Gastroparesis

[Debbie3322]

My sister-in-law developed symptoms of not being able to breath about a year ago.  The doctors diagnosed that her vocal cords were relaxed and were shutting off her breathing.  This problem has finally gotten somewhat better.  She was singing at church, and now she no longer sings.  Now she is having severe nausea all the time, she is losing weight, and she thinks she has gastroparesis.  She is not able at this time to take care of her family.  Also, she thinks there is no cure for this, and that her only recourse is to have a feeding tube.  Can you recommend an expert in this field?  Also, does this sound like a muscular problem, or a vagal problem?  I'm not sure how to help her.

Seriously Concerned

[Jaybay]

That was a great idea to get her husband involved.  I hope he's successful in convincing her to go.  She's not alone in feeling beaten down by the medical system.  That's why so many people turn to the internet!  Any word on how her appointment went today?

[PikaPika88]

Sometime, it could be the bugs in the stomach.  After you get rid of the bugs then the stomach will work beautifully.  My GP told me that and I hope so.

[Debbie3322]

She is afraid and very discouraged.  She went through endoscopy, and she could not be adequately sedated.  It was very traumatic. Not being able to breathe was very traumatic. She is just worn down.  I feel that this was the first sign of things to come.  She has read there is no cure.  She has just found out that she is hypothalmic.  Medication was started 2 months ago.  Her OB-GYN doctor is giving her the medication.  Do you think there is a connection?  Should the thyroid medicine help?  She is going to her general doctor today, and I talked to her husband last night.  I advised him to get her to a gastroenterologist team, and be sure they have the whole story.  

1.  Will thyroid medication help these symptoms.
2.  What are the treatments?
3.  Is this the diagnosis, is this a permanent condition?
4.  Is there a connection to the vocal cord problem?

[Jaybay]

She "thinks" she has gastroparesis?  If that is indeed the problem, there are meds she can take to help.  She doesn't have to be miserable the rest of her life.  She needs to see a gastro doc and get a real diagnosis.  Hope you can convince her to go, and you're very right to be concerned.  Is she just afraid to see a doctor?