Gastroparesis

[betheridge4]

I was recently diagnose with Gastroparesis and I don't have insurance or very much monetary means for Specialist office visits or to even try to afford all the medication to keep me comfortable. I have lost 60 plus pounds since October 2010, I get dehydrated easily due to constant nausea, cant eat due to the nausea. What is one to do? If there is anyone in the same situation as I am could you please help me with any answers or ideas you may have?

[Ashvagp]

Hello,
I am a 26yr old female who was dx with gp in Nov. 10 along with lupus. I have truley been sick for over 10 years but my blood work never shows anything and docs would run the same test over and over and over with the same results. I was always fine and healthy, accused of trying to just get pain pills because of my age. I have no insurance either, however, if you live near a university of some sort that is associated with a hosp. or Med school see if they have a program for uninsured people or go to a religious affiliated hospital. I have been fortunate enough to do that and thank goodness I have had surgery 2xs since June 10 (adhesion removal and J tube (Feeding tube on 5\9\11)). I however, do not have perscription coverage or anyhelp in that way. However, there is always the option to contact the manufactures of particular meds and see if they will send them to you discounted or free of charge.
~~~ Ash~~~

[patient915]

I too have gastroparesis and I have a GJ tube.  I am currently completely fed through my J tube but I am still having lots of problems with nausea.  Let me know if you have any questions.  When I was on domperidone, my dose was 20 mg 4 times a day.

[betheridge4]

Sorry for the delay in responding, I am on 10mg. As of right now I have been admitted into the hospital for the same dehydration/malnourishment that occurs at least every 5 to 6 weeks. And I am also 2 days post-op from having the G and J tubes put in. Pain is strong and nausea is mostly eased up.

Will post more later.

[patient915]

What dose were you on?

[betheridge4]

They say it takes time, I have allergic reactions to the reglan and the medication that works for me is zofran, it really helps to keep the nausea at bay, but w/out insurance it cost over 2000.00 yes two thousand a month. I live in east texas around the tyler area and there is a pharmacy that made the domperidone up in a compound formation and i paid 35.00 for 90 pills, all i have to do for refills is call 1 day in advance.

[mika215]

i just started taking domperidone in february and i an not seeing much results. i get mine from canada for 29.99 for 100 pills.  i took reglan for 2 years and it helped quite a bit but you really are not supposed to be on reglan that long. i started getting tardive diskanesia. it's a shame the one medication that helped by me having this for 9 years and i cannot take it anymore. this chronic condition is so stressful and i don't even understand why i have it. what pharmacy here are you able to get it from?

[patient915]

What dose were you on?

[betheridge4]

Since early january.

[patient915]

It can take weeks to start working and you might need to increase the dose.  How long have you been taking it?

[betheridge4]

I found a Compound Pharmacy that made the domperidone for us, we got it and it hasn't helped me all that much. The one medication for the nausea is Zofran and without insurance it totally out of price range for me to get.

[patient915]

You can try and get domperidone shipped from canada which shouldn't cost very much and works well for gastroparesis.

[betheridge4]

I do not have diabetes, I am a 31 year old father of 5 and all this came on suddenly. I have tried the low fiber, small meals, even went on baby food to no avail. I have even had to start crushing my meds or they would just sit in my stomach and not disolve.

[patient915]

betheridge never mentioned that she had diabetes so I just assumed she didn't.  If she doesn't have diabetes then she doesn't need to worry about ketoacidosis.

[OldFatChick]

You must get some help.  My sister has gastroparesis and now she has been diagnosed with ketoacidosis.  She is going downhill rapidly. You must get your numbers under control!

[patient915]

Welcome to the gastroenterology community!  Have you tried eating a low-fiber low-fat diet?  Also I would recommend eating small meals throughout the day.  You can also try ginger to see if that will help with your nausea.