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Gastroparesis Info

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"The Fight for My Life 6"

A couple of weeks after my surgery I was admitted to UVA again for research studies.  They ran tests to see how bad my stomach was, and determine the effects of the pacing wires on my stomach.  Unfortunately, I got very little benefit from the wires because I was so thin, they were not placed very well and fell out quickly.  I was devastated and cried when the first ones fell out, because I wanted them to help me so much. Over the course of the next several months, I made a lot of trips to Virginia to have these tests run.  My parents always stayed at the Ronald McDonald House, and they became like family.  It was so good for them to have a place they could stay without the expense of a motel on top of my mounting medical expenses, and it was a very nice facility with a playroom that had Sega, books, puzzles, TV's and VCR's, a kitchen area and more importantly, a caring environment. 

On May 31, I graduated from high school after a hard struggle to finish.  I was given a special achievement award and a standing ovation for completing high school requirements through difficult circumstances.  It was the most special award I had ever received because it helped me know that people supported me throughout my struggles.  I went on senior trip with my class, but it was hard because I had to take all of my medical equipment with me.  Fortunately, I roomed with my best friends, and they were very helpful and didn't treat me differently. 

When I returned home after my trip, something wonderful happened.  My mom talked with a lady from Illinois over the phone who also had gastroparesis, and we found out that we had an appointment in Virginia on the same day!  We arranged to meet each other and for the first time both of us were able to share our feelings with someone who truly understood.  It was the best thing that had happened, and we have stayed in contact with each other and are very close, even though we've only been with each other twice.  We have a special bond that so few people can share with us, and we are so thankful we were able to meet each other.

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