GASTROPARESIS

[wendysmiling]

Come on in and share your GP issues......


Gastroparesis literally means paralyzed stomach. It is a devastating condition that is fairly common among the diabetic population, although it can be caused by a number of other factors as well. Gastroparesis results in delayed emptying of food and liquid from the stomach. Once food is ingested, it often sits in the stomach for hours or even days because the stomach does not contract very well, if at all. Gastroparesis is one of the most difficult gastrointestinal disorders to treat. There are limited treatment options, but uncontrolled Gastroparesis can have serious consequences including malnutrition, dehydration, and weight loss. Many doctors know very little about Gastroparesis so often newly diagnosed patients do not understand their condition or the treatment options available to them.

[wendysmiling]

Gotta get ready for work. Will check in later.

Oh... and there is a chat room here with a private room if we want to set up a day & time.

[Clarisse]

Hi Wendy,

Thanks for setting up this site. I am quite impressed with your weight loss journey and hope that the liquid diet will be a success for you. Are you on Ensure or any of the other supplements. I drink two cans of Ensure daily to supplement along with one serving of greek yogurt. Do you take any anti nausea drugs to help you with your GP? I found that taking 8mg of Zofran a day helped me keep some food down.

[wendysmiling]

Hi,
I’m on instant breakfast right now mixed with rice protein powder. I think it’s a little cheaper than ensure. The Wal-Mart brand has soy in it, which I’m not supposed to have. Boost sometimes upsets my stomach but I haven’t tried it in awhile. Milk seems to bloat me as well, which is a drag because I used to mix powdered skim w/ regular skim to up the nutrients.

I don’t get nausea all that often (lately). Had it this morning for a bit. My main thing is huge bloating and the feeling sick like you really REALLY overate, but not the nausea associated with vomiting. If that makes sense I have to go lay down when I feel sick like that. I take domp when I can afford it.

[wendysmiling]

Girls where are you? Today I had my instant brekkie/w bana mixed in and tried some crushed pineapple w/ instant pudding for lunch. Fat free meal. I hope it digests.

So that two fruits!

[wendysmiling]

I've been real sick. I'm really scared this is a progression and not a flare up.
hmmm........

I think I'm going to try instant brekkie and applesauce/baby food.

[AllieCat0817]

Are you on any meds for it? I found this:
Gastroparesis: Treatments and drugs - MayoClinic.com

[wendysmiling]

I've been on several meds for it, and currently take domperidone for it which is the most widely used med outside the US. I have to get it online from overseas....when I can afford it. Which I can't at the moment.

Thanks for the link, there's some stuff in there to add to my GP collection!
Alliecat

Originally Posted by AllieCat0817

Are you on any meds for it? I found this:
Gastroparesis: Treatments and drugs - MayoClinic.com

[AllieCat0817]

Sorry you are going through it. I have IBS and tummy issues are just NO JOKE. They can make a person miserable.

[wendysmiling]

Today I had a small yogurt parfait, some macaroni, and a piece of bread. I feel and look like I swallowed a basketball. I can't even think about low carbing anymore. I think I'm gonna go get some baby food.
Thanks...w

[AllieCat0817]

I'm not sure if you mentioned this at all.. but are you diabetic? Apparently it is common in diabetics..? I know nothing about it except what I am learning via Google...

I have no idea if this would be an option for you..... but do a google search on 'Gastrotab'...... I know nothing about it but found it when googling. Digestive disorders absolutely suck, I am so sorry you are going through this... there has to be something that can help you.

Also, google 'papaya enzyme gastroparesis'.

I have also read some information about ALA (alpha lipoic acid), 600mg per day for gastroparesis. In the book Dr. Bernstein's Diabetes Solution (you can preview the book on Google book search), page 365, there is info about taking high doses of ALA for gastroparesis. I just read on that page that patients with gastroparesis may be hypothyroid. Have you had proper thyroid testing done? Free T3, Free T4 and TSH? Those tests are a must to properly diagnose thyroid (see Pam's sticky thread on this forum)...

This thread may be of interest to you.

Does the Domperidone help your symptoms?

What about the med Reglan?

Are you taking any probiotics?

It may be a good idea to join the Yahoo group for your condition..Yahoo Gastroparesis Group

This is a support group for people who are suffering from gastroparesis (delayed gastric emptying) or who know of someone suffering from it, regardless of cause. This group is interested in increasing awareness of the disease, learning from each other, and supporting one another. The group is casual and a great way to develop lifetime friendships and learn how to cope with this illness. We even have group moderators available almost 24/7 to help patients in need of urgent assistance or support. We also continue to make an incredible impact in the medical community, and are highly commended by the best doctors in the nation for gastroparesis. If you need ideas, advice, or just a listening ear, you have come to the right place!

For more information about Gastroparesis and services provided to patients through a non-profit organization, go to Gastroparesis Patient Association for Cures and Treatments, Inc (G-PACT).

