Has anyone else been diagnosed with Vagus Nerve Dysfunction?

Posted by montgomery41 @montgomery41, Jan 21, 2018

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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@avmcbellar

@marko82 Hi Marsh! I am at home most of the time also. I use technology to contact family and friends. I also tutor high school students remotely. It keeps me busy along with 5 housebroken animals to keep me company. I don’t mind it at all. Hard to do things with dizziness. Short trips to a medical appointment or grocery store is doable. My husband drives. I am planning eye surgery next year to hopefully decrease my dizziness and motion sickness. That will make a big difference. In the meantime, as you say, I deal with the annoying ailments. So true. We put our bodies through so much while we are younger then pay the price for it later.
I can relate because I too was never a cow milk drinker. It took me years to try cheese and that was because I was threatened with punishment if I didn’t. I still don’t eat much dairy not even cheese. Unlike you I can tolerate the lactose. My main dairy milk consumption is with the yogurt I make. I do eat a few foods derived from animals like eggs to get enough Vitamin B12. I was never made aware of any nutrient deficiency so far.
Those alcohol sugars are natural and side effects can be gas or bloating. They have been around for many years (some since 1950s) without causing any known illnesses like cancer. I particularly stay away from aspartame and sucralose. Today so many foods contain the artificial sweeteners. That is why I prefer to make my own to avoid eating them.
I make hot oatmeal with oat milk for breakfast every day. I am the same way. I don’t need a variety of foods. My mother likes her oatmeal too. She adds peanut butter to hers. Good thing she never liked sweets. Her downfall was starchy foods like potatoes and breads. She is doing much better after knowing to be cautious.
I will try drinking lots of water after a meal to see if that makes a difference for me. Thank you for the suggestion. Your doctor gave you good advice to get plenty of fiber and probiotics in your diet. I agree gut health is so important. I knew about that years ago and took probiotic supplements along eating probiotic foods like yogurt and tempeh. I attribute my diet and exercise for my survival. The AVM has indeed taken a toll on my body but it is still fighting back. I am progressing slowly.
Do you keep in touch with family? My mother does not live with me but I video chat with her daily and let her know what is going on in the local news to be concerning for her. Keep healthy….Toni

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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

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@bmont

That's all great information. Thank you. I will try to use a lot of those ideas to see how my body responds.

The team I have in place is FINALLY a good one. It is very slow. I think the pointers are all towards either a bacteria or parasite. It looks like I am destined for a fine needle aspiration of lymphatic tissue to isolate the infection. Hopefully, we get a final answer. Another two appointments coming up next week. We'll see what happens.

In the meantime, I cannot stress how important it is for everyone to 'take care of your gut'. It contributes immensely to the immune system and the healing process in so many different conditions. As we refine diets and the volume of intake, you can literally shift the balance in your favor and combat symptoms in a significant way.

Thank you again with being open with everything that has worked out for you. Saves me a lot of effort trying to 'figure things out' on my own.

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@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.

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@avmcbellar

@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.

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Thank you so much!

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@marko82

Hi,
TKX for the informative reply. I looked up gastroparisis: http://www.MayoClinic.org https://www.mayoclinic.org/diseases-conditions/gastroparesissymptoms-causes/syc-20355787 https://www.mayoclinic.org/diseases-conditions/gastroparesis/symptoms-causes/syc-20355787 I have some of those problems. They started in the 90's. Eating 1/2 a normal meal was close to normal digestion. I became actively lactose intolerant in 2002 & cut out all dairy. Still had lactose belly problems until I began taking OTC multi-digestive enzymes. I now take two caps w each meal. Type II diabetes in 2012 so no or low carbs. The Metformin the Dr put me on gave me gastritis. Was put on omeprazole Rx. Prevacid is the same chemical. Now I am 100% diet-controlled diabetic -> A1c @ 5.6, 5.7 is almost normal. Exercise doesn't help my stomach. Drinking ~10oz of water an hour after I eat does. Another glass at 10PM stops leg and foot cramps caused by dehydration. We take our bodies for granted until things start going wrong. I joke that I used to have a cast iron stomach but now it is rusting. Good Luck to you too. I'm glad you've found that diet and exercise helps.
Marko82

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Where do you find OTC multi-digestive enzymes? Thanks.

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@jaycip

I have read the symptoms of Vagus nerve disorder, has anyone have the condition

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I could not find vegas nerve

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@jaycip

I have read the symptoms of Vagus nerve disorder, has anyone have the condition

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Yes- car wreck- basilar skull fracture damaged it- really effects digestive system/heart

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@oldkarl

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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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.

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@colleenyoung

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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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

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@rosexxxx

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

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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?

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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.

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