Gastro pacemaker-type device to help with gastroparesis?

Hi @jc76.

I was reading just today about a pacemaker for the gut. What an interesting topic!

I am not sure where your wife is with testing at Mayo. They may be just the place to answer your questions. A referral to Dr. Oblizajek sounds like it he may be a good option.

“Dr. Oblizajek's clinical expertise is in general gastroenterology and gastrointestinal motility including gastroparesis, functional dyspepsia, chronic constipation, diarrhea, irritable bowel syndrome and other disorders of gut-brain interaction. His research interests involve the intersection of bioelectronic medicine with gastrointestinal symptom diagnostics and management.”
https://www.mayoclinic.org/biographies/oblizajek-nicholas-r-m-d/bio-20550222
What the result of your wife’s testing, has their been follow up? Dr. Oblizajek is located in Rochester and I believe you are in Florida? isn’t If you don’t go the referral route, perhaps you could request an appointment for a virtual consultation with him. http://mayocl.in/1mtmR63

@jlharsh
Very helpful will read the link and share with wife. Yes we are at Mayo Jacksonville.

It seems we get more and more test and get more pills. The main issue now with dumping and or constipation. Both these cause real issues with her diabetes.

I had read somewhere probably on Mayo newsletter about the pace maker and mentioned it to her so we could move away from so many pills. I think she said she read something too as she mentioned having to change the battery out once a year.

The more serious problem with this is that her diabetes caused damage to a nerve in the left eye. Prism classes did not work so surgery was scheduled. However had to be cancelled as her A1C was 9 and had to be under 8 for them to do surgery.

But we can't control her digestion so that her insulin works from her auto pump based on he stomach and digestive system putting that food into her body. So we get wild swings in her glucose and I mean wild swings. Her highs can go up 500 and her lows down in 30s. Many times I have had to give her a glucose shot as in coma. We purchased a device where that we use both in bedroom and living room that gives me a digital readout of her glucose level. I can then wake her up or advise her even though her device would be screamiing at her also. Probelm is when you glucose gets so low it is like being drunk and you ability to do anything for yourself.

I am going to provide your information here and she can get with her gastro doctors. She has two. One is general and the other a surgeon (who did 3 surgeries, one heinal hernia, othes to improve stomach).

I am not opposed to flying to Rochester to get the implant if it will help her get the surgery she needs and back to somewhat again being able to have a decent life style. I am getting use ot her wearing a patch over one eye as she developed double vision about 6 months ago.

@jc76 You both have to be so overwhelmed. I remain hopeful with you that there may be something better than what your wife is doing now that will help all she is trying to manage!

Please come back and report what you are finding out.

I believe the "pacemaker" you are referring to is Enterra Therapy. I have been looking into it for myself.

@jlharsh
She had a virtual appointment with her gerontologist yesterday. Not much help though.

She said he said the pacemaker type device was mainly for those suffering nausea not promoting digestion. Though my research on it said it helps stomach muscle contract and force food into small intestine. Then we asked about acupuncture and again got "has not shown to be helpful."

So he changed one medication for another and up her magnesium to 800 mg to be taken prior to bed. Wow that is a lot I thought but kept my thought to myself as most doses I have read are 400.

Our PCP thinks riding a stationary bike might help her with moving food down out of stomach into small intestine. We went over to our fitness room and tried out the incumbent and straight up bikes. I think because she has balance problems (has to wear a patch over one eye due to double vision caused by diabetes in eye nerve and muscle) so limited to walking to prevent falling. So bike might work.

I was really hoping the pacemaker type device would really help and could stop taking more and more pills. Will keep posting our journey with this. Thanks to all with their feedback and encouragement.

@fradashe Thank you for the information.

Do you mind sharing more about why you are looking at Enterra Therapy and how it may help?

Darn, @jc76. I was thinking the same thing as you. Please do keep posting.

Enterra therapy is a device that is implanted under your skin to help with the nausea and vomiting caused by gastroparesis. I have tried most of the medications and alternate therapies, fodmap diet, vitamin and mineral supplements, acupuncture for my gastroparesis, and none of them seem to help. Most made me sicker. Finding a doctor to treat has seemed nearly impossible. I have an appointment set up for Mayo in Jacksonville, but it's not until Oct. I have been dealing with this for over 2 years. You can find out more about Enterra at their website. They are having a webinar of Aug. 5 to get more information.

@fradashe
My wife is under the care of gastronology at Mayo Jacksonville. We just has an appointment in which he expalin the role of the implant and it has shown to help with and what it has shown to not help with.

Gastrolnology has specific doctors for exams and specific doctors who perform speicalty surgeries.
Good Luck. FYI: Come early if your appointment is in morning to find a parking space. If full you can use the parking garage but you have to pay 5.00 where the outside parking is free.