Gastroparesis with severe symptoms!

Yes, after 2 years just diagnosed this week with gastroparesis. Miserable. They say diet is the best way to help but I know everyone is different. My main problem is constipation but I have other things going on in my digestive tract. I also have scar tissue on my colon and diverticula. I also have autoimmune disease, which there is autoimmune gastroparesis. I'm ready to meet Jesus

I have had gastroparesis for 3 years, since diagnosed. I lost 80 lbs before diagnosis. I don’t eat vegetables or fruits. I eat eggs, meat, cheese and breads. I am also diabetic but I do eat some sweets to break up the monotony of my diet but o have gained 40 lbs and feel so much better. Vitamins and supplements as well as fiber. I am now living with this and feeling better all the time. Still have bad days but not like before. Hope this helps.

Hello @catc51 and welcome to the Digestive Health support group on Mayo Connect. I'm glad that you found this forum as there are many members with gastroparesis and many who have found a way to lessen the symptoms. I see that @bradyozzie has discussed their experience with this disorder and what has helped her. I would encourage to read the posts in this group and see what might be helpful to you.

I have very similar symptoms, most likely resulting from three surgeries of the digestive tract over a 20-year time period. I learned from others on this forum that a low residue diet can be helpful, so I gave it a try and it has made a world of difference for me. It still requires constant attention to diet, exercise and drinking lots of fluids, but the pain and constipation are definitely better.

What type of eating/exercise plan are you currently following?

Hello @pinktummy and welcome to the Digestive Health support group on Mayo Connect. You've have found a great forum to discuss this difficult disorder. I'd encourage you to read many of the posts here and find out what has worked for others.

You will probably find that good sources of protein might include fish, chicken or other poultry. Well-cooked fruits and veggies are also a good choice. Smoothies can be a good way to get more fruits or veggies in a more digestible form. I tend to have a lot of soups as the veggies are well cooked and don't cause the same discomfort as raw foods.

It does take a while to find the best eating plan, but it is well worth the time! I look forward to hearing from you again as you continue on the journey of dealing with gastroparesis. Will you post again?

Funny, I had the stomach-emptying test many years ago. Anyway, it didn't really cause me problems until I had the fundoplication surgery for my hiatal hernia.
I had to go an all-liquid diet for about 2 weeks, then slowly introduced soft food, etc. I finally faced the fact that I can't have coffee in the morning.
Most of my present problems stem from my esphogus getting twisted. I easily choke on nothing. Sometimes even my own saliva can go down the wrong way and send me into a coughing fit. Other times I can eat a raw apple and have no problem whatsoever.
Time has been my best healer.

I was finally diagnosed 2 months ago thanks to the PAC in the gastro office who truly believed we would figure it out and listened. One visit I guess I put it together without realizing…..I told her I’m so nauseas all the time and never hungry but force to eat. I can only eat a small amount and within no time my stomach bloats like I’m pregnant and also gets distended. I have pain all the time because I have IBS-C. She looked at me and said you just probably solved the puzzle. Let’s do a gastric emptying study and, of course, there it was gastro paresis. Now I’m completed because I’ve had depression and anxiety most of my life but managed very well with therapy and medication. However, these meds mixed with gastroparesis meds to puts me at high risk for other permanent issues plus I already have a neurogenic bladder that I have to get a stimulator put in because my brain no longer controls it. I also have fibromyalgia for 30 yrs post Lyme disease which was fine and a normal life, same with mental health until about age 50 I started slowing down.
My latest test which is an adventure and I’m trying to think too far into yet……I had a urine test sendout that neuro order which could connect abdominal issues but it came back positive with high level for a rare disease. They just did DNA testing, more urine and blood all send outs. So I’ll have to update but it could all somehow be connected!! I am in chronic abdominal and intestinal and back pain then add my fibro. I get the heart palpitations, ears ringing. Chest/heartburn, vomiting but mostly regurgitated Nausea 24/7
So that’s my long story over last 4 months. I actually hanging in well because I’m a pretty positive I can do this and make it all work personality. I’m basically a happy person.
Oh and I’m getting to Univ of PA Hosp Gastro Motility. They have so much more they can do and offer besides medicine and painkillers.

I have gastroparesis. I learned from Dr Anne Oaklander it is the first sign of neuropathy. You need to see a neuromuscular neurologist and have an EMG/nerve conduction test done along with a punch biopsy for small fiber neuropathy. I was diagnosed with gastroparesis way before the neuropathy and my neurologist never did any further testing. I had gastroparesis before I was diagnosed with neuropathy.
Also, don’t eat red meat. It’s harder for your stomach to digest and it sits on my stomach for a couple of days. It increases my nausea and sometimes I throw it right back up because it’s so heavy. Everyone is different you might be able to tolerate it.
https://my.clevelandclinic.org/-/scassets/files/org/digestive/gastroparesis-clinic/diet-for-gastroparesis.pdf?la=en

Thank you, Mayo Clinic Community, for sharing your information. I am relieved that "It's just not me".
DJJG1959

After undergoing hiatal hernia surgery, I lost 10 pounds and had extensive diagnostic testing to determine my problem. I was diagnosed with gastroparesis without a stomach emptying test and prescribed Creon enzymes, off-label. I have gained weight, but my A1C has risen, probably because the gastroparesis diet includes white bread, white rice, a little fiber, and limited amounts of raw fruits and vegetables. My gastroenterologist offers no options.

I have had mctd 7 years almost from the beginning I go from normal BMs to constipation to diarrhea does anyone else have this?