Nausea when hungry

[Rotten Tummy]

Hi,

For about the past 4 years, I have suffered from nausea when my stomach is empty to the point I cannot eat because of feeling sick, and basically wait until I feel better which can be several hours.

Although I have always suffered from gastric reflux, mild abdominal pain and bloating, my symptoms of nausea are getting worse. I generally wake up with mild nausea and cannot stomach breakfast, although my stomach should be empty, I often feel bloated and belch quite a lot. Belching for some reason, reduces the nauseous feeling a little.

By lunch time, I usually feel well enough to eat, and around 4.00pm in the afetrnoon, I begin to feel what I describe is a kind of "hollow" hungry feeling in my stomach which quickly leads to nausea which is quite severe at times. Returning home from work although still feeling sick, forcing down some dinner, relieves my nausea until around 10.00pm which often prevents me sleeping, and feel like I am about to throw up when I lay down in bed. Sitting up, I feel better.

I wondered if anyone else suffers anything like this or knows what it may be. I have had numerous tests over the years, but nothing seems to show up and medication I have been prescribed has little effect except for Metoclopramide (Reglan) to ease the nausea. I only take Reglan as a last resort, because of the side effects, and need to get to the bottom of my Rotten Tummy.

I am female aged 42 and generally a healthy person, and hope someone may shed some light on this for me.

Regards
Chantelle

[4gpact]

This sounds very much like gastroparesis, or delayed stomach emptying. There is a test called a gastric emptying scan, where you eat a small meal, and they take x rays as it progresses through your digestive system. This test will tell you whether or not you have this condition. It is non invasive. The fact that you said reglan helped it really clinched it; there is a much better medication called domperidone that you can take. It is not sold in the US, but can be obtained from a pharmacy from Canada, Mexico or other parts of the world. I take it for this condition, and get it from a pharmacy in New Zealand, which I have found to be the least expensive. It is manufactured by a major drug company under the brand name Motilium. It is sold over the counter in many countries, including England. The company elected not to market it here in the US for a number of reasons, but that should NOT be interpreted to mean that it is not a safe drug. It has been around for about 40 years, and because it does not cross the blood/brain barrier like reglan, it does not have its side effects. It helps stimulate stomach contractions and helps the stomach to empty. I found out about this medication from an motility specialist from U of M Hospital, and also from a specialist at the Cleveland Clinic. There are other things you can do to manage this, and you might try to see if it works. Try eating a low-fat, low fiber diet. This means avoiding red meat, fresh fruits and veggies, whole grains, nuts, or anything with a seed or skin. That is because when your stomach is not working properly, these foods are mechanically hard to digest. So, you will find yourself eating more carbs, like breads, pastas, rice, etc, which are easier to digest. I know it doesn't sound healthy, but better than being nauseated all the time. Fats slow down the stomach, so those should also be limited. Eat small amounts. Try sleeping in an inclined position, even if it means sleeping on a sofa or recliner for a few nights. The results should give you some clues. Do a web search on the disease and the medication I mentioned. Then talk to your doctor so that you are well armed with information. It is considered an uncommon disorder, but I believe it is much more common than thought, simply misdiagnosed.
Good luck.

[picky_tummy]

I agree that this does sound like gastroparesis and I reccommend
you see a gastroenterologist to get a proper workup - I also had the gastric emptying study and was diagnosed with gastroparesis in November of 2002 after months of up and down nausea and bloating feeling.  I am now taking Domperidone and it appears to be working well.  However, this medication IS available in the U.S. although it may be in limited areas.  And I could not get it through my usual pharmacy but instead the pharmacy I do get it through has to mix it.  I am in Kansas.

[4gpact]

I order my domperidone from a pharmacy in New Zealand, it is the original brand name, and comes in a sealed package. It is by far the cheapest way to order it. Their toll free number is 1-877-271-6591. Just remember they are about 20 hours ahead of EST in the US. I think last time I ordered, I got 1200 pills for about $150, including shipping. No script is needed. They also carry propulsid in case you know anyone that needs it, also available without a script and by the original manufacturer.

[ashutosh_bt]

A related discussion, utuuopuou was started.