Digestive Problems.

[DaisyTurtle]

I was diagnosed with Parkinson's in July 2012. I've been experiencing chronic upper abdominal (stomach) swelling and discomfort in my upper left side since late 2011. More recently I'm constantly nauseous and feel as if a tight band is wrapped around my waist with a feeling of pressure from my waist upwards. My abdomen is popping, bubbling and extrememly uncomfortable. I eat little and often because my stomach fills so quickly, my appetite is ok, I eat relatively healthy food and walk every day and don't have any 'issues' with bowels. I was diagnosed with and, treated for Gastritis 1.5 years ago after an unexpained 22 kg weight loss and have had several other procedures to try to find the cause, with no result. I'm becoming more reluctant to keep 'annoying' my GP. I recently read that Gastroparesis is associated with Parkinson's and wondered if anyone has heard of or experienced this and can be of any help. Thank you

[nodrog]

I have had the same problem, even had gastritis years ago. I was also having gastric reflux and then my esophagus would go into a spasm which was very painful.

My GP prescribed Motilium for the nausea, one tablet 3 times a day or when needed. It makes the stomach empty more quickly. Plus I also take Somac, one tablet morning and night. These 2 have made a huge difference! Have you been told that it is not a good idea to take Maxalon or Stemetil when you have Parkinsons. There are also tablets that reduce the amount of acid in your stomach too.

Definitely talk it over with either your GP or your neurologist because there are certainly medications that can help you. Life is hard enough having Parkinson's and you don't need to suffer with gastric problems too. Good luck! Anne

[DaisyTurtle in reply to nodrog]

Hi Anne,

thank you for your help. I've got an appointment with my GP on Monday : )

[nodrog in reply to DaisyTurtle]

I also find that it makes everything easier to have my questions for the doctor written down as I can get in there and go blank! And not only questions; anything that you have felt and observed related to your problems. I really hope that this gets under control for you.

All the best.

Anne

[DaisyTurtle in reply to nodrog]

Thank you Anne. Much appreciated.

Good wishes to you. Pat.

[Hikoi]

Yes i have too Daisy Turtle and like nodrog Motilium helped. I dont have it constantly so take Motilium when I need it not all the time. Like you I self diagnosed from researching. I dont have constipation either, i think it is trapped air and slow gut motility.

What i have found is that mostly the Parkinson meds help, when dopamine levels are low (when my meds wear off) the bloating and discomfort can return because the muscles of the gut are not working. You may need to adjust your medication.

Recently I was on an anticholinergic and this made it much worse. I had all the investigations including gastroscopy to see what was wrong. As soon as as I stopped the med (tolteradine) the problem was resolved.

[DaisyTurtle in reply to Hikoi]

Thank you Hikoi. Slow gastric emptying seems to be a symptom of Parkinson's. I hope you are doing ok.

Good wishes to you. Pat.