My story is a little different than most. I do not have diabetes. In 2000, I weighed 310 pounds and had gastric bypass surgery, then gall bladder, then colostomy a year later, but thank goodness it was able to be reversed. I did okay for about 5 years and lost 75 pounds but started having abdominal pain. I had every GI test known to man. It was my young internal medical doctor, Shannon Kennedy, MD, who ordered a GES and finally diagnosed me with GP. In the meantime, a huge hernia was discovered, and I had major surgery.
I believe with the last surgery, nerves were severed, so my muscles couldn’t work food out of my stomach!! I am sick every day, dehydrated, pain, nausea and now have to puree food or eat baby food. Next week I see a surgeon about a feeding tube. GP has robbed me of family, friends and self-worth!! I’ve tried 3 meds with no success. There is no cure, only treat symptoms! I do have my dignity. I try to help others with the same disease. I just became a South Carolina Gastroparesis: Fighting for Change coordinator. I’m fighting for a cure in the ways I can, and I will not give up. If I can stay sober 24 years, with God’s help, I can handle almost anything. God bless those who suffer from GP. What a ride!!
