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Quote:
"Life does not end with GP. Sometimes it just starts over."- G-PACT
term of the month: An upper endoscopy (EGD) is often used to determine
if a patient has a blockage, obstruction, or tumor causing delayed
emptying of food rather than a neuromuscular problem which requires
different treatment options. The patient is sedated as the doctor guides
a scope down the patient's esophagus and into the stomach. This can
reveal esophageal problems, and in the case of Gastroparesis it is
typical to find gastritis (infection in the lining of the stomach) and
little or no peristalsis (meaning no contractions). Frequently the
doctor will take a biopsy to rule out other problems. This test often
makes patients who haven't been through it nervous, but actually it is
easier than most other GI testing. The test typically lasts only a few
minutes. The patient may have a sore throat for a day or two, and should
not drive home due to the sedation so therefore should be accompanied by
someone available to drive the patient home. ****Spotlight
Patient**** Our
November 2002 Spotlight Patient is Samantha Cooper. Pam suffered from
gastroparesis from July 1999-January 2002 and made a full recovery after
following the advice of her doctor at the Cleveland Clinic in
towards
her nursing degree…a degree which she had been pursuing at the onset
of her illness. Pam’s story is inspiring. She describes how her
determination to defeat GP was the key to her full recovery! Please read
Pam’s story at www.g-pact.org/spotlight.htm
****G-PACT
in the News!****
Carissa
Haston, President/Webmaster, was awarded the Messiah College 2002 Young
Alumnus Achievement Award in recognition of her contribution to G-PACT
while personally battling gastroparesis herself. The day was filled with
the award ceremony which included a 17 minute video about Carissa and
G-PACT, an award presentation, and live interview at the ceremony of
approximately 2500 people. After the ceremony, there was an opening
reception for Carissa's art show
which was displayed in the college library for approximately two weeks. Her
story was aired on her local Fox43 news on two separate occasions, and
the G-PACT link was placed on their website at www.fox43.com.
In addition, her story was covered by the Patriot-News ( |
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