I had a visit with my GI this week. She diagnosed me with gastric paresis. My belly is constantly sore and bloated, I can only eat a few bites before I feel full, and in general feel miserable. Apparently the stomach is now not emptying as it should. She gave me a med,Glycopyrrolate, but that gives me insomnia and worse belly pain. I'm 1 1/2 years post surgery, is this one of those things that can happen? or a separate issue? Any thoughts?
LoriP

Gastroparesis is most commonly associated with diabetes. How long has it been since you have had a fasting blood sugar and other tests to rule out diabetes? If diabetes has been ruled out, it is possible there was some vagal nerve damage secondary to your surgery.

Since you are having these unwanted side effects, you need to call your doctor for a change in medications.

Reglan (metoclopramide) is the typical drug used for gastroparesis, not Robinul (glycopyrrolate). Robinul is used in anesthesia and for peptic ulcers to reduce secretions and acid production.

Here is a good link to more information:
http://www.mayoclinic.com/health/gastroparesis/DS00612/DSECTION=1

Jan

Thanks Jan, I was just tested for diabetes last month so its not that. Unfortunatly I can't take reglan. I'm already on protonix.
LoriP

Well, if you cannot take Reglan, there are only a few other possibilities. One is Zelnorm, but this is now only used under strict guidelines, as it was removed from the market completely due to an increased risk of cardiac events. It was later returned for restricted use. Another option is Botox injections into the pylorus valve, but it definitely is only for short term treatment. A final option once you have exhausted the medical treatments is electrical stimulation of your stomach to pace it to a more normal movement pattern. This is done with an implanted device, much like a cardiac pacemaker. It would need replacing every 5-10 years.
http://www.medtronic.com/neuro/enterra/

Jan

This doesn't sound like a great prognosis, ok, definatly having some anxiety here. What next? I'll keep you posted. And thanks again Jan for your knowledge.
LoriP

Sorry Lori, I wish I had something simple to tell you to try, but once the nerves are not firing like they should, it is pretty limited. The stomach pacing looks quite promising, however. Much better than having a stomach that will not empty...

Jan

I'll say, stomach not emptying is miserable . And with each doc I see I feel worse. Now we are to do a trial of something called "Domperidone" , though its not available in the states so the doc had to order it from Canada. So it will be a few weeks til it gets here. I sure hope I can tolerate it. No one has mentioned the pacer ..yet.
Tuesday I go for an MRCP to evaluate my PSC.
Now I don't know what to fuss about first, I actually do realize worrying won't change/help either outcome, but I sure have trouble not doing it.
LoriP

I have a few questions about gastroparesis...my husband has a severe case and may have hypoglycemia...I am not sure how to help him or what to do...he is in denial...do you have any advice that may help me better understand what he is going through?