Reglan vs Botox

HI,

I was diagnosed with gastroparesis (unknown origin) back in April 2010 by a gastrolenterologist.  Luckily for me the main symptoms have been reflux with a little bloating.  I try hard to watch what I eat, which helps inconsistently.  He also put me on Omeprazole and Sucrafate with also inconsistent relief.  I saw him yesterday and he would like to try further options to relieve the symptoms.  He suggested either Reglan or a Botox injection to the nerve.  Needless to say I've read a lot about the terribly side effects of Reglan, but he assures me it's safe and 90% of his patients have had no difficulty (although mixed success).  In considering the Botox, I don't want to have an endoscopy every 6 months, but the thought of trying the Reglan is scary.  Any advice you could offer would be very helpful.  Thank you!

[CalGal]

Reglan can be scary if it's not taken correctly. But the good thing is the deleterious side-effects can typically be very well controlled if it's taken as directed. You'd need to watch for any 'tics' or other symptoms that might suggest it's not good for you, and you'd need to use it in an 'on then off it' manner. Talk it over with your doc. Not everyone has rotten problems with the drug.

Before you rule it out, check it out. And remember, on most boards you're reading the 'horror' stories because people have no where else to turn. There are many thousands of people who do very well with meds/procedures that 'we' never hear from. I'm not saying it's a bad thing to have these boards. It's a GREAT thing because all learn from others - and that's fantastic.

[Smudge52]

Thank you so much for your input.  It is true that I've only read all the bad effects from Reglan and the doctor has assured me that while there can be negative side effects, he's had good results overall.  It's just a scary prospect either way (side effects or surgery) and it's good to see positive information.  Thanks again!

[CHRISTYDRAKE]

My son has gastroparesis and he takes erythrocin(sp?) 3 times per day.  His doctor won't touch reglan.