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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 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.