Side effects - causes - symptoms - treatments.

Side effect - Delayed gastric emptying (Gastroparesis)

Cause - narrowing of the pyloric sphincter a muscle at the bottom of the stomach.

Symptoms - vomiting, feeling fuller than normal, bloating,, acid reflux, loss of appetite. Weight loss or malnutrition.

Treatment - medication (such as Domperidone, Erythromycin) Pyloric dilatation, Botox injections.

Side effect - Early dumping syndrome

Cause - occurs when food moves too quickly from the stomach into the small intestine, usually within 30 minutes of eating

Symptoms - Bloating, Sweating, Abdominal cramps and pain, Nausea, Facial flushing, Stomach growling or rumbling, An urge to lie down after eating, Heart palpitations and fast heartbeat. Dizziness or fainting, Diarrhoea

Treatment - Eat smaller meals, Limit high-sugar foods, Choose complex carbohydrates such as wholegrain or granary bread, wholegrain or basmati rice, whole wheat pasta, wholegrain crackers, oatcakes, whole wheat pitta bread, boiled potatoes, and wholegrain cereals

Side effect - Late dumping syndrome

Cause - can occur 1–3 hours after eating and is caused by sugary foods or large portions of simple carbohydrates, which cause your blood sugar level to quickly increase at first. This can result in the body producing large amounts of insulin, which causes your blood sugar levels to rapidly drop below normal level in response

Symptoms -Heart palpitations, sweating, hunger, confusion, fatigue, aggression, tremors, fainting

Treatment - Avoid sugary foods and large portions of simple carbohydrates, Eat slowly, Avoid liquids for 30 minutes after a meal, Lie down if you experience symptoms, Keep a food and symptom diary, A dietitian can help you make dietary changes and tailor them to your needs. If symptoms don't improve after dietary changes, you can ask your doctor about medication

Hi Clive

As you know I am waiting to have the dilation, I am 7mths post op. Before the symptoms started, which you have listed I was taking 30mg of Lansoprazole, now on 60mg while I wait. I also use gaviscon, will add hiccups and burping, sometimes through the night.

Since this started my dumping syndrome has improved

Jennie

Side effect - Restless legs syndrome (RLS) or Periodic limb movements (PLM)

Cause - Patients with cancer are at risk of getting restless leg syndrome because of several factors. Certain chemotherapies, iron deficiency from cancer or chemotherapy, or radiation treatment can contribute to its development

Symptoms (RLS) -typically causes an overwhelming urge to move your legs and an uncomfortable sensation in your legs.

The sensation may also affect your arms, chest and face.

It's been described as:

• tingling, burning, itching or throbbing
• a "creepy-crawly" feeling
• feeling like fizzy water is inside the blood vessels in the legs
• a painful cramping sensation in the legs, particularly in the calves

These unpleasant sensations can range from mild to unbearable, and are usually worse in the evening and during the night. They can often be relieved by moving or rubbing your legs.

Some people experience symptoms occasionally, while others have them every day.

You may find it difficult to sit for long periods of time (for example, on a long train journey).

(PLM)

More than 80% of people with restless legs syndrome also have periodic limb movements (PLM).

If you have PLM, your leg will jerk or twitch uncontrollably, usually at night while you're asleep.

The movements are brief and repetitive, and usually occur every 20 to 40 seconds.

PLM can be severe enough to wake up both you and your partner. The involuntary leg movements can also occur when you're awake and resting.

Treatment - Mild restless legs syndrome that isn't linked to an underlying health condition can be managed with just a few lifestyle changes.

If symptoms are more severe, medication may be needed.

Restless legs syndrome caused by an underlying health condition can often be cured by treating that condition.

For example, iron deficiency anaemia can be treated by taking iron supplements speak to your nurse specialist.