Digestive issue.

[Cassiecat]

Hi all, have had sjogren's since 2012 but been managing okay. It's now going through my body and causing digestive problems. Food is taking longer to pass through the system, probably dryness, and causing bloating etc. Would welcome any suggestions to make it easier to manage. Cheers Cassiecat

[Kareela]

I suggest you see a gastroenterologist for a professional opinion and help but maybe try a little psyllium husk in water which forms a gel and helps lubricate the digestive tract. Start with half a teaspoonful and increase gradually so it doesn't lubricate too much. Psyllium husk is cheap and available in most supermarkets. I have used it and it helped when I had similar problems. Also drink lots of water.

[Cassiecat in reply to Kareela]

Hi, due to sjogren's in digestive system have gastroparesis which is slow emptying of stomach so your suggestion of psyllium husk in water interests me as have been looking up way to counteract the dryness from sjogren's without causing more issues. Thanks very much, so with that, small meals of low fibre and soft foods, and after seeing the dietician about making sure getting enough nutrients life should be somewhat easier. Cheers 😺

[OldTed60 in reply to Cassiecat]

I don’t think any type of husk or fibre is advisable with gastroparesis - this made me very unwell. I can only eat tiny low fodmap meals and a nutritional supplement drink which I add instead of milk to decaf coffee and tea with a prokenetic, Domperidone and 2 non-fibrous laxatives daily.

Most of what I consume is liquid form eg fresh banana milkshakes with peanut powder added, clear soups, sweet potato fries with a small omelette etc. Also you can liquidise spinach and puree root veg as suits your tastes. But avoid spice and all foods that don’t break down easily in your gut such as chewey red meats, wholemeal breads, potato skins, salads etc if you have gastroparesis. Also you may want to be very careful with gluten, dairy and sugars as could be intolerant to these or have SIBO.

[Cassiecat in reply to OldTed60]

Hi, thinking about it realised taking the husks wouldn't work for me although sounded easy way to moisten digestive system. The low fibre, soft foods approach works and include smoothies and health shake. Have list of best foods for gastroparesis and am waiting on appt to dietitian to get nutrients correct and help with meal plan. Since first diagnosed with sjogren's have had to stay away from anything spicy and found lactose free milk is easy on my stomach. To me it seems diet is the key for everyone with gastroparesis and other options work for some but not all. At least there's information available as it's not an unknown issue. Thanks for your help and all the best. 😺

[OldTed60 in reply to Cassiecat]

It depends how severe your gastroparesis is. Some get it too badly to be able to manage with diet alone as all food comes back up. I have so far managed mine just well enough to avoid feeding tubes and I rarely vomit but I do have to take powerful laxatives and self irrigate daily. I’m waiting for stoma surgery now. However each sufferer has this differently and to different degrees.. I don’t think Sjogrens is main cause of mine - I think it’s my Systemic Sclerosis - which is even more associated. Good luck to you with dietician. I do hope it continues to be manageable as mine mostly has.

[Cassiecat in reply to OldTed60]

Hope all goes well and admire the way you look at your issues. Have read up on it and at the moment am able to eat soft foods, well chewed and liquids. It's all a matter of doing the best you can with what going on. All the best and take care. 😺

[Love2fish2]

I have been using Kefir for about a year and it really helps. I’ve also been diagnosed since 2012. A good probiotic really helps.

[Cassiecat in reply to Love2fish2]

Hi, seems I have gastroparesis, slow emptying of stomach which can happen with sjogren's as it dries digestive system. To manage symptoms , 6 small meals daily and low fibre and soft food diet is needed to not load the stomach and for easier digestion. Main issue is make sure you get enough nutrients so have appt with dietitian. It does help and was surprised how many people have the issue with other conditions. Thanks for your advice about probiotic. 😺