Gastroparesis -- severe bloating and distention with SERIOUS

Bloatgirl · Newbie Joined: 04 Nov 2007 Posts: 1

Hi, I am new here.

I know I Have Gastropareisis, dx'ed in 2003. I havent taken meds for it in a few years. Anyway, lately I am having "bouts" of incredible bloating and abdominal distention -- 9 months pregnant looking in appearance -- and also very frightening trouble breathing coming along with it. I guess because my lungs cant expand very well due to all the air/gas/pressure/whatever else is in my stomach and intestines. It scares me very, very badly when this happens... I almost went to the ER three (3) different times and am still consdiering going.

What can I do about this?? Yesterday it happened and all I Did was have some soup.... I think I eat too fast, and swallow too much air, as I felt it go down into my stomach and then felt my stomach just BAM, blow right up like a balloon and i certainly couldnt finish my soup. I tried hard not to panic but I really feltlike i was struggling and fighting to breathe. THis scares me so much when it happens!!

I took a mild tranquilizer to calm myself down; I even felt like i could stop breathing and just freaking die. When this happens, it takes hours and hours for the bloating to go down even a ltitle or for me to be able to feel I am not gasping for breathe and panicking.

As I said, I already know I have Gastroparesis and also I have GERD on and off. But this is just RIDICULOUS, insane, the trouble breathing and fear with this. CAn anyone offer anything to help?? TOday I am trying very hard to eat bland foods and crackers and tea.... it still happened after I ate part of a poached egg -- gut blew right up... 9 months pregnant looking, gasping for air, struggling to breathe, etc. A mg. of a sedative again calmed me down but geesh, I certainly dont plan on going on this way. Help?

I am making an appointment with my gastro doc whom i havent seen in a few years... but I fear all he will say is "Its just gas"... well duh! THis is to the extreme tho, not normal. Its ruining my life and I already am starting to live in fear of these little "episodes." The trouble breathing is truly frightening, feels just like I am suffocating.

Peace,

Bloated

Guest · Guest

Hi, I'm new here too.

I've had GP for about five years now and also have a feeding tube because of another condition in my small intestine.

I recommend that you get an inhaler for the breathing problem. It opens up your airway and helps calm you down at the same time. The inhaler I have is the Advantix. Usually you can get a sample one for a month's worth for free from your doctor.

stevecal2008 · Newbie Joined: 29 Jan 2008 Posts: 1 Location: los angeles

If you go to a good gastroentorologis, i cant imagine them responding that your condition is 'just gas' as you feer they may say. I too have developed what the doctor now believes is gastroparesis after being hospitalized twice with a partial blockage of my small bowel, most likely due to what i ate and my 'slow stomach' condition (gastroparesis). Right now the doctor has just put me on the apparently most commonly used medication for this Reglan. Have you tried this? Also, there are so many tests to do to see if you have other conditions associated with your symptoms so you need to have a very good doctor that listens to you and gives you options. Finally, diet is very important. Along with finding a medical solution you have to start a diet with less fiber...thats right less! The doctor in the hospital flippantly told me up your fiber & water. Now that i find out from a specialist what i most likely have, seems the doctor in the hospital gave me the exact wrong advice. My humble advice for you: Keep reading as many articles on your condition, get to a great specialist and be knowledgeable & educate yourself so the doctor does not rush you with quick but ineffective ideas to solve you problem.

lagirl1966 · Newbie Joined: 06 Apr 2008 Posts: 1

Hi ... I am new here too
I know exactly what you go through. I have gastroparesis too. I was diagnosed in 2005. I can't stand the bloating either. It IS like being pregnant. I am taking reglan, and so far it isn't doing any good. I am going to a big hospital in July in hopes of getting some help. I can't work because of this and having IBS on top of it. So I will be applying for disability. I am quite angry at doctors because nothing can be done. It is terrible that people like us have to live like this! I have became isolated because of it. I can't do anything anymore. I hope you find something that helps. Me too. I have been to my GI doctor so many times, and he said there are no medications other that this. He said there is not much that can be done unless if this hospital I am going too can help. I am really PRAYING that they can help. Good luck.

kallico · Newbie Joined: 29 Jun 2008 Posts: 2

Hi lagirl1966,

Was wondering if you had found an answer to your problems? The reason I'm asking is that my Dad has been suffering from the exact same symptoms for 4 years. We took a trip to the ER yesterday for the breathing difficulty. One of several. All of the docs over the years have said there is no help...but my Dad is suffering so. It's terrible and very scary not to be able to breath due to the gas expanding which in turn doesn't allow his lungs to expand to breath. He has used all of the gas reducing products known to man...with no relief. We are desparate for an answer. He is 75 and giving up.

thanks,
Seeker

Guest · Guest

Hi lagirl1966,

Was wondering if you had found an answer to your problems? The reason I'm asking is that my Dad has been suffering from the exact same symptoms for 4 years. We took a trip to the ER yesterday for the breathing difficulty. One of several. All of the docs over the years have said there is no help...but my Dad is suffering so. It's terrible and very scary not to be able to breath due to the gas expanding which in turn doesn't allow his lungs to expand to breath. He has used all of the gas reducing products known to man...with no relief. We are desparate for an answer. He is 75 and giving up.

Thanks!

kallico · Newbie Joined: 29 Jun 2008 Posts: 2

Hi lagirl1966,

Was wondering if you had found an answer to your problems? The reason I'm asking is that my Dad has been suffering from the exact same symptoms for 4 years. We took a trip to the ER yesterday for the breathing difficulty. One of several. All of the docs over the years have said there is no help...but my Dad is suffering so. It's terrible and very scary not to be able to breath due to the gas expanding which in turn doesn't allow his lungs to expand to breath. He has used all of the gas reducing products known to man...with no relief. We are desparate for an answer. He is 75 and giving up.

Thanks!

Guest · Guest

have you thought of allergies?

Armina · Newbie Joined: 19 Jul 2008 Posts: 1

If you have pets in your household it could also be worms. Another thing it could be is bacteria in the stomach or the intestines! Good luck!!

gastrogirl · Newbie Joined: 21 Jul 2008 Posts: 1 Location: Boston, MA

Hi guys, I'm also here! I've been dx with gastroparesis for 10 years now. I vomit every morning (just like being pregnant), and have excessive GERD and bloating. In the beginning it was soo bad, I went from 140lbs to 98 lbs when the I elected to have a feeding tube. It sounds horrible, but it saved my life. I had a j-tube for 4 years, and combined with alot of medication, rest, and less stress - I was able to maintain my weight. It's 6 years later, and I've since been diagnosed with Lupus, which the dr's think was the original cause of the gastroparesis. I just didn't exhibit other symptoms of Lupus until later, so they didn't think to test for it right away. I take 15mg of Reglan 4 times daily. It takes this dose to control the gastroparesis, but it works. Hope this is helpful!
bostongirl

Gastroparesis -- severe bloating and distention with SERIOUS

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