Gastroparesis

[Oscar091]

Hi I’ve now been diagnosed with gastroparesis. I’ve been sick for 2 years now and only just had the diagnosis. My symptoms are pain terrible bloating and nausea. The symptoms can be similar to Ibs . I had to have a gastric emptying scan. Is anyone else been diagnosed with gastroparesis? Amby

[Rossan]

Hi Oscar,

I'm afraid I've never even heard of gastroparesis. How did the doctor's know it wasn't IBS? or was this gastric emptying scan just part of the investigation to rule out other causes?

I hope you'll get effective treatment now you have a diagnosis. Do you think some of the dietary tips for IBS etc here will help with your bloating & pain?

Personally, I find peppermint oil capsules really helpful for bloating.

best wishes!

[siouxbee19]

Yes, I was recently diagnosed as well.

I was diagnosed with microscopic colitis in 1999, and subsequent IBS-D later on. Since the symptoms often mimic each condition, I'm not sure how long I've had GP.

I just know I've suffered with GI symptoms for a very long time with not much help from any of the 10 GI doctors I've seen. It was my PCP that helped me the most.

I am on a low residue diet, it has helped somewhat, it's just a little hard to adjust your habits, i.e. instead of eating a "normal" sized meal, it's 4 or 5 very small ones with maybe a couple of snacks like 2 saltines, or a yogurt, etc... spaced every two hours.

Wishing you the best in your journey...🕊️

[Suecoo66 in reply to siouxbee19]

What causes GP? I've never heard of it either. It makes you wonder how many other could have it but instead have been labelled as having IBS, especially now many Dr's don't even do tests and instead just use what they call the Rome criteria.

[siouxbee19 in reply to Suecoo66]

Here's a good link that explains it. mayoclinic.org/diseases-con...

Are you talking about the Rome criteria for IBS?

[Suecoo66 in reply to siouxbee19]

Yes sorry, had a typo

[siouxbee19 in reply to Suecoo66]

Thank you!

[ks1966 in reply to siouxbee19]

Hello. What’s PCP?

[siouxbee19 in reply to ks1966]

I'm sorry, that's abbreviated for Primary Care Physician. :O)

[ks1966 in reply to siouxbee19]

Thank you👍

[Suecoo66]

Just found this on the NHS site

Gastroparesis is a long-term (chronic) condition where the stomach cannot empty in the normal way. Food passes through the stomach slower than usual.

It's thought to be the result of a problem with the nerves and muscles that control how the stomach empties.

If these nerves are damaged, the muscles of your stomach may not work properly and the movement of food can slow down.

[Fuchsia7]

Hi. I sorry to hear you have gastroparesis. I worked as a Consultant Nurse in Diabetes for many years, and GP can be a long term complication of diabetes. It's more common in women. In Diabetes it is due to damage to the nerves that control how the stomach empties into the duodenum. It can be very debilitating condition, but there are some very effective treatments available. Although diabetes is a major cause of GP there are other conditions and drugs that can cause it. The treatment will be decided upon dependent on what the underlying cause is.

[Oscar091]

Thank you for replying. Yes it’s definitely debilitating. I just hope the Botox injections work x Amber

[jbradshaw1]

I am hoping, with a diagnosis, they will now find something that works and helps. Not knowing is the worst!

[b1b1b1]

There are now doctors who specialize in the treatment of gastropariesis. Try to find one of them.