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Sandie Herron
Florida
Idiopathic GP
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Hi. My name is Sandie Herron. I’m 44
years old and live in Florida. I’m told that I like to
“make lemonade from lemons” because of my positive attitude in spite
of many obstacles in my life. I’m a firm believer that life is a
journey and there is no rewind button, so I better make the most of it
while I can!
I have had acid reflux for quite a long time. I was treated with
propulsid and then reglan as well
as a proton pump inhibitor. Yet last year when the reflux got
worse and I found myself
regurgitating, choking, and vomiting in my sleep, I knew something had
gone very wrong. My
gastroenterologist performed an endoscopy and found food still in my
stomach despite having fasted for almost 24 hours. A gastric
emptying study revealed why: severe gastroparesis. The causative
factor has not been pinpointed, but we suspect it is a result of my
having systemic lupus erythematosus. I continue with several
different motility and anti-nausea medications. In
addition, following the GP diet has enabled me to return to some sense
of normalcy.
I am a big proponent of support groups, so it was natural for me to look
for one for people who
suffer from gastroparesis. I found a wonderful group on Yahoo
where I learned so much more about gastroparesis and on a much more
personal level. I try to stay as active as possible and
share my experience, strength, and hope. This has provided me with
much personal growth. I have also developed many friendships where
we have an immediate bond and understanding of what this disease can do
in our daily lives.
Unfortunately, I can no longer work full time, but I continue book
reviewing for the website
www.ILoveAMysteryNewsletter.com.
I contributed essays to the anthology They Died in Vain on
underappreciated mysteries that has won the Agatha Award and now is
nominated for the Anthony and the Mcavity Awards. Recognition for
my efforts in this arena has been extremely gratifying and exciting.
While I spend a lot of time on my computer staying active in both
gastroparesis and lupus support groups and several book related groups,
I enjoy the flower garden in my backyard which is home to a family of
cardinals. I enjoy the four cats who have adopted me and call me
mom. I have the most supportive husband ever, and yes, I’m
biased!
I hold on to the hope that things will get better. My motto is
“Attitude, Faith, and Humor” and I’m sticking by it!
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