I posted this in the gastroparesis group, too, but if anyone here has any input, I'd love to hear it.
I have had occasional, but now worsening, symptoms of gastroparesis. I've vomited up my dinner the next morning a few times over the past few years. This happened again a few weeks ago (this time with diarrhea), and ever since then I've had very little hunger and a sensation of fullness after eating only a small amount of food. I've also had a lot of constipation and abdominal bloating/distention. I'm keeping it in check right now with small meals, many of which have been liquid or practically pureed. Animal fat seems to be a no-go. I've suffered from GERD and been on prilosec for about 15 years. I was diagnosed with T2 three and a half years ago (I'm now 35), and I've always maintained good control with my A1Cs around 6.0-6.3 with diet, exercise, and metformin.
My question is: I have always assumed that gastroparesis is a complication that resulted from long-term diabetes, and that it is more common in T1. With my history, is it possible that something else is causing my gastro problems? I don't want my doc to write this off as diabetic gastroparesis if something else is going on here. I'm seeing my doc in about three weeks, at my next scheduled follow-up appt for my labs. Thank you!
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Permalink Reply by Cosumne Jan on July 21, 2012 at 9:06pm Do you have any back pain ? Animal fat can set off gallbladder problems. I have gastroparesis and it usually involves constipation for a couple of days, then diarhhea for day. I've never vomited because of it. I know we're all different, but I had gallbladder problems a few years ago and your symptoms sound more like that to me. I'm not a doctor.
No, no back pain, thankfully. But the gall bladder is definitely something to keep in mind. There are so many similar symptoms.

Permalink Reply by Gerri on July 22, 2012 at 2:31am Worth seeing a gastroenterologist because it could be something else. I'm T1 & gastroparesis was diagnosed almost immediately after diabetes from severe lows after eating. Not the same as you, of course, since I use insulin.
Sorry for what you're going through. Miserable dealing with that. GERD can cause delayed stomach emptying & Prilosec can cause diarrhea.
I've never vomited from gastroparesis, but do often feel uncomfortably full & queasy after meals. I tried liquid meals for a short while, but it didn't make a difference.
Hope you get real answers from your doctor. Please keep us posted.
Permalink Reply by Brian (bsc) on July 22, 2012 at 5:32am It is also worth suggesting the R-R interval study. Gastroparesis is caused by neuropathy in the vagus nerve and the basic R-R interval study is an easy technique to detect damage to the vagus nerve, Most doctors can perform the R-R study on their own with simple equipment they have around the office (like an ECG). Dr. Bernstein has also written a number of articles on gastroparesis.
Thanks for the Bernstein articles. Looks like some good Sunday afternoon reading!
Permalink Reply by JohnG on July 22, 2012 at 5:52am There is a simple test for gastroparesis ask to be tested. Your problems could also be caused by the Metformin. My brother is a very skinny T2 and suffered the symptoms of the oral meds for years, gas, bloating, he also has aced reflux, and I finally talked him into using insulin and it has turned his life around he uses 8u a day and his BG is great. He has also been able to gain some weight he was even suffering from malnutrition, diet control was just not a good solution for him and he spent years suffering with trying to live up to someones expectations. He feels great...
Permalink Reply by Pauly on July 22, 2012 at 2:25pm Metformin can sometimes play havoc on your digestion issues, constipation and diarrhea. I have noted when I change brands it can effect me and I have noted a difference in Xtended release is a lot differnt for me than regular metformin.
You look thin and you are young. Are you sure that your a type 2 ? You may be LADA. How high are your numbers 2 and 4 hours after eating?
I didn't experienced any side effects that seemed to be directly linked to the metformin when I started taking it. I've always taken the extended release version, and I don't think my pharmacy has changed the manufacturer recently.
My numbers almost always read around 100-130 two to three hours after eating. I rarely check four hours after since I usually eat small meals about three hours apart. I generally avoid anything that makes me spike over 180, and eating the smaller meals really seems to help with that. I very rarely see anything under 100, though, even with all the exercise I get (at least 1 hr/day, 6 days/week of weightlifting and mod-high intensity cardio). My regimen seems to be working well enough right now. I definitely keep LADA in mind, in case I do ever see crazier numbers.
I'm type 1, I had what I thought were gastroparesis symptoms (feeling full after eating a little bit of food, bloating/gas/abdominal bloating and distention, constipation & diarrhea. Brought it up with my endo, she suggested that I might have a gluten intolerance or celiac disease, since my control has been pretty decent. Turns out she was right, I definitely have a gluten intolerance, and very likely celiac disease. My blood test for celiac was negative, although that particular test apparently can give a lot of false negative readings. The definitive diagnostic test is an intestinal biopsy, but I opted to just quit eating gluten, since it has made me feel so much better any way. I've stopped eating gluten and it's totally taken care of what I thought were all those gastroparesis symptoms. I'm not saying this is what is going on with you, but I try to get the word out that, at least in my experience, the symptoms can be very similar. Good luck, and I hope you get some answers and are feeling better soon.
Manny Hernandez(Co-Founder, Editor, has LADA)
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