About Me

I was diagnosed with idiopathic gastroparesis in 2004.  Though it wasn’t an easy journey, I’m currently on the road to recovery!  I created this blog to share my experience and everything I’ve learned in the hopes of inspiring and empowering others to be their own advocate.

My Experience with Gastroparesis

I was diagnosed with idiopathic gastroparesis in 2004. My initial symptoms were reflux, stomach pain, fullness, and nausea after eating.  Though my symptoms worsened over the years, it’s hard to know how much of that had to do with the gastroparesis itself and how much was due to the stress that living with this disease puts on the body and mind.

I’ve tried just about every treatment available, both traditional and alternative, including: Botox, Reglan, Misoprostol, Domperidone, Zelnorm, Nexium, Remeron, BuSpar, Amitiza, Erythromycin, Align, Iberogast, acupuncture, craniosacral therapy, chiropractics, cleanses, detox, digestive enzymes, HCl therapy, low-fat/low-fiber diet, low-carb diet, gluten-free diet, liquid diet, etc.

Of these, I found dietary changes, Botox, Iberogast, and acupuncture to be the most helpful to me. One of the most important things to realize about this disease is that it’s highly individualized.  Not every patient can tolerate the same foods nor does everyone have the same reaction to other treatments.  You must try everything for yourself!

On September 16, 2009, I had a gastric neurostimulator implanted at the Mayo Clinic in Rochester, MN.  I noticed significant improvement in my symptoms for the first 5 weeks.  After that, I started experiencing frequent abdominal twitching, shocking sensations, and worsening symptoms.  By the end of 2009, my symptoms were back to pre-surgery levels.

On January 19, 2010, I had exploratory surgery to investigate the problem.  My surgeon determined that the device was malfunctioning, shorting out every 5 seconds.  The entire system — neurostimulator and leads — were replaced.  I’m currently in the recovery period, but already feeling significantly better and noticing a drastic decrease in symptoms.

What I’ve learned through all of this is that you must always “be your own advocate.”  In doing so, I was led to the Institute for Integrative Nutrition where I’m studying to be a Certified Health Counselor.  I’ll graduate in September with certification from IIN, SUNY Purchase, and the American Association of Drugless Practionners. 

The combination of appropriate medical treatment, my health and nutrition studies,  the experts I’ve been exposed to at IIN, and several years of personal research, has allowed me to develop a framework for diet, supplementation, and stress management that is improving my gastroparesis. 

(You can learn more about my work as a Health Counselor at www.CrystalSaltrelli.com)