Such research could help the approximately 5 million people who suffer from gastric mobility disorders such as gastroparesis and chronic intestinal pseudo-obtruction. People with these conditions “suffer from the debilitating effects of chronic nausea, vomiting, abdominal pain, malnutrition, dehydration, and weight loss. Many cannot eat a bite of food or take a sip of fluid without getting sick. Some patients are disabled and completely homebound, relying on artificial nutrition in order to stay alive,” according to G-PACT.

Treatments for these conditions are mostly limited to medications, like Reglan (metoclopramide), which cannot be used on a long-term basis without putting users at risk for serious side effects.

“Having been a skin cancer
 sufferer, we would expect Mr. McCain to have a better understanding of
 the struggle that chronic disease sufferers have to live a normal life,
 maintaining careers, families and health,” the petition states. “We also implore others in public life to work to help in our fight to 
gain further understanding, awareness and most importantly cures of GI 
motility disease that all too often causes pain and starvation to 
individuals who did not seek such illness and who did not choose this
 fight.”

To join this fight, sign the petition.

Source, About.com

SOURCE: Reglan Side Effects › Gastroparesis group to petition Sen. McCain about criticism of IBS funding

Gastroparesis can cause symptoms such as abdominal pain, nausea, early fullness while eating meals and heartburn and can lead to weight loss and poor absorption of nutrients. Some studies have shown that women are as much as seven times more likely to suffer from gastroparesis than men, but the reason is unknown. It is also suspected that more people actually suffer from the condition because symptoms may overlap with other conditions such as irritable bowel syndrome and GERD.

Some people can manage their symptoms with diet or medication, while others may suffer so severely they may require hospitalization. Patients are usually instructed to avoid high-fiber foods, and others may require switching to a liquid diet to maintain hydration. Medication offers only temporary relief at best. For example, long term use of a popular treatment for gastroparesis, Reglan (metoclopramide), can result in a serious involuntary movement disorder called Tardive Dyskinesia.

The best defense to keep symptoms at bay, says Dr. Linda Lee, board certified in internal medicine and gastroenterology and director of the Johns Hopkins Integrative Medicine and Digestive Center, is following a low-fiber diet, taking medications in moderation, and addressing anxiety and depression, which can exacerbate symptoms.

SOURCE: Reglan Side Effects › Women more likely than men to suffer from gastroparesis