This is probably going to be deleted, since I posted in Digestive Disorders as well, but I didn't realize we were seperating out reflulx... so hopefully someone can help...

I have gastroparesis and my gallbladder is overactive. I was on Reglan for about 8 months. It helped my symptoms very well, but made me extremely fatigued and moody - depressed even. I recently was switched to Prevacid. It's ok for the reflux, but my lower abdominals are going crazy. Last week, Zelnorm was added to the mix. I actually feel worse on Zelnorm than I did before I started taking meds.

I don't trust my doctor - so here are my symptoms. Constant pain under ribs (left), reflux, bloating. This is typically all of the time, worse after eating anything -- blinding pain.

Here are my questions:

1) Do you ever feel like your doctor just watched TV commercials and perscribes based on ads? In the same visit my doc mentioned Prevacid, Zelnorm and Activia (dannon yogurt) that she 'saw on TV.' Meanwhile, I'm spending a ton of money on these pills that aren't helping.

2) Do you know any replacement for Reglan... something that won't make me want to cry and keep me up at night?

3) Are there any herbal/vitamin supplements that seem to help? I have read (here) about magnesium... but that was for GERD - which I don't really understand.

4) How did you find your Dr? Mine is terrible... as you can tell. Any suggestions?

Thank you all.

Well.. actually, it doesn't sound like your doc is saying anything all that bad.. I have gastroparesis too and know the pain. Yogurt is great for the digestive tract, it cleans out bad bacteria. The prevacid is for reflux which is intensified greatly when food just sits in your stomach. I won't take reglan because of the side effects, didn't even try it. I was given a prescript for Zelnorm also because it has been found for some patients to help stomach motility immensely. Only some though, and it is originally for IBS. As for a replacement for Reglan... domperidone is supposed to be great, but FDA has not approved it, though it is used world-wide and is the standard in Canada and European countries.

If you are in that much pain, get an ultrasound and push for some other tests. I 've had an gastric emptying scan, EGD, and today I'm going for an abdominal ultrasound. I'm not quitting until I find out what's up.

Thanks.. I guess my concern with the doctor is that she's happy to write me scripts so long as she doesn't actually have to listen to what is happening. When I asked her what side effects could occur with reglan, she said nose bleeds or swollen glands... all of the research I did mentioned neither of these and the effects I had were common. When I told her what I was feeling, she said 'that typically only happens in the ederly' - I'm 24.

She's not really willing to look further.. she feels like she's figured out the problem and that's that.

I've heard about domperidone. But what am I supposed to do if it's not approved here?

I've started changing my diet... but it's really not helping. The Prevacid is good... but only for the reflux.

Ugh.

i've been to many docotors. all of em are worthless. only one of em acts like he actually cares, byut he admits to not knowing much about it.

Most docs I have been to are the same way. First they told I had depression & anxiety meanwhile my esophagus was about to rupture. All they want to do is write scripts for the latest dru that the reps have dropped off.
I am bitter! My Gi has only done a scope 2x in 2 years and nothing else. He has no idea what is wrong with me. he said if meds don't work he wants to do surgery. Not gonna happen! I have decided for myself that the side effects are worse than the reflux. I am going to an herbalist. I am taking a pill called pregest. They are digestive enzymes and they help the burn. He hooked me up with some other stuff that I haven't started taking yet. 1 thing at a time.

Good luck to you.
KAtt

Hey, maybe you should try seeing an osteopathic doctor? I have heard that they tend not to give out meds as much as traditional doctors do. Maybe do some research about them.