Gastroparesis with severe symptoms!

Posted by paarak @paarak, Jul 17, 2011

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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Profile picture for alc69 @alc69

@sori good choice about reglan. I took it- the doctor in the hospital who gave it to me didn’t warn me about all the nasty side effects and I ended up losing half my vision on top of a ton of other things. Luckily I didn’t get TD. I also had a hard time withdrawing off the med. I was just diagnosed this year after multiple bouts in the ER for dehydration and not being able to eat for three weeks- I was sent inpatient for tests and after a gastric emptying test, it was determined I have gp. I really don’t know what to do. I’m seeing a functional medicine doctor and will be meeting with her to go over all the tests soon. Hopefully, she can put the big picture and underlying causes together and come up with a treatment plan.

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@alc69 this is is difficult disease to manage. On Monday, I am going to see for the first time a Functional Medicine Doctor , I hope this helps me to better manage the symptoms. It is going to cost me fortune because her clinic does not take insurance. I am at the point that I will try anything to get better. I also have Crohn's disease which complicates things for me. I hope they can put together a good treatment plan for you. I suggest you do your own research and become your own advocate. Good luck!

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