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

Domperidone: (dom-PER-I-done) is categorized as an anti-emetic and
dopaminergic blocking agent. It is used to increase the movements or
contractions of the stomach and bowel and to treat nausea and
vomiting.

Because it has not been FDA-approved and Domperidone is only
available in the USA through a compounding pharmacy, one should
mention this drug to their doctor regarding any information they may
have about it.

Make sure your doctor is aware of your medical history that may
affect the use of Domperidone

Domperidone is not a cure for Gastroparesis.   It has, however,
greatly improved the quality of life of some individuals with this
disease by decreasing nausea and increasing the amount and types of
foods tolerated.

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

Our May, 2003 Spotlight Patient is Monalisa Hinnat.

Hello all, My name is Monalisa Hinnat.  I am not sure exactly when
my Gastroparesis started. My father and I had been on vacation the
month of July visiting London , Paris and Rome . After returning I
went back to my flight attendant job but began getting sick a lot.
Finally in September nothing would stay down and I had to stop
working.

On October 12th I finally got to see a gastroenterologist. He sent
me straight to the hospital where I was immediately admitted for
dehydration. They performed many test but they all came back normal
with the exception of a GES which was only slightly abnormal by 1% 
I believe. (MY memory has really gone down hill).

I was in the hospital for 9 days and released not feeling any
better. They tried me on   many different medicine combinations and
finally in January of 2000 I was well enough to return to work. I
still had the occasional upset stomach so I really had to watch what
I ate. Towards the end of July I started getting sick again and
missing more and   more work until Aug 3rd, 2000 which was my last
day. I couldn't keep anything down and lost 40 pounds and here it is
May 2003 and things are still the same. Luckily my weight has pretty
much stabilized but I have no energy, stay nauseous and still unable
to keep solids down.  Although I try but then suffer the
consequences.

To read more about  Monalisa, our spotlight patient, 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
previous spotlight  patients and their stories.