Gastric Pacemaker: One Year Later
Last Wednesday was a big day for me. Not only did my Kickstarter project come to a successful end, but it was the one-year anniversary of my second gastric neurostimulator surgery.
As I’ve said many times on this blog, Enterra Therapy is the best symptom management tool I’ve tried in the past seven years. It has significantly reduced the frequency and severity of nausea, which in turn now allows me to sleep through the night on a consistent basis. I’ve been able to improve my nutrition, gaining nearly 10 pounds over the past year. In turn, I look better, feel better and my body has begun to function better overall.
All of that said, it certainly hasn’t cured the gastroparesis. I still have slow gastric emptying. I still have to manage my diet very carefully, pay close attention to my stress level, and make sure I get adequate exercise and proper rest. I also still take anti-emetic medication, Zofran and/or Tigan, on a fairly regular basis. But, for me, the gastric neurostimulator was the missing link that made all of those other things far more effective.
Bottom line: I can say without a doubt that I’m healthier and happier now than I was a year ago and I’m grateful to have the device. Happy Birthday, Chuck! (Yes, I named it…)
P.S. I’ve received a lot of questions about my experience and gastric electrical stimulation in general, so I’ve recorded a two-part video blog. View Part I here. (Part II will be posted soon!)
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3 Responses to “Gastric Pacemaker: One Year Later”
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[...] just more difficult to predict the probability of response. (As you know, I’ve seen a huge improvement with [...]
[...] I’m very much looking forward to talking with Senator Schumer about how the device has changed my life and how imperative it is that others have the right to the same [...]
I have the Enterra Therapy as well. I was diagnosed with gatroparesis in 2004 after losing over 50 lbs and barely weighing 87 lbs. This was my lifesaver!!! March 18, 2005 was the day I say I was born again. It jumpstarted my new beginning to a healthier life. I still take anti-emedic meds too, Phenergan helps me more than Zofran on a regular basis, but I take the Zofran or Marinol when I have a bad day. My battery life was short lived due to the voltage required so I had the device exchanged February 22, 2008. I am also one of the few people to have had a child since having the device. My miracle baby was born May 24, 2009 and very healthy. After being pregnant, the majority of my symptoms decreased in severity and for that I am thankful. I stumbled upon your blog putting together a PowerPoint for my advocacy group and I wanted to reach out.
I hope you continue to regain health!
Brandy Edwards