Re: Symptoms of Gastroparesis - Kel
From: Kelly Murray (mkmurray@cyberport.com)
Thu Feb 14 06:32:40 2002
Thanks for the info.
I had adhesions removed from upper stomache last time.
I have a burning gnawing pain in the middle of stomache that hurts 24/7
clear through to my back. I've never had surgery there until Redan took
adhesions at that place but I think a Gastro must of poked me when he was
scoping there.
I thought maybe I might have Gastroparesis but it doesn't sound like my
symptoms. It is probably just from the adhesions.
Kel
-------Original Message-------
From: adhesions@adhesions.org
Date: Wednesday, February 13, 2002 10:58:49 PM
To: Multiple recipients of list ADHESIONS
Subject: Symptoms of Gastroparesis - Kel
I typed the name of it into the metacrawler search engine Kel, and this
was the first one that popped up:
--
love & gentle hugs
Jo http://www.bombobeach.com
You should let your doctor know if you have these symptoms of
gastroparesis:
Nausea
Vomiting
An early feeling of fullness when eating
Weight loss
Abdominal bloating
Abdominal discomfort
How is it diagnosed?
You may have a test involving drinking or eating barium, a substance
that will help your doctor actually see whether your stomach is working
properly. You also might eat a food with a slightly radioactive
substance that will show up on a scan. This will produce an image that
your doctor can see. There is also a test that measures electrical and
muscular activity in the stomach. It involves having a tube inserted
through the throat and into the stomach. The tube has a wire that can
measure how your stomach is working and digesting. Your doctor might
also use a kind of scope via the esophagus to look at the lining of the
stomach.
Treatment
The primary treatment goal for gastroparesis is to regain control of
blood glucose levels. Your doctor may re-adjust your insulin level and
treat the gastroparesis with medication. Your doctor may also have you
work with a dietitian to change your diet, and you may be asked to eat
six small meals a day rather than three large ones. Other options are
parenteral nutrition which means nutrition will be delivered directly
into your bloodstream instead of by eating or a jejunostomy, which is a
feeding tube. Both of these treatments are usually temporary.
Several drugs are used to treat gastroparesis, including:
Metoclopramide (Reglan) - stimulates contractions of the stomach muscle
to move food along
Erythromycin - an antibiotic that has similar effects as Reglan
Antiemetics - used to reduce nausea and vomiting.
Your doctor will prescribe medication or change your insulin dosing to
help combat the effects of gastroparesis. It is a chronic condition, so
treatment is aimed at regaining control of blood glucose levels.
Changes in Eating Habits Can Help Control Gastroparesis
Your doctor or dietitian will give you specific instructions. Their
recommendations may include:
Eat 6 small meals a day instead of 3 large ones. If less food enters
the stomach each time you eat, it may not become overly full.
Try several liquid meals a day until your blood glucose levels are
stable and the gastroparesis subsides. They provide all the nutrients
in solid foods, but can pass through the stomach faster.
Avoid fatty and high-fiber foods. Fat naturally slows digestion, and
fiber is difficult to digest.
Avoid some high-fiber foods such as oranges and broccoli which contain
material that cannot be digested. The indigestible parts will remain in
the stomach too long and may form a solid mass called a "bezoar." This
can be dangerous if bezoars block the movement of food into the small
intestine.
http://www.lifeclinic.com/focus/diabetes/gastro.asp
--
I am not a medical person, and all my messages are based
on personal experience. I am a fellow adhesions sufferer
reaching out to help others.
.