Gastroparesis?

[CAT1962]

Hi...again. 

I have a question about gastroparesis.  I have GERD, dx with that in 1998 after and endoscopy. My pulmonologist wants me to have another endoscopy because he said 12 yrs (now 13) is too long between them... Wants to make sure I don't have any cancerous stuff going on. (No symptoms really of cancer, just my usual reflux issues.)

Anyway, when i was pregnant the last time, 10 yrs ago, my OB gave me a med to help aid in food digestion. I became concerned about my bloated abdomen, feeling full soon after starting to eat, and nausea after eating. I haven't made an appt with a gastro doc yet, but am thinking about it now.

Is gastroparesis common WITH SjS?

[anita]

Yes, it can be quite common.  

Has it really been 10 years and your GP hasn't looked into these symptoms you describe?  

Diagnosing gastroparesis is relatively easy.  A simple gastric empty test is done by eating some eggs with contrast mixed in (can't taste it) and then laying flat for a couple hours...that's it.

The scans take repeated pictures during that time and track the movement from the stomach.

Ask a GI about this test if you are still having these symptoms.

[CAT1962]

Wow, Thanks, Anita! The pulmonary guy just said I should have another endoscopy to make sure there are no "bad" lesions, etc. He didn't say he suspected any, just wanted me to have it looked at since I  had not been on my reflux med in some years. I used to take Prevasid. I am taking Dexilant (older name was Capidex) now - 60 mgs a day.

I switched GPs last yr. I really loved my old GP, but when I described my joint pain, muscle aches, intermittent low grade fevers, and swollen hand joints/stiffness...he said, "Well, your 45. You're getting old..." LOL.  Soooooo, when I mentioned the low grade fevers, my new GP just ran the ANA, which was positive, then sent me to a Rheumie! I never mentioned to her the GERD, or had my records transferred. She was also the one that referred me to the pulmonary doc...etc,...

I am going to call this week and ask about that test! Thank you, Anita!

CAT

[anita]

CAT,

Sometimes it takes a while to put all the pieces together.  I had no idea that several of my syptoms were related to Sjogren's (or what Sjogren's really was) until well into my discomfort.  You must be one tough cookie to put up with those GI symptoms (for 10 years) and not be knocking at some docs door looking for answers...LOL

Good luck.

[ohiolady]

Cat,

Good luck to you in getting your GI issues resolved.  I have gastroparesis as well.  I take Domperidone and have had botox injections in my pyloric muscle.  I am managing fairly well with stable weight.  I, also, take Dexilant and have found it to work best for my reflux.

If you have any specific questions, I'd be glad to help.

Anna

[CAT1962]

Anita, I had NO idea that it was a problem because I had been dealing with no meds for about 9 of the 10 yrs. Now, I don't have a burning stomach, the reflux, and I don't have the asthma issues I did have before the Dexilant!

Anna, thank you SO much! I may be calling on you. Dexilant works SO well!

CAT