Archive for the ‘GP Awareness’ Category
Gastroparesis on the Today Show
Gastroparesis awareness got a boost today thanks to 14-year-old Gentrie Hansen. Gentrie first made news earlier this year as she prepared for the gastric neurostimulator surgery after nearly 7 months of not being able to eat or drink anything. This morning she appeared on the Today Show and talked with Ann Curry about her struggle…
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Awareness: What It Means To Me
If you follow my Facebook page or you subscribe to my newsletter, you’ve probably heard that this is Digestive Tract Paralysis Awareness Week. DTPAW, I’ll call it for short, was developed by G-PACT to help spread awareness about gastroparesis and related conditions.
Spreading awareness, like everything else, means different things to different people. For some, it…
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Gastroparesis Survey: Updated Results
Last fall, I started a gastroparesis patient survey and posted the initial findings in December. Since then another 70+ fantastic GPers have added their input, so I’ve created an updated version of the results (14 pages, complete with charts, graphs, and your advice in your own words!). While it’s not in any way a scientific…
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DDNC Wrap-Up (Better Late Than Never!)
I can’t believe I still haven’t shared the details of the Digestive Disease National Coalition Public Policy Forum that I attended in March. Initially, I intended to take a week to digest and absorb the experience (horrible pun) before writing about it. Somehow one week turned into two months. But better late than never, right?
Have You Taken the GP Survey?
Back in October I started a gastroparesis survey to help us learn from our collective experience and see the similarities and differences among GP patients. I initially published the results in December with over 70 responses. Since then another 40+ people have taken the survey, which means it’s time to update the results. If you…
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Are you following me?
On Facebook, I mean. If not, check out my page at Happier Bellies, Healthier Lives. I post news articles about gastroparesis treatments and patients, as well as inspirational quotes and random thoughts that don’t merit an entire blog post. It’s also a great way to interact with other GPers and ask/answer questions. As the title…
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I'm Supporting Gastroparesis Research…And You Can, Too
On March 7, I’ll be traveling to Washington D.C. for a two-day Public Policy Forum hosted by the Digestive Disease National Coalition. I’m joining a group of physicians and patients from G-PACT to educate those on Capitol Hill about the needs and concerns of the millions of Americans with gastroparesis.
Quick Stat: Prevalence
According to several studies published since 2006, it’s estimated that about 4% of the U.S. population has some form of gastroparesis. For comparison, Celiac Disease and Crohn’s Disease are each estimated to affect about 1% of the population.
Pain: The Overlooked Symptom
While many healthcare providers are under the impression that gastroparesis doesn’t or shouldn’t cause pain, my informal Gastroparesis Survey indicated that it’s actually one of the most commonly experienced symptoms.
Gastroparesis in the News
It’s not often that we see stories about gastroparesis in the news, so I wanted to share this fantastic clip from KABC-TV in Los Angeles. It features GPer Kandra Burleson and her experience with the gastric pacemaker.
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