topic Re: Gastroparesis in Wellness

Gastroparesis

LilacTree — Tue, 29 Sep 2015 17:15:38 GMT

Does anyone here have gastroparesis or know of anyone who has it? TIA

Re: Gastroparesis

Abrowneyegirl — Tue, 29 Sep 2015 17:23:17 GMT

Is this the diagnosis de Jour?

I know 3 people who were dx with this is the last few weeks! Yet they all very different explanations of how this dx was determined???

I do not have a lot to add other than you should find a competent dietitian and GI specialist for your medical care team.

Re: Gastroparesis

LilacTree — Tue, 29 Sep 2015 17:52:03 GMT

I've had it for quite some time but the endoscopy I had a few weeks ago diagnosed it. I have had the symptoms but just didn't know what it was. I had no idea what was causing my stomach issues, I thought it was just age and another condition which has not changed.

My gastro doc appt is not until the end of October and I guess we'll go over it. So far, since I received the results, I have had to throw practically everything I had in my refrigerator out or give it away because it's all stuff I'm not supposed to eat. No red meat, no fresh vegetables, no fresh fruit or anything with pulp, skins, or fiber. The meat doesn't bother me because I don't eat it anyway. I have a whole new diet and am supposed to divide it up into six small meals a day.

I've been researching for several days now and am blown away by how sick some people are from this condition. Who knew?

Re: Gastroparesis

Waterwoman — Tue, 29 Sep 2015 18:41:14 GMT

There are many type 2 diabetics who have gastroparesis. If you go to one of them, you could probably get another perspective as to how to handle it. Or you could google diabetes and gastroparesis. Best wishes!

www.diabetesdaily.com

www.diabetesforum.com

Re: Gastroparesis

Montana — Wed, 30 Sep 2015 01:08:17 GMT

@LilacTree, there are several youtube videos by people coping with gastroparesis. Perhaps they might be helpful.

Re: Gastroparesis

LilacTree — Wed, 30 Sep 2015 15:13:23 GMT

@Waterwoman wrote:
There are many type 2 diabetics who have gastroparesis. If you go to one of them, you could probably get another perspective as to how to handle it. Or you could google diabetes and gastroparesis. Best wishes!

www.diabetesdaily.com
www.diabetesforum.com

I googled for two straight days and printed out much of it.

I will check out Youtube though, even though I do not have diabetes. Thank you!

Re: Gastroparesis

LilacTree — Wed, 30 Sep 2015 15:14:23 GMT

@Montana wrote:
@LilacTree, there are several youtube videos by people coping with gastroparesis. Perhaps they might be helpful.

I will check this out. Thank you!

Re: Gastroparesis

RedTop — Wed, 30 Sep 2015 17:39:45 GMT

I am very sorry to hear that you have been diagnosed with this issue. Sadly, my dads sister had this problem, and suffered with it for many years with no relief. However, she also had irritable bowel and chronic diverticulitis, and in hindsight I don't think she was ever treated properly. Diabetes was not part of her health problems. She was treated by the same top notch internal medicine physician for years, and different treatments worked for awhile, but her combination of issues worked against each other, and made her life difficult. Her diet was high fiber; dark brown bread several times a day, lots of vegetables and fruit, and she was always cooking a pot of beans. I have witnessed my aunt vomit more than what is even imaginable for one human being. Hoping you get encouraging news as far as treatment options.

Re: Gastroparesis

LilacTree — Wed, 30 Sep 2015 18:43:13 GMT

@RedTop wrote:
I am very sorry to hear that you have been diagnosed with this issue. Sadly, my dads sister had this problem, and suffered with it for many years with no relief. However, she also had irritable bowel and chronic diverticulitis, and in hindsight I don't think she was ever treated properly. Diabetes was not part of her health problems. She was treated by the same top notch internal medicine physician for years, and different treatments worked for awhile, but her combination of issues worked against each other, and made her life difficult. Her diet was high fiber; dark brown bread several times a day, lots of vegetables and fruit, and she was always cooking a pot of beans. I have witnessed my aunt vomit more than what is even imaginable for one human being. Hoping you get encouraging news as far as treatment options.

