[nicolefsu]

#1058816

I am back!!! I don’t know if anyone remembers me, but I was dealing with a few GI issues and it really caused me to go into a downward spiral! I went to see a gastroenterologist and he said I had acid reflux and gastroparesis. He put me on Domperidone which it help for a little bit, I don’t know if it was the food I was eating or what, but it seemed like the pains were never going away. Then one day I ate a high iodine dinner, which caused me to be off work for 3 days. I got really sick. My endo then decided to go ahead with surgery. I ended up having surgery on Jan. 9th…best thing I ever did! I feel so much better as a person, and I can focus better! It really wasn’t painful at all! I can barely see my scar also. I had a great surgeon and he understood everything I was going through. He said it will be a matter of time before my GI issues possibly go away. I can say they have definitely gotten better, but they are not totally gone, YET. I don’t take even half the meds I was on before, and the Levothyroxine is so much easier to take than the PTU I was on prior to the surgery. I’m hoping I am on the road to recovery. All I want is for these stomach pains to go away!!! I can certainly sympathize with anyone go through this. So many doctors did not believe me when I said it could be my thyroid causing it..but I know once my levels are straightened out, I will be better.

I have caused myself to be in a rut though with all these issues…it has caused me to not want to go out and do things because I am afraid I will get sick. I can’t do something as simple as get my nails or hair done. I realized it was an issue after my surgery. I am trying to combat this with counseling and I am hoping it will work.

I can certainly say that I am way more positive than I was even 1 month ago. I am slowly becoming less irritable and I’m getting back into my groove! There is hope out there, it may be surgery, ATDs, or RAI, either way which ever one gets you to where you are comfortable its worth the wait!

I also want to say thank you to everyone who posts on these boards. It made me feel like I was not crazy for feeling like I was feeling!

[Kimberly]

#1170160

nicolefsu – Thanks so much for this positive report on your surgery! Stories like these really give hope to patients who are dealing with the worst of Graves’ disease and feeling overwhelmed. Wishing you all the best as you continue on your journey!

[gatorgirly]

#1170161

Nicole,

Gastroparesis is a nightmare. I am also on domperidone (I assume you order it from Canada as well?) and it has helped a lot but I have noticed some stomach pains in the past few days. I think it’s nerves/stress.

Both my endo and GI specialist assure me that once I find a suitable and stable dose of Synthroid, the gastroparesis and GERD should settle down, if not subside completely.

I am moving from sad, lonely Fort Myers back to my hometown in Massachusetts in less than a week to start a new job, and I think it will improve my mood, and thus, my overall health. I hope you find the same peace, too!

Kelly

[nicolefsu]

#1170162

gatorgirly wrote:

Nicole,

Gastroparesis is a nightmare. I am also on domperidone (I assume you order it from Canada as well?) and it has helped a lot but I have noticed some stomach pains in the past few days. I think it’s nerves/stress.

Both my endo and GI specialist assure me that once I find a suitable and stable dose of Synthroid, the gastroparesis and GERD should settle down, if not subside completely.

I am moving from sad, lonely Fort Myers back to my hometown in Massachusetts in less than a week to start a new job, and I think it will improve my mood, and thus, my overall health. I hope you find the same peace, too!

Kelly

I will be so happy if I never have to experience gastroparesis ever again! It effects everyone differently! I don’t get my domperidone from Canada, I get it at this family pharmacy that compounds it! It’s much more expensive that way though. I haven’t been taking it a lot, I try not to rely on it so I can see if my stomach is getting better or not! I hope yours gets better as they say it will! None of my doctors (other than my surgeon) are very positive about it they seem to of never heard of GI issues with Graves Disease.

What exactly is GERD? I’ve heard of it, but I haven’t really looked into it.

Good luck with your move! I am moving as well, but just to a new apartment, haha! I will be much happier about that too! I wish you all the best!

[gatorgirly]

#1170163

I didn’t even know it was possible to get domperidone in the US. I pay a reasonable price, so I’ll continue to get it from Canada for as long as it’s legal.

GERD is gastroesophageal reflux disease. Just a more severe, progressed version of reflux. My dad has it, so my GI thinks it may have been triggered by the Graves but that it’s probably something I’ll always have since my dad developed it around my age.

I was up all last night with severe stomach pains. It’s a good thing I see the GI this afternoon. I can’t start a new job (on the 13th) and suddenly have to excuse myself every 20 minutes or even go home early when the episodes become unbearable, so we’ve got to find a solution and fast.

I’m surprised neither of your specialists see the connection. I see a lot of people on here posting about GI issues after RAI, but you’re the first other person on here who mentions gastroparesis and since you elected for surgery and your GI issues started beforehand, it’s hard to believe the thyroid and GI issues are not somehow related. Both my endo and GI communicate regularly regarding my case, and of course include my neuro-ophthalmologist in their loop. They seem to all agree the problems are related.

Moving is stressful, but it sounds like we’re both moving to a happier place. Whether it’s down the road or 1,500 miles up the coast, I’m convinced a new environment can make a huge impact of our lives.

[Author]

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