blessing where I can. I hope this helpe others.
Also, my diet had to change to rapidly digesting foods like white bread and not the "good" eating I was doing like whole wheat or 21 grain bread ( was laying on my stomach for hours), plus many vegetables and also many raw vegetables...a no no.
My daughter is going through so much of this and is an RN. Has Barrett's esophagitis, hiatal hernia, dysplasia, leaky gut syndrome i.e. and awaiting biopsies. Constant n/v, bloating,hoarseness, food in the throat like you in the chat.She is also an RN. On many "new" meds again.
It really can get to you especially when you work and have a very busy life like she does.
My best to all. Hope I could help someone.I understand your frustrations. It is wonderful having an understanding doctor that listens!
Joan
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Boost Breeze, available on Amazon, is a good clear liquid alternative for protein. I discovered it when I was inpatient at Mayo Scottsdale. It comes in small juice boxes and has 250 calories and 9 grams of protein in each box. I lived on them while I was on clear liquids only due a major bowel blockage. I went with no solid food for almost 30 days. I also now have gastroparesis, probably caused by 5 abdominal surgeries in 13 months, so I too have to be careful about what I eat, how much, how fast etc. If I eat too much it causes major nausea and I vomit.
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1 ReactionThanks for the tip. I'll try it.
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2 Reactions<p>Hi I’m a single mom who has struggled with GI issues since my son was born. When I would eat or try to eat healthy I would end up in the bathroom for 4 hours vomiting and having diarrhea until everything was out of my system. The only thing that helped was fasting. Everything I ate I had a hard time digesting . Scopes removed a colon polyp and upper indicated esophagitis first then several months Later gastritis. They prescribed ppi’s but that made the pain worse. Then I started to experience dehydration in my hands, weakness in my arms and legs , fatigue , nausea, constant belching , diarrhea. I’ve had CT , ultrasound , hida . All show Fatty liver but normal. Literally everything I eat I feel like I’m having an allergic reaction! Any ideas?</p>
@petal285 - Welcome to Mayo Clinic Connect!
How long has this been going on? How old is your son?
Have you lost much weight? I understand why you are afraid to eat-
My first thought reading your story was Allergy. Are they planning to evaluate you for it? As well as Celiac disease?
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1 Reaction@petal0285, I would like to welcome you to Mayo Clinic Connect. I am sure that dealing with these GI issues every since you had your son has taken away from that experience. Having to end up in the bathroom for 4 hours vomiting and having diarrhea until everything is out of your system has to be exhausting while caring for a young child by yourself.
You will see that I moved you inquiry to an ongoing discussion about GI issues and there are several members that have very similar issues and stories. https://connect.mayoclinic.org/discussion/gerd-gastroparesis-neurogenic-bowel/ I did this so that you could connect with them and share your experience. @thull, @ken82, @darlenemeeder, and @pdilly have all had GI issues, and although you do not have a diagnosis as of yet, I am hoping the conversation that following with fellow members with help you to arrive at one with the help of your medical care team.
@petal0285 May I ask, how old is your son now? How long have you been struggling with this?
@petal0285 My late Mother would tell me that I was such a big baby that I moved her stomach. She had to be very careful how and what she ate. I developed Gastroparesis after a Nissen Surgery that was supposed to reduce GERD instead it damaged the hairnet like system of nerves that empty the stomach. I have written many times in the past so please look back at those hints.. The really important issue is to eat very small portions cut up very small of anything what works. My Mayo MN GI Doctor had to prescribe a anti-depressant (Mirtazapine) that would help me realize I had to eat. I have been on that and a Nexium Generic to reduce stomach acids for over 4 years. It is no fun to feel your best in the morning when waking and you are then faced with eating the rest of the day and evening to survive and thrive. I do not know where you are located, but you need to see really good GI doctors. Good luck
Did you only need botox once? If not how often do you need it?
@beansforthepoor .. I've had gastropanesis since 2015.. Mayo MN diagnosed it.. as "post operative" in that it was caused by surgical damage to some of the nerves that make the stomach contract and move the food on into the GI system.. I've not heard of if botox would benefit this condition.. it takes 3 to 4 hours to empty the stomach now.. my biggest problem is that when I am hungry.. I tend to eat too fast.. and some of that comes up shortly after the "gobble ".. even ice cream with strawberries.. in my race to not let the ice cream melt...before eating..chilling the bowl helps.. and amount control is mandatory.. the quandary between how much you want and how much you can keep down is key..
I have Gastroparesis for almost 3 years.
I am so much better. I cannot eat strawberries because of the seeds. Cold foods do make me cramp.
Hello @nanny23, I have same challenge, please kindly share how you have been coming with it since you were diagnosed. I am 40 years old with a family of 3 and simply passing through severe pains now that am asking how did I get here and how will I cope to work and train my young family. Kindly share please because am in dire need of assistance, please.