Guest guest Posted July 14, 2010 Report Share Posted July 14, 2010 Bob Have you investigated neuropathies and neurotransmitters? Sounds like this is your issue. Some people with poor peristalsis find things improve when they increase their serotonin levels (a neurotransmitter); others do better when they increase their thyroid levels. Neuropathies are tricky to diagnose when they involve the digestive tract. There is a test or two available that examines peristalsis rates; might be something to also have done so you’ll know more about possible causes in your case. Are you diabetic, by any chance? That is also a contributor to poor peristalsis. You might look for a book by Gershon titled The Second brain. He is a neurologist and discusses the nervous system that controls digestion. I borrowed a copy from my local library through interlibrary loan, but found the book so helpful yet dense that I bought a used copy because I learn something every time I read it. Neurotransmitters and neuromuscular issues are complicated, and my brain can’t grasp some of the intricacies very quickly [grin]. Having Sphincter of Oddi dysfunction means I deal with poor peristalsis at the neuromuscular level. Of course I also have a number of other neuropathies and neurological issues. Basically my entire nervous system is malfunctioning. Digestion is only one system affected by a wonky nervous system. You may be dealing with a similar issue with your nervous system. I was on low-dose Zelnorm for a while, but it has since been pulled from the US market. It worked by increasing serotonin levels. Worked great for me as long as I was on a very low-dose, but I’ve managed to find ways to help with my own constipation issues without needing to purchase Zelnorm from overseas pharmacies. Unfortunately I can’t take any of the medications that increase serotonin through other means, triggers severe side-effects. However, doctors can get special exemptions and obtain Zelnorm in the US for some of their patients. I know of several people in the gastroparesis support group I’m in that have had their doctors obtain Zelnorm because nothing else will help with their poor peristalsis. Kim M. SCD 6 years Sphincter of Oddi dysfunction 6+ years neurological & spinal deterioration 3+ years Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
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