************ The G-PACT Knowledge Base ************


Bacteremia and Sepsis
- Bacteremia is the presence of bacteria in the bloodstream.
- Sepsis is an infection in the bloodstream.

Very mild, temporary bacteremia may occur when a person clenches his
jaw, because bacteria living on the gums around the teeth is forced
into the bloodstream. Bacteria often enter the bloodstream from the
intestine, but they are rapidly removed as the blood passes through
the liver.

The insertion of any foreign object--such as an intravenous catheter
or drainage tube (both of which are not uncommon to those with
Gastroparesis), a urinary catheter may also cause sepsis. The
likelihood of Sepsis  increases the longer the object is left in
place. Sepsis becomes more likely to occur when there is an
infection in the body, such as in the lungs, abdomen, urinary tract,
or skin and when a persons immune system isn't functioning properly
which can lead to infections throughout the entire body called
(metastatic infection) if not treated quickly.

************ Spotlight Patient  ************

Sandie Herron

Hi. My name is Sandie Herron. I'm 44 years old and live in Florida .
I'm told that I like to "make lemonade from lemons" because of my
positive attitude in spite of many obstacles in my life. I'm a
firm believer that life is a journey and there is no rewind button
so I had better make the most of it while I can! I have had acid
reflux for quite a long time. I was treated with propulsid and then
reglan as well as a proton pump inhibitor. Yet last year when the
reflux got worse and I found myself regurgitating, choking, and
vomiting in my sleep, I knew something had gone very wrong. My
gastroenterologist performed an endoscopy and found food still in my
stomach despite having fasted for almost 24 hours. A gastric
emptying study revealed why: severe gastroparesis. The causative
factor has not been pinpointed, but we suspect it is a result of my
having systemic lupus erythematosus.

I continue with several different motility and anti-nausea
medications. In addition, following the GP diet has enabled me to
return to some sense of normalcy. I am a big proponent of support
groups,so it was natural for me to look for one for people who
suffer from Gastroparesis. I found a wonderful group on Yahoo where
I have learned so much more about Gastroparesis and on a much more
personal level. I hold on to the hope that things will get better.

My motto is "Attitude, Faith, and Humor" and I'm sticking by it!

To read more about Sandie, please go to www.g-pact.org where you
will find her in the "Spotlight Patient" section of the G-PACT
website. This page also includes a place for people to nominate a
spotlight patient as well as read about our previous spotlight
patients and their stories.



************  G-PACT Updates  ************

-Online Donations-
G-PACT is a growing non-profit organization and the only non-profit
operating in the US with a focus primarily on Gastroparesis. Unlike
some non-profit organizations which function through financial
support by charging for membership all of our financial support
comes in the form of donations. Also worth noting, is the fact that
all officers and directors work strictly on a voluntary basis
donating as much time as they possibly can.

We are happy to announce that we are now set up to accept online
donations by going to the following link: www.g-pact.org/giving.htm.
We appreciate any amount you are able to contribute to our cause.
Your donation will provide support for the many people dealing with
this devastating condition on a daily basis, and hopefully lead to
better treatments and/or a cure.

Please consider donating to our cause so that we may provide a
better quality of life, as well as hope for a cure, to all who
suffer from this debilitating condition.

-Credit Card Donations-
G-PACT also is accepting credit cards (Visa, Discover, AMEX, and
Master Card) for donations. by calling Veronica, Vice
President/Financial Officer, at 1-888-820-0729 x 82 and she will
assist you in making that donation. You may also donate by mailing a
check or money order to the following: G-PACT, P.O.
Box 197 , Lewisberry , PA 17339-0197