The latest from the Neurologist (9-11-10)

There are some of you that will receive this that already know this information, so I'm sorry that you are getting this once again, but here is the scoop for those of you who have yet to hear the latest in the saga that is my life. I saw my Neurologist on Tuesday for a recheck to see how the Vitamin B is working for me and to go over the outcome of my MRV (just another fancy MRI). I already knew the results of my MRV--normal--however, I needed to let the doctor know that I am having a HORRIBLE time taking the Vitamin B due to my inability to eat anything OR when I do attempt to eat anything it just comes back for a visit hours later, completely undigested. For example: I attempted eating a couple of table spoons of macaroni and several hours later I ended up vomiting up whole pieces of it. When I told the doctor this he asked me if I had ever had a Gastric Emptying Test, a test where you eat something that has a radioactive dye in it and then you lie on a table as a series of x-rays are taken to monitor how your stomach is working. I told him that I had months ago (roughly in June), but had never heard any results, so I had assumed that everything was alright because that is generally how it works within the Kaiser system--you don't hear anything, that means the test was fine. So my Neurologist looks up the results of the test and discovers...I had ABNORMAL results! This gives me the diagnosis of Gastroparesis. Here is the definition of Gastroparesis according to the Mayo Clinic: Gastroparesis is a condition in which the muscles in your stomach don't function normally.
Ordinarily, strong muscular contractions propel food through your digestive tract. But in gastroparesis, the muscles in the wall of your stomach work poorly or not at all. This prevents your stomach from emptying properly. Gastroparesis can interfere with digestion, cause nausea and vomiting, and play havoc with blood sugar levels and nutrition.There is no cure for gastroparesis. Making changes to your diet may help you cope with gastroparesis signs and symptoms, but that's not always enough. Gastroparesis medications may offer some relief, but some can cause serious side effects.

I am already taking one of the two suggested medications for this condition, but it doesn't, obviously, seem to be doing it's job. Just in the last week things seem to have gotten worse as far as my stomach is concerned. I have officially lost 60 pounds, which is nice, but I've done it in the most unhealthy way possible. Definitely not by choice! My Neurologist is sending me to see a Gastrointerologist (G.I doctor) in the hopes that he will be able to help me get this Gastroparesis under control. I don't know if I'm considered as having a mild, moderate, or sever form of the condition; I guess I'll find out when I see the G.I doctor. My Neurologist said that this condition could be/is related to the autonomic nervous system and that I might have what is called autonomic neuropathy. Autonomic neuropathy is defined by the Mayo clinic as: Autonomic neuropathy is a nerve disorder that affects involuntary body functions, including heart rate, blood pressure, perspiration and digestion.It isn't a specific disease, instead autonomic neuropathy refers to damage to the autonomic nerves. This damage disrupts signals between the brain and portions of the autonomic nervous system, such as the heart, blood vessels and sweat glands, resulting in decreased or abnormal performance of one or more involuntary body functions. Autonomic neuropathy can be a complication of a number of diseases and conditions. And some medications can cause autonomic neuropathy as a side effect. Signs, symptoms and treatment of autonomic neuropathy vary depending on the cause, and on which nerves are affected. In order to check to see if I have this problem, my Neurologist is going to do a nerve conduction test on me at the end of this month, because it can effect not only my stomach (like it is with the gastroparesis), but my arms and legs as well.

Mentally, emotionally, and spiritually I am hanging in there fairly well. I know that God has a reason for this happening in my life and He won't give me more than I can handle. I'm a tough ol' bird--I think I get that from my grandma--but I do get lonely out here sometimes. I know that my friends have families, jobs, and live of their own to live and the last thing on their mind is to visit a sick friend that lives in the sticks...but at the same time I can't help but feel forgotten some times. I don't hold it against anyone, it's not in my nature to do that, so this is in no way meant to be a guilt trip on anyone.

Anyhow, that is the scoop for right now. Oh! I almost forgot! My Neurologist is referring me out to Kaiser L.A to be looked at by them. Just to make sure that he isn't missing anything...it's a good thing. He's the first one that's really taking my illness seriously aside from my primary care doctor. Okay, that is it for now. I'll try to write more often again. I backed off because there's only so much you can write about throwing up and being dizzy...I appreciate all of the prayers!