WEGO Health Awards

I've been nominated for 5 Wego Health awards for my work with Gastroparesis. I don't think I'm going to win but it's a nice self esteem boost. I've been nominated for "Best in Show: Facebook," "Best in Show: Blog," "Advocating for Another," and "The Lifetime Achievement Award."   EDIT: Now I am nominated for five WEGO Health Awards.  The polls in "endorse" people have ended, so that may judge all of the six thousand nominations they got this year. So many people are doing SO many wonderful things! It helps me to reestablish my goals and switch around priorities.

My nominations, can be found on the WEGO Health Awards:



https://awards.wegohealth.com/nominees/12466

I've been writing in my blog about Gastroparesis since I was diagnosed in 2012. Back then, the only information about Gastroparesis was only available on Mayo Clinic's website. When I was diagnosed, I was scared because I knew I had a chronic illness that there was not a lot of information about.  I took pictures of my testing, uploaded it, and started writing in my blog about it. I wanted to share information with others but also save people money on repetitive testing because I know what it's like not to have health insurance, and to choose between going to the doctor and paying the rent for the month.

I have also helped build up support groups and pages on Facebook to help those who have been newly diagnosed with Gastroparesis. I helped build up the GP Community on Facebook with a handful of wonderful women.

I've been published on The Mighty: https://themighty.com/2018/09/cyberbullying-gastroparesis-chronic-illness-community/

But I will be honest, the awards would be a nice boost to my self-esteem, but the fact that I was nominated for them and the fact that somebody did that, that means more to me than anything. 

I've always been about helping people and to me, that comes first. 

I know doctors give out my blog to new patients and I know that United Healthcare gives out my blog as well, but I didn't start my blog for that. 

That's a nice benefit, but I started my blog for those who suffer with GP to try and bring awareness to us and for better treatment options. That's always been my goal.
I'm proud that now there are so many ways to learn about GP and it's not just Mayo Clinic's website anymore, because there are so many sources out there to choose from. I feel like I had a small part in that. 

I just want treatments to help us because I'm tired of losing my friends to this illness. 

This is for them. I dedicate all these nominations to the people I've lost due to this terrible illness. I'm doing this for them and I'm doing this for the people that have been newly diagnosed who are terrified. I just want them to know they're not alone, and there is a support network in place for those who feel like they are.









I also am doing it for more awareness and education for doctors so that when we are sick enough to go to the Emergency Room, we are NOT treated as drug seekers. Doctors can't even see past that to help us. I've been in the ER, vomiting up blood in front of the doctor, and he thought I was just there for pain meds. He also told me that GP didn't hurt. So, I asked him if nerve pain in the back hurt. He replied yes. I asked him if nerve pain in the knee hurt, Again, he replied yes. So, I asked him, why wouldn't it hurt if your vagus nerve was damaged and the nerves in your stomach were damaged? He looked at me and told me he had never thought of it that way before. So, at least I was able to change one doctor's mind. I had a friend who was ill who went to the ER and was dismissed as a drug seeker as well. She died later that night in her home. I'm just tired of this and I want this to change.

If you want to endorse me the link is:

https://awards.wegohealth.com/nominees/12466

This has been some much needed good news.  I have felt terrible and had a hard time in the past week and a half because my Uncle passed away last week. Dealing with grief on top of Gastroparesis is awful, but I need to write a separate article about that. I know everyone deals with grief in their own way, but this was surprising and like I said, great news. I don't expect to win, but it's so nice to be nominated. I have dealt with so much adversity in the past few years...being cyberbullied, knocked down, and having to rise up and be the bigger person by staying silent is hard, REALLY hard.  But, I am human, and I make mistakes. 

I get sick and I cannot do a lot of the things I want to do because of my illness. I have a lot of ideas, it just takes me a while to act on them and get them out there because I vomit a lot, which makes me weak, and now my back and my oral health are deteriorating.

I just hope that maybe this blog might win an award, but I write for you, the person taking the time to read all of this right now. YOU matter. YOU are NOT alone.  I want to make sure you know that. Any questions that you have, any support you need, and anything you want researched, I'm happy to do that. I try to keep the Financial Assistance and Gastroparesis Support Resources articles up to date.  I remember having to choose between going to the doctor for the month or paying the rent because I did not have health insurance. When you have a chronic illness and no health insurance, things can get so rough. I am working on a new project that I should have out soon that I think will help a lot of you out there.  I'm planning on releasing it for Gastroparesis Awareness Month. I'm really excited about it and I hope you will be, too. 

