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Has anyone else been diagnosed with Vagus Nerve Dysfunction?
I'm new to Mayo Clinic Connect and I'm wanting to connect with others that have been diagnosed with Vagus Nerve Dysfunction and other Digestive disorders. The diagnosis of Vagus Nerve Dysfunction and it was presented to me a little over two years ago and honestly, it wasn't until I had seen my GI specialist last week that she was positive that I do have this disorder. I also have Gastroparesis, no surprise to me because that goes hand in hand with this, as well as, every single sign and symptom I have been experiencing since then. I will try to keep this brief. My history leading up to the Vagus Nerve Dysfunction was that I had Gastric Bypass surgery in 2003 and all my problems started after that. Since 2003 I have had nearly 23 both open and lap abdominal surgeries for gallbladder removal, ventral hernia repairs x 4, appendix, revision to my gastric bypass due to perforation at the anastomosis site, bowel obstructions/strictures, lysis of adhesions and the final straw was I had my gastric bypass reversed two years ago because I could not eat or drink and I had lost 65lbs. in 2 months, nearly died before my surgeon placed a g-tube then a j-tube for tube feedings. I never really tolerated the tube feedings either. My surgeon stated by the time I had my reversal done it took him 2 1/2 hours just to remove all the abdominal adhesions that I had before he could perform the surgery he was going to due. Of course, now I have a frozen abdomen, which basically means no surgeon will ever touch my abdomen again to perform surgery. Now, I feel like I've been handed a life sentence because there isn't a cure and it's all about symptom management. If anyone knows about Vagus Nerve Dysfunction, basically all major organs are connected to this cranial nerve and it affects everything! I know this is true because I am trying to deal with this every day of my life and I'm struggling. I'm not coping very well and didn't know what others with similar symptoms are handling this? I can't even sit down to eat with my family to eat because I want to eat but can't and my husband doesn't want to see me go through this. Hearing from others would be greatly appreciated.
Thank you very much if you have read my entire post.
Michelle
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Hi Michelle, Welcome to Connect. We have several members talking about a damaged vagus nerve in the Digestive Health group (https://connect.mayoclinic.org/group/digestive-gastrointestinal-problems/). Please meet @cummings3 @gorkii @citygirlannie @peck1944 and others. You may be interested in reading their stories in these discussions:
- Hiatal hernia sugery https://connect.mayoclinic.org/discussion/hiatal-hernia-sugery/
- Nissen Fundoplication reversal https://connect.mayoclinic.org/discussion/nissen-fundoplication-reversal/
- mild gastroparesis with severe symptoms! https://connect.mayoclinic.org/discussion/please-read-mild-gastroparesis-with-severe-symptoms/
Let me know if you'd like me to move this discussion to the Digestive Health group.
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2 ReactionsHave a situation and questions...
Started taking Lexapro and immediately started having stomach pains. Turns out that my grandmother at about the age which I am (35) endured similar pains and they either severed her Vegas Nerve or removed part of it...pain went away completely. I never had these pains until taking Lexapro.....Also, Mayo had to remove my entire large intestine at age 25 due to total immobility and atrophy. Any help or guesses ? THANK YOU Marcie
montgomery41, I, too, have a vagus nerve of some type, my neurologist tells me. My main symptom is a lightning bolt that runs from my feet to my head occasionally. Maybe 3-4 or up to 20 times per year. Even had a few during football games, or neighborhood rodeos. I can not offer any treatment, nor even know of any, but just a hope you will keep on keeping on. I am 80 years old now, and have had these for about 75 years. Ben Franklin had it easy. He only got shocked once. oldkarl
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1 ReactionI have read the symptoms of Vagus nerve disorder, has anyone have the condition
@jaycip Yes, I developed the symptoms in error as the result of my last surgical repair of my AVM(ArterioVenousMalformation). I have been dealing with gastroparesis and have learned ways to control it. Do you get the stomach burning as well?
@jaycip and @avmcbellar what is Vagus Nerve Disorder? I have never heard of that. I would be interested in knowing what that is.
Hi @lsittll Vagus Nerve disorder is caused when the nerve does not work correctly to activate the muscles to aid in digestion. The stomach and intestines may not turn enough. Gastroparesis symptoms will be experienced. The stomach does not empty correctly taking foods a longer time to get digested. Symptoms may include nausea, vomiting, belching, bloating, heartburn, indigestion, regurgitation, or feeling full. There is no cure but it can be managed. Hope this helps.
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1 ReactionI am fairly certain that I had issues with my left vagus nerve. It was secondary to an infection. For months I had undigested food in my stool, significant inflammatory symptoms, and heart irregularities.
Hi @bmont Did you ever confront your physician or see a GI physician for a consult with these symptoms? Scary. I do not have undigested food in my stool. Did it eventually resolve on its own? My troubles began when I got neuropathy. You would think the team of neurologists who performed my last surgical repair for my AVM (ArterioVenousMalformation) would question me. Instead, it seems I got ignored (it may be because they had no answers to my questions). Who knows? Through trial and error I have learned to manage my symptoms and feel much better because of it. I have always been my own advocate. My PCP is very helpful. He listens to me and approves labs to rule out any health suspicions. I will be happy to answer any questions to help.
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3 ReactionsI confronted my physician several times. We remained at odds. I was eventually able to see a Gastroenterologist. I had to bounce around to walk-in clinics. Eventually I found a physician that was somewhat competent and initiated a referral.
I ended up getting scoped top and bottom. By the time they got to the Endoscopy/Colonoscopy (months later) the symptoms were less severe. The Gastroenterologist said "You should really get your Doctor to send you to an Infectious Disease Specialist"... yeah, no kidding. You cannot make this stuff up. It took over a year to see a competent Internal Medicine and Infectious Disease specialist.
Glad you have a good PCP. It makes a huge difference when they are helpful and actually listen. How do you manage your symptoms? I have found pre-biotics, pro-biotics, magnesium supplements and an anti-inflammatory diet helps. Our symptoms are somewhat similar, and perhaps a lot of overlap. Any insight on how to manage the gut issues?