Ehlers Danlos Syndrome (EDS) & Gastroparesis

What is Gastroparesis?

This condition slows or stops the movement of food from your stomach to your small intestine without a blockage. This keeps your stomach from sleeping out the correct way.

A small number of people with Ehlers-Danlos Syndrome (EDS) are more likely to have gastroparesis. We don’t know all the reasons for this. It may be due to the autonomic nervous system (see dysautonomia post). Special testing is needed to diagnose this condition.

What are the signs and symptoms of gastroparesis?

• Upset belly

• Throwing up

• Feeling full after eating only a few bites of food

• Belly pain and bloating

• Lack of hunger

• Weight loss and poor nutrition

• Acid reflux

What are the treatment options for gastroparesis?

Fluid

• For the best results, drink 80-90 ounces of water per day. This is about 10-12 glasses each day.

• Keep a paper log of the amount of water you drink each day.

Exercise

• Low impact exercise can help with your symptoms. 

• Swimming and riding a recumbent bike (a bike that reclines) are good ways to exercise.

• Exercise 30 minutes a day, 5 times a week for the best results.

Diet

• Eating smaller meals throughout the day

• Eating meals that are low in fat

Other Options

• Medicine may also help with symptoms, schedule an appointment to discuss specific options: https://atwalclinic.com/appointments/

• Some patients may need to see a gastroenterologist for more testing and help managing symptoms