Is Gastroparesis Terminal?
This is sort of a complicated & grim question. So, I am going to make it easy, at first.
NO. Gastroparesis is not terminal…..
….on its own.
…. but it can be, and it really, really doesn’t have to be.
Will My Diagnosis Kill Me?
It’s so sad that it has to even be a thought about this digestive condition, but unfortunately, the lack of information and research on it, leaves too much room for wondering. Doctors are just taking stabs in the dark on how to cure it, and sometimes, they land on something that works for a few people. As of right now, there is no ONE cure that is sure-fire to work.
This condition is not like other digestive conditions where you can take one particular medication and it helps or fixes it. Sometimes, one medication works, diet changes, full lifestyle changes and more to help even 1%.
So, to circle back, will having Gastroparesis kill you? NO.
But the other issues that come along with it definitely can, and sadly, already has others.
What Are Those Other Issues?
Gastroparesis causes a myriad of other issues that can be terminal, so let’s go over what those are:
Malnutrition. This is the biggest one. Not being able to eat for months and eventually years has led some of the GP community into terrible situations or death. If you can’t tolerate any food at all, even liquids, you need to discuss with your doctor about getting your nutrition through other avenues.
Dehydration. A lot of clients that I have worked with couldn’t even drink water when they started. This is a fairly common issue, and the dehydration eventually can take its toll on your body.
Vomiting & Diarrhea. To piggyback on the previous two, the often chronic vomiting and/or diarrhea that comes along with Gastroparesis can lead to severe dehydration and malnutrition that can lead to death.
A Bezoar. When the food doesn’t empty out of the stomach, it has the potential to turn into a bezoar, which is a solid mass. This can block the blood flow out of the stomach.
Giving Up. Sometimes, after years of pain, suffering, a combo of all of the above and the fact that no one has answers, understands, or can help, leads to some just giving in to the worst of it and when you lose that hope and will to live, your body shuts down.
It Doesn’t Have to be This Way
It breaks my heart every time I hear of someone with Gastroparesis passing from one or more of the above issues. It doesn’t need or have to be this way, and I wish doctors would get on board with helping their patients in different ways.
Your Gastroparesis is NOT, but also, DOES NOT HAVE TO BE terminal.
Keep fighting for answers and help.
If you are looking for a place to start, I have a FREE 3-Day Guide. It is not the cure-all, but it is a start. Some have found full healing from following the guide, and some have gotten an incredible jumpstart to feeling better. I want that for you.
So, no, your Gastroparesis won’t kill you. But don’t let the other issues it brings take their toll on you.
You deserve to find healing, too.
Until next time,
Keep it Fresh. Keep it Simple. Keep it Real.
Aubrey