Gastroperesis + IBS C- thoughts

[jr188]

Hello !

My name is Jess and I have been dealing with Gastroperesis for over 25 years. I am SOOOO tired of it! I constantly get a distended bloated stomach, some from gas and some from the slow digestion and not be able to go. I also have IBS-C ( constipation) so this makes matters worse.

I take Linzess but not even sure that works much anymore, and the one thing that helps is Senna ( a natural laxative), but the fullness after eating just a bit, bloating, and constipation is driving me a bit nuts. I just get so very sick of it all.

My GI specialist suggested Milk of Magnesia every other weekend for a clean out, which may help the constipation some. Any suggestion for more regularity, or what you do for meals with gastroperesis. My GI also suggested smoothies. I need to try something.

thank you.

[Luisa22]

Has your doctor tried you on Metoclopramide?

Probably, but I thought I'd ask.

That is used to help to get the digestive system moving, and also helps with normal stomach emptying.:

en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Metoc...

[dogandbone in reply to Luisa22]

Hello Jess I have suffered with Constipation since I was a child some GP’s call it lazy bowel., slow bowel or IBS C. I have tried every diet I can think of. The best for me is linseed gold which you can get from Health Food Shops or on line. Start with a teaspoon twice a day and increase according to the result. I take 2 tablespoons am and with last meal of the day either mixed into shredded wheat or yoghurt, soup anything really and drink a glass of water each time. This helps to bulk up the food. Do not crush or grind as the idea is to form more bulk to push through, My Colonoscopy guy told me this trick years ago it works for me (the only thing that does). I limit the amount of meat and fish in my diet as this is slow to digest. It won’t harm you but you need to experiment and see how much you need to get a result!

Good Luck

Eunice

[jr188 in reply to Luisa22]

Hi, No. I haven't heard of it, so I will research it. I will ask my GI. I appreciate your response, thank you!

[wendyjudyjohnpeter]

Hello, I have had constipation since I was a kid, I have tried many things over the years and some of them made inside my bowels brown (should be pink) when doing a colonoscopy. What I have been doing for maybe five years or so is taking Magnesium pills at night, either before bed or at supper. I was taking Magnesium Citrate but now take citrate and Oxcide as someone told me it worked better. I also use a stool when I go to the bathroom and sit in the squatting position that is apparently the best way to open up. I also have IBS and it has been getting bad since November so now I am trying to follow the Low Fodmap diet. I am waiting for a Gastroenterologist appointment so hoping to get some good direction, I also Have booked a naturopath appointment and I am waiting for it. Between the two doctors I am hoping for something positive to happen.

[jr188 in reply to wendyjudyjohnpeter]

Thanks Wendy, I have the "squatty potty" so, what you are talking about. It gets quite tiring at times having this conditio. I hear you with Magnesium, my GI suggest Milk of Magnesia when I am really needing to be "cleaned out". It works but it is harsh on my stomach. I have to look up the Foodmap diet, i avoid things that are high in fiber as it makes it worse. Best wishes to you too!

[Hennen]

hi, ask your doctor about domperidone - also known as Motillium. I was prescribed it for IBS-C and it doesn’t help me that much, but it is specifically for gastroperises.

[jr188 in reply to Hennen]

I think that is hard to get here in the US. I have to read more about it. I appreciate your help!

[Skyline4 in reply to Hennen]

Domperidone helped me ….just a half of 10mg tab but gastro advised me to stop as it can affect heart function. I have a healthy heart and didn’t even take it daily at the time but I decided I didn’t want to add to my difficulties. Shame, as I am yet to find something to help as much.

Actually I am now using one mebeverine (almost) daily with some improvement but side effect of increased neuropathy in teeth and gums - another problem I have. Without any med I have terrible bloating, pain and indigestion under my ribs which he said is the result of constipation. I try to eat low fodmap but it is so difficult to eat anything with such discomfort. Gaviscon gives a bit of emergency help but certainly not the answer

I have also started on probiotics and milled flax seed and will be seeing (another) gastro this week following SIBO breath tests I had some weeks back. I reckon the whole thing is an absolute minefield. This started 7 years ago and the symptoms steadily worsened whatever efforts I make. I have also been told by different medics that I have/have not got a hiatus hernia.

This group does help me as it shows how complex our issues are and I conclude it’s all trial and error for me and I reckon on a good 2/3 months on a new med before deciding if it’s appropriate/ worth the bother but of course things then change, don’t they? I wonder why anyone would want to be a gastroenterologist!

[Hennen]

maybe they discontinued it? It’s a very old drug apparently. I did have to go for an EKG before he would prescribe it. Maybe there is something similar available in the U.S.? I am in Canada.

[Health650]

My digestion and bowels were always normal until the last year when I developed small fibre neuropathy which among other things has slowed my digestion and I cannot go to the toilet without help. Many people that have your condition limit their fibre and are on low residue diets...I dont know if you are on this type of diet.

In my case I do the following to help keep me moving...

Laxido/movicol to add water, I also take an online product which contains natural compounds and a very small amount of senna.

Keep meals smallish and light and regular spaced....no rice or pasta, only small amounts of bread ( avoid things that will bung you up), small portions of white meat and fish....At lunch time its home made soup all made with fresh veg...its warm, smooth and liquid based ....easy to digest.I do eat a proper breakfast and evening meal but this mainly liquid lunch lightens the amount my body has to digest and it is full of nutrients.

I drink warm water....keeps gut moving and I take a flask to bed and drink some during the night.....it is amazing that this makes any difference but it does.

People say eat prunes ...this doesnt help me but prunes put in a blender with boiling water makes a thick viscous pulp which is not pleasant but this really does help you go.

Coffee after evening meal seems to make a difference.

If you can unclog yourself and then find a way of maintaining your digestion ( which does require constancy ....and will power), you will be more comfortable and less stressed.

I understand your struggle because I belong to a group and a number of them have your condition as part of their small fibre neuropathy.

My advice would be empty yourself out if you can and then try and keep moving ....in whatever way helps you but dont overload your system with anything heavy all at once.Good luck.