|
August Letter from the CEO
Krystin Albert; RN, BSN
August is the month for discussing Gastroparesis, which is a chronic condition in which the muscles in the stomach don’t work the way they are supposed too. Typically, your stomach muscles contract to move the food you eat through your digestive tract, with gastroparesis digestion is slower, or not working at all, causing your stomach to not empty well or at all.
If you, or someone you know, are living with Gastroparesis, here are some quick facts on what Gastroparesis is and how to manage symptoms to improve quality of life. Diabetes is the main cause of gastroparesis; uncontrolled blood sugars can lead to nerve damage therefore the stomach does not work properly. Other causes consist of too much sugar in the digestive system, infections, cancer and cancer treatments, certain medications, and for some there is no known cause. This type of gastroparesis is called Idiopathic. Gastroparesis symptoms include nausea, vomiting, along with feeling full and bloating. Complicated by malnutrition, weakness, fatigue, constipation, anorexia, and deficiency of vitamins the body needs.
Adjusting your diet can help manage these symptoms. Try to eat small meals throughout the day allowing time for digestion. Always chew your food well, grind up any meat you may be ingesting and drink water with your meals. If you eat a lot of vegetables, try cooking them. Raw vegetables can be hard to digest. Limit your intake of fruits and vegetables. Avoid high fat foods as they have been shown to slow digestion. Limit your food intake at least 2 hours before bed. Lifestyle changes also help with managing the symptoms of gastroparesis. Maintaining an active lifestyle by walking after a meal will increase gastric emptying. Making your meals versus eating out and limiting your alcohol use are also important.
Each person will develop a diet that works for their symptoms, eliminating foods that cause worsening symptoms. Be supportive, or find someone who can be supportive for you, if the journey of gastroparesis is yours. Be informed! Schedule an appointment with your Physician or a Gastroenterologist for a thorough history and physical which could include some testing to see what other medications or treatments are available to you or your loved one.
Franklin VNA and Hospice is here to support you and the community’s needs. Thank you for choosing Franklin VNA and Hospice as your Home Health and Hospice agency and for sharing your experience with our services with others. It is because of you that we are able to continue to remain a small independent hometown agency.
| 
