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Gastroparesis with severe symptoms!
Does anyone have gastroparesis (low stomach emptying) and what are you doing to manage the problem. I was finally diagnoised with this condition this year after at least 3plus years of unexplained illness. Most of my symtoms were related to pain in the chest; deep back shoulder pain; lightheaded/dizzyness; I always felt like I was having a heart attack. But each time I went to the ER all the heart test came back fine and was told it was just acid reflux. I have been to cardiology; neuralogy; gastrology. I have had heart test; stress test;;thryrod; diabectic test; all kinds of blood test (only showed low vit D) MRI of brain; spinal tap. Finally had stomach emptying test in March - which showed 85% food still in stomach after 3 hours. I have had to switch to a no fat; low fiber diet - pretty much all liquid; soft (babyfood like) foods. If I do experiment and eat something that doesn't move through - then I end up with the deep shoulder pain; lighthed/dizziness;; numbness in the arms/fingers and over all wekness. In order to overcome this feeling - It seems to work by drinking just water /gator aid for at least a day. I just don't know if this all started by a nerve damage issue or if it is reverserble. I have done a lot of internet reading and there doesn't seem to be anything to do except eating habit changes. And no one else seems to associate the pain I have with the stomach - I never seem to have stomach pain - Only fullness; nausea; bloating/gas. I also am not diabetic. Which my understanding is a reason for this condition. If you have this condition - what are your symtoms and how are you managing? Thanks
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It sounds like you definitely need a new doctor. Gastric Emptying is really needed to confirm the diagnosis. Chances are that your insurance will approve the test.
Hope you get some relief soon!
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1 Reaction@lorisus
I have pretty much identical symptoms for a year plus now.
My endoscopy was normal. The next step is a gastric emptying test. You really should have it done.
I have had 2 before during the past 15 years, both normal.
However, this time I’m afraid it’s going to show delayed emptying.
My GI discussed possible treatments.
My entire GI system is sluggish- the nerve center seems tired!
I’m sorry you’re going through this too.
What were the treatments your GI spoke to you about outside of medication and diet?
@lorisus
This medication is not available in the US but in Canada and Mexico. I believe it is Domperidon.
Works much better than Reglan.
Obviously it is a personal decision if one wants to try it since it’s not FDA approved here due to possible side effects.
You need the gastric emptying test - step 1. if it confirms you have gastroparesis you need to find a "motility specialist" - they are few and far between. Most gastroenterologists don't know the first thing about this condition. i was told to "drink Ensure" - that people can live on it the rest of their lives!!! I finally find a motility specialist and tried a few "motility medications" - nothing helped - supposedly i am "too far along" I am on 80-90 percent liquid diet at this point to control the symptoms. I found a surgeon who specializes also in "motility issues" and they attempted to "stretch" the pyloric sphincter - which is the valve at the bottom of your stomach, hoping the stretching would increase emptying time. It did not work. I am scheduled to have a pyloroplasty in 3 weeks (surgical treatment for gastroparesis - more than 96% effective. So i recommend this is the path you take. Hopefully in your case it does not come to surgery - but start off with the emptying study and if it confirms the diagnosis start off with a "motility specialist" . Just google "gastric motility specialist near _______" (wherever you live) . Like i said - there are not many - i had to switch insurance plans to see the doctors i am seeing now.
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1 ReactionI can resemble most all the remarks said so far….. I can remember missing out on so many family activities etc…. because of this gastroparesis….. I eat no…..no…. fresh fruits or veggies & only very small amounts of very cooked ones….. I do fast most nights after my last eating for at least 14-16 hrs to give my stomach a rest…..sometimes I eat sooner because I’m hungry ….. I do drink tea or coffee on waking…..no processed foods…..no breads or pastas…. I can eat ground meats & fish or chicken when not eating anything else…. I can eat lactose free ice cream (lactose intolerant per tests at Mayo)…. big help is walking after eating….. very small meal throughout the day…..sometimes only an hr In between meals, but be very careful not to over eat….. Zofran helps to calm my bloated stomach & don’t lay down after eating…..I try not to lay down for at least 3 hrs….I try to eat early in day & lighter as the day goes on….My gastrointrologist was absolutely no help whatsoever & the nutritional consultant had pregnant brain…..I knew more than her….It helps that I am a retired RN & have done tons of research on different sites & Youtube…..some books….some info helped & some not so much….. Prayers For All……🙏❤️🎊
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1 ReactionYes, my GI dr suggested that too but it has side effects that won't work with my family history. Thanks. Medications can't be the way I go.
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1 ReactionWow! I'm glad you have hopefully a resolution. I so hope it works for you.
I will search for a Motility specialist. Thank you!!
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3 ReactionsI just had the gastro emptying test at Mayo and was diagnosed with gastroparisis yesterday, My GI doctor prescribed Motegrity, omeprazole, and diet restrictions. I am scheduled to see a dietician. Has anyone taken Motegrity?
You need to have your doctor provide a SIBO breath test (checks for levels of methane & nitrogen in stomach/duodenum, which can wrongly suggest presence of small intestinal bacteria overgrowth, which can itself cause slow digestive motility & the stomach gas that then results because certain foods, especially those that are highly fermentable, are sitting there). Second, provide a stool sample, which will check for select bacteria in your gut. Because THAT can also point to the same problems & symptoms.
And if your Doc is unwilling or unable to prescribe those 1 tests, find one who can, including (if you can afford; check your insurance) finding a GOOD naturopathic doc.
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