Helen saw Dr. Henry Chung today, and he confirmed the diagnosis of the condition gastroparesis, a severe digestive motility (neuromuscular) disorder. He said to eat several small meals a day (Helen is already doing this) and to supplement with the nutritional liquid meal replacements like Boost or Ensure. He also advised her to drink milkshakes from McDonalds. She has been prescribe Domperidone and Erythromycin.
It is hard to imagine that in countries as prosperous as the USA and Canada that anybody could suffer from severe malnutrition. However, it does happen and is one of the major complications of Gastroparesis. Gastroparesis is not just an inconvenience. It is a serious gastro-intestinal condition that profoundly affects the lives of many of those who suffer from it. Although there are different severities of the condition, everyone who suffers from Gastroparesis experiences significant disruption of daily activities. No one is immune to developing the disorder, and it appears in all age groups.
Gastroparesis literally means paralyzed stomach. It is a devastating condition that is fairly common among the diabetic population, although it can be caused by a number of other factors as well. Gastroparesis results in delayed emptying of food and liquid from the stomach. Once food is ingested, it often sits in the stomach for hours or even days because the stomach does not contract very well, if at all. Gastroparesis is one of the most difficult gastrointestinal disorders to treat. There are limited treatment options, but uncontrolled Gastroparesis can have serious consequences including malnutrition, dehydration, and weight loss. Many doctors know very little about Gastroparesis so often newly diagnosed patients do not understand their condition or the treatment options available to them.
Food Suggestions and Tips for People who have Idiopathic Gastroparesis or Delayed Emptying of the Stomach
source: The Gastroparesis & Dysmotilities Association
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