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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FIVE pets?? OMG! We had ONE labradoodle for 13 yrs. She was a lot of work. Cannot imagine having five. I have nothing I have to feed or clean up after now. I was married for 48 yrs. Had one daughter - Lost her to Ewings Sarcoma (bone cancer) at age 19 in 1977. Seven yrs later I went back to school for X-ray to find out what wasn't done right in her treatment. I found out. Before that I'd been an adjunct at the community college in ceramics (pottery) for 7 yrs then for 5 yrs in Art History at Rollins College extension. Loved doing X-ray. The body is fascinating in how it works and fits everything in just right. Amazing! Query: Have you had your ears checked? Dizziness and motion sickness sound like the inner ear rather than visual tho it could be either or both. Have a friend with Meniere's. She takes a Zyrtec daily for it. Glad you have a husband to help. I'm alone. Ciao, Marsh
@bmont you’re welcome. Good job
with finding a team of doctors that can help. I know that is not easy. I have seen often with stomach ulcers, the helicobactor pylori bacteria being the cause. I am sure your team will get to the bottom of the problem. I agree the gut plays a big role towards our immunity. As long as we have the patience and willingness to make changes we can find a way to heal. I try to do that through the use of foods and exercise first before medications. I only use medications if there is no other option for a treatment. Glad to see you are an advocate for yourself. You need to be to have some control of your health. My mother at 91 decides for herself. I just present the facts, give the options, and she tells me what she wants. An individual can never be too old. Wish you well and please, if you have any questions don’t be afraid to ask. Hope you find answers soon.
Thank you so much!
Where do you find OTC multi-digestive enzymes? Thanks.
I could not find vegas nerve
Yes- car wreck- basilar skull fracture damaged it- really effects digestive system/heart
the only remedy so far is vagus nerve stimulation. my daughter has suffered for one year with stomach cramps, nausea, and headaches. Meditation, deep breathing, ice packs may help.
the vagus nerve seems to be a gut/brain connection. My daughter is waiting to be referred to a third neurologist as the two she has seen have no idea about treating it. We are also not certain if it was damaged during bariatric surgery. She is using CorSense to monitor her condition plus checking blood pressure. Although she has almost daily nausea we read that the problem causing slow motility may not be "in" the stomach but in the muscles surrounding the stomach. Any suggestions would be greatly appreciated. Rose Marie
Hello @rosexxxx and welcome to Mayo Clinic Connect. I am sorry to hear of your daughter's experience.
As Colleen mentioned, the following members may be a good resource for you to exchange experiences and information: @cummings3 @gorkii @citygirlannie @peck1944
How long has your daughter been living with this?
Hello Michelle, my vagus nerve was damaged during hiatal hernia repair surgery, nissen fundoplication. As a consequence, I have gastroparesis. I eat a low fiber diet, no fresh fruit or vegetables, no beans, etc. I have pain every day almost no matter what I eat due to motility problem. I take extra strength GasX and Zolfran as needed. The International Foundation for Gastrointestinal Disorders has a lot of information and resources. I get their newsletter every month. Check their website. Your daughter may need to see a GI specialist instead of a neurologist.