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My name is Kimberly and I am 36 years old and live in Cincinnati, Ohio. I was
diagnosed with 'Idiopathic' Gastroparesis 4 years 6 months ago after becoming extremely ill. My Gastroparesis was found
after completing a Gastric Emptying Test that showed my stomach was only emptying food less than 2 percent every ninety
minutes. I then had exploratory surgery with my gallbladder removed in hopes of helping aid digestion as well to check
for any further problems with my organs. After 2 weeks recovery unfortunately it did not help my Gastroparesis.
I was approached in October 2004 by "True Blue Productions" on doing
a show on Gastroparesis for A&E so I flew to LasVegas to tape the show on Gastroparesis and the part it plays in
my everyday life as well others who suffer from this poorly researched illness. I met some truly genuine and
caring people during my time out in Las Vegas as well a wonderful and very supportive group of Directors &
Production Crew. The show was a success.
In October 2005, I decided to start the Gastroparesis Awareness Campaign
to help shed light on much needed medical research and public awareness but to also allow the
patient to speak out. The Gastroparesis Awareness Campaign to this date has brought much success creating public
attention to this rare illness by promoting statewide education programs. The design & launching of the first Gastroparesis
Awareness Magnetic Car Ribbon came out late 2005 & various other Gastroparesis Awareness promotional
gear is now currently available! The Gastroparesis Awareness ribbon has provided miles of public awareness in
the USA as well Overseas.
I have worked over the past few years with Government officials in helping to declare
national awareness for Gastroparesis and Digestive Motility in their states. My longterm goal is to get all 50 states
to recognize Gastroparesis & Motility Awareness and help educate their state citizens on this poorly researched GI
motility disorder. "The Celebrity Ribbon Run" was created in late 2006 and continues to grow strong. "The Celebrity
Ribbon Run" as well will allow celebrities to take part by supporting Gastroparesis.
I am very happy to say the first Gastroparesis fund raiser held
in West Chester, Ohio November 2006 was a tremendous success! The next fundraisers will be planned for late 2008
and spring 2009.
| A&E/Production Crew, Directors in Las Vegas |
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| 'What a nice and wonderful group to work with!' |
My plan of action since being diagnosed with Gastroparesis has alot to do with self medicating
with exercise and completely changing my diet. I tend to consume more liquids than solids which is easier on the gi
tract to digest. I was never able to find any relief with medications due to the side effects that only make my Gastroparesis
worse and the added risks outweighed the benefits. I decided to make a drastic lifestyle change by introducing daily
exercise with light biking and yoga, liquiding my fruits and vegetables using a "Jack LaLanne" juicer machine- http://www.shop.com/Home+%26+Housewares_Small+Appliances-of-Small+Appliance+Type-in-Juicers-p57070931-st.shtml?sourceid=13 and an abdominal belt, "SlenderTone" which has recently been FDA approved-http://www.compextech.com/slendertone/. The juicing helps so my stomach does not have to break the food down and it can empty directly
through my gastrointestinal track. I tend to eat Tilapia or other light fish for protein which is very low fat and
metabolizes in the stomach very easily as well protein drinks, high protein MetRx meal suppliment bars, "PureProtein"
brand. I continue to find foods that work best for me with trial and error however each patient is different.
I do splurge every so often regardless of the effects it might have however the food does sit for a few days. I use the
"Slendertone" abdominal belt as a therapeutic way to help stimulate and massage the stomach with small electrical
currents. I also drink alot of "Vita-water" or "Smart Water" mixed with "Pedialyte" to help stay hydrated but
tend to stay away from caffeine beverages. I do miss eating steaks, hamburgers, etc however due to
the body can not break down the meat, the food can stay in the stomach for days which can lead to benzoars. Caffeine
causes extreme spasms in the esophagus, stomach and intestines with Gastroparesis patients however carbonated drinks
can help. I take a liquid multivitamin, "Centrum" or gummy vitamins daily to help replace nutrients that my body lacks by
not eating a variety of foods as well a calcium supplement due to I can not tolerate alot of dairy
products. *Early 2007 I have been trying medical
massage therapy for bowel pain that radiates to the back which so far has been successful, light therapy to help ease and
relax the muscles, nerves. This can simply be achieved by using a tanning bed or light home device.
9/13/2005- I had another EGD procedure this time with balloon dilation, stomach
biopsy to help with esophagus constriction (Diffuse Esophagus) due to acid reflux and my Gastroparesis. Doctors
are not sure if the esophagus will stay open or if the procedure will need repeated within the year. The constriction
is very common with Gastroparesis patients due to stomach acid and food that has not digested however "Diffuse Esophagus"
will not worsen but tends to become a permanent condition.
