I JUST WANT TO FEEL GOOD AND GO ON WITH MY LIFE!

[jules535]

I have lost about fifty pounds.  After eating a full meal, I'm still hungry, make that famished, and can't satisfy this feeling for long.  I fortify my milk for weight gain, and sometimes I feel as though I am lactose tolerant; not intolerant.  Milk and yogurt are the easiest to digest.  For about two years, I threw up so much that it required me to go get I.V. fluids at least twice monthly.  I'm on Reglan and the throwing has let up (for the most part) but, I'm still suffering with the feeling of starvation , nausea , and inability to gain weight.  What should I do?

[Christopher R Watters, MD]

I would ask Dr Pierce in the Digestive Disease / Gastroenterology Expert Forum for an opinion as he has particular expertise with gastroparesis.

[jules535]

I still feel nauseas and/or starving no matter what I do.  Though this is an improvement.  It just doesn't seem that I should have to constantly take promethazine or zofran in combination with?  Is it dangerous when taking long term?

[jules535]

I still feel nauseas and/or starving no matter what I do.  Though this is an improvement.  It just doesn't seem that I should have to constantly take promethazine or zofran in combination with?  Is it dangerous when taking long term?

[jules535]

I'm on Reglan (metroclopramidr) see above.  I take 20 mgs 2 xs daily.  It has been helpful as far as not vomiting anymore.  

[Christopher R Watters, MD]

Have you been given a trial of Reglan (metaclopramide)?

[jules535]

Are there ways to make the nauseas "feeling" go away?  Without promethazine or the like?  How about the insatiable need to constantly eat because I am feeling famished?  Then, if the food "in any way" does not appeal to me, I feel sick just looking at it. (weird?).  Could my lack of nutrients cause me to "crave" like, everything at once?  Could I have been misdiagnosed, and what's the easiest/quickest way to find out; in order to save my going through the many tests that I have already?

[Christopher R Watters, MD]

A diagnosis is nice but you need a treatment plan. If your gastroenterologist can't give you a plan it may be time for another opinion.

[jules535]

Dr Watters,
      I have been to a Gastro. specialist that  ordered the Gastric emptying and consequently diagnosed me.  However, I am not being scheduled nor have I seen them since.
      Though the diagnoses has been made,  it's almost as if because the vomiting stopped...  "Thats satisfactory?".

[Christopher R Watters, MD]

Your story certainly does sound consistent with gastroparesis. I assume that this came from a gastric emptying study. I am also assuming that metaclopramide has been tried and failed. If this is the case you need tertiary care as the next two options are gastric pacing (similar to cardiac pacemakers) or resection of a portion of the stomach.

Has a gastroenterologist been guiding the investigation?

[jules535]

Dr. Watters,
      THANKYOU so much for replying to my plea for help.  Though I do not know you, nor; you I,   Having been sick for so long, without many periods of relief; I'm feeling blessed that you have responded to my plight.  Perhaps, God has allowed you to read my post, and with some more information, you could (not diagnose) however, lead me in the right direction.  I am thouroghly frustrated, and at my wits end.  My marriage of twenty six years is beginning to suffer, along with my "all" young adult children.  Realizing, after such a lengthy time elapsing, that it's normal behavior as there have not been many good days, between my chronic suffering; and wellness.
      In regards to your question about tests, etc.  Every conceivable test has been done, sometimes repeated; with a final diagnoses of Gastroparesis.  I was also told that I suffer from Acid reflex, times three, herniated discs in my back, and  something called twelfth rib syndrome.  Moreover, emphysema ie. COPD.  Not intending to go off subject, I wanted you to know that I can take a lot of pain and am a strong woman, but everyone has "a last straw" and though I'll never give up, I'm feeling exasperated and extremely helpless, as that's just what I am.  What can I do to have a more functional life?  Who should I turn to next.  Is it possible that they just lied to me in order to pacify the situation as no answers could be found for so long?
       As I have said previously, I feel like I'm in "Africa" (that famished) even after a good proportionate meal.  Was on a liquid/yogurt diet for a couple of years prior to their findings.  Vomited profusely for those two years.  The bile in my stomach was what I was excreting as there was nothing else there.  Had to frequent the E.R. for I.V. fluids bi-weekly for an extreme amount of time.  Though I am presently not vomiting everything that I intake ; the nausea is persistent and I take a great deal of promethazine, and Zofran; on a regular basis.  It seems to me that this is not/ or should not be "a way of life" for anyone. There have been numerous times that I have asked my Dr. to admit me in a hospital and get to the bottom of this as speedily as possible.  It's to no avail, as he feels that this could be more detrimental to me as my immune system is not at it's best right now.  As far as I'm concerned, I have little to no quality of life as I am.  Fearing the worst, momentarily; I ended up on this site and decided to reach out.  Any direction that you could give me would be so gratefully appreciated.  If none, I understand as doctors and people that know and can see me, seem to be at a stand still.  THANKYOU  so much for your time and I apologize for the lengthiness of my letter.  I just wanted to do my part and clarify my position.  Indeed, your responding to me at all, was a lift/gift for where I am today.  God Bless You!  Sincerely... Julie

[Christopher R Watters, MD]

An unintentional 50 lb weight loss needs to be evaluated. You have not mentioned any work up thus far so I am assuming that none has been done. You need to seek medical help. There are numerous possibilities. Some bad, some not so bad.