Hoping you feel better.

[AllieCat0817]

Also, look up Triphala.

And Astratin (homeopathic)...

Segratax

Thread about alternative meds for gastroparesis

[Jewels]

I too have Gastroparesis, not so bad that I vomit but bloat badly, burp, nausea, Gerd etc. etc. After reading tons of info on it, I find I must have a mild form. I cannot take the normal meds for it as it causes side effects (RLS) to the point I can't sleep at all. I usually have to tear off my bra by mid afternoon because of the bloating.

I belong to the Yahoo Gastroparesis group and it's very informative and everyone is helpful. I would recommend it highly.

My symptoms come and go. I have found that I can eat the same foods one day as I did the day before and be ok one and not the next. leading me to believe some MIGHT be stress related. Has anyone found that to be true?

I have had the 2 hour (egg sandwich) test for it and supposedly my food was still there after the 2 hours.

AllieCat0817, I would like more opinions about Segratax and Gastrotab before trying any herbal product. I'm so leery of herbs since they aren't regulated very well. I'm going to ask over on the yahoo group and see what kind of answer I get.

Thanks for starting this thread and hopefully it will be helpful to others.

[AllieCat0817]

I agree, be careful with whatever you take. I was just posting it for info purposes, as things I found in my googling.

Just hoping it gets better for you guys.

[wendysmiling]

Originally Posted by AllieCat0817

I'm not sure if you mentioned this at all.. but are you diabetic? Apparently it is common in diabetics..? I know nothing about it except what I am learning via Google...
My diabetes is so mild, and my hypothyroid was so severe I think it was thyrois related or related to one of the 6 abdominal surgeries I'
ve had. If they cut the vagus nerve... you get GP

I have no idea if this would be an option for you..... but do a google search on 'Gastrotab'...... I know nothing about it but found it when googling. Digestive disorders absolutely suck, I am so sorry you are going through this... there has to be something that can help you.

Also, google 'papaya enzyme gastroparesis'.

I have also read some information about ALA (alpha lipoic acid), 600mg per day for gastroparesis. In the book Dr. Bernstein's Diabetes Solution (you can preview the book on Google book search), page 365, there is info about taking high doses of ALA for gastroparesis.
I'll check these out

I just read on that page that patients with gastroparesis may be hypothyroid. Have you had proper thyroid testing done? Free T3, Free T4 and TSH? Those tests are a must to properly diagnose thyroid (see Pam's sticky thread on this forum)...
I'm still trying to get optimized after 5 years. Pam has helped me a lot.


This thread may be of interest to you.

Does the Domperidone help your symptoms?
Yes but to a point.

What about the med Reglan?
Awful med. Has lots of side effects and doesn;t help much in the people I've talked to that have tried it.

Are you taking any probiotics?
Yep

It may be a good idea to join the Yahoo group for your condition..Yahoo Gastroparesis Group
Been a member for 5 years


Hoping you feel better.

Thanks!! Going to new endo tomorrow. We shall see if this one is an idiot or not. I'm tired of paying $$$ for mediocre help.

[wendysmiling]

Hi

Originally Posted by Jewels

I too have Gastroparesis, not so bad that I vomit but bloat badly, burp, nausea, Gerd etc. etc. After reading tons of info on it, I find I must have a mild form. I cannot take the normal meds for it as it causes side effects (RLS) to the point I can't sleep at all. I usually have to tear off my bra by mid afternoon because of the bloating.
Have you tried Domperidone? You don't need a script. My doc advised me to take it. It has been used safely for many years. The reason it isn't FDA approved is the Jansen doesn;t care to jump through the FDA hoops and I don't blame them.

I belong to the Yahoo Gastroparesis group and it's very informative and everyone is helpful. I would recommend it highly.

My symptoms come and go. I have found that I can eat the same foods one day as I did the day before and be ok one and not the next. leading me to believe some MIGHT be stress related. Has anyone found that to be true? I think this is the single most frustrating thing about this disease. If we could just pick a list of foods and eat them, that would be great. I don't know that it's solely stress related as this happens when I am not stressed.Non-fat yogurt might go well one day and kill me the next, same with oatmeal, white rice, etc. The ONLY time I feel good is if I don't eat, or just drink clear liquid.

My GP has spread over the years through the gut and includes the colon now.

I have had the 2 hour (egg sandwich) test for it and supposedly my food was still there after the 2 hours.

AllieCat0817, I would like more opinions about Segratax and Gastrotab before trying any herbal product. I'm so leery of herbs since they aren't regulated very well. I'm going to ask over on the yahoo group and see what kind of answer I get.

Thanks for starting this thread and hopefully it will be helpful to others.

[AllieCat0817]

Wow you have been THROUGH THE RINGER! I feel for you.

[Jewels]

Have you tried Domperidone? You don't need a script. My doc advised me to take it. It has been used safely for many years. The reason it isn't FDA approved is the Jansen doesn;t care to jump through the FDA hoops and I don't blame them.