Frequently Asked Questions Regarding Gastroparesis

Frequently Asked Questions about Gastroparesis


1. What is Gastroparesis?

The Mayo Clinic defines Gastroparesis as, “Gastroparesis is a condition in which the muscles in your stomach don't function normally. Ordinarily, strong muscular contractions propel food through your digestive tract. But in gastroparesis, the muscles in the wall of your stomach work poorly or not at all. This prevents your stomach from emptying properly. Gastroparesis can interfere with digestion, cause nausea and vomiting, and cause problems with blood sugar levels and nutrition.”

Link found here: http://www.mayoclinic.com/health/gastroparesis/DS00612



2. How do you get Gastroparesis?

The Mayo Clinic Writes, “It's not always clear what leads to Gastroparesis. But in many cases, Gastroparesis is believed to be caused by damage to a nerve that controls the stomach muscles (vagus nerve). Other possible causes are abdominal surgery, Diabetes, Idiopathic (no known cause), a virus, and being born with a stomach that function properly. It can also be cause by narcotics because they can slow down motility.” On a personal note, mine was due to a stomach virus. I was in the hospital for eight days.

Link can be found: http://www.mayoclinic.com/health/gastroparesis/DS00612/DSECTION=causes



3. What are the signs and symptoms of Gastroparesis?

The Mayo Clinic states that,
“Signs and Symptoms of Gastroparesis:
Early Satiety (feeling full after just a few bites)
Heartburn
weight loss
weight gain
Abdominal bloating
Abdominal pain
Diarrhea
Constipation
Erratic blood glucose levels (mainly in diabetes)
Lack of appetite
Gastric reflux
Spasms of the stomach wall
Chronic nausea
Vomiting (often of undigested food)
Inability to tolerate dietary fats.”

Link can be found here: http://www.mayoclinic.org/diseases-conditions/gastroparesis/basics/symptoms/con-20023971



4. How do you treat Gastroparesis?

The Mayo Clinic writes, “Treating gastroparesis begins with identifying and treating the underlying condition. For instance, if diabetes is causing your gastroparesis, your doctor can work with you to help you control your diabetes.”

I have written a blog entry on how to cope with emotional and physical pain of Gastroparesis. Here is an excerpt,

“This is a question that I've been asked a lot. I have been doubled over in pain, with no relief in sight. So, how do I cope and what do I do to make the pain easier to handle?”

You can find the ways to treat Gastroparesis here, without narcotics. Link here: http://emilysstomach.blogspot.com/2013/04/how-to-cope-with-gpdtp-pain-emotionally.html

This link will also help you if other treatments don’t seem to work: http://emilysstomach.blogspot.com/2013/04/what-can-be-done-when-gastroparesis.html

This link will help you with natural remedies for pain around the house: http://emilysstomach.blogspot.com/2013/04/painkillers-in-your-kitchen-alternative.html

5. Can you die from Gastroparesis?

Yes. If it gets severe enough people can get very malnourished and without proper treatment options and proper nutrition people can die from complications from Gastroparesis. Gastroparesis alone cannot kill you but it can do horrible things to your body if you are starving.

Link: http://emilysstomach.blogspot.com/2012/10/18-year-dies-from-gastroparesis.html

6. Does Gastroparesis go away?

The only way Gastroparesis will go away is when it’s been caused by narcotics or medication. Nerve damage and muscle damage is typically permanent.

