Hey all, wondering if anyone's ever experienced syncope's when their J pouch is full and stomach is empty? It's extremely brutal to go through and been having them several times a day for the past 10 years, had my J pouch for 20 years. Been to an array of different doctors and had most tests done that are available with no luck in finding the cause. They tell me I have Autonomic dysfunction but never seen with syncope's and think they are not associated.
Thanks for any input,
Jeff
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I looked up "syncope" and the internet says it's fainting. Is that what is happening? When your stomach is empty and your j-pouch is full you faint?
Not exactly Sara. It starts out as intense pressure in my stomach which makes me feel extreme hunger and turns to nausea and vomiting within minutes. At the same time I feel like my blood pressure crashes and can barely move with intense pain shooting down my arms and legs. I don't really faint but kind of get in a state where it feels I'm passing out. My Cardiologist called it a syncope but no Doctors I've went to have seen anything like this so I'm not entirely sure.
Maybe something is pressing on your spinal cord, messing with the messages your brain is sending your body? Nerve issues can cause so many weird things to happen, so that's my not very educated guess. At any rate, that sounds horrible, painful, and scary. I'm so sorry this is happening to you!
@Jefferson posted:Not exactly Sara. It starts out as intense pressure in my stomach which makes me feel extreme hunger and turns to nausea and vomiting within minutes. At the same time I feel like my blood pressure crashes and can barely move with intense pain shooting down my arms and legs. I don't really faint but kind of get in a state where it feels I'm passing out. My Cardiologist called it a syncope but no Doctors I've went to have seen anything like this so I'm not entirely sure.
What you are talking about is a symptom of some underlying cause. It sounds to me almost like an allergic reaction, possibly to meds. As I have posted elsewhere, there is a tendency on this board to attribute every unusual bodily condition to the J Pouch. It's dangerous to do that because it may not have anything to do with your J Pouch at all. From your explained symptoms it sounds more like a systemic issue and not a J Pouch issue. It is possibly consistent with an allergic reaction to something. Although if your stomach is empty, it's very odd. What meds are you taking and what proximity in time from dosing to onset of symptoms?
Intense abdominal pressure- but not hunger- is also experienced with an obstruction. But this seems unlikely as well, given the totality of your symptoms, as obstructions usually happen after eating. An adhesion and blockage of gastric fluids is possible, but unlikely.
Just look up "dumping syndrome" on good old Dr. Google. Sounds exactly like what you are experiencing.
@Jaypea posted:Just look up "dumping syndrome" on good old Dr. Google. Sounds exactly like what you are experiencing.
That does sound like it except I don't think he's eating right before the onset of symptoms.
Dumping syndrome does not necessarily have to happen immediately after eating. It can be delayed.
@Jaypea posted:Dumping syndrome does not necessarily have to happen immediately after eating. It can be delayed.
Got it. I didn't read extensively on it, and got the idea it had to be immediate. I wonder if the docs who saw Jefferson know about this?
Thanks all. I took the suggestion from Jaypea and asked Dr. Google about dumping syndrome. Funny how I've searched my symptoms endlessly for years and never stumbled on the Rapid Gastric Emptying. I gotta say the late dumping sydrome fits them extremely well! Thanks for that tip Jaypea, I'll be doing some more research on it and bring it up to my GI.
I would love an update when you find out. I love this group. So much knowledge here!
You are more than welcome. I learned about dumping syndrome as a second year student nurse waaaay back in the dark ages (around 1985!). Funny the things that remain stuck in our brains.
I have autonomic dysfunction so I know a little bit about it.
I didn’t quite understand this bit:
”They tell me I have Autonomic dysfunction but never seen with syncope's and think they are not associated.”
Autonomic dysfunction can cause syncope and odd near-syncope incidents, if that’s any help.
Although it sounds like dumping syndrome may be the explanation. Sorry to hear you are going through this and hope you can get it sorted out.
@Kushami posted:I have autonomic dysfunction so I know a little bit about it.
Can you tell me more about how autonomic dysfunction manifests itself in your body? I'm very curious about this. Also, do they say what caused it? Did it cause your digestive issues?
Kushami I'd love to hear about your experience with autonomic dysfunction. I don't claim anything just relaying what my doctors claim. Do you experience syncope with your gastroparesis?
