"Dumping Syndrome"

I had an esophagectomy 6 1/2 years ago (for a breast cancer metastesis 15 years post breast cancer). My stomach was pulled up to my throat and maybe 1/2 of it serves as an esophagus and the other 1/2 acts like a stomach, only it's smaller. Don't like to complain because I'm alive and life is beautiful, but I have 2 problems: 1. After I eat I have a fast pulse and heartbeat, lower blood pressure, headache, pain, exhaustion; and 2. It's hard to keep weight on and I have muscle wasting. I understand this is all related. It's managable if I eat small meals frequently and very slowly and lie down after eating, but that doesn't go with working. Recently my diability insurance company has decided that since I don't have a visible tumor, I can work. They don't cover "self-reported" symptoms.

So my questions are: Any ideas about managing "dumping syndrome" better? and Any ideas about how to deal with the darned insurance company?

Thanks. Marjorie

Can't help you with suggestions on helping with your condition...But, how come your doctor can't validate that the symptoms you have are common side effects of your surgery/treatment?
Do you take meds for the symptoms? Have you tried to get SSI disability? Don't know if it will work but, may be worth a try...

How are you doing now?
Have you tried using an enzyme before you eat or drink an aloe drink?

Thanks for your response. I'm hanging in there. I have a lawyer who thinks we have a good enough case that the insurance company is likely to reverse its decision so we won't have to sue them. Hope so. I've got cooperative doctors and that helps. In the meantime, I've learned more about the condition and how to manage it.

I recently got an aloe drink esp for when I get stomach acid burn, but I haven't used it as a regular thing. Your questions will make me try that.

Thanks again.

I'm glad to hear that.
I've been working with this guy that was supposed to get a wrap as well but started drinking this aloe drink and now he does'nt need to, so it would probably be a good thing for you to use it. I'll keep you in my prayers and definitely keep me informed on how things are going.

"Wrap"? What's a wrap?

Dear Marjorie -

I know you're looking for relief from dumping
syndrome, but you may want to consider
other natural alternatives than aloe. As it
turns out, aloe juice is classified as a
stimulant laxative and may worsen what you
are trying to prevent in the first place--loose
stools that deplete the body of potential
healing nutrients. Additionally, oral intake of
aloe may increase low blood sugar effects
and contribute to feelings of fatigue and
weakness. You are certainly on the right path
by eating small, frequent meals--and I know
that can be very difficult to do when you are
busy working. Consider packing low fat
granola mixed with raw nuts or seeds or
spread organic nut butters on trans-fat-free
crackers. These are some great "briefcase
bites" that satisfy hunger, provide healthy
nutrients and are a fast and convenient way
to get in the calories and protein you need
each day. You may also want to limit the
amount of liquid you drink with meals (save
the drinking for between meals or snacks) so
you don't fill up so quickly and watch the
amount of sugary foods you consume.
Sugars, and sugar alcohols (sorbitol, xylitol)
found in sugar-free foods can also contribute
to diarrhea. You may want to avoid lactose
containing foods (milk, perhaps even
cheeses) to see if that helps the diarrhea to
subside. Digestive enzymes may be helpful,
as well as probiotic supplements.
Ultimately, you want to be able to eat and
keep healthy foods in the body long enough
for them to sustain you and rebuild healthy
cells. If you need additional support to attain
this goal, please feel free to contact me. With
a little trial and error, I believe you can regain
bowel health and subsequently your quality of
life!
Best wishes,

Kim Dalzell, PhD, RD, LD
Director, Holistic Nutrition Service
Cancer Resource Center

Thanks so much, Kim for your thorough answer!

What I can add to what I've said is that loose stools is less a problem (usually) for me than the other symptoms: headache, exhaustion, pain, rapid heart and pulse. I need to rest a while, at least 20 minutes but sometimes as much as a hour after eating. Add that regimen to eating frequently and slowly, and that's most of my day!

Yes, what I eat makes a difference. No milk products (some yogurt ok). No alcohol. Little sugar.

If this information adds to what you can tell me, I would appreciate hearing from you again. Thanks a lot for taking the time and interest.

Cheers, Marjorie

Marjorie,

Rapid pulse, headache and pain....and it isn't even tax season! Seriously, these symptoms are telling you something isn't right. If you have not done so already, consider visiting a board-certified gastroenterologist who can rule out some kind of non-descript digestive disorder like celiac sprue (more common that you think and often presents with similar symptoms)or food allergies. This kind of docmentation from a physician might help for insurance coverage purposes as well! In my clinical practice I suggest that patients who have a difficult time digesting foods keep a food diary and note their physical symptoms after each meal. Patterns of intolerance may surface and give you a better idea of what you can, and can't eat. In addition, do your heart rate a favor and avoid all "stimulants"--caffeinated beverages, chocolate and even spices like peppermint. See if that makes a difference.

Best,

Kim Dalzell, PhD, RD, LD
Director, Holistic Nutrition Services
Cancer Resource Center
Cancer Treatment Centers of America

My husband was just diagnosed with "dumping syndrome". He is also diabetic. In fact, he had the stomach emptying test because we are having such a terrible time regulating his blood sugars. He will eat a meal, with the proper amount of insulin and within an hour or so his sugars will bottom out at 30 or 40. After doing some reading I found out that even people who are not diabetic have trouble with hypoglycemia with this disorder. I am not having much luck finding information on dumping syndrome AND diabetes. Can you help me? I am really worried about my husband.

Thanks, Julie