See webMd on nerve damage: http://www.webmd.com/brain/nerve-pain-and-nerve-damage-symptoms-and-causes

7. Is there a cure for Gastroparesis?

The Mayo Clinic says, “There is no cure for gastroparesis. Making changes to your diet may help you cope with gastroparesis signs and symptoms, but that's not always enough. Gastroparesis medications may offer some relief, but some can cause serious side effects.” You have to eat low fiber and low fat foods. I have several gastroparesis friendly recipes on Pinterest and also juicing recipes: www.pinterest.com/chikensrule


Link found here: http://www.mayoclinic.com/health/gastroparesis/DS00612



8. What should you need to know after being diagnosed with Gastroparesis?

I know that when I was finally diagnosed in March of 2012, I did two things that really helped me. The first thing I did was start this blog. I started it to keep track of my medical information, visits, testing, and everything else that I wouldn't remember later. My main goal was to help people through my own experiences so that maybe they wouldn't repeat things that I have done in the past like listening to bad advice from doctors. I was put on two medications that actually did the same things AND they slowed down motility! I also know that through my research, there's not really a whole lot on the internet about Gastroparesis or support groups. So, I made this entry to put all of my research in one place for people who may need support groups. My article with online resources has since been used by United Healthcare as an electronic resource for GP/DTP.

More ideas can be found on the link here: http://emilysstomach.blogspot.com/2013/04/advice-for-newly-diagnosed-with-gpdtp.html

Also, here: http://www.emilysstomach.com/2013/04/youve-been-diagnosed-with-gastroparesis.html

9. What is the Gastroparesis Diet?

The Gastroparesis Diet can be found here: http://www.emilysstomach.com/2014/01/the-gastroparesis-diet.html




10. Is there more than one type of Gastroparesis?

Yes, there are! There are two types of Gastroparesis. The first is idiopathic gastroparesis, which means the doctors are not sure what caused it. The next one is diabetic gastroparesis, where diabetic neuropathy or other causes can trigger gastroparesis by damaging the vagas nerve (http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Vagus_nerve).

Link here: http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Gastroparesis



11. Where can I find assistance to help me with finances with Gastroparesis?

I have compiled a list of financial ideas for those currently struggling with money for treatments with the help of the Emily's Stomach's Facebook Page. The blog entry has links in all caps that you can click on that will take you to that page.


The link is: http://emilysstomach.blogspot.com/2013/04/financial-assistance-ideas.html



12. Why are the Gastroparesis colors green and yellow?

As taken from G-PACT’s Facebook Page: From G-PACT's Facebook Page:

"Most people think that green and yellow became the colors for DTP because green is associated with nausea, vomit, bile, and a greenish appearance when sick. Actually, G-PACT places a stronger meaning behind the colors. We gave them a lot of consideration when we selected them to be the official colors for our use to represent gastroparesis. They represent how we want patients to see the future and what we are all trying to accomplish with hope, strength and growth towards better treatment options. We have seen a lot of growth in this field since our founding in August of 2001, so the green is appropriate. Why?

Green indicates growth. We are growing towards a cure and awareness and research is growing. It's a color of hope. When things start turning green outside it indicates the end of the cold, long, dark days of winter. The first sign of green plants and grass indicates we are coming out of a time if darkness and coldness and entering a phase of growth and brightness. It is a color that shows brighter and beautiful days are ahead. There is something really encouraging when you see that first blade of green grass or green leaf peaking [sic] through after months of brown fields, trees, and no growth.

G-PACT is a grassroots organization meaning that we started with a small handful of patients who were coming out of a period where there was very little knowledge and very little hope towards any kind of understanding or a cure. We knew something needed to be done to provide services to patients to get through the tough times now, and provide hope as we also fight for awareness and research and help bring about greater understanding into this condition. Our initial motto was "Striving towards brighter days of treatment, knowledge, and a cure." We have grown into a much larger scale, now making an international impact and have provided hope to so many as they try to cope until we do find the cure.

Yellow was also an important color for us. Our logo is a sun to indicate hope and a brighter future ahead. The sun is a crucial factor that helps the plants grow. It brightens the days and brings with it the nutrients, strength, and oxygen needed to supply the plants with what they need to be able to grow and thrive."

Financial Assistance Ideas

Several people wrote in to weigh in on financial assistance ideas. If you have additional ideas, please leave a comment on this entry and I will be glad to update!

Here is what we have compiled:

1. Medicaid (source varies by state)

2. Medicare (source varies by state)

3. Food Stamps (source varies by state)

4. Disability (source varies by state)

5. WOMEN'S HEALTH (recommended by Teresa) - offers award-winning comprehensive websites that provide reliable, accurate, commercial-free information on the health of women.

