Gastroparesis with severe symptoms!

Am in Stage IV CKD, having gone from Stage V and dialysis to Stage IV and no dialysis with good medical management and by my designing and following a vegetarian renal diet. I also have Type II diabetes, COPD, CHF, Arthritis, Fibromyalgia, major clinical depression and recently diagnosed with gastroparesis. Gastric emptying study revealed it takes 3 hours for my stomach to empty instead of two. I started a GP diet as well as I could and still try to follow my vegetarian renal diet and diabetic diet with slight success since there is some conflict among dietary recommendations for these diseases.

Earlier this year I was admitted to the hospital for about 5 days with weakness, nausea, constipation, loss of appetite, malnutrition. Since I had not been able to take appropriate medications for my depression, I was frequently tearful. I also experienced extreme anxiety.

After nothing but water the first 24 hours I was put on a clear liquid diet until time for the colonoscopy (results ok) and was told I had slight esophageal narrowing for which the doctor inflated the esophagus.

After that procedure I was on clear liquids and soft foods but was discharged home still so weak I had to have home health assistance for a month.

I did fairly well after that until late spring when symptoms worsened again so I went back on liquids and soft foods for several days and symptoms improved.

In early summer, symptoms worsened again so again went on liquid and soft food meals with slight improvement.

Recently symptoms flared up again and have been on mostly liquids and low fiber purees several days with little symptom improvement. I have almost constant nausea without vomiting except for dry heaves every morning, low appetite, occasional gagging when trying to eat.

It's been a challenge to balance insulin with carbs and follow a vegetarian renal diet and a GP diet all at the same time and have managed to improve insulin-blood-sugars & carbs ratios.

Despite all my best efforts, I still feel awful. Please help!

I have stayed strictly on the soft food, no raw veggies or fruit, nothing fried, white bread, no soda and have never smoked nor ever been diabetic. I was better for a while but now as sick as ever.
I use plant butter, almond milk.
Plant meats. Physical Therapy helped a lot. However, now, I have about 2 good days out of 14.
My entire life is on hold.

As a rather strict vegetarian with renal failure and diabetes along with GP, I still found a lot of this useful: http://livingwithgastroparesis.com/books/EatingForGP_iBook.pdf

Has anyone had a surgical procedure for opening the pyloric
valve to help food pass more adequately?

I was diagnosed with Gastroparesis about 2 years ago.
I have stuck to a diet given to me by a dietitian.
Gastroparesis is not a static disease so sometimes what I eat puts me in bed for a few days and then I can eat the very same foods and feel great!
I lost 30 pound in 2019 and have only gained 4 pounds back.
My constipation is not bad since I began using this formula before bed. 2 tablespoons.
I cup oat brand
1 cup applesauce
3/4 cup prune juice.
I mix in a Tupperware bowl and keep refrigerated and take 2 tbsp before bed along with a small amount of Milk of Magnesium Saline.
Although I have bowel movements somedays I cramp all day.
I eat no raw veggies or fruits, no meat other than boiled, baked or grilled chicken or fish ( no skin ever)! However sometimes I still cramp all day!!!
I am looking into a procedure where the pyloric valve is widened to let foods pass easier.
We will see if this works. I get lots of exercise except on sick days.

I have abdominal adhesions from multiple surgeries and have serious pain and digestive problems along with intermittent numbness in my arms and face, random intermittent double vision, digestive issues like gastroparesis and constipation….random blood pressure spikes and drops with or without palpitations…bloating…the symptoms go on…range of motion in my torso has been narrowing over time as I feel like I am slowly being strangled to death on the inside! Bending to tie my shoes causes something to pull and spasm and the pain is excruciating!
Sounds exactly like me! Thank you for posting your message...I am still searching for answers!!!

I have been taking Domperidone for years for slow emptying of the stomach. It’s almost like a miracle drug for me. Corrects my symptoms almost totally. Without it it I have terrible stomach aches, nausea, bloating. With it all those nasty symptoms disappear and I can eat what I want, amount within reason, and feel as though I have no problem at all. I also take Previcid to control acid and Sucrafate to line the esophagus but from experience I can say that the keys to the kingdom, so to speak, is the Domperidone..

I hope this might help you.

@brendaharvey, I have heard about this procedure but my understanding is that it is only done at Johns Hopkins and perhaps a few other hospitals and Medicare does not cover it. I live on a fixed social security income and physically cannot travel. 🙁

I had made an appointment at Johns Hopkins for Oct 11 but hated to travel so far. I am in Kentucky. I have Medicare and Cigna and they approved my insurance.
When I see this surgeon in Louisville, Ky and see the video and it is the surgery that I want, I will cancel the Johns Hopkins.
Louisville is just 100 miles from me.