Gastroparesis is a chronic gastrointestinal condition in which the body’s ability to digest food and empty it from the stomach is impaired. This impairment could be the result of a nerve injury. Such injuries are especially common in people who suffer from diabetes. Other causes can include infections, the use of certain medications as well as surgeries.
When a person suffers from gastroparesis, the stomach’s ability to empty its contents is slowed significantly because of weakened muscles. The result is that food digests much more slowly, causing a number of complications. Heartburn and nausea are common symptoms. Chronic, abdominal pain, fatigue, poor appetite and weight loss can also result. Malnutrition is a very common side effect of gastroparesis. This can cause anemia and other conditions that result in loss of energy. In some cases, food that is not digested may also end up as solid formations in the intestine which further prevent the food from moving down the intestine. In serious cases, a gastric bypass surgery may be used to treat the condition.
You may not qualify for Social Security disability benefits for gastroparesis based on the condition alone, but if the condition is serious enough to have resulted in weight loss, anemia or chronic lethargy which makes it difficult for you to perform your job efficiently, you may qualify for benefits under other listings.