Are digestive enzymes/acidophilus good for gastroparesis? - Bowel Disorders Message Board

j.m. · 06-01-2007, 03:23 PM

I have diverticulosis, a 5 cm. hiatal hernia and severe bloating which i'm almost sure is caused by gastroparesis. I don't know if it's IBS.
I've been having these problems for well over a year now.

I have still yet to be diagnosed properly by a G.I. doctor, I am still awaiting my appointment in the mail.

Meanwhile, I'm trying to take a holistic approach to my problems such as taking Jarrodophilus and some enzymes on the recommandation of a friend as well as trying to eat more veggies and whole grains. and while my heartburn/reflux has seemed to subside a bit, my constipation seems to have gotten worse. I occasionally take Metamucil and that barely helps. my stools are like little pieces of clay and i'm still constantly bloated. I can eat very little in the morning and still be full by day's end which leads me to believe I have Gastroparesis which is slow emptying of the stomach.

I've heard that enzyme supplements and acidophilus and such can help and possibly cure IBS, but I can't seem to find any info if they're good for Gastroparesis.
I'm going for my first hydrotherapy session tomorrow and I hope that alleviates some of my problems.

Harry · 06-01-2007, 11:52 PM

Are you drinking enough water daily? -- 6 to 8 glasses

j.m. · 06-05-2007, 12:19 PM

Yes, I am now. been taking the Reguloid orange-flavored fiber supplement I've been prescribed about 1 good tablespoon 3 times daily and it has helped!! Now I have at least 2 good BMs daily. I guess the answer was right under my nose. I would just take a small teaspoon before and not drink much water. I guess that's why it wasn't helping much.

Once I finish off the Reguloid, I am going to start on the Metamucil powder that I bought a few weeks ago.

Harry · 06-05-2007, 12:45 PM

j.m.
Yes --it is amazing -- with psyllium or to have normal BMs -- you just have to drink enough water daily and especially with the doses of Metamucil -- it starts absorbing water immediately.

I wish you well---Harry

j.m. · 06-05-2007, 04:23 PM

thanks for the response, Harry, but I just have one other question;
i am still coping with my bloating/heartburn/acid reflux. just when i thought i had it under control with the digestive enzymes, it's still a problem. i've been trying to avoid taking the prescribed Nexium/Prevacid and just using the MSM/probiotic/enzymes approach not just for the reflux but for my colon as well. should i return to using Prevacid? I heard it constipates and also that antibiotics/PPIs are bad for an already dysfunctional digestive system like mine.
could I benefit from using both Prevacid AND the aforementioned enzyme/probiotic supplements or it should be one or the other?
Please let me know.

Also, i never went for my scheduled hydro appointment. I postponed for next month.