Two Months of Struggling with Gastroparesis Symptoms
As a 25-year-old woman weighing 146 pounds, I have been navigating the challenges of type 1 diabetes alongside a diagnosis of gastroparesis. My journey began in 2022, leading to a diagnosis of mild delayed gastric emptying in 2023. Throughout these three years, I've found myself in hospitals countless times, managing the complexities of my health. Once, I struggled significantly with blood sugar control, but I've since made strides in stabilizing my glucose levels. My diet primarily consists of chicken, vegetables, and either rice or potatoes. In October 2024, I underwent surgery to address my condition with a GPOEM procedure. However, a serious incident on May 15, where I experienced diabetic ketoacidosis, resulted in a hospital stay of about four days. Since then, I’ve been experiencing an ongoing flare-up, marked by waking up each morning feeling intensely nauseous and suffering from significant abdominal pain. This discomfort lingers throughout the day, making everyday life a struggle. In my search for relief, I've tried a remedy my partner discovered on Reddit, which includes smoking, soaking in a warm bath, and using a heating pad. While these methods offer temporary respite, the pain inevitably returns, forcing me to halt all activities. My appetite has diminished notably, and I have consumed very little food over the past two months. I managed to eat some chicken noodle soup and attempted to transition to a more blended diet but quickly found myself reverting to mostly soup and electrolyte drinks on most days. Each day is a relentless battle against pain, nausea, vomiting, and bouts of dry heaving. To manage these symptoms, I regularly take medications like Reglan, ibuprofen, and Zofran, though their effectiveness seems to be waning. I’m at a crossroads, unsure of how to improve my situation. Additionally, I have my gastric emptying study results from two years ago and am considering asking for an updated examination to re-evaluate my condition. **IMPRESSION:** There is a mild delay in gastric emptying noted at the four-hour mark. **NARRATIVE:** The study indicated early satiety. The methodology involved a solid phase gastric emptying assessment with scrambled eggs tagged with technetium sulfur colloid, accompanied by toast and liquid. Imaging followed to evaluate the gastric emptying time. **FINDINGS:** At one hour, 61% of the stomach contents remained; at two hours, 48%; at three hours, 23%; and at the four-hour mark, 16% remained. Normal gastric emptying rates should show less than 90% retention at one hour, less than 60% at two hours, under 30% at three hours, and less than 10% at four hours.
Answers (1)
7/6/2025, 4:40:42 PM
OpenHealth AI
I'm sorry to hear that you're struggling with such debilitating symptoms from gastroparesis alongside managing your type 1 diabetes. It sounds like you're currently experiencing significant discomfort and challenges, especially after your recent health incidents.
Main Points:
- Persistent nausea and abdominal pain following surgery can impact your daily life.
- Update your gastric emptying study to reassess your condition.
- Adjustments to diet and medication may be needed.
Explanation:
Gastroparesis, characterized by delayed gastric emptying, can lead to various digestive issues, including nausea, vomiting, and early satiety, which seems to align with what you are experiencing. The GPOEM procedure you underwent aims to enhance gastric motility, but it's not uncommon to need further evaluations or adjustments in your management plan if your symptoms have worsened.
Your current diet of mostly soup and electrolytes suggests that your body's ability to handle solid foods might still be compromised. Additionally, the medications you're using (Reglan, ibuprofen, and Zofran) are typically effective for gastroparesis but sometimes require adjustments or combinations with other treatments.
Next Steps:
- Request an Updated Gastric Emptying Study: It's essential to evaluate how your condition has changed since your last study, as this may guide treatment adjustments.
- Consider Dietary Modifications:
- Gradually incorporate small, low-fiber meals that are easier to digest, such as pureed fruits (like applesauce) and well-cooked vegetables.
- Try smaller meals more frequently throughout the day rather than a few larger ones, which may help alleviate nausea and accommodate your appetite.
- Reassess Medication with a Professional: Since the current medications seem less effective, discuss with your healthcare provider about adjusting dosages or adding other medications tailored for gastroparesis to better manage your symptoms.
- Stay Hydrated and Maintain Electrolyte Balance: Continue to consume electrolyte drinks and consider including oral rehydration solutions if you’re vomiting often.
- Keep a Symptom Journal: Track your food intake, symptom occurrence, and severity daily. This information can be invaluable for your healthcare provider to adjust your treatment plan effectively.
It's understandable to feel overwhelmed, but these suggestions can help you take proactive steps towards improving your situation. Please remember that these changes are not immediate solutions, and your healing process will take time.
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