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Dr. Andrew Rynne
MD
Dr. Andrew Rynne

Family Physician

Exp 50 years

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What Causes Severe Fatigue When Diagnosed With Gastroparesis?

hi im a 27 year old female. I m experiencing extreme fatigue....when I say extreme I mean terrible fatigue. Sometimes, I m so tired I have a drunk feeling, like the room is spinning and I can t concentrate on anything. I was recently diagnosed with gastro peresis and am taking reglan. I don t take it regularly and don t even take it daily, but the fatigue is starting to effect me at work and home. Any suggestions? thanks
Tue, 27 Sep 2016
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Dietitian & Nutritionist 's  Response
Yes. I feel for you. Gastroparesis is impaired gastric motility that results in slowed or irregular stomach contractions which potentially alter the absorption of all of your nutrients (hunger, bloating, nausea, vomiting,etc), so you may not be getting everything you need on a daily basis. You may have some malabsorption issues as well.

Has your physician put you through the typical battery of tests to determine the etiology of your painful condition? The most common diagnostic tests involve upper endoscopy, barium X-Ray, ultrasound to rule out strictures? After those tests are done and all is ruled out, there are about 3 other tests that can be done.

Keeping you on Reglan long term without finding the reason for your gastroparesis would not be the type of integrative long term treatment plan I would advise if you were my patient.I would try to determine the reason for the problem and treat that instead of treating the symptoms and forgetting about why you are having the symptoms in the first place.

While we are talking, let me make certain you are aware of how to take your medication. Take 1/2 hour before meals and at HS as directed-most importantly, on an empty stomach. Review package insert as possible side-effects may include restlessness, drowsiness, fatigue, edema, seizures, etc. and discuss if doctor if any side-effects occur.

You can always get a second opinion, make an appointment with a local dietitian (or both) to get on a healthier track to feeling better and more energetic if you do not feel comfortable with your current treatment plan!

Healthy Regards, Kathryn Shattler, MS, RDN
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What Causes Severe Fatigue When Diagnosed With Gastroparesis?

Yes. I feel for you. Gastroparesis is impaired gastric motility that results in slowed or irregular stomach contractions which potentially alter the absorption of all of your nutrients (hunger, bloating, nausea, vomiting,etc), so you may not be getting everything you need on a daily basis. You may have some malabsorption issues as well. Has your physician put you through the typical battery of tests to determine the etiology of your painful condition? The most common diagnostic tests involve upper endoscopy, barium X-Ray, ultrasound to rule out strictures? After those tests are done and all is ruled out, there are about 3 other tests that can be done. Keeping you on Reglan long term without finding the reason for your gastroparesis would not be the type of integrative long term treatment plan I would advise if you were my patient.I would try to determine the reason for the problem and treat that instead of treating the symptoms and forgetting about why you are having the symptoms in the first place. While we are talking, let me make certain you are aware of how to take your medication. Take 1/2 hour before meals and at HS as directed-most importantly, on an empty stomach. Review package insert as possible side-effects may include restlessness, drowsiness, fatigue, edema, seizures, etc. and discuss if doctor if any side-effects occur. You can always get a second opinion, make an appointment with a local dietitian (or both) to get on a healthier track to feeling better and more energetic if you do not feel comfortable with your current treatment plan! Healthy Regards, Kathryn Shattler, MS, RDN