Hi , I also have Gastroparesis and acid reflux. Bloating, and fullness. I have has 3 endoscopys, pH test, Barium swallow test, Emptying test, Colonoscopy and seen 7 different Gastroenterologists. I have Gone 2 hours away to Tampa General- wouldn’t recommend, as I live in Punta Gorda, Fl and NYC twice and everything normal. I eat spaghetti squash, scrambled eggs and grilled chicken ( no fat) on white toast. Most days I skip dinner, As I am too full. My Gastroenterolgist prescribed taking Miralax 1-3 doses 30 mins apart every 5 days or when needed in order to empty out. On those days I stay near a bathroom. I am now on Xifaxan twice a day for 30 days in case I have Small Intestine Overgrowth bacteria (SIBO). I did the home test annd came back negative, but my doctor didn’t have much faith in the test. Insurance doesn’t always pay. I paid $905 for it. I have been suffering for a year and a half. My next plan is to get surgery for an Enterra Batery operated device put in my stomach to empty out, like a pace maker. Hope something works for you. Feel better!

I’m 70 & have struggled with this condition for 20 years; at my age it’s not getting better as digestion slows with age. While Gastroparesis can only be confirmed with a gastric emptying test, its causes range from multiple to unknown. While it’s most typical with diabetics, SIBO can cause it, since the small intestinal bacteria overgrowth can do that. And while a stool sample by some doctors (certainly not many western MDs) can confirm such bacteria, the common breath test is best to register abnormal levels of methane in the stomach & duodenum area. You do it at home in an empty stomach; high methane are from the bacteria. Once you get some facts, your options may take you thru much trial & error. Someone posting mentioned Xifaxin, a common Rx to kill the bacteria, but you can read many postings & articles about the bacteria coming back. Definitely worth trying, however. You’ve also GOT to work with a nutritionist & get very serious about how, what & when you eat. Some diets or foods sone posting on this site mention will make some sufferers symptoms FAR worse; everyone’s body, digestion & conditions reacts VERY differently to many foods. I’d been a pretty strict vegan eating only 2 meals daily & my gastro condition has gotten worse (though getting older hasn’t likely helped). The upper chest pains & tingling/numb sensations are all from how gas & bloating (much less undigested food) are affecting your nerves; gastro symptoms are different for everyone. Exercise is key; walking after a meal. As is general stress management (be it yoga, mediation, etc). As for me, I can eat full & healthy breakfasts, but then can only tolerate a lunch meal generally no later than 2-3 pm. Protein at lunch needs to be very limited. Nothing with refined sugar. Forget about desserts after lunch. I only use stevia as sweetener. No snacks between meals. Fruit is fine but limited to AM hrs.
Supplements can be VERY helpful. I take several extra HCl (mine includes pepsin & gentian bitters) capsules, especially with lunch to help digest protein. Pre-meal bitters can help. If I had a bad night sleep from gastric distress ( my symptoms are terrible, recurring stomach gas that’ll not pass thru sometimes til nearly dawn; I’m up in a chair, drinking charcoal & water & massaging my stomach). I’ll be extra careful how I eat to give my system a rest.
But getting ahold of a GOOD nutritionist (one who knows about the FODMAP diet) is critical, as well as the interaction of certain probiotics (that are all the rage now) & other supplements on the bad bacteria (if that’s what you’ve got) that you’re trying to get rid of. There’s also a new treatment out there called Thaenabiotics, put out by a company in Portland, OR. There are some ND providers out there who can get authorized to give it to patients, as it’s still in study stage; it’s had some success with some. I’m doing it now.
There are also some supplements, rather than rounds of antibiotics (which can either not work or provide other lousy side effects) that a GOOD nutritionist or ND knows about.
But if you are looking for answers beyond a western MD, you need to find an and or other provider whose specialty IS gastro conditions.
Everyone with stomach emptying issues IS different , exhibiting different symptoms. And that’s what makes it such an unknown to ALL practitioners. Even my Kaiser gastro doc is stumped past a certain point, though I’ve pushed to get him to authorize whatever he could, sometimes as recommended by my ND & nutritionist. And for any of you posting who’ve worked with a Mayo Clinic gastro specialist, I’m shocked they didn’t tell you all of this, since they bill themselves as THE western MD experts on so many conditions. And I know that many such alternative provides & therapies won’t be covered by your insurance; so it’s out-of-pocket if you can afford it.
But don’t waste time with any western MD who hasn’t a clue or won’t get you the tests & referrals you need. Good luck to all
If you out there.