Under normal conditions, the muscles in the stomach contract to help move food through the stomach and into the small intestine. With gastroparesis, the muscles in the stomach don't function properly and it takes longer for the stomach to empty its contents.
There can be various causes of gastroparesis, but the most common cause is diabetes. Also, symptoms of gastroparesis can be different with different people, but there are a few symptoms that are common with most patients. Heartburn can also be a symptom of gastroparesis.
The type of treatment for gastroparesis a patient will receive depends on the symptoms that patient has. In most patients, treatment will not cure gastroparesis, so the goal is to manage the condition and its symptoms so you can be as comfortable as possible.
About 10 years ago a doctor in a new town reduced my thyroid medication from 200 mcg to 125 mcg. Within 2 months I had all the symptoms of gastroparesis. I underwent tests, went on a very bland diet, and took medication before meals. Finally I insisted that my doctor write a script for 200 mcg, which had been my normal dose for about 4 years. Six weeks later all my symptoms were gone and I could eat a normal diet.