20mo post-op - Living in South Korea - Gastroparesis

[almosthome 91]

Hi! I have been living in a foreign country (South Korea) for about 9 months now. It took a long time to adjust to the different foods and nutrition labeling. The medical system here is also different. But I've continued to lose weight (more slowly than before) and hadn't encountered any serious stomach-related problems until a month ago.

That was when I experienced severe abdominal pain, enough to send me to the ER. It turned out to be gas in my stomach along with a little reflux (seen via endoscopy); my stomach is otherwise in good condition. They said my liver function numbers were 5X normal as well, and ultrasound showed moderately fatty liver (seems weird to me after so much lost weight). They put me on medicine (morning PPI, evening Zantac, after meal digestive stimulator, and liver medications) and said there was nothing else to be done except eat wisely and exercise more (I walk/run 4-6 km on steep hilly terrain a few times a week).

Over the past month, though, my liver numbers have been up and down seemingly at random, and the gas pain is coming at greater frequency. It is so bad I can't think about anything else and just rock back and forth in front of the toilet hoping burping or vomiting or something will help (have only vomited once due to this). If it happens before bed I cannot sleep. Sometimes the gas won't head into my intestines for 7 hours; once it does the pain resolves quickly. About all I can tolerate eating right now is rice porridge with soft tofu.

I'd rather not fly back to the U.S. for treatment but am frustrated that nothing seems to be helping here. I've seen four different doctors now.

Experiences? Suggestions?

[stevencornell69 107]

Go to Singapore. All moderately wealthy southeast Asians go to Singapore for any semi-serious medical procedures. Personal experience.

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[almosthome 91]

Thank you! I will look into it; that's a lot closer than the U.S.

[kranky813 477]

If you are fairly certain that it is gas related and the pain eases up when you do pass gas maybe try something to help with the gas such as beano or something similar.

I'm just throwing a suggestion out there for you but it might be worth a try.

Also, can you email your doctor in the states to get his/her opinion via email? Might be worth it to try.

Hope it gets worked out quickly!

[koddie 44]

Have u consider a food intolerance?

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[koddie 44]

I'm also in another country. Oman and I understand about medical lol I hope u get answers. FYI. I didn't get allergic to eggs until I was 35! I refused to believe it. The signs were rash and horrible gas.

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