My name is Maureen and I live near Savannah, Georgia, I was
diagnosed two years ago September with Gastroparesis after being hospitalized
for Acute Pancreatitis. It was a relief to finally know what was going on with
my body! I had, over the years suffered so many days of inability to eat and
many days missed from work for nausea. I count myself very lucky as I am still
able to eat food unlike so many of my friends who live on tube feedings. I have
a strict diet to stay on that consists of mostly meat and potatoes. I miss my
vegetables and it is really difficult living in the south. Lots of my family members are farmers and
they have such wonderful fresh vegetables that I used to enjoy so much. I never
thought that eating a salad could make me sick. I lived on them, and then I found
out that I cannot have salads any more since GP. I am retired on disability for other reasons
than that of Gastroparesis. My handicap
has made me stronger and I truly believe that if it were not for it I would not
have been able to accept this diagnosis. I have a wonderful GP doctor, Brandon
Hunter MD from Savannah. He has been the
most understanding and encouraging physician. I lose weight then I gain it back
due to bloating and wonder how I can be overweight with the little I am able to
eat.
One of my most favorite quotes "Thank God for my
handicaps, for, through them, I have found myself, my work, and my
God." Helen Keller has helped me to overcome adversity and to fight
for my health and make sure that others know of this awful disease. Last year I
had the opportunity to meet several G-PACT members while attending the
Digestive Disease National Collation. I had never before spoken to Senators but
found myself comfortable in doing so. It
was a privilege to be able to inform them of this disease and the need for
treatment options to be explored. Many take Domperidone as I do but insurance
doesn’t pay for it because it is not authorized by the FDA and it can be
expensive with no coverage available. I use Zofran for my nausea and Aciphex
for the heartburn/gas. I have a total of 16 medications I take daily for GP and
other health issues. I refuse to allow
this disease to rule my life and I pray that more studies will be started and
new options available to all of us so that we can have a better quality of life
- the kind everyone deserves.
I also take Domperidone - although insurance doesn't cover it, I find it a very inexpensive medicine even without insurance. Depending on your dosage, it can cost from $30 - $15 per month.
ReplyDeleteApril Carroll, I'd love to know more about your Domperidone source. I was quoted $100 a month as a minimum. Right now, I'm getting my Reglan at no out of pocket cost (Thank God for Obamacare since I haven't been able to work for 7 weeks).
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