6. SSI (source varies by state)

7. NEEDYMEDS.ORG (recommended by Carrie) - for help with cheaper drugs, low cost clinics, low cost cat scans/MRIs.

8. RX OUTREACH (recommended by Carrie) - list of medicines to help people with costs regardless of insurance, just based on income.

9. Negotiating the contract rate with insurance (recommended by Carrie) - insurance companies have a special, contracted rate with certain hospitals. You can usually negotiate a 15-25% payoff amount.

10. "OBAMACARE" (recommended by Rebecca) - new rules on pre-exisiting conditions.

11. VERMONT CHRONIC CARE INITIATIVE (recommended by Katie) - VCCI focuses on the whole person. Registered nurses and medical social workers encourage healthy behaviors and help with related issues such as housing, food security, and transportation to medical appointments. They help beneficiaries talk with their health care providers and may meet with both to develop and support a plan of care.

12. Your Community (recommended by Jen) - "our community stepped up and helped us. They donated enough $$ and supplies to get us through a year of out of pocket medical expenses...you can do fundraisers, benefits."

13. The Health Department (recommended by Tammi) - your local health department prices based on a sliding scale of income. They may be able to do free blood work and help you until you're able to get on your feet.

14. DISABILITY TAX CREDIT IN CANADA (recommended by Alain) - in Ontario and Canada there are a lot of programs for disability. The first step if you are in Canada is to get your doctor to evaluate you so that you can obtain a certificate of disability. This well help you and your family get a tax credit.

15. MODEST NEEDS (recommended by Audra) - Modest Needs is a registered charity that promotes the self-sufficiency of low-income workers by helping them to afford short-term, emergency expenses.

16. Local Churches (recommended by Margaret) - Check with churches too. They may have resources to help you or might be able to refer you. Many churches have food pantries and might be able to help assist you short-term.

17. PATIENT ADVOCATE FOUNDATION (recommended by Debra) - The fund will assist patients suffering from Multiple Myeloma with their co-pay needs during treatment. These funds will be made available to Multiple Myeloma patients who are insured and qualify both medically and financially.

18. Drug Manufacturers (recommended by Debra) - try calling them to see if you can get your prescriptions at a discounted rate or see if maybe you could get them for free with coupons.

19. Utility Companies (recommended by Debra) - try calling your utility companies for extra help with bills while you're applying for assistance.

20. GASTROPARESIS AND ME (recommended by Karen) - soon, this nonprofit organization will be able to help those who may need financial assistance.

21. WALMART - places like Walmart and Kroger have discount prescription programs. You can get most generics for $4.

22. HOPE AIR IN CANADA (recommended by Corry) - Since 1986, Hope Air has been arranging free flights to get financially-disadvantaged Canadians to the healthcare they need. Hope Air is the only registered, national charity that provides free flights to people who cannot afford the cost of an airline ticket to get to medical expertise or specialized medical technologies that usually exist only in larger urban centers. Hope Air is unique among Canadian charities in what we do. And we are proud to provide all flights to our Clients completely free of charge: no cost is transferred to Clients.

23. GO FUND ME (recommended by Ariella) - A personal way to collect online donations from organizations, friends, and family in order to receive help with medical expenses.

24. GIVE FORWARD (recommended by Garry) - GiveForward's online fundraising pages empower friends and family to send love and financial support to patients navigating a medical crisis. Start a GiveForward page today to ease the burden of your loved one's out-of-pocket medical bills.

25. CARING BRIDGE (recommended by Garry) - An online space where you can connect, share news, and receive support. It’s your very own health social network, coming together on your personalized website. And thanks to those who donate, they are available 24/7 to anyone, anywhere, at no cost.

26. Pets (recommended by Lora) - "It is fairly simple to get a favored pet established as a 'emotional support' animal, thus making it possible to take the pet with you EVERYWHERE (without additional fees when traveling!) That would help those in hospitals, housing issues, travel, etc. There are no actual requirements for training, just need a doctor to fill out the proper paperwork for a certificate. Here's a WEBSITE with a little info on the subject.