Thank you so much, RedTop. Of all the issues I have, this one has really thrown me. I have realized for a long time that something was very wrong with me, but kept attributing it to aging and my GERD, gastritis, IBS and lactose intolerance getting worse. I also had chronic diverticulitis but finally had that part of my colon removed and at least that disease was cured. Now I'm wondering if that surgery caused the gastroparesis to start. I guess one could say my digestive system leaves a lot to be desired!

I haven't seen my gastro doc since he performed the endoscopy and kissed me on the cheek. My appt is not until November 3. I have started the new diet on my own after two solid days of researching. I am reading that many docs do not know what to do about this. Par for the course for my ailments!!

Thanks again!

Re: Gastroparesis

LilacTree — Wed, 30 Sep 2015 19:22:43 GMT

RedTop, I had to leave my computer because of a hurry call, no guesses why.

I wanted to ask more about your father's sister. I am assuming she is gone since you used past tense in your response. I also wanted to say that I don't throw up, although I am often nauseous. And I am not diabetic either. If she has passed, please accept my sincere condolences.

My new diet is the exact opposite of hers. I am supposed to eat no fiber, no fruits or vegetables (or meats which I don't eat anyway). I will have to liquefy most of my food in a blender and the thing I don't like about it is that these are mostly prepared carbs which are not good for my other conditions, so I'm kinda in a Catch 22. I will eat every three hours at 9, 12, 3 and 6. There is no way I can eat six meals a day. These meals will all be very small. As much as I bloat up, my stomach capacity is actually very small. I'm hopeful I will see less bloat at the end of each day. One day at a time I guess.

Thank you again for your kind and understanding response.

Re: Gastroparesis

RedTop — Wed, 30 Sep 2015 21:29:05 GMT

Yes, LilacTree, my aunt did pass away many years ago. Thank you very much for your condolences. Her internal med doctor knew his stuff, and I'm sure he helped my aunt more than we ever realized. As far back as I can remember, she suffered with nausea and vomiting, stomach issues, bowel issues, etc., but she, nor the family realized the permanence, and chronic level of her problems. There were many years of her not adhering to the proper diet, so when she would get really sick and wind up in the ER, again, our first thoughts were that she ate something she wasn't supposed to. That side of my family history carries stomach cancer, colon cancer, and many bowel issues, so her issues seemed to follow right along with what we'd seen with other family members. My aunt actually vomited so hard once, she tore a hole in her intestine. Luckily she was already in the hospital at the time, so that she was able to get a prompt diagnosis and appropriate treatment. My aunt died in her late 70's, from a blood cancer.

Re: Gastroparesis

LilacTree — Thu, 01 Oct 2015 14:44:47 GMT

@RedTop wrote:
Yes, LilacTree, my aunt did pass away many years ago. Thank you very much for your condolences. Her internal med doctor knew his stuff, and I'm sure he helped my aunt more than we ever realized. As far back as I can remember, she suffered with nausea and vomiting, stomach issues, bowel issues, etc., but she, nor the family realized the permanence, and chronic level of her problems. There were many years of her not adhering to the proper diet, so when she would get really sick and wind up in the ER, again, our first thoughts were that she ate something she wasn't supposed to. That side of my family history carries stomach cancer, colon cancer, and many bowel issues, so her issues seemed to follow right along with what we'd seen with other family members. My aunt actually vomited so hard once, she tore a hole in her intestine. Luckily she was already in the hospital at the time, so that she was able to get a prompt diagnosis and appropriate treatment. My aunt died in her late 70's, from a blood cancer.

How sad. I am in my late 70s now and don't have much of a life because I never feel well. The stomach issues accompany rheumatoid arthritis, spinal compressions due to osteoporosis, Sjogren's disease, chronic UTIs, and a lot of pain and daily symptoms from all of this. I haven't experienced a day without pain in almost 12 years, I really don't know what that would feel like! It gets tedious.

OK, I know, boo hoo . . . I am still alive and consider myself lucky to have lived this long. Very few individuals get to have a long life and still be healthy.

Re: Gastroparesis

Gooday — Thu, 01 Oct 2015 15:15:58 GMT

I read up on this and the eating plan. It actually looks like a great lifestyle eating plan..unless you have issues with diabetes. DH developed diabetes due to his 3 anti rejection medicines. The nutritionist recommended eating smaller meals more often.