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Continuous diarrhea & diabetic gastroparesis
I was diagnosed with diabetic gastroparesis in 2019. I was on tpn for a while but after an infection I was taken off & given a g/j feeding tube. It helped for a year or so. Eventually I was able to eat again, & have the tube removed, but last year the symptoms got bad again & I had another g/j tube placed. In late January 2022 I started having diarrhea. I have been having this continuous diarrhea for 4 months & still no answers. My gastroenterologist has done numerous tests since it began (colonoscopy, endoscopy, CT scans, small bowel follow through, stool studies). Biopsies have been taken & celiac disease, Crohn’s disease, UC, C. Diff, & bowel obstruction have been ruled out. I’ve tried a lot of medications, but nothing seems to help. I’m constantly in pain & cannot seem to sleep more than 4hrs a night. Tube feeding (even at the slowest rate) causes pain/diarrhea/nausea. If I eat food (even liquids) I tend to get extremely nauseous & either vomit or have diarrhea. I haven’t eaten for over a week & my GI told me not to keep tube feeding since I’m not tolerating it. At this point I only take sips of juice to take my meds & to stay hydrated. I’m waiting to try & get tpn started again (hopefully next week) but it’s frustrating not knowing what is going on. I keep going to the ER, but all they do is give me fluids & nausea/pain meds, then send me home. I have my 1st appointment at Mayo in MN in May. If anyone has any suggestions or similar experiences I’d really like to know.
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Hello @jazmine, Welcome to Connect. I can't even begin to imagine how difficult it has been for you after reading your post. I was encouraged by your mention of an upcoming appointment at Rochester Mayo Clinic in May. I haven't experienced your symptoms but I've had excellent treatments for other issues at Rochester Mayo. While we wait for other members who may be able to share their personal experience, I did find some information on what you may be going through that might be helpful to learn more.
"Gastrointestinal complications of diabetes include gastroparesis, intestinal enteropathy (which can cause diarrhea, constipation, and fecal ..." --- Gastrointestinal Complications of Diabetes: https://www.aafp.org/afp/2008/0615/p1697.html
I'm wondering if you might find the following discussion helpful:
-- Tips for your first Mayo Clinic visit and tests/appt schedules: https://connect.mayoclinic.org/discussion/tips-for-first-dr-visit-and-testsappt-schedules/
Have you been to Rochester Mayo Clinic before? Do you have any questions related to your appointment?
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3 ReactionsNo I haven’t been there before. I’m pretty anxious about the trip & whether or not Mayo will help me. I’m paying out of pocket for everything & really need answers sooner rather than later.
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1 ReactionI'm hoping you get some answers. I'm wondering if you might find these discussions helpful:
-- Lodging in Rochester when visiting Mayo Clinic MN: https://connect.mayoclinic.org/discussion/lodging/
-- Which hotels at Mayo in Rochester are connected to skywalk/subway?: https://connect.mayoclinic.org/discussion/hotels/
-- Food while at Mayo Clinic: Are there options for dietary restrictions?: https://connect.mayoclinic.org/discussion/food-while-at-mayo-clinic-rochester/
-- Tips on What To Do while at Mayo Clinic Rochester: https://connect.mayoclinic.org/discussion/tips-for-upcoming-mayo-rochester-visit/
Are You Possibly Lactose Intolerant! I was actually diagnosed being lactose intolerant…. I had suspected before being diagnosed. I take enzymes & probiotics everyday & that has helped me….🙏❤️🥰