Connect
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
Like
Helpful
HugInterested in more discussions like this? Go to the Digestive Health Support Group.
Connect
Oh-I’m not diabetic but was treated for insulin resistance for 8 yrs
-
Like -
Helpful -
Hug
1 ReactionI don't have gastroparesis but do have CIP which also has to do with slow motility of the intestines. I was diagnosed just recently and my doctor has tried a few conservative approaches which have not helped. I am on a low residue, low fiber diet and cannot eat solid food. I have been living on Boost for months. It's hard to maintain my weight or gain any. I've lost over 35 lbs. I'm also looking for some suggestions on any medications which help with the condition.
-
Like -
Helpful -
Hug
1 ReactionElaine, I'm so sorry you haven't had better results from your Mayo visit. Wish there was something I could do. Lelia
@pgroves1 I have never had shortness of breath with Gastroparesis.
@downtowntiger With severe GERD it definitely feels like you’re having a heart attack! I have been taking Prevacid for about 20 years. (Your gastric emptying study results were better than mine. I was diagnosed with moderate Gastroparesis. Yours sounds very mild. Yay!)
Thanks, Lelia I have been in contact with the doctor from Mayo but so far the things he's suggested have not worked. I will be talking with him again on the 19th. I'm still on Boost and trying a few soft foods but still experiencing gas, bloating and distention, and some spillover diarrhea. I hoping that there is something out there that will help.
Glad you will still be in touch with him.
Bless you. I am borderline but hope a Nissen Fundoplication will fix my GERD and mild paresis. Hope you feel better!
Number is wrong......40% empty at 90 minutes
Might want to rethink that Nissan, I've had two and the damage to the Vegas nerve is not repairable. Full liquid diet ONLY now. Its a sad life. All due to the surgery and damage to Vegas nerve. If your condition is mild now you may want to reconsider.
Interesting to hear all of this. I have yet to be officially dx'd with gastroparesis, but all my symptoms fall into that definition. I have had 2 emptying studies, one was delayed, the other normal. I have higher levels of bile in my stomach, and a Bravo test showed this moving up the esophagus. So with that I can relate to the chest pains that some of you note here. My GI doc is suspecting a vagus nerve issue as part of this given I have had 2 whiplash concussions in my life. None of this was happening to me prior to my first one. Also, I have no gallbladder which never really solved anything and only made my GI issues worse. Would really like to hear if Botox has worked for anyone. The comment on feeling like you have eaten Thanksgiving dinner all the time is spot on....small amounts of food make the right side of the gut feel like there is cement inside for me. I had a metal stent placed in the common bile duct to see if that would help, but alas it did not. Which is why I am at wits end and may need to take a risk here.