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Gastroparesis or slow modility colon
I was diagnosed with gastroparesis with one doctor and he sent me to a bigger university for a pacemaker.
The next university said it was not gastroparesis. This doctor had me do a Sitz Marker Test and after 7 days, I still had 58 markers left in my upper colon. He diagnosed me with a slow modility colon.
For the past 9 months I have (and getting worse) severe abdomen bloating, cramps, pain, nausea, and now lower back pain. I have been on a gastroparesis diet for 6 months with no relief. I only eat frozen yogurt and cracker for lunch. I wait to eat a more bland diet when I get home from work, knowing the bloating and nausea will get worse.
I now can only wear dresses, no pants, due to the extreme bloating and then discomfort of anything tight around my abdomen. Now I have gained 5 pounds in the last week with the same diet I have been on for 9 months.
My doctor now has me on miralax and apple juice. (During the last 6 months I have been with him, I have developed constipation in the past 3 months. Something I have never had in my 60 years of age.) I can't drink apple juice or anything except water due to the fact it also makes me nauseas.
I have tried Reglan, which made me suicidal, and erythromycin, which did not help.
Anyone have these same symptoms or and suggestions of what to do next. The doctor said I may just have to live like this. I am a very upbeat, positive person, but I can't imagine there is not something wrong to start the symptoms just in the last 9 months. I will take any help! Thank you so much.
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Wow Joanne, that's alot to deal with. I'm really sorry. I have only had my gallbladder out since Jan 17. No problems since I got the stone out of my bile duct. I'm just dealing with possible gastroparisis. No idea what the motility doctor at Dartmouth will say to me. I am worried. If he doesn't help me I don't know where to go. I know I definitely need another stomach emptying procedure
I’ve used something called Magnesium Calm, taken at night, right before bed. Check with your doctor.
What does that do? I am already taken Reglan before bed
Morning, I took mag calm for a long time. What I have learned, is mag calm is a form of carbonate which when added to water changes it and it’s absorbs very quickly in our body. I took it daily for a long time but it never caused a bowel movement or any diarrhea. I need something to keep my bowels constantly moving even if it’s diarrhea and it has to be three days a week or I need to do a cleanse as if prepping for a colonoscopy. Mag07 is oxygen based used as a cleanse, I believe mag oxide works better for use if you suffer constipation. It’s mag oxide per cap is 1,035 and it has potassium which helps for dehydration. I’ve learned their are quite a few mag supplements and powders on the market.
I think you need to research which works best for your situation. What other tests have you had for Gastro problem besides emptying test. Joanne
Eileen have you had the Smart Pill test. I did Sitz marker study but Smart Pill is something I’m asking for in March. I have heard it can get stuck but does not happen frequently. I think it could be an excellent test for you. Google it and see what it looks for. I do lots of research and go in with full knowledge to a doctor with things we might try. I go in being very informed so doctors understand I’ve been this way since June 2020 and all they can suggest is total colectomy. I feel more can be checked. I think it’s a nerve issue. Is vagus nerve anything you have had checked. It’s gag redux test. Pretty simple to get through. Our digestion starts in the cranium. I’ve learned so much in two years and have filled many journals. Good luck, Joanne
Which probiotic do you take?
You mentioned Miralax which is a warning bell to me. My grandchild was prescribed Miralax at a very young age, and developed horrid emotional reactioins. She had long-lasting unreasonable episodes of screaming and crying and was completely inconsolable to all efforts. She was taken off miralax, and after some time began to even out and become more able to interact. Research showed that Miralax could cause these situations and lead to possible permanent brain damage.
Surely, you have been advised to drink gallons of water and to try fiber such as Metamucil. Also, a vitamin, B1 or thiamin(e) could do a lot if you are deficient. I try to always use liquid or chewable supplements as tablets and capsules tend to pass
whole right thru my bowels with no benefit.
thanks that might be a option. its been several days since i have gone. i should probobly try miralax.
hi joanne, no i havent. but i know someone who saw the same dr im going to see at dartmouth and she had the smartpill. yes it would be a good option especially since i dont know if my insurance would pay for another stomah emptying this soon. im really nervous how this doctor from dartmouth is going to be with me. its only been my pcp that believed me and thats scary. right now im under alot of stresss at home and that is causing stomach pain even with the reglan. so its hard not to be negetive. i dont want to be but it is what it is.
Well you need to be your own advocate these days. I’ve said it here a year ago that I approach my doctors with the attitude they get paid by you, so essentially they work for you. Suggest it and if the doctor rejects your desire to have the test, ask why. I’m sure with what you’ve been saying here you have the right diagnostic codes for your insurance company to cover it. It seems to be standard for your situation as the sitz marker study was for me. I’m retired so I have Medicare and a very good supplement. My doctor’s don’t always agree with my suggestions so when I’m going and want a specific test I get on my computer, print the most important info that states why this test can help in diagnosing and I bring it. I’m well informed and I want my doctors to know I am. I get they are smarter than I but it doesn’t mean that I know my body best and I can list off the top of my head every drug for constipation they have tried. Miralax to me is way over prescribed especially kids and just about every colonoscopy says take the largest bottle to prepare. It has a substance called PEG 3350. It’s an osmotic laxative. Just pushes water into the colon. I get very sick from it. Their are lawsuits pending from parents about long term effects on children. I can’t understand how a 27 ounce bottle mixed in gadorade for colon prep is good for anyone. It makes no sense. We’ll be safe and think positive, not easy. Remember, your in NH so you are close to Boston Hospitals, some of the best in the world. You can always go there.
Joanne