From the book, "EVERY DOG HAS A GIFT: TRUE STORIES OF DOGS WHO BRING HOPE & HEALING INTO OUR LIVES" BY RACHEL MCPHERSON, Founder and Executive Director of the Good Dod Foundation Link here: https://www.amazon.com/Every-Dog-Has-Gift-Stories/dp/1585427950/ref=tmm_hrd_swatch_0?_encoding=UTF8&qid=1504704126&sr=8-1,

"The Americans with Disabilities Act defines service dogs as any guide dog, signal dog, or other animal who is trained to provide assistance to an individual with a disability. For example, some dogs are trained to pull wheelchairs, others are taught to alert to the sounds of the telephone, oven timers, alarm clocks, smoke alarms, and even a baby’s cry. Service dogs are not considered pets. People frequently ask me how their dog can become a therapy dog. There is a common misconception that therapy dogs need to be a certain breed, or raised to be therapy dogs from a very young age. On the contrary, therapy dogs come in all breeds and sizes!

A therapy dog can provide healing to his or her companion or family, as well as hundreds of other people in a therapeutic setting – whether a hospital, a school or a retirement home. The remarkable work of therapy dogs (as well as service dogs and household pets) inspired me to write Every Dog Has a Gift. Likewise, I hope that readers will be inspired by the amazing stories in this book to do some good work with their own companion dog!

If you’re interested in getting your dog certified, here are some tips to get you started:

Find a reputable therapy-dog organization. If you’re located on the East coast, visit TheGoodDogFoundation.org. If not, find an animal-assisted therapy organization in your state that offers a training program. There are a number of organizations mentioned in the book, and many can be found online as well.

Undergo an evaluation and a training course. A good animal-assisted therapy organization should offer a thorough evaluation, training program, basic obedience training (if necessary) and follow-up. An experienced trainer will evaluate you and your dog as a team and place you in the appropriate courses. Training courses should use positive reinforcement and patient, reward-based methods.

Volunteer! The Good Dog Foundation maintains relationships with hospitals, schools and other facilities where we help schedule and orient therapy teams as they begin their outreach. After certification by a therapy organization, you and your dog can volunteer on your own or, even better, work with that organization to find volunteer opportunities in your area.


Service Dogs vs. Therapy Dogs: What's the Difference?
Unlike therapy dogs, service dogs and their human companions must be allowed access to buildings (including restaurants, libraries, supermarkets, and churches), transportation systems, and other public areas and services. Another difference between therapy and service dogs is that the latter are often picked by breed for certain characteristics.


What It Takes to Be a Service Dog

Service dogs should have all the characteristics of a therapy dog, plus a few others. For example, certain breeds are chosen for specific types of service. In the United States, 60 to 70 percent of all working guide dogs for the blind are Labrador retrievers. Golden retrievers and German shepherds are next in popularity. These dogs are chosen because of their temperament, versatility, size, intelligence, and availability. Guide dogs must be hard workers, large enough to guide people while in harness and small enough to be easily controlled and fit comfortably on public transportation and under restaurant tables.

You may find that some service dogs seem to 'stretch the envelope' when it comes to fitting comfortably in public places. One such dog appears in section one of Every Dog Has a Gift. Hooch is a massive Rottweiler who is a service dog for Daniel. Although Hooch weighs in at more than one hundred pounds, he manages to wrap himself around the pedestal of a cafe table and be as unobtrusive as possible!

Article information found at: http://www.petfinder.com/animal-shelters-and-rescues/volunteering-with-dogs/service-dog-vs-therapy-dogs/

27. GOOD RX (recommended by Carrie) - Compare drug prices at over 70,000 pharmacies, and discover free coupons and savings tips. Even if you have insurance or Medicare, GoodRx can often find you a better price!"



Here are some other ways in order to cover your healthcare costs, which I'm updating with what I have been sent and what I have researched,

1. MENTAL HEALH AMERICA. Their website states, "
The ongoing cost of prescription medications can be a challenge, especially if you are taking more than one prescribed medication. Some pharmaceutical companies offer prescription assistance programs to individuals and families with financial needs. These programs typically require a doctor's consent and proof of your financial status. They may also require that you have either no health insurance or no prescription drug benefit through your health insurance. In addition, there are county, state, and national prescription programs for which you may qualify and special drug discount cards offered by some pharmaceutical companies." They list resources already found in this article, like GOODRX, but also give you several options I did not include above.

