What can I do when in a gastroparesis flare?

Posted by lily21 @lily21, Mar 8, 2021

What can I do when in a gastroparesis flare? Even water is painful to drink. I am waiting for a call from Mayo GI clinic. Waiting is hard. I do take an acid reflux med, and Tums though the day. I also take zofran as needed, but thats not working either. Ive had a flare for 3 days.

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@lily21

I wasn't given a reason. Ive waited 4 months to see if I could get in.

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...oh what a disappointment to wait months and not be accepted....I am in Canada, but wonder if Covid has affected the number of patients they see; we only have 2 ENTs where I live and for one it is a 2 year wait if not an emergency, regardless of pain. Receptionist said whereas he, Dr., saw 20 or more patients a day, he now sees 8, due to cleaning after every patient etc: still, might be nice of them to give you a reason for denying you, as well as not wait four months for an answer, do they have any other similar Clinics with comparable good reputation for help?

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I am hoping that the Dr. I may see is good. Im trying to avoid going through the hospital clinic that did all my surgeries if I can help it. I want a new set of eyes. Also the place that did all my surgeries is now 5 hrs from me.

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@lily21

I am hoping that the Dr. I may see is good. Im trying to avoid going through the hospital clinic that did all my surgeries if I can help it. I want a new set of eyes. Also the place that did all my surgeries is now 5 hrs from me.

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Oh sorry didn't read back that you are also waiting to hear from MercyOne Clinic? We live in Northern Ontario and its 4 hour drive to Toronto which is ok when feeling not too bad but not when in pain... wishing you the "best" new set of eyes and some help with your medical problems and pain June

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@lacy2 @lily21 When I first went to Mayo MN for my first Gastroparesis appointment they wanted me to have a blood and urine test first. I did it at one of the satellite Mayo's in Rochester the evening before my GI appoint.. then the test where they test the rate of stomach emptying.. that involved eating a standardized breakfast... so make sure you don't eat something first... they give you a certain time to eat the eggs, etc.. (I could not eat that fast without it coming up... and they do NOT want you to throw up...as there is a tracer in the meal.. so they do x-rays every hour for the morning... or as long as it takes... to see how long the meal takes to go through a certain point... I had a hard time keeping it down.. but was successful... You don't want to do that test many times... I spent 3 days there for all the various tests and doctor visits.. Have someone with you to take notes.. its all a blur.. Ken

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Hello @brandywine8875 and welcome to Mayo Clinic Connect. Great to hear that you are being referred to Mayo Clinic in Jacksonville after what sounds like a trying last couple of years.

Can I ask when your appointment is scheduled for?

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I do not have an appointment scheduled yet, but my GI sent over my referral Thursday and I got a call Friday to set up an appointment. I will be making my appointment this week.

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@astaingegerdm

@brandywine8875 - I’m referring to your question about your visit To Mayo.
I have been a patient at Mayo, Jacksonville. Before appointment you will get a schedule for your testing and Dr visit. You may have to stay an extra day or more, depending on the amount of testing done. There are several hotels close by with special Mayo rates. The visit is very well planned.

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You have to stay in a hotel? I assumed I would be in the hospital.

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Is there anyone familiar with this condition who can answer a few questions for me?

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@mcott

Is there anyone familiar with this condition who can answer a few questions for me?

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@mcott, there are many members in the Digestive Health group who live with gastroparesis. Can you tell me what you main questions are? I can connect you with others who can share their experiences and help answer your questions.

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@mcott

Is there anyone familiar with this condition who can answer a few questions for me?

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I have this. Physical Therapy in Louisville,Ky.. helps me more than anything. It is a very bad thing to deal with.
Wish I could get more help.

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