Tonya’s Personal Story: I was told my gastroparesis was such things as it is viral, IBS, or constipation.
Hello. It took me awhile to get my official Gastroparesis diagnosis. My symptoms started in the military. While serving though, I was told such things as it is viral, IBS, or constipation.
Many years later, through the VA, I was finally diagnosed with Gastroparesis based on symptoms and a Gastric Emptying Study. I was given Reglan and told that is all that the VA could do for me.
I requested to go elsewhere for care. As I knew that there were other treatments out there. I had to go over 4 hrs away to Houston for treatment. There I ended up getting a gastric stimulator and then a jejunal feeding tube (into the small intestine). This only worked temporarily for me.
I moved my care and was put on TPN (total parental nutrition). This has been the best treatment for me so far.
I have since been diagnosed with Autonomic Dysfunction and specifically Autoimmune Autonomic Gangliopathy. This contributes to my Gastroparesis, Hypotension, Hypoglycemia, Colonic Dysmotility, Dysphagia, and other bodily systems.
All in all, I am thankful for the diagnoses as I know what is causing these symptoms and can better care for myself.
I also advocate for my care and others now. I have also become an Oley Ambassador, which I enjoy so much.
