Other Diseases Recently Diagnosed - could they be linked to GP? - Discussion - AGMD GI Motility Disorders Support Community

I was just diagnosed with GP at the end of May. This is only one of several other diagnoses that I have recently received. In the past two years, I have been diagnosed with the following:

1. Rosacea (presents itself as acne on my face)
2. Blephoritis (an infection in my eyes)
3. Hypothyroidism (just diagnosed 3 weeks ago)
4. Arthritis
5. Basal cell carcinoma (two different ones in two different locations)

Do you think that any of these could relate back to the GP? Has anybody else out there been diagnosed with similar things during a flare-up of their GP? Just curious. From my reading up on this disease, I believe that the hypothyroidism may have preceded the GP - and may even be a related cause to my GP, but the rest, I have no idea about.

I feel almost as if my body is overly-acidic with the diagnoses above. I wonder if there are any supplements that I could be taking that would help with this.

Of course, I am 48-years-old, so there is a possibility that all of these are related to my peri-menopausal state. But, any information anybody else can share about their experiences and possible treatment would be greatly appreciated.

By nanascorner
Posted June 7, 2009 at 11:07 am
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I have been battling GP since I was 27. I did not have the kind of problem you are describing until I was peri-menopausal… Life changes can effect us in ways that we are not usually prepared for.
Eating items that are more natural, with out preservatives and dyes will help greatly in reducing both the symptoms of peri-menopausal and your GP. I also use progesterone cream to help deal with hormone changes. It is natural and can be bought at Wal-Mart.
As for your eye infections, sounds to me that you may have a problem with a low immune system… Add some probiotics to your diet in order to boost your good bacteria and help build up your immune system. One of my most resent issues with my GP turned out to be cause by the antibiotics I was taking. The antibiotics I was taking for my sinus infection, left me vulnerable for a stomach virus. I have been pushing the probiotics in order to build back up the good bacteria in my intestines in order to replace what the antibiotics killed.

Big Hig Nana

By heartmom
Posted June 7, 2009 at 4:00 pm
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I would like to comment on all the last points. I am 56, been healthy until summer 2005, two of my 4 adult sons had passed away within 6 months of each other, I did not get depressed and I continue to be a part of a wonderful grief support group. The illness issues began after the trauma of loss and menopause was very late for me. I have an autoimmune disorder diagnosed oct 2006 also I am post rou-en-y bariatric. It will be 5 years this december. My gastroparesis was just diagnosed and now treatment has just started. My attitude is very positive but I do believe that life experience whether trauma or even menopause can ignite our different diagnosis. Thanks for allowing me to share. Heartmom

By JoAllison
Posted June 7, 2009 at 4:30 pm
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My doctor told me that problems with the thyroid can be a cause of GP. And from what I've read since my diagnosis, the arthritis could be related. It seems to have some relation to auto-immune diseases/conditions.

I second the suggestion to take probiotics, they've helped immensely with my GP symptoms.

Jo

By Goldie512
Posted June 7, 2009 at 7:16 pm
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Thank you all for sharing your experiences with me. I definitely believe that some of my illnesses are related to the gastroparesis - or is the gastroparesis related to the thyroid which has caused the rest? I may never know the answer to that question.

I do feel like I have an auto-immune disease process going on and have been tested for some (rheumatoid arthritis and lupus) and both were negative (thankfully). The endocrinologist said that hypothyroidism is an auto-immune disorder, so maybe that's it. I still have a lot to learn about that since I was just diagnosed with that three weeks ago.

I also wonder if the weight has caused some of these disorders. I have never been this heavy outside of pregnancy (I gained 20 pounds in the last two years - for no good reason - not eating anything different and exercising more than I did two years ago). This may be caused from the thyroid - or it may just be my 48-year-old hormones.

Another major problem, which I'm sure hasn't helped any of it is moderate sleep apnea which I was diagnosed with back in April. I feel like I'm falling apart!

Heartmom, I am so very sorry for your losses. I can't even imagine going through what you have been through. My thoughts and prayers go out to you for peace in comfort. You did, however, bring up something that I need to take a closer look at. I have had several people from my past die over the last couple of years - a boyfriend who broke my heart back in 2003 committed suicide in January 2007, and my childrens' father was found dead back in November 2007. Recently, I lost a close friend to liver cancer. I have been seeing a counselor, and just told her this past week that I need to explore my grief more seriously - I have been running from it for a long time now. My friend's recent death brought it all back to the surface since I hadn't dealt with the other two.

Thanks again everybody! You are truly special people and I appreciate your sharing your experiences with me. God bless you all!
Goldie

By Mountainwomen
Posted June 7, 2009 at 7:52 pm
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I have been glad to get some kind of diagnosis and medical treatment. I have been sick for 9 year since my gall bladder was removed. Bile ducts closed, three ERCPs. Liver functions off the chart if I didn't get better quick it was transplant time. Mega doses of steroids and antibiotic had liver biopsy, viral hepatitis. Diverticulitis with remove of 8 inches of intestine, reattached colostomy, colon inertia, gastoparesis and am pretty much on liquids. I am so tired of dealing with this. I would just like to feel well for a short period of time! If this is how I have to live I don't see the point!

By heartmom
Posted June 7, 2009 at 7:52 pm
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Thank you for your kind words, grief is a forever process I am glad to report that my sons are with me every waking moment, they exist in a different way in my world since they have died. Never forgotten just remembered with tears at times and with smiles at times. I am blessed to have had all 4 of my sons. My 28 and 34 year old that are alive bring me joy on a daily basis. I even see my sweet angels Jesse age 27 and sweet angel Tyler age 20 in their mannerisms and even their crazy and unpredictable antics at times. They are all 4 a part of me forever. Thanks for all of u who share your stories of courage. Heartmom

By Mountainwomen
Posted June 7, 2009 at 8:00 pm
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and I feel old and bitter by talking about my illness. I don't want to sound like an old lady. Some days I just have to dump and I'm sorry it was here but who else understands?

