Connect
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
Like
Helpful
HugInterested in more discussions like this? Go to the Digestive Health Support Group.
Connect
Thanks for pointing this out. I wouldn't have read the fine print. pfbacon
The generic of the medicine I take is "Lubiprostone". It's the same as Amitiza. I have not heard of medicine like cisispride .... I will ask my gastro doctor about it. I'm willing to try something that costs less if my doctor thinks it will work. Thanks! pfbacon
Has anyone had luck finding a nutritionist who knows about gastroparesis? We were at Mayo Rochester and did not get to talk to the doctor until we had went home, thus did not ask for a referral to nutrition while there. I tried to reach out and get an appt with the nutritionist now and they won't schedule because we are out of state. We would have had to see them when we were there. I have had two nutritionists at home who knew nothing about gastroparesis and gave advice like "stop eating gluten." (about all I CAN eat is white bread and crackers - lol). I really with we would have been referred to nutrition while we were there. I have been eating so little for so long (and have some food aversion) that I am quite malnourished.
Go to the website
Aboutgastroparesis.org
Resources
Dieticians
If you put in your state you will find recommended nutritionists.
I met with a nutritionist at Mayo Clinic & I knew more than she did.. Actually I found out more online & focused groups than anything the nutritionist told me… Trial & error is very helpful…. I don’t eat anything fresh….everything is cooked…. I’m lactose intolerant per tests from Mayo…. I eat small frequent meals & walk after eating even when I’m miserable, because that’s when I need it the most…. Even 5 minutes of walking around the house can help….. I take gasx when needed & Zofran helps with bloating also…. I can eat eggs, fish, & ground meats are usually tolerated….. it seems to be the amount that’s the trigger for me…. I keep educating myself & that helps & a loving family that understands because of my eating habits. I eat ice cream or a wanna be for me like cashew ice cream…. But my biggest find for me was the walking….. I could not tolerate any meds except the Zofran that the gastroenterologist offered….God’s Best For You…..
Mine is better, but some things sneak up on me. Like corn on the cob.
Remember to think about fiber…. Fiber is not your friend…. Makes the stomach work too hard….
I have had it for over 20 years. You eat six small meals a day. That's what my
Gastroenterologist told me to do. As far as a nutritionist that sent me to a distance at a hospital. I have had stomach ulcers and nodules for the whole time. I get my stomach scoped at least once a year for stomach cancer. It gets worse as the neuropathy progresses. If you eat three meals a day you will have a lot of problems with Gerd and reflex plus nausea along with vomiting. Don't eat things that take a long time to digest. Don't stuff your plate you will be miserable. I keep an apple to eat about 10 am. Light lunch, dragonfruit about 3 then chicked or fish its not as heavy as red meat. I normally throw up red meat it's way too heavy on my stomach. Don't eat spicy foods not good to reflux. It burns the esophagus. If my stomach starts hurting I normally use a heating pad at its lowest setting.
I was recently diagnosed with gastroparesis and my nutritionist is starting me on licorice root for the acid reflux and I am seeing the dietician on Monday. My whole world has been flipped upside down !! I have
been on a high protein, gluten free, mostly raw fruits and veggies and now I can't eat hummus or raw vegetables, and I have to watch my fiber intake &
snack all day instead of eating meals !!?? What am I
supposed to cook us for dinner !?? Any advice ??
-
Like -
Helpful -
Hug
1 ReactionI have had it since 2008. Gastroparesis is one of the first signs of neuropathy according to my neurologist. High protein diet is hard on digestion. Red mea(beef) can stay in your stomach up to three days just sitting in your stomach or longer depending on how long your stomach takes to digest it. The doctor recommended that I use a food processor to grind up the meat. It makes it easier to digest. If I eat more than four small pieces I throw it right back up. Vegetables- I like mine firm not mushy and over cooked. There’s times when mine is worse. I send them through a food processor.
Some gastrointestinal doctors recommend baby food but it’s really nasty so I just use a food processor.
Eat seven small meals a day. Sit down and eat three meals a day it just sits there and you end up bloating and refluxing. I have big problems with tomato based sauces more burning of the stomach. I eat lots of fish. Not farm raised(antibiotics/hormones) and it’s easier on the stomach.
https://www.mayoclinic.org/diseases-conditions/gastroparesis/diagnosis-treatment/drc-20355792