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In June of 2000, I saw a
gastroenterologist for abdominal pain and reflux symptoms that were
not clearing up. I was scheduled for an endoscopy right away and was
told I had "acid burns" where my esophagus and stomach meet.
Next, I was sent for a gastric emptying study and it was determined I
had idiopathic gastroparesis. Only 2% of the food had left my stomach
in 90 minutes. After trying Reglan and Erythromycin to improve
motility, I was sent to join a trial drug study. I had remarkable
improvement with the medication, but the study was discontinued
shortly after it started.
At this point my symptoms were getting worse. I had no appetite, pain, bloating, excessive belching, regurgitation and occasional nausea. I was taking Aciphex and Zantac both twice daily, and trying to control the symptoms with Gaviscon and ginger tea. My weight dropped, but I managed to hold my own with a diet consisting of oatmeal, mashed potatoes, canned peas and broth with macaroni. Working part time was getting difficult also due to lack of energy and abdominal pain much of the time. I was asked many times when my baby was due since my abdomen was so distended I looked several months pregnant, even though I wasn't. That was the hardest part for me because I desperately wanted a child. I was awaiting another trial study to start for the drug Tegaserod when my ob/gyn and endocrinologist informed me it would be ok to get pregnant. Fortunately, my ob/gyn was familiar with gastroparesis and my bouts with hyperthyroidism. I figured it was now or never if I wanted to try for a baby since my future was not certain with my health. I began taking prenatal vitamins for about 4 months prior to trying and within a few weeks time my stomach started to improve. My stomach actually growled for the first time in years and I gained a little weight back. That was last summer. Now I am awaiting the arrival of my son this July. I don't know if I am "cured" forever or if I am just blessed to be well enough to carry my child.
Shortly after my diagnosis, I joined an
online gastroparesis support group and became
one of the group moderators. My job is to answer gastropares
isinquiries and put people in touch with the support group. Although I
am married to a wonderful man and
have a great family, in the past I have felt very alone within the
confines of my illness and don't want anyone else to
needlessly feel that way. It heals my mind
and soul to tell people searching
for help that they are not alone anymore and put them in touch with
others suffering from the same thing.
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