By beetsies
Posted June 7, 2009 at 8:54 pm
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Dear Goldie,

Thanks for sharing this info! I have ideopathic GP, Hashimoto's thyroiditis (autoimmune hypothyroidism) and I am also soon to be retested for further autoimmune disorders. I have had GP and thyroid issues for over 11 years, and in the last 7 I have struggled with fatigue and periods of intense soreness in my muscles, joints or lymph nodes -- I can't actually say where the pain is coming from. I go to sleep throbbing all over and I wake up physically exhausted and in pain, as if I'd run a marathon the day before. The pain is everywhere-- neck, shoulders, down to my hands and feet. 4 years ago I tested negative for rheumatoid arthritis and was told that the thyroid problem was maybe causing it, but I don't understand how that gets all the way to my feet and hands. Maybe I just don't understand autoimmune disorders enough, but I am trying a new doctor in hope of getting more in depth testing done.

I feel so strongly that there has to be some connection with all of these things, though. I'm so thankful for all of you on this site, because otherwise I would feel so alone in this part of my life!

Thanks! Hang in there. I will let you know if I get a new diagnosis...
Kellie

By carebear169
Posted June 7, 2009 at 11:35 pm
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Hi Goldie! I'm sorrry for your pain. I too have GP and I got dignoised with it about 2 years ago when I was 24. I know that tyroid problems cause Gp, and I also know if you have tyroid problems your Gp is more likely to get better or even go away. I also feel like I am getting arthrits as well even though I am so young, I finally go to the doctor in 2 days (been waiting forever) but I also think that because of the gp we arent getting all the nutrients and vitamins that our body needs so it sets off everything else. It's a really bad disease.

By mphotographer
Posted June 8, 2009 at 8:41 am
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Hi Goldie and everyone-
That is interesting to hear that GP may have links to other autoimmune disorders. I have been having a lot of joint pain lately (knees), but no where else in my body (except my jaw issues). And I am also in menopause....interesting. I am so sorry you are dealing with multiple medical issues. It seems like so many people on this site have more than one GI issue they are dealing with which makes it all so much harder.

Kellie: You might ask to be checked for Still's Disease, an autoimmune disorder that causes a great deal of joint pain. A friend of mine was just diagnosed. You also get frequent fevers at night and shortness of breath with this disorder. I am sorry for your suffering.

And Heartmom-my heart also goes out to you with losing 2 of your sons. You have an amazingly positive attitude.

I hope everyone has a good stomach day today! Mphotographer

By mcmarie
Posted June 8, 2009 at 1:32 pm
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It hasn't been completely confirmed by my doctor yet if I have GP. *I have pretty much all the symptoms plus some extra. I am actually going in to the doc today for my follow up. I've noticed in the last 6 months that I too have had a horrendous flare up of acne, my hair is not growing and is actually thinning and my saliva and urine has been extremely acidic. So, you very well might be on to something there. I think when we aren't digesting our food properly and not getting enough of the basic nutrients, it greatly affects our other bodily processes. I'm 34.....having acne is was so 18 years ago, ya know? Hang in there Hon. I'd give anything to have a normal digestive system again.

By busyteacher
Posted June 8, 2009 at 4:22 pm
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GP can be secondary to a lot of conditions, even post-surgery or after a simple virus. It definitely changes your life. But once you know what you are dealing with, you can at least start looking for solutions.
My best to all of you.

By Novagrad
Posted June 8, 2009 at 4:47 pm
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Goldie:

I'm not sure about those diseases. But I've been diagnosed with a lot since being diagnosed with GP. For example, I have osteoporosis. I also have malabsorption and occasional migraines. I also have secondary immunodeficiency. There are so many I don't even want to get into it now, but certainly GP does not seem to be a sole problem for most people.

Mimi

By Gajudy
Posted June 8, 2009 at 11:24 pm
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I think the Blepheritis is brought on by stress I had oral surgery in Feb. this year & ended up with the eye problem the next day. I was very ill with the surgery & could barely stand up that day & had to do the eye scrubs. Not fun! My first "attack" happened before I ever had GP, but I was under a great deal of stress with my job.

For anybody who has never heard of Blepheritis, you have a dandruff like stuff that builds up on your eyelids & it must be scrubbed away with diluted baby shampoo 2 or 3 times a day for about a month. In addition, you have to soak the lids with very hot water to loosen the "crud". It's a miserable condition!

I haven't had any of the other conditions except osteo artheritis & type 2 Diabetes, which you didn't mention, but I think that's an autoimune disease as well.

Whatever causes GP, I know it SUCKS!

The weight gain can definately come from hypothyroidism. But I'm among those who gains weight with GP & it doesn't want to budge, no matter what I do. I'm trying to walk on my treadmill every day now. I hope it helps.

You are right about several other diseases being linked to the GP, I believe. Too many of us have the same problems to be coincidence. Like everyone else, I'm hoping that research will bring some help to all of us.

Love & prayers, Gajudy

By Goldie512
Posted June 9, 2009 at 11:08 pm
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Thanks again everybody! You are some awesome individuals!

I do believe that at least my GP is probably a part of something bigger, since I am having all of these other problems. I will discuss this when I see my doctor on the 29th.

So many things that you have shared with me are already helping. I really appreciate all of your support.

Big hugs to all of you!
Goldie

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