Aa
gastroparesis
Hi, I'm new at this. I have Chiari, I'm 7 yrs post op & grateful. After surgery I lost 30lbs, 108 down to 78lbs. Finally over the past 7 months I got up to 92lbs. A few months ago my cat Leo started to massage my right side and the pain was deep and severe. It only bothered me when leo massaged me. So rather than going to a Dr I stopped leo from massaging, didn't think or should I say didn't want yet another diagnosis. That was 3 wks ago, and the same day I stopped him he got me good while I was asleep & woke up in agony and vomited. I went to the dr that day, I couldn't stand straight with my entire stomach and chest hurting. Getting to my point. I've been hospitalized twice in 3 wks, 5 days than 4 days now home dropping weight and in pain. I was diagnosed with severe chronic Pancreatitis, Duodenumitis, ulcers, gastritis and gastroparesis. When my GI said "you have a paralyzed stomach" I immediately asked "Can that be related to Chiari?" Of course his answer was no. So, after 3 brutal yrs of being diagnosed with migraines at the base of my skull, even though I KNEW my brain stem was herniated and all MRI"S reports said positive for chiari. I went to 27 different dr's and they didn't have a clue. I searched chiari.com and within 1 wk I was properly diagnosed. So here I am again attempting to put the pieces together online without ignorant dr's. My GI said its most likely cancer or malnutrition. NICE HUH?? Referred me to Gi at Mount sinaid. Can all of my Gi problems be related to chiari?? What specialist can help me? Is gastroparesis curable?? And what can I eat that I will not bring me to my knees??? I'm a tiny lil lady 5' and down to 86lbs and scared... Any advice is appreciated. I need help. Thank you
Hello. I was just checking in with your progress and hoping your stomach and digestive system were working better than how you described it early last week. Good thoughts for you.
I wanted to tell you my experience with the GI issues. I have gastroparesis, GERD, gastritis, had ulcers in my esophagus, and a hernia. It all came on after my decompression surgery. I am 5', too, and lost a ton of weight. I see a gastrointestinal doc and gastro-motility specialist. I am on meds to turn off the acid production pumps, meds to heal the damage, and meds to decrease pressure in my stomach.
During my flare-ups, I have to go on a liquid diet (Boost tastes better than Ensure) until the ulcers heal. Once they are better, my stomach moves more! It takes a while to get the meds to an appropriate level and combination, and I stay on a reflux and gastroparetic diet. I was told NSAIDs were causing the ulcers and once I had an ulcer, my normal diet would make it worse.
One doc said the GI issues could be from Chiari and nerve compression. The vagus nerve in particular. But once I figured out a diet and med combination, I can now eat anything I want (as long as I do not have current ulcers).
During my flare-ups, I have to go on a liquid diet (Boost tastes better than Ensure) until the ulcers heal. Once they are better, my stomach moves more! It takes a while to get the meds to an appropriate level and combination, and I stay on a reflux and gastroparetic diet. I was told NSAIDs were causing the ulcers and once I had an ulcer, my normal diet would make it worse.
One doc said the GI issues could be from Chiari and nerve compression. The vagus nerve in particular. But once I figured out a diet and med combination, I can now eat anything I want (as long as I do not have current ulcers).
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I know !! I had a "Chiari specialist" say my case was "above" him,..??? And he had no suggestions to where I might go...ugh...and yeah I paid him and not just a specialist fee, I was charged for the 5 min chat as a out patient which costs more??? No one told me that ...I went to an office so I thought it was an office visit,,,,the things they do to get more money...always ask how they scheduled you, office , out patient..etc....
Deff find a GI Dr and have some testing done and no your NL need not be in on it as it seems he/she is not aware of the connection anyway.
Leo and you have a wonderful bond....I have a grand puppy and feel a bond with her too, not sure she would be so intent on informing me of something,but quite sure she would with my DD.
Oh no, I didn't mean I had anxiety to try the aloe - just that I am excited to try it. I can only imagine good things from it. It really is an amazing plant with all that goodness packed into the leaves.
And you know what? When I enter Heaven someday (which I hope is not soon), I believe B will be the first one to greet me. Give Leo a hug of gratitude for caring about you. He sounds like a great cat; somehow male cats have a very sweet and tender nature. My male cat (Fitzi) often grooms my two females (Sophia and Lucy) tenderly like a mother cat! Then, one of the girls starts to growl at him. I tell them that every girl should have a boy who is as sweet as Fitzi.
