Valerie Collins

Contact Info: (888) URG-PACT x 86
collinsv@g-pact.org

Hours Available: Monday, Tuesday, Thursday - 9:00 am to 1:00 pm, 6:00pm to 10 pm EST
Fridays from 9:00 am to 12:00 EST, Wednesdays from 9:00 am to 1:00 EST
Saturdays from 6:00 pm to 10:00 pm EST, Sundays from 7:00 pm to 10:00 pm EST

In October, 2003, I had my gallbladder removed. Shortly after that I started having severe nausea and vomiting. I eventually had to be hospitalized due to dehydration. An NG tube was put down to try to control the nausea and vomiting. Whenever the suction was turned off, it would start again. I was continuing to lose weight. I went from 210 lbs to 125 lbs in a matter of four months. After many tests the doctors still did not have a diagnosis. Finally the doctors put me on TPN. After three long months in the hospital due to the uncontrolled nausea, vomiting and pain, I was sent home with TPN. I managed to stay out of the hospital for two weeks before having to be put back in. My liver enzymes were very high and I developed pancreatitis. My central line kept getting infected as well. After spending two months this time in the hospital, I was finally transferred to the University of Kansas Medical center. The TPN was causing liver failure so they had to get me off of it. A gastric emptying test was done and I was finally diagnosed with gastroparesis.  It was speculated that when I had my gallbladder surgery, my Vagus Nerve was cut. It was decided that a J tube be put in so I could get the proper nutrition that I needed. I spent another four weeks there and was finally sent home. I had spent a total of six months in the hospital with only two weeks of being home in between those times.  

I currently hook up to the feeding pump for 12 hours a day. I have had several hospitalizations due to nausea/vomiting, dehydration and have developed several ileus. I eventually had to have a port a cath inserted. I have no veins left so it was difficult to get labs and they were having a difficult time finding veins whenever I needed fluids or medication.   

In August of 2007 I had a G tube inserted that I use to vent my stomach.  I was getting a lot of acid build up in my stomach and it had nowhere to go. Now I can drain it whenever I need to and it has cut down on the daily vomiting episodes. I am currently on medication for the nausea/vomiting and the pain associated with GP.  

I am unable to work due to GP. I have just gone through the long process of trying to get on Social Security Disabiltiy. I first applied for it in December of 2004 and I was denied the first time. I just had a hearing in October 2007. I finally got my approval letter in the mail.  GP is not a well known illness so many people do not understand how debilitating it can be and the day to day issues we face.