08/23/2026
๐ GASTROPARESIS & ADVOCATING FOR YOURSELF IN HOSPITAL ๐
When you have Gastroparesis, going to hospital can be frightening.
๐ You may already be exhausted, dehydrated, nauseous, in pain, vomiting, constipated, struggling with nutrition, or unable to take your medications properly.
๐ And sometimes the hardest part can be trying to explain what is happening inside your own body.
๐ Please remember: YOU KNOW YOUR BODY.
Advocating for yourself doesnโt mean being difficult.
It means making sure your concerns are heard.
๐ข Tell the medical team that you have Gastroparesis and explain how it normally affects you.
๐ข Tell them what is different from your usual symptoms.
๐ข Explain if you are unable to keep fluids, food or medication down.
๐ข Tell them about previous complications, procedures, feeding tubes, bowel problems or treatments that are important to your care.
๐ข If something doesnโt feel right, speak up.
๐ข Ask questions if you donโt understand what is being suggested.
๐ข If you feel youโre not being heard, ask to speak with another member of the medical team or request a second opinion when appropriate.
๐ข If youโre too unwell to advocate for yourself, having someone you trust with you can be incredibly helpful.
And please donโt feel guilty for asking:
โCan you please explain why youโre recommending this?โ
โWhat are my options?โ
โWhat happens if we donโt do this?โ
โCould my Gastroparesis affect this treatment?โ
โCan you please document my concerns?โ
You deserve to be treated with dignity, compassion and respect.
๐ You are not a difficult patient because you ask questions.
๐ You are not wasting anyoneโs time because you need help.
๐ You are not exaggerating because your illness is invisible.
๐ Gastroparesis can be complicated, and every warriorโs experience can be different.
Your voice matters.
๐ Speak up. Ask questions. Take someone with you