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Does anyone know if gastroparesis is progressive over time?
i was diagnosed with gastroparesis about 3 years ago (gastric emptying study). I had it several years prior, however, just went undiagnosed and YEARS ago was unable to eat fibrous vegetables things like broccolli etc. it would just "sit" and come back up hours later - totally undigested. I am managing it by dramatically changing my lifestyle both when and what i eat. Currently I am unable to eat anything solid after 2 pm. if i want to be able to lay down and sleep around 9-10 p.m. Lately things seem to be getting worse and there are some days where i ONLY eat pureed things/smoothies, frozen yogurt and nothing solid - otherwise i feel nauseous all the time. I was wondering if this is what happens - that things get worse and worse until eventually you cannot eat any solids at all and perhaps even have to get a feeding tube put in?? Seems like the gastroenterologists i have seen know "next to nothing" about this condition. One told me "you can just drink Ensure" - like it was no big deal to drink Ensure the rest of your life!!
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I was diagnosed with gastroparesis this year and a very good gastroenterologist suggested botox treatments. It is not covered by insurance and it is costly but the pain is absolutely gone. I follow the suggested diet but I am pain free now. There is a time limit on how long this lasts but it has been four months and I am totally satisfied. Ask your doctor about it.
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1 ReactionYes, unfortunately it is usually progressive. I would encourage you to see a gastroenterologist associated with a large research hospital for more information. And the good news is that remission sometimes seems to happen - at least for me.
I'm sure I have gastroparesis also and have also experienced terrible input from gastroenterologists such as "eat oatmeal every morning", "don't eat oatmeal", "eat plenty of fiber", "don't eat fiber", etc.
I'm 90 years old and presently following a diet from Cleveland Clinic specified for gastroparesis with mixed results. I'm presently suffering from severe constipation and will probably enter the ER tomorrow if I don't find relief. Laxatives don't work.
Wondered if in your experience you've found a routine that's successful with gastroparesis? Constipation?
Regards,
Tadueo
For me I was diagnosed with Gastroparesis it was bad I was constipated constantly. Then my pain Dr took me off opioids and the constant constipation went away Now my movements are mixed. In the same movement it starts out hard and by end of movement it is soft. I keep track of my movements with an app called. Don’t laugh. Happy poop it tracks and identifies stool types and when make Notes on what you eat urinate what you did. Helped me figure out what to
Thanks for the info.
Tadueo
I couldn't find an app called "Happy Poop. Don't Laugh" and couldn't find any. Is that the correct name?
Thanks.
Tadueo
You must determine the cause of the gastroparesis and treat that. Many meds can cause it, notoriously opiods and antidepressants, as well as diabetes, peripheral neuropathy of the autonomic (involuntary) nervous system, low thyroid, etc. There are peristalsis promoters like Reglan and newer ones that a GI Dr can prescribe. Hot foods and drinks promote peristalsis, cold slows it down. Avoid gas producing foods, plus NO straws, carbonated beverages, chewing gum. Treat post nasal drip which makes you swallow more air. Exercise especially walking helps GI movement. Little things can help a lot.
@tadueo
This will give you the link .. maybe one of the other apps listed might be more your style. Everyone is different.
https://freeappsforme.com/poop-tracker-apps/
Thanks for the info. I'm on it.