And you know what? When I enter Heaven someday (which I hope is not soon), I believe B will be the first one to greet me. Give Leo a hug of gratitude for caring about you. He sounds like a great cat; somehow male cats have a very sweet and tender nature. My male cat (Fitzi) often grooms my two females (Sophia and Lucy) tenderly like a mother cat! Then, one of the girls starts to growl at him. I tell them that every girl should have a boy who is as sweet as Fitzi.
Why anxious to try aloe?? may want to google, aloe and health benefits. I grow it, blended some today and had the most comfortable day this month. I was reluctant to try it too, years ago, but now I'm so grateful for it.
I firmly believe your Bucky is in a place of happiness beyond our comprehension. I have to believe that they are all together and we'll reunite some day. I also believe that our past loved ones will always be a part of our soul. I will stay in touch. Thanks.... Feel better and stay positive.
Hi, thanks for your feedback. BRAVO LEO is right!!! I have a GI doc that says there's no relation to GI and chiari. Needless to say I'm searching for a new Dr. Pretty scary out there when it comes to doctors, most say "I don't know, you're too complex". And I pay to hear that. I thought about just changing my diet which is hard because I am 86lbs and need to eat & gain. Leo literally stopped me from eating solid food today, swatted fork right out of my hand. He has no interest in people food at all other than tuna of course, but he's getting pretty intense with trying his best to communicate and I am listening, no solid food!! Question, I know I need a good GI, but should I contact my neurologist? I am a bit tired of doctors but also a bit scared having a stomach that isn't functioning. Hope you're feeling well today and better tomorrow.
Hey fellow feline friend.
I love to hear about others' stories about loving cats. I have rescued 5 cats who are the best friends that I could wish for (not all 5 are living with me presently). I read a story to my son about a cat who saved his people from carbon monoxide poisoning. Actually, we have several books about amazing cats. The most incredible one is titled "Cat Heaven" and helped me to cope with the death of my first cat, Bucky. I read that whenever I need to reaffirm the fact that he is in a blessed happy place.
Thank you for your suggestion about ginger and aloe, I do drink ginger ale, but I am anxious to try the aloe. For you, I hope you will find a good doctor - one who practices by the Hippocratic oath. Keep us current with when you do find and visit a doctor.
I love to hear about others' stories about loving cats. I have rescued 5 cats who are the best friends that I could wish for (not all 5 are living with me presently). I read a story to my son about a cat who saved his people from carbon monoxide poisoning. Actually, we have several books about amazing cats. The most incredible one is titled "Cat Heaven" and helped me to cope with the death of my first cat, Bucky. I read that whenever I need to reaffirm the fact that he is in a blessed happy place.
Thank you for your suggestion about ginger and aloe, I do drink ginger ale, but I am anxious to try the aloe. For you, I hope you will find a good doctor - one who practices by the Hippocratic oath. Keep us current with when you do find and visit a doctor.
Hi, thanks for your feedback. I knew a cat lover would respond. Leo is amazing and becoming a cuddle cat. I rescued him 4 yrs ago and my illness is most definitely bringing us closer. I had a cat that use to lay on my head and my neck, than I was diagnosed with ACM I felt she was my healer and I was hers. Now I have Leo and Neeko, Neeko has increased his ways of making me relax. They are amazing!!! As for your nausea, sounds horrible. I have pain without the nausea. Thank God for our feline friends. Ever try ginger or aloe for your nausea? Aloe works for me.
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Hi I have to agree with Elisaandbucky's comment that your cat was in tune with you and was showing you a problem you may not have been aware of without his help...so bravo Leo!!
Gi issues can be related to Chiari...so many of us do have GI issues and my Chiari specialists were clear in they were related.
There are other related conditions that could also be playing a role in this....I would go to a GI Dr that you feel is tops in the field and not worry if they connect it to Chiari but if they can offer you relief and resolve the issues you are having.
I am not knowledgeable in answering any of the questions about your physical symptoms; however, I can identify with your difficulties with vomiting and keeping food down. I battle nausea with vomiting often,and it's very unpredictable. Sometimes I am driving and the nausea comes out of nowhere.
What you wrote about Leo is amazing! He seems to be trying to tell you something. His persistence is amazing. I am a cat person and I can picture him doing his. I had a beloved male cat many years ago who used to get up on the back of my chair and massage my neck - almost every time I sat down. It turns out that with my chiari diagnosis, my neck pain is the most significant. Sweet Leo May be trying to make you feel better.
What you wrote about Leo is amazing! He seems to be trying to tell you something. His persistence is amazing. I am a cat person and I can picture him doing his. I had a beloved male cat many years ago who used to get up on the back of my chair and massage my neck - almost every time I sat down. It turns out that with my chiari diagnosis, my neck pain is the most significant. Sweet Leo May be trying to make you feel better.
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