1. < Digestive Health

Gastroparesis and EPI related?

Posted by susanh824 @susanh824, May 18, 2023

I was diagnosed with Exocrine Pancreatic Insufficiency a few months ago. Tried Creon, which seemed to help, but can’t afford refill. Still awaiting AbbVie’s decision on Creon Assistance. Because I am seldom hungry, my doctor ordered a gastric emptying test, which showed Gastroparesis. Do I just have bad luck, or are these two related? I also have Sjogren’s Syndrome, which I suspect might have caused these. Strangely, I never vomit, and only have nausea after a meal like steak. I was acutely ill with pain and nausea for four days after a steak and baked potato two weeks ago. Almost went to the ER because of the pain! But generally, my main symptoms are bloating and lack of appetite. I’ve lost over 80 lbs (which I needed to lose.) Any suggestions? I cannot take Reglan (causes extreme anxiety)

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bzinzy | @bzinzy | Jan 6 11:37pm
In reply to @susanh824 "I’m 65, and started slowly losing weight without trying in 2020. I originally thought it was..." + (show)
@susanh824

I’m 65, and started slowly losing weight without trying in 2020. I originally thought it was great that my appetite had lessened, But in early 2022, the weight loss really picked up speed. I was tested for all sorts of cancer, then stumbled across this site and someone suggested EPI as a possibility.

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You’ve been having the gastropersis and EPI for 2 years?

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susanh824 | @susanh824 | Jan 6 11:58pm

Yes. Though unlike some, I seldom vomit. Guess I am fortunate there, though my gastroparesis and EPI both test in the severe range. But horrible nausea and very little desire to eat.

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1 reply
bzinzy | @bzinzy | Jan 7 12:25am
In reply to @susanh824 "Yes. Though unlike some, I seldom vomit. Guess I am fortunate there, though my gastroparesis and..." + (show)
@susanh824

Yes. Though unlike some, I seldom vomit. Guess I am fortunate there, though my gastroparesis and EPI both test in the severe range. But horrible nausea and very little desire to eat.

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I don’t vomit either , just can’t put much food in. , full fast and making myself eat . Equals to about a handful of food . I stay so weak . Even with the tube helping me . I guess I’m stuck in this hell . I’m so depressed and anxiety ridden from it . Everyone says acceptance, I can’t accept not being able to eat

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bzinzy | @bzinzy | Jan 7 5:53pm
In reply to @susanh824 "I’m 65, and started slowly losing weight without trying in 2020. I originally thought it was..." + (show)
@susanh824

I’m 65, and started slowly losing weight without trying in 2020. I originally thought it was great that my appetite had lessened, But in early 2022, the weight loss really picked up speed. I was tested for all sorts of cancer, then stumbled across this site and someone suggested EPI as a possibility.

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I heard SIBO can cause EPI

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1 reply
susanh824 | @susanh824 | Jan 7 8:00pm
In reply to @bzinzy "I heard SIBO can cause EPI" + (show)
@bzinzy

I heard SIBO can cause EPI

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Maybe. But I was tested for it after my EPI diagnosis, and don’t have it.

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1 reply
bzinzy | @bzinzy | Jan 7 8:23pm
In reply to @susanh824 "Maybe. But I was tested for it after my EPI diagnosis, and don’t have it." + (show)
@susanh824

Maybe. But I was tested for it after my EPI diagnosis, and don’t have it.

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Ohhh , did they tell you that it’s a flare up thing and could calm ? Sorry I’m just curious

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1 reply
susanh824 | @susanh824 | Jan 7 9:04pm
In reply to @bzinzy "Ohhh , did they tell you that it’s a flare up thing and could calm ?..." + (show)
@bzinzy

Ohhh , did they tell you that it’s a flare up thing and could calm ? Sorry I’m just curious

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I don’t know much about SIBO, just that I don’t have it. My other conditions definitely have flares and remissions. Can’t say what brings the remissions on, but occasionally I actually feel normal. Have learned to treasure every minute of that.

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1 reply
bzinzy | @bzinzy | Jan 7 11:19pm
In reply to @susanh824 "I don’t know much about SIBO, just that I don’t have it. My other conditions definitely..." + (show)
@susanh824

I don’t know much about SIBO, just that I don’t have it. My other conditions definitely have flares and remissions. Can’t say what brings the remissions on, but occasionally I actually feel normal. Have learned to treasure every minute of that.

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I’m getting a shot in the neck tomorrow that helps with a number of stuff, even resetting the immune system, I’m praying it helps in some way with inflammation. Sallate Gallion Block . Has gastrointestinal benefits too . 🙏🙏

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susanh824 | @susanh824 | Jan 8 12:12am

Sounds like I still have a great deal to learn. I’ve never heard of that procedure, but really hope it brings you some hope and relief!

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cathymg6 | @cathymg6 | Jan 8 10:44am
In reply to @bzinzy "I’m getting a shot in the neck tomorrow that helps with a number of stuff, even..." + (show)
@bzinzy

I’m getting a shot in the neck tomorrow that helps with a number of stuff, even resetting the immune system, I’m praying it helps in some way with inflammation. Sallate Gallion Block . Has gastrointestinal benefits too . 🙏🙏

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It’s called Stellate Ganglion Block. I think your autocorrect messed up your typing.

I tried it too. It was a huge help aforesaid my ability to eat.

Joking with my husband, I said I should have waited to have the injection until I lost twenty more pounds.

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