Home Forum Topics Digestive Health Gastroparesis (listen to your gut)

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  • #875 Reply
    Courtney

      About a year after I graduated college I began having a lot of health issues. Primarily, I was experiencing extreme nausea on and off as well and vomiting. At the time I was working an overnight shift and most of my doctors blamed my collective health on the overnight shift. After several months of ensuring that as an answer i finally had several tests done ruling out most diagnoses they thought I could have (IBS, IBD, gallbladder issues). Meanwhile my vomiting and nausea were increasing to the point where I was throwing up blood frequently becausey esophagus was torn in spots from the frequency of forceful vomiting. I was told to see a psychologist and my doctor quietly suggested to my mother that I might have an eating disorder (despite the fact I was 22 years old and should have been told this information by my doctor).

      I finally saw a new GI specialist in NYC who had me get a gastric emptying scan. My rate of digestion was severely slow (causing all of my symptoms). I was finally diagnosed with gastroparesis. While I was relieved to have a diagnosis I still get angry to this day that my symptoms were continually dismissed by male doctors. My health was in such a poor state by the time I was diagnosed. I was constantly in and out of the hospital because I was continually dehydrated or malnourished because I could not eat. I was eventually placed on IV nutrition for about 6 months, unable to eat and instead living off bags of IVs everyday. I eventually I wasted months of time fighting for a diagnosis instead of getting treatment.

      In the 6 years since I’ve had great doctors. While my treatment continues to be a rollercoaster I am grateful for the gastric neurostimulator I had surgically placed that has changed my life. I will most likely struggle with this condition for the rest of my life since there is no apparent reason why I have it.

      Moral of the story: if you know something is wrong… trust your gut and don’t give up on yourself!

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      • #1376 Reply
        SarahSarah
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          Hi! Who did you see in NYC? I am really struggling right now with horrible IBS but not finding anything to help.

          I’ve tried to cut so many things out of my diet.

          Any help would be appreciated. Feeling a little alone.

          xoxo, sarah

          • #1412 Reply
            Courtney

              Also, am so sorry you’re feeling alone. That can be one of the worst symptoms of illness. Especially when it has to do with food, which culturally is such a dominant force in our lives. When you have problems with food social interaction can always just feel like a bit of a bummer. Hoping you find a solution… and let me know if you need any more advice. XO

            • #1411 Reply
              Courtney

                So sorry I didn’t see this sooner! I see two GIs and Weil Cornell in NYC. Dr. David Carr-Locke and Dr. Carl Crawford. I see Crawford specifically file the treatment of my gastropareis/pacemaker but he is a general GI as well. Would recommend either!

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