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
I am a 67 year old previously very healthy woman who now experiences severe gastroparesis. I also battle with constipation. Acid reflux is an annoying by-product. Having gas is the worst I must say as it settles into my whole body. Huge box of Rx's that don't work. Anyone have thoughts that this could be long COVID?
-
Like -
Helpful -
Hug
1 Reaction@bkatz43 I'm w GES 4 h test next Mon. How was your gastroparesis diagnosed? GED test i.d mine in 2019. Was never told. 4y's following cholecystectomy i thought it may be vagus nerve damage from this surgery. Nope. 1 month prior to op this info in my chart diagnosed w GERD, chronic gastritis & gastroparesis. For 4y's IBS-D. New dr, fresh eyes, rx Colesevlam & dicyclomine stopped D in 12/2023. Only to C. Entire 1 yr. For me to go back into my chart to check CT's, MRI's, EUS, & on & on. Discovery; gastroparesis. Has anyone had the ring surgery for digestion?
-
Like -
Helpful -
Hug
1 ReactionI ditched protonix after 22y's. I stopped metamucil, benefiber, something to go would meet in my stomach 1x a week & that's stopped. I have poop balls. Read re gastroparesis these May be undigested food. I ate salad 2 weeks w only going 1x a wk. Dr's one of them relationships, can't live w them, can't live w/o them. Kickin ourselves for not knowing right questions to ask!
-
Like -
Helpful -
Hug
1 ReactionI was diagnosed w/ gastroparesis many years ago, but no real problem until I had fundoplication, which means wrapping the upper part of my stomach around my esophagus. (because I had a hiatal hernia and my stomach had wandered up into my chest, interfering w/ breathing.)
I cannot figure out how to eat that doesn't cause diarrhea. Or constipation. Mainly I need to avoid fiber. I guess. I may need to cancel out on the 3 day family reunion.
-
Like -
Helpful -
Hug
1 ReactionAwww that is terrible. Everytime i come on here i learn something. I didn't know re your stomach. Wow, best to you
-
Like -
Helpful -
Hug
1 ReactionI am not diabetic. What a neuromuscular neurologist told me is it’s the first step in neuropathy. Go to a neurologist. Request an emg/nerve conduction test and a nerve biopsy test for small fiber neuropathy to rule out both these things that can cause gastroparsis. I have autoimmune severe axonal sensorimotor dysautonomia polyperipheral neuropathy along with small fiber neuropathy. As far as food do not eat red meat it sits heavily on your stomach. Red meat can sit up to 24-48 hours on your stomach trying to digest it. If I eat more than four small bites I throw it up. When I am having really bad problems I use a food processor to put my food in to make it easier to digest.
https://www.healthline.com/health/gastroparesis/gastroparesis-diet
Here are some ideas.
https://monmouthgastro.com/information/gastroparesis-diet-for-delayed-stomach-emptying/
-
Like -
Helpful -
Hug
1 ReactionPoultry & fish, and peeled white tates, remove seeds from zuch & y sq. Acorns & butternut. Most juices are highly acidic. Apple & wh grape may be safer to dilute. No pulp. Blended can peaces & fruit cocktail. 1/2 of it turned to pulp. Can carrots & libby can small beets. Protein 30g ensure/boost. Outshine bars. Sherbet. No sugars. Nothing acidic. & i empathize w you, going through so much. I can see my gastroparesis test next monday may just be the tip of the iceberg. Oh yeah, don't eat salad. That pretty much cleans fridge, pantry n cupboards. w Every Diet. Expensive gluten free helps though I'm w o food allergies. No dried fruit either. The 4 food groups went out z window
-
Like -
Helpful -
Hug
3 ReactionsIt’s interesting that you are now avoiding fiber. My current GI NP has me taking Benefiber in the AM and Miralax in the PM. Does this make sense to any one since I am dealing with chronic constipation?
Fiber is very tricky with my GP body. Often, I cant eat at all and drink thin protein drinks.
Too much fiber makes me miserable! Both soluble and insoluble fiber sit in my gut for hours, preventing me from being able to drink water.
I generally prioritize water over food for this reason.
One would think I'd lose weight.
-
Like -
Helpful -
Hug
1 Reactionmotegrity works sometimes for me
-
Like -
Helpful -
Hug
1 Reaction