Gastroparesis

Does anyone out there have gastroparesis? I have been suffering from it for 2 years. I am taking a prescription from Canada called Domperidone and it has helped a little but its effectiveness seems to be wearing off. Is there something else out there that helps. I am quite sick right now.
Thanks

[MaraKate]

Ask your Dr. about Reglan. That's what I take for my gastroparesis and that's a pretty common drug for gastroperesis here in the states. Also, if you find no relief from meds look into a gastric stimulator implant. It's surgery, but it helps. I got one put in this past summer. It sends a shock to your stomach every 3-4 seconds so your stomach is stimulated and empties food. It really helps with the nausea. For information about this implant go to this link: http://www.medtronic.com/your-health/gastroparesis/device/index.htm . Good luck.

[gnorb]

With GP, what helps is highly dependent on the reason for the condition, so take any advice with a grain of salt. Figuratively.

I highly recommend an herb called shatavari, which mimics many of the effects of domperidone. Note that this is something you should keep in mind IF you decide to get off of the Domperidone, since they shouldn't be taken simultaneously.

Acupuncture has been show to help improve the symptoms of the condition, so you'll want to investigate that route. In fact, the points used for gastric stimulation were derived from points used by acupuncturists for conditions such as dyspepsia.

You may want to see about supplementing with Alpha Lipoic Acid, which helps in nerve recovery. However, if your condition is due to a muscle disorder then this won't help you any.

Finally, there are herbal options you might wish to explore, like Segeratax (sp?) and Gastrotab. I've read good results from these, but I have no personal experience with these.

These are just a few suggestions. You may want to sign up for the Yahoo Gastroparesis group (groups.yahoo.com).

Good luck.

[pattiw4]

I am alternating between erythromycin and domperidone every 6 months.  Plus I am on Zofran for the nausea.   Just ordered the domperidone from Canada so we will see how that works.  Patti