12/1/2005- Final meeting with my doctors. We have exhausted all possible tests
over the past 19 months and still nothing to show the origin of why my stomach stopped working. My doctors tend to agree
medication at this point unfortunately that is not designed for Gastroparesis will only add unwanted side effects so
the goal is to continue with the alternate treatment at home. I continue to have hope that one day FDA will find a medication
to help all patients struggling with Gastroparesis.
1/7/2006- Alternate treatment (exercise, heat therapy, liquid diet) continues
to remain successful and I am finally making my way back to a somewhat normal life.
3/10/2006- Testing will continue for current problems with slow motility
of the gi tract. Specialists are now sure this is related to my Gastroparesis. Further testing on the
pancreas will be observed as well liver levels because of possible food backing up.
6/4/2006- My Gastroparesis is now leading to other digestive problems and in general
slowing the entire digestive process. I am starting to get burned out of daily exercise to keep the food going so trying
to find other outdoor activities. I am continuing to have problems with dehydration (electolytes).
7/6/2006- After visiting the hospital over the weekend I was told by
my doctors that my colon function (motility) is not working so I am going back to my GI Specialists to discuss the options
that might allow me to continue living a better or more normal life. It could take 2-4 weeks to clear the colon completely
out so liquids are now a normal part of my daily diet and form of nutrition. Not sure of my future but anything is possible
with strong support, hope and prayers.
7/7/2006- News from the docs not good and coming to terms that the
colon has little to no motility, at this point they are not sure what to do. I am trying to stay mentally grounded as
well keeping my mind occupied with work.
7/15/2006- The colon is finally but slowly clearing out day
by day. I have learned a tough lesson over the past 2 years as well what true friends in life really mean and if
they will stick by your side through the best and "worst" of times. I will move on with my life the best I can and accept
what I have before me with God's help and I will be ok. Whether you like it or not life is certainly full of changes,
you may not like it but it is what it is....................
7/21/2006- Working with Dr. Grandhi and Dr. Hancher in August on
limited upcoming tests to find out the plan of action now for the loss of my colon motility.
8/5/2006- Polyp and abnormal tissue growth located in colon were both
completely removed this week. Gaining my strength back from 4 week strict liquid diet. I will be continuing with
liquids until pathology comes back in a week with lab results from biopsy. Doctors still not sure on plan of action
on motility function of the colon.
08/21/2006- Dr. Grandhi, Dr. Hancher, Dr. Bonar, Dr. Hilkowitz, Dr.
Logeman, Dr. Shakor, Dr. Skurrow as well other Specialists have been truly wonderful these past 2
years, all additional treatment options have been exhausted however I am greatful for their honestly and never giving
up on me. I will be seeing another GI group of 4 specialists late August in hopes of any other potential treatments or
insight they can offer the other physicians to help with the loss of motility with my stomach and colon due
to the Gastroparesis. I have slowly learned to fully accept my illness and each day living life to the fullest.
One must never give up on hope however you must face the road that leads ahead sometimes to the unknown. There
"is" always a light at the end of the tunnel.
09/23/2006- Now working with Dr. Jurell on round #3 of testing. There
is a "possible" Gastric Pacemaker testing later this fall at a research hospital that he might be able to get me
into as well finding a Gastric Motility clinic/research hospital to help find a way to make life more
tolerable with my Gastroparesis.
10/15/2006- Recovering from medical procedures and stomach/small intestine
biospy. Will be moving forward with hospital Dietician and Nutritionist mid November as well testing for potential
Gastric Pacemaker and colon motility.
11/6/2006- Trying to maintain my weight and stay hydrated as well out
of the hospitals. Amitiza- A new medication on the market for the colon did not work seeing I had a very bad reaction
so back to square one.
11/15/2006- Long meeting today working with a team of registered Dietitians
at the hospital to get back on my feet. My weight is at an all time low of 112 pounds and my body is starting to use muscle
for fuel-not good. I might have hit rock bottom but I will continue to fight to get back up that hill and get better! Trying
some alternate treatments for the next 6 weeks if that does not work I am seriously thinking of using "Nocturnal
Jejunum feedings" to get my weight back up.
12/09/2006- So far gained 2 pounds, up to
114 with the new diet plan. Still trying alternate foods and vitawaters/protein drinks however I am finally having
more good days than bad days. Now the real test-"Holiday Foods", hehee. Next visit with Dieticians in 2 weeks. Indeed
life is good! :)
1/01/2007- A New Year 2007 and another chance to make a fresh start. Opting to
not seek continued help from Dieticians. The new diet was not working so reaching from strength deep within to continue
the fight! Sure I have my down days, we are all human but I will never give up the right to live....