2. DRUGS.COM. This is an online, discount drug card. Just present this to your pharmacist and they will be able to process it like insurance, but keep in mind it is not, in fact, insurance. Their website states, "You'll save on most, but not all, prescriptions. The card is good for prescription drugs, over-the-counter medicines and medical supplies if written on a prescription blank, and pet prescription medicines purchased at a pharmacy. The card is not valid in combination with other insurance plans, including Medicare, Medicaid or any state or federal prescription insurance. The card can be used only if you decide not to use your government-sponsored drug plan for your purchases." It claims to, "Save up to 80%. Never expires. Use the card as often as needed. Share the card with friends and family. Free, no fees or registration. Use at over 65,000 pharmacies nationwide including all major chains."



Getting Started
(Created by Melissa V** & Emily S. - and I will go through them and put the descriptions down later)

One good place to begin when searching for information regarding gastroparesis is with Emily Randolph Scherer’s blog: http://www.emilysstomach.com/. This blog is an excellent source – full of great advice/tips about all aspects of living with gastroparesis. The following are additional resources that might be helpful when looking for more specific information.




Gastroparesis Explained

http://www.emilysstomach.com/2013/04/resources-for-help-to-explain-gpdtp.html

http://www.niddk.nih.gov/health-information/health-topics/digestive-diseases/gastroparesis/Pages/facts.aspx#1


http://livingwithgp.com/info/

http://livingwithgastroparesis.com/
Gastroparesis Diets

http://gicare.com/diets/gastroparesis-diet/

https://stanfordhealthcare.org/content/dam/SHC/for-patients-component/programs-services/clinical-nutrition-services/docs/pdf-lowfodmapdiet.pdf (FODMAPS)




Digestive Disorders Organizations

http://www.agmd-gimotility.org/

http://www.iffgd.org/

http://www.dha.org

http://www.g-pact.org/

http://www.ddnc.org/Home_Page.html




Pain

http://patients.about.com/od/painkillerlegalandsafety/a/Pain-Drugs-Drug-Seekers-Your-Doctor-And-The-Law.htm


https://www.facebook.com/pages/Chronic-Pain-Management-Program/138419476204932

http://theacpa.org/

http://www.emilysstomach.com/2016/02/to-loved-ones-of-person-living-with.html

http://www.emilysstomach.com/2013/04/painkillers-in-your-kitchen-alternative.html




Weight & Malnutrition

http://www.huffingtonpost.com/dr-mark-hyman/malnutrition-obesity_b_1324760.html

http://www.webmd.com/diet/ss/slideshow-weight-gain-shockers

http://www.emilysstomach.com/2013/06/the-impact-of-vitamin-deficiencies.html

http://www.emilysstomach.com/2013/06/information-about-malnutrition.html

http://www.emilysstomach.com/2014/01/the-gastroparesis-diet.html

www.pinterest.com/chikensrule

http://www.emilysstomach.com/2014/11/handling-holidays-with-chronic-illness.html

http://www.emilysstomach.com/2015/04/gastroparesis-vs-eating-disorders.html

http://www.emilysstomach.com/2018/04/gastroparesis-and-eating-disorders-part.html




Educational Resources to Help You and Your Friends/Family Understand Gastroparesis

http://www.emilysstomach.com/2013/06/poop-what-different-colors-and-smells.html

http://www.emilysstomach.com/2013/07/gastroparesis-patients-vs-drug-seekers.html

http://www.emilysstomach.com/2015/02/frequently-asked-questions-regarding.html

http://www.emilysstomach.com/2016/01/a-letter-from-gper-to-friendfamily.html

http://www.emilysstomach.com/2016/07/information-about-vagus-nerve.html

http://www.emilysstomach.com/2017/06/pyloric-stent-pyloroplasty.html

http://www.emilysstomach.com/2017/09/the-brain-in-your-gut.html

http://www.emilysstomach.com/2017/11/information-to-help-newly-diagnosed-and.html

http://www.emilysstomach.com/2018/04/gastroparesis-different-ways-it-effects.html

