Gastroparesis
Gastroparesis is a chronic condition that affects the way the stomach empties. The syomach empties much slower than normal, making food pass through and stay in the stomach for longer periods of time. This can cause symptoms like nausea, early satiety, vomiting, weight loss, bloating, and much more. Gastroparesis can also lead to complications like dehydration, GERD, malnutrition, and unpredictable blood sugar levels.
While almost 36% of gastroparesis patients have unknown causes, it can also be caused by diabetes complications, surgery complications, certain medications, etc. (NORD).
There is no known cure for gastroparesis, but there are various treatments including medications, dietary changes, electric stimulation of the stomach, Botox injections, and feeding tubes.
-Next part has a possible TW for discussions of eating, nutrition, and emetophobia.-
For me personally, I have had gastroparesis for three years and counting. The nausea and bloating can be awful. It’s hard to eat much of anything without feeling nauseous and full after a few bites. I’ve tried almost every treatment available, including every medication on the market and Botox injections into my stomach. Feeling this sick for this long can be really isolating and frustrating, especially since nothing is working to help you. There’s a lot of stigma around GP as well.
@StarrySusan Thanks for sharing today, Susan. I had not heard about this condition before. It sounds like you're trying to do your best but not getting results, which can certainly feel frustrating. I hope you have support at home to help you through it and people here on 7 Cups who will provide you with support online!
I'm dealing with an unknown digestive issue right now- we thought it was gastroparesis at first, but now my doctor's aren't sure. I've gone from weighing 250 to weighing 215 in only a few months, and I can only digest liquids- like nutritional shakes- without having awful abdominal pains, nausea, bloating, and a spurattic mixture of diarrhea and constipation. Nothing digests right, I can kinda have white bread and plain crackers in small amounts, but meats, cheese, chocolate, fruits and vegetables, anything really; just tears my G.I. tract apart.
Living off of ensure nutritional shakes has gotten old, especially seeing everyone enjoying the holiday foods this time of year.
I'm only 19, but my future is uncertain. I have several disabilities, digestive issues is just one thing.
My go to safe foods when my stomach doesn’t process anything is plain saltines, broth, and apple sauce. I totally understand the nutrition shake problem, it’s so easy to get tired of just shakes all the time.
I really hope you get your GI problems figured out, we’re here for you!
Hello everyone!
I have gastroparesis and IBS-C, along with neuropathy and the associated anxiety and depression of living with it. Big hugs to everyone! 💚 I definitely relate to the isolation and frustration. It gets exhausting. Literally why I joined this app.