Wendy, no I have not tried it. Where do you buy it? Is it oversea's or Canada?
Most of all...does it help you?

How long have you had this? Mine has only been dx a couple of years ago.

Can you wear a bra? OMG I can't really go without in public so it sure curtails my activiey after mid afternoon.

What do you do for the nausea? All nausea meds cause RLS too. So as far as meds go, I'm scr*wed.

[falcongirl100]

I was diagnosed with GP in July, I've had it for over a year, but in the past 6 months, the illness associated with it has ramped up. I need advice on how to get vegetables into my diet. I am overweight, with extremely low metabolic activity and the only diet that has worked for me is atkins, but with GP, I have serious issues with most meats. Any advice at all?

[wendysmiling]

You can no longer eat low carb. It is the enemy of GP. The mindset of getting off it is tough, but the digestion issues are tougher. Meat, fat and plant fibers are the hardest to digest. That is the crux of low carb.

What are your current symptoms? If you are having bad bloating I suggest mostly liquids at this time.

Liquids usually help because they are digested by gravity. I bought a Jack LaLanne juicer from Target for $99.

I make fresh veggies juice and fruit juice. Lots of nutrients and they stay down for me. Clear soups like chicken noodle are good. Saltine crackers.

If you can't get past the low carb thing you will have to cook lower fiber veggies very well and probably blend them and make a soup.

Have you been to Gastroparesis Patient Association for Cures and Treatments, Inc (G-PACT) or the GP Yahoo group?

gastroparesis : International Gastroparesis Support

Have you had a thyroid panel done?

Originally Posted by falcongirl100

I was diagnosed with GP in July, I've had it for over a year, but in the past 6 months, the illness associated with it has ramped up. I need advice on how to get vegetables into my diet. I am overweight, with extremely low metabolic activity and the only diet that has worked for me is atkins, but with GP, I have serious issues with most meats. Any advice at all?

[wendysmiling]

Domp question answered in PM. For nausea small liquid meals. Fennel tea for bloating. Peppermint tea is NOT good for GP, it flares acid reflux. If the nausea is bad I take vistaril or phenergan, but they both make me sleepy.

Originally Posted by Jewels

Wendy, no I have not tried it. Where do you buy it? Is it oversea's or Canada?
Most of all...does it help you?

How long have you had this? Mine has only been dx a couple of years ago.

Can you wear a bra? OMG I can't really go without in public so it sure curtails my activiey after mid afternoon.

What do you do for the nausea? All nausea meds cause RLS too. So as far as meds go, I'm scr*wed.

[Jewels]

Originally Posted by wendysmiling

Domp question answered in PM. For nausea small liquid meals. Fennel tea for bloating. Peppermint tea is NOT good for GP, it flares acid reflux. If the nausea is bad I take vistaril or phenergan, but they both make me sleepy.

Fennel tea? Humm wonder why you can buy that? I do use Ginger tea or crystalized ginger for nausea. I can't take any of the nausea meds because it causes my Restless Leg to kick in.

When I was first dx I had to go on a liquid diet for a week. Didn't make any difference at all. I do think stress plays a big role. Mine comes and goes. I eat 7 small meals a day. I obviously don't have it too bad. I do have GERD, Barretts esophagus, hiatal hernia...My digestive track is just a mess.

[wendysmiling]

Stress is a major trigger for me too. The GERD & barrett's and GP go hand-in-hand for many because the food is too slow to leave. Liquid depends on how bad your gut is. If it didn't make a diffrence your gut must have been flared pretty bad at the time. Some people don't get relief even if they just have water. It also depends on type of liquid. Boost and ensure make a lot of people feel bad. But if you can eat, yay! You just want to feel better I know. Maybe this will help...

Gastroparesis Diet for Delayed Stomach Emptying

Sorry for what you are going through.

Originally Posted by Jewels

Fennel tea? Humm wonder why you can buy that? I do use Ginger tea or crystalized ginger for nausea. I can't take any of the nausea meds because it causes my Restless Leg to kick in.

When I was first dx I had to go on a liquid diet for a week. Didn't make any difference at all. I do think stress plays a big role. Mine comes and goes. I eat 7 small meals a day. I obviously don't have it too bad. I do have GERD, Barretts esophagus, hiatal hernia...My digestive track is just a mess.

[Jewels]

I'm actually doing ok most of the time if I eat right. I have my spells. That site you posted is one of the best sites I've found. It's been my mainstay for info. Excellent. Thank you.
back!

[falcongirl100]

My biggest symptom is vomiting. Constantly. The only things I can handle are starches. And grilled chicken. Pasta occasionally. Vegetables rarely stay down. If I cook them until they are absolutely squishy and then put them in the food processor they may or may not stay down. The only time things come back up is after dinner. Breakfast and lunch almost always empty, but dinners are an issue.