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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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I was finally diagnosed with gastroparesis in 2014 after so many hospital stays we should have had stocks in one. I was diagnosed with an atonic bowel back in 1980 and had been on so many laxatives that my GI doc tried to get something else. When I w ent to the ER they thought I was drug seeking. The pain with gastroparesis and constipation is 10+ and nausea 10+.I’m on a very strict diet but not much change. I’ve been on both OxyContin & Fentanyl and taken off both since I landed in the ER hallucinating. Then put on Methadone,Zofran( for nausea) and Gabapentine ( nerve pain ).I had a PICC line until 2023 when the site became infected. And now I have stage 3+ kidney disease and EPI ( which means my pancreas doesn’t function properly so now I’m on Creon which does nothing good for my gastroparesis. I was a nurse for 48 years.
If anyone has ANY suggestions or just want to connect I would like it. Even my husband of almost 58 years doesn’t always understand what’s happening !,
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1 ReactionThe problem with Gastroparesis is how rapidly you lose the weight. I lost 30 lbs on 5 weeks. And when I am really in a bad flare, 15 lbs in two. And I am small to begin with. The worst problem with the disease is the malnutrition and dehydration problems. So much is effected. I was getting extreme back spasms and thought I hurt myself, NY chiropractor knew right away it was from being depleted of nutrition. Gastroparesis is a disease that you have to be very conscious about your diet, exercise is extremely important, pedialyte is very helpful, and whatever supplements work for you. It can be managed and your levels will be good but it's kind of a lot of work. Logging things, strict scheduling. And getting the right treatment and medication.
I am fighting with this ever since hiatal hernia surgery in which, apparently, my vagus nerve was damaged. The shoulder pain has just started and seems to be very much associated with times when I am having stomach discomfort or pain. I feel best when I eat nothing at all but that’s not sustainable of course. It looks as though a nearly liquid diet will be the way I need to go. I’ve had all the tests and no answers except “low motility” and managing through eating. I get hungry but don’t like the consequences of eating. I am not taking any medication related to this except omeprazole. Anyone having success with meds?
No yet I certainly can understand what you are going though. I am on a mostly liguid diet also. It’s very hard and difficult to want to eat something different yet be so afraid of side effects if you do. Very uncomfortable!! So sorry!
Gastroparsis is the start of neuropathy according to my neurologist.
https://www.niddk.nih.gov/health-information/diabetes/overview/preventing-problems/nerve-damage-diabetic-neuropathies/autonomic-neuropathy#:~:text=Autonomic%20neuropathy%20may%20also%20cause,to%20manage%20your%20blood%20glucose.
I have had gastroparsis for over 10 years. When I have the most problems I put my food through a food processor. The food processor gets it like baby food.
I saw a gastroenterologist for this similar condition. She put me on Motegrity. It works in different ways for different people. Caution, it can cause uncontrollable diarrhea.
exactly the same about the chest and shortness of breath, ive seen sm doctors, i dont do anything anymore because of how i feel
have u figured out what it was ?
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1 ReactionThis is what is happening to me. I don't know what it is or what to do about it.
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1 ReactionGES test scheduled for next Mon. 2 wks ago appt never pre- Auth.
I'm new to this Gastroparesis. Slow emptying or paralysis of stomach. Everything liquid. Cept squash w/o seeds, sweet tates. Difficult to digest chicken & fish. Protein 30g beverages. Prenatal vita & minerals. Vitamins B & D. Any suggestions appreciated.
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