I am very frustrated and need help soon!!!!!

  I have been diagnosed with gastroparesis and severe acid reflux.
  I am 21 years old and am extremely frustrated.  I have had
  symptoms for almost 2 years and have undergone approximately
  10 tests. I just found out in August that I have gastroparesis.  
  It takes my stomach 487 minutes (8 hours) instead of the normal
  90 minutes.Since July I have been in the ER 6 times to be
  rehydrated.  My doctor started me on Reglan(pill) 10mg 4 times
  a day.  That did not work.  Then I tried Propulsid 10mg 4 times
  a day.  That did not work.  Then I tried Domperidone 10mg 4 times
  a day.  That did not work.  I went back to the doctor and got an
  IV with reglan in it I then took the test again and and it worked
  it only took 150 minutes.  So I had to give myself a shot of Reglan
  5mg 4 times a day.  By the end of 2 weeks, the medicine made me
  so depressed that I tried to kill myself.  Luckily my family was
  near by.  While I was on the shots I was completely out of my mind
  and still constantly bloated. I was unable to work or do anything.
  I was very disfunctional.  I stopped taking the shots because I
  felt so insane that I rather be sick all the time than kill myself.
  The doctor then had me try liquid reglan 5mg 4 times a day.  It
  seemed to help but after 2 weeks I was feeling the side effects
  once again I stopped not being able to handle the medicine. And this
  is where I'm at today.  The doctor said the next step was to put a
  tube into my stomach and feed myself ensure.  He said the main side
  effect would be losing weight.  I can't afford to lose anymore weight,
  I'm 5'6" and my weight has went from 130 to 120.  I really don't
  feel comfortable with the tube and wondering if there is anything
  else I could try.  I have always been in decent health and have always
  watched my diet.  I can't figure out what caused it.  I am very
  frustrated and have pretty much figured that I'm never going to get
  better.  I hardly eat anything and I'm always bloated, constant chest
  pains, can't eat with out getting nausea. I get dizzy spells frequently
  and I think it's from malnutrition.  I've been taking vitamins now,
  and aloe vera and papaya.  I am not on any medication besides for
  Prilosec which seems to help.  I need help fast I am very tired of
  being sick and bloated.  I've even been tested for food allergies.
  I'm in tears now asking for help.  My parents live in OHIO and if you can
  help in any way I would travel the distance.  Any advice would be greatly
  appreciated.
  Thanks,
  Johnna
Dear Johnna,
Gastroparesis is one of the most difficult problems that a gastroenterologist has to deal with. Your case certainly illustrates the frustration and complexity of the problem. The treatment for gastroparesis centers around using a variety of medications that improve gastric emptying and nutritional therapy. Unfortunately, you have tried many of these medications without much success. You may try a higher dose of cisapride (Propulsid) or domperidone. Some physicians will use combination therapy with metaclopramide (Reglan) and cisapride (Propulsid). Erythromycin may also improve gastric emptying. The other aspect of treatment is nutritional therapy. Options include jejunostomy tube feedings or home total parenteral (intravenous) nutrition. Enteral feeding is relatively inexpensive and utilizes the cells lining the intestinal tract to enhance the absorption of nutrients and prevent atrophy of the intestinal lining. Total parenteral nutrition is associated with risks of infection and thrombosis due to the long-term placement of a central line. There are some research centers that are developing and experimenting with electrogastrography and gastric pacemakers, however, these are not yet routinely used for the treatment of patients with gastroparesis. Good luck to you.
This response is being provided for general informational purposes only and should not be considered medical advice or consultation. Always check with your personal physician when you have a question pertaining to your health.
If you want to be seen at our institution please call 1-800-653-6568, our Referring Physicians' Office and make an appointment to see Dr. Muszkat, one of our experts in Gastroenterology.
HFHSM.D.-ym
*Keywords: gastroparesis