http://www.emilysstomach.com/2018/06/a-collection-of-gastroparesis-studies.html



Grieving Process with Gastroparesis

http://www.emilysstomach.com/2014/02/the-grieving-process-for-chronic.html

http://www.emilysstomach.com/2018/04/socializing-with-invisible-illness.html





Feeding Tubes

https://www.facebook.com/APFED

http://www.digestivedistress.com/tube-feeding-info

https://www.facebook.com/ThriveRx/timeline







Disability

http://www.disabilitysecrets.com/resources/disability/getting-social-security-disability-benefits-se

http://www.disabilitysecrets.com/topics/social-security-denials-and-appeals.htm

http://www.disabilitysecrets.com/tip8.html






Coping

http://www.emilysstomach.com/2013/06/how-to-stay-positive-especially-in.html

http://www.emilysstomach.com/2013/07/how-to-stay-motivated.html

http://www.psychologytoday.com/blog/turning-straw-gold/201207/what-those-chronic-pain-or-illness-do-want-hear

http://www.a-spiritual-journey-of-healing.com/7-stages-of-grief.html

http://www.aboutkidsgi.org/site/living-with/talking-about-gi-disorders/back-to-school

http://invisibleillnessweek.com/2012/08/14/you-look-so-good/

http://www.huffingtonpost.com/lottie-v-ryan/living-with-chronic-illness_b_5878410.html

http://gastroparesisclinic.org/index.php

http://www.faithgateway.com/depression-fighting-dragons/?utm_source=fgwomen&utm_medium=email&utm_campaign=fgwomen20141211&spMailingID=47579586&spUserID=MjkwMzMyOTA1NzES1&spJobID=581738107&spReportId=NTgxNzM4MTA3S0#.VJ1egl2AAW

http://www.butyoudontlooksick.com/articles/written-by-christine/the-spoon-theory/

http://www.dcor.state.ga.us/pdf/Dealing_with_Holiday_Stress.pdf





Common Problems/Conditions

http://www.emilysstomach.com/2014/11/how-to-feel-sexyhave-sex-with.html

http://optimumhealthvitamins.com/OptiBlog/tabid/105/entryid/173/Default.aspx

https://www.yahoo.com/health/how-your-body-signals-that-youre-vitamin-deficient-100516369838.html

http://www.greensnoteasy.com/2013/06/domperidone-reglan-and-gastroparesis.html

http://www.med-health.net/Feels-Like-Something-Is-Stuck-in-My-Throat.html

http://www.puristat.com/bloating/sibo.aspx

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=H0jaF6Rnuv4&feature=youtu.be

http://www.webmd.com/digestive-disorders/tc/difficulty-swallowing-dysphagia-overview



Links to Various Gastroparesis-Related Resources
(Created by Melissa V.and Emily Scherer)
There are a lot of ways to find help you financially cope with the burden of deductibles, high out of pocket costs, and even if you do not have insurance, there are ways to help you afford your healthcare: http://www.emilysstomach.com/2013/04/financial-assistance-ideas.html


Help with Medical/Prescription Costs

http://www.mentalhealthamerica.net/prescription-assistance (*Start Here*)

http://www.needymeds.org/index.htm

http://rxoutreach.org/

https://www.pparx.org/prescription_assistance_programs/savings_cards

http://www.simplesavingscard.com/HowItWorks

http://www.drugs.com/discount-card/

http://www.ssa.gov/medicare/prescriptionhelp/

http://www.needhelppayingbills.com/html/help_with_medical_bills.html

http://www.gskforyou.com/index.html


Help with Nutritional Supplements & Equipment

https://www.rxhope.com/PAP/info/PAPList.aspx?programid=10067&fieldType=programid

http://www.oley.org/equipexchange.html

http://www.g-pact.org/supplydepot.html

http://www.oley.org/lifeline/ndtubetalk.html

http://www.feedingtubeawareness.org/resources.html

https://www.facebook.com/groups/183532715060740/

https://www.facebook.com/groups/thekindermedsuppliesboard/

https://www.facebook.com/groups/MedicalSuppliesBST/

https://www.facebook.com/groups/MedicalNeedsExchange/

http://www.rmmor.org/nonprofits.htm



**Giving credit where credit is due. These were made for the groups I owned and ran at the time. Since it's wonderfully put together, andI just found it going through group files, that I had to share it. I wanted this to benefit all, and did want want to just delete it. If I did that, that would make you guys he victims andy you'd suffer, because I was being petty. I did NOT want to do that.