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Gastroenterology (Expert Forum)
delayed gastric emptying
This forum is for questions regarding Gastroenterology issues such as Acid Reflux (GERD), Barretts Esophagus, Colitis, Colon/Bowel Disorders, Crohn's Disease, Diverticulitis/ Diverticulosis, Digestive Disorders, IBS, Stomach Pain.
delayed gastric emptying
by dog house, Nov 27, 2002 12:00AM
I was just diagonised with "grossly abnormal" gastric emptying and was put on medication. I was just wondering if there are any surgical procedures to help with this. I'm female, 28, not diabetic, and otherwise healthy...exercise and all that good stuff.
There is no surgery per se to get rid of this condition. Some people who have a severe form end up with feeding tubes to obtain nutrition, most manage without them. There is something called a gastic pacemaker, it stimulates the muscles in the stomach to contract, just like the cardiac pacemaker. Most people end up with a combination of medications to help control the symptoms; a proton pump inhibitor, since many end up with too much acid in the stomach from delayed emtpying, a pro-kinetic, something to stimulate the stomach, and often something for constipation if the whole digestive system is slow, very common. Also, if you have a lot of nausea, a nausea med such as zofran, which is non sedating.
When I got my diagnosis, I started searching the web, and found a wonderful online support group through yahoo, for gastroparesis, (the technical name). I got a lot of information and support. It is a weird and crappy disease to have. The sooner you get a handle on it, the better. I would also find a specialist that handles stomach motility disorders.
Also of importance, following the dietary guidelines, which essentially restrict the intake of foods that the stomach has trouble breaking down, such as fibers, especially raw fruits and veggies, anything with skin or seeds, whole grains, beans, and red meat. Also anything high in fat, as that delays stomach emptying.
There is another procedure, a botox injection into the pylorus of the stomach. It paralyzes the stomach into a more open position, thus allowing food to pass through more readily. That is done by endoscopic procedure. As you can see, there is a lot of information, and many different types of treatment, that can help a lot. Seach the web, especially the yahoo groups site, they guided me through everything. Let me know if you have any questions.
Reglan is what I take for nausea which is called Maxolon in Australia, and does make me feel tired and a little light headed and would love to try Domperidone which I believe has little side effects. I am making an appointment to see my Doctor tomorrow and will find out if Domperidone is available in Australia. If it is in New Zealand our next door neighbours, I guess it would be in Aust.
Drinking too much fluid like in hot weather especially Diet Coke and Pepsi is not good for me either. Strangely with me, nothing really specific in the way of food will always set me off, but most of the time it is the "good" food that will.
My husband say's, how the hell can a peice of lean meat, a nice salad and fresh fruit make me feel ill, but it does terribly sometimes?????. Fresh bread appears to set me off sometimes, where toast, which I eat frequently is always fine.
My goal is to get an handle on this!!!!!!!.
Regards
Dianne.
Please Feel free to e-mail me..
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I am wondering what irreversible side effects you have from the Reglan? That is scary.
I took Reglan too. It made me dizzy, so I began to take it less frequently. I never thought it worked very well.
Last month my doctor gave me something new (on the U.S.market) to try. Zelnorm, 6mg. He said to take it up to 2x's day (30 mins before meals) if I'm having bad symptoms. 1x's day if I'm a little better & not at all if not symptomatic. It comes in 2mg or 6mg strength. WOW!!! What a difference!
I'm not really sure why this is working so well for me, or what in the heck is in it - but it has made a BIG difference in the way I feel. It's not like a laxative (in one end & out the other). It actually MOVES things along your digestive system, allowing for digestion. I can hear it churning & squishing & rumbling & rushing through. I never thought it could feel soo goood to pass gas. (Oh-no, I'm beginning to sound like my hubby! Eew!) I honestly will not take this pill unless I KNOW I won't be embarrassed by it's effects. You can hear the noise from my stomach in the next room!
When I took Reglan, I really didn't notice that my digestive system was working any faster. I did notice that I had the urge to go to the bathroom more. "The urge" - not that I was able to always go. Since Zelnorm, I am able to go more often. When I go, it is complete and provides relief.
Perhaps this will help for you too. Good luck & feel better!
That bowtox injection sounds interesting. I have a follow up app. in january and I think it will be interesting to see what he says about how long I'll have to take the meds.
As for today, I think my thanksgiving meal will hold me over for 3 days :)
I also take Zelnorm, but the manufacturer directions call for it to be taken an hour before meals, or 2-3 hours after a meal. Food interferes with it's absorption. It is made for constipation, but for some it stimulates the entire gut. Kind of like the kitchen sink, if you remove on part of the blockage, the rest is sure to work better.
As for the "healthy" meal of lean meat, salad and fruit, that's probably about the worst thing for people like us. It's healthy for a person with normal digestion, for us it spells disaster. sad but true. As for fresh bread, my doctor also told me to avoid "doughy" breads, which may explain why you do better with toast. i know I do, and that's probably why pizza is so bad for me, and bagels just sit like a rock in my gut.
Anyone in the US calling New Zealand, bear in mind the time difference. I usually call late afternoon, early evening. I have used them for awhile, and know many others that do too, and have never had a problem. In many parts of the world, it doesn't even require a prescription. You don't need a script to order it over the phone either. They also carry propulsid, for those who have taken that in the past.
I just started my domperdone two days ago so I can't really report on it but even though it's not FDA approved, I'd rather take that then reglan.
Good luck to all.
Jo
Well anyway,I have been on Reglan for well over a year..It is the only medicine,that relieves some of my agony.
I have developed Restless Leg Syndrome,and muscle myopathy (sp?) My neurologist implies that if I continue to use this medicine,it will only get worse,and I would end up in a wheel chair.I went off of it,an within a few days,I was in so much pain,I went back on it..I know I am doing wrong by continuing with this medicine,butI am stuck between a rock and a hard place..I am hoping to try a new med,posted here in this thread.We will see,and I will keep you posted..