2/01/2007- Continued monitoring on my pancreas levels with new
diet. Still in question for ERCP procedure due to possible Gastroparesis complications with bilary ducts, I prefer not to
have it so undecided at this moment.
2/20/2007- Having great success in therapy helping to deal with my
Gastroparesis as well coming to terms with the other parts of my life that it effects on a daily basis.
3/10/2007- Giving massage therapy a try to help with the bowel pain and relax the
muscles from spasms. Thank goodness weight is holding steady around 113, WHEW!!
3/29/2007- What a wonderful Gastroparesis focus group meeting tonight
and I just want to say you are all in my prayers. It truly was one amazing experience to finally meet face to face with
other Gastroparesis patients like myself.
4/26/2007- Trying to find something to keep my intestines going-Miralax
is making me dehydrated and causing fluids to retain in my bowels. I can't handle much more liquid Drano AKA nightmare similiar
to having colonoscopy prep once a week. The specialists/surgeons can not seem to come to an agreement on surgery
to help maybe eliminate some of this pain and pressure so I might just have to consult with another group
of doctors. The fun never ends right? NOT!
5/14/2007- Dr. Wells has been amazing and I thank him for being my shoulder to lean during the most
difficult times. I think my acceptance living with Gastroparesis has come to full circle now however I
refuse and will never accept not having 100 percent of my normal life back. This gal will always keep her boxing gloves
on. You know, "Life IS worth fighting!"
8/8/2007- Working with specialists on upcoming extensive blood and
genetic testing to see if I could possibly have any underlying conditions such as Lupus, etc that could play a part in my
Gastroparesis. Gut kicks that maybe I might have answers, one can only hope right? :)
8/25/2007- Met with a wonderful Hematology group and amazing doctors. Went through my first round
of extensive blood work and second round next week. I told my doctor this is it, I will not be seeing anymore specialists
nor more testing, enough is enough already right, geez! Putting my faith and hope that maybe they can after 3 years 6
months connect the dots. Time will tell....
9/8/2007- All Hematology tests came back Thursday and seems the only direction is pointed
to severe Gastroparesis which has my body all out of sync and causing alot of organs to just not work properly. There are no
more specialists left for me to see nor nothing at this point anyone can do. After 3 years 6 months it
is now shifted to acceptance. My true strength and character is now going to be tested so time for a new life and whatever
my future may hold in front of me....
10/8/2007- Keeping the faith and staying mentally strong for upcoming
surgery November 2nd. Please keep the surgeons/doctors in your prayers for hope and strength during this difficult procedure.
11/1/2007- READY FOR SURGERY! :)
11/10/2007- What a birthday gift of continued recovery physically &
mentally from one 'Hellish Nightmare' surgery of twisted bowels, severe dense adhesions pulling down
from my stomach, cleaning up strangled and gutted reproductive organs, freeing up my bladder so alot more than ever expected
from my surgeons. GP still present and 50/50 chance my colon function will return back. Of course this surgery is only a temporary
fix seeing the severe dense adhesions will grow back in time, they are just not sure when....Trying to find some hope back
from all that I lost....
*Spreading GP Awareness One Person At A Time*
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| Gastroparesis Fund Raiser-2006 |
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| Spreading the word on Gastroparesis Education |
Four years 6 months ago my life was forever changed by this rare illness-Idiopathic
Gastroparesis. Over the course of the past four years I have learned the inner strength that I have within
myself and the strong will to continue living life full of zest every day. I have met some truly amazing people along
the way who have shown me the true meaning of life and the rewards of helping those in need. I will give everything
I have to help those patients who suffer and only pray God can help those individuals and their families so one day they
can start living a much normal life again.
"The goal is to not let GP control your life but to find ways to make life easier living with
Gastroparesis.
