Re: does gastroparesis ever go away?

Posted By Jamie on June 29, 1999 at 09:51:31
I developed gastroparesis after a week and a half of extreme abdominal pain and a week of fever (of 103 degrees). The fever and pain went away, but I soon discovered that I could hardly eat anything without regurgitating it. Now, whenever I eat I am full after two bites, I am in agony for hours afterwards, and I have terrible acid reflux. This has been going on for 5 months. Propulsid and Reglan helped a little but I had to discontinue both because of their intolerable side effects. I don't have diabetes or anything else that the doctors can find that would explain my condition. They say I have to 'live with it'. I simply cannot. I've already lost 25 lbs and will continue to lose more if this continues. This is so debilitating and I am housebound. Please help. I don't really know what I should do next. I keep hoping that this will go away on its own.... any chance of that? Thanks in advance for anything you can tell me.

[Jeanine__0]

Posted By Jeannine on July 02, 1999 at 17:05:30

Jamie,
Ive had gastroparesis since 2/98 and I am taking Domperidone for it.
This medication is like Propulsid with less side effects. I do have to get
it from Canada it cost around &167.00 a month I take 30mg
3 times a day 1/2hr before "meals".
I found it takes some time to notice the medication working. (3 wks)
I cannot eat normal size meals I mostly drink Ensure w/snacks and
have a healthy dinner sm portions.Eating a low fat diet is very helpfull
and no junk food.If you get sick alot drink gatorade and try mashed
banana this will help keep your potassium up,its very important.The
Ensure helps prevent malnutrition and helps me to not loose any more
weight.I have also found a web site that is for people who are suffering
with gastroparesis and it has lots of good advice and you can e-mail
the person who set it up and share your experience or questions.
If you decide to check it out when you get to the bottom of the first pg
click "what we have learned so far". Addr: www.dailyfutures.com/gastro.html
I have to say I was also told to live with it and so I went to a major teaching
hospital to the head of the Gastro Dept. and I was prescribed the Domperidone
because all the other meds did not help or had side effects.Ask your Dr.
about Domperidone also my Dr. tried Zofran this is for nausea
but it may also help emptying.If you have not gotten a second opinion
it would be worth it!!  I have learned to manage this the best I can
I keep to a routine and stick with the foods that dont make me sick.
You are not alone, hang in there! If you have any questions or just
need a shoulder ***@****. I hope your feeling better soon!
Jeannine










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