With any rare medical condition one must have hope & faith. With
prayer miracles are possible".
| Gastroparesis Meet & Greet |
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| Las Vegas-June 2008 |
| Kimberly & Chicken George-BigBrother Alumni |
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| Showing Gastroparesis Awareness Support |
| Indiana-St. Vincent's Hospital-2007 |
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| GP Patient Visit-Gastric Pacemaker Procedure |
| Gastroparesis Awareness Campaign |
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| Peace T-Shirts |
| Kimberly-2008 |
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| Southern Ohio Disability Convention-Showing Support! |
| Kimberly & Howie-Big Brother Show-Alumni |
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| Spreading GP Awareness-Tennessee-2007 |
12/17/2007- Officially released as
of this week from all Surgeons, Specialists, Doctors only to schedule yearly followup appts and scopes-biospies. There is
nothing else left that medical technology has to offer and I have went through these past 3 years 10 months all testing
available to my doctors. Surgery was not a success for the motility of my GI organs due to Gastroparesis. They were able to
take down alot of scar tissue/adhesions but found through testing they are not responsible for my lack of motility. I would
never have done anything any differently through these years and at the end of the day I can say you know-"I fought this battle
with everything I had not giving in, nor giving up but pushing with my doctors to find answers. My life now
is in the hands of any future developing Gastroparesis medications and praying it will work, until then I have a
new pair of boxing gloves, ready to keep up the fight! I sure have learned alot along the way and hoping I can help other
fellow GP patients through their life journey. Fighting is worth it! Life is worth it & YOU are worth fighting
for! :)
1/17/2008- "As a GP survivor, I am well aware of just how debilitating Gastroparesis
can become. If I can offer someone else hope, then I have succeeded.”
2/8/2008- "What can I say on my 4 year GP Anniversary date but here
I am and will keep on fighting! Looks like the boxing gloves will stay laced up!
3/24/2008- Having GP related seizures. Valium helps at night with them and hoping to get some relief
and maybe have Neurology find some long awaited answers to linking the part of the brain with the GI organs causing the seizures.
3/27/2008- Vagus Nerve/Gastroparesis connection-Are we onto something? I think we ARE! Continuing
Valium therapy so far in past 4 days only one seizure.
3/28/2008- Life may not always be a bed of roses. Think with your brain, then your heart. When
you do good onto others, good will come back to you.
4/3/2008- The day that life forever changed and time stood still. My CrystalBlue passed soundly
away in her sleep on my bed with her head on my pillow. This night I allowed her early sleep instead of GP office time with
me which I never let happen, this night she wasn't by my side, did she not want to me to see because of the pain it would
have caused me? I know she is still here in spirit waiting for me to follow her through the gates of heaven. She was
my everything and indeed my heart is broken and shattered in a million pieces.
4/8/2008-Neurology tests came back and had meeting to go over my current condition. I am waiting
to meet with my final doctors tomorrow as well Cardiology group next week. So far the only truth there seems to be is 'Vagus
Nerve' damage can cause GP. To regenerate all organ nerve damage would be impossible. Time to do alot of soul searching and
blessed to have my CrystalBlue home as of this afternoon. I made a special bed with her white blankie and beautiful Crystal
Blue urn and her favorite toys in it. I find peace and comfort in knowing she is now with me again and waiting to be once
again by my side.
4/9/2008-Appointment with doctors tomorrow to discuss seizure relation to my Gastroparesis.
All medications available on the market Neurologists fear will only create other GI organ problems. They gave me medication
to take home earlier this week but the risks do highly outweigh the benefits.
4/11/2008-With the seizures it has been decided after alot of soul searching and wonderful
compassionate and understand specialists the time has come to retire early after 20 years of working and go on permanent
disability. They don't ask and I don't tell mentality with the company came full circle and well I think corporate was more
than a bit surprised with the organization and my life behind the scenes. I am at peace with the decision and well time to
give my body a break. In life one door may close but another one is always waiting to open.
5/12/2008-Time sure is flying by this month. It's amazing but
nothing is sometimes the absolute hardest thing to accomplish of all. Making the decision to leave the corporate world and
give my full time attention via the GP Awareness Campaign international organization sure was the best decision
of my life and well helping others around the world is truly priceless!
6/24/2008-Summer & taking time to relax but pushing forward on the GP Mission! I have
come to realize sad but true that in life sometimes society can be awefully quick to judge the book by its cover. If
they don't walk in your shoes never expect others to fully understand a 'unique' life with a disability. We are human just
living life a bit differently with a creative touch, compassion and a whole lot of heart!
7/9/2008-Taking care of a pup is well a HECK of alot harder than 11 years ago before I
was sick, what an awakening indeed it has been the past few weeks. Takes more than myself to care for the little one but
she sure does reminds me of my little Crystalblue. Animals sure do give unconditional love and well can be great therapy for
the soul :)
7/19/2008-More tests, more tests, more tests, so many doctors come up with different
theories on how I got Gastroparesis and well seems no one 'really' knows. During this next month of some very HOT temperatures
I am doing my best to increase fluids so I can stay hydrated and out of the hospitals. Trying to stay in remission with
my flairups and keep busy, sure helps the mind!
Would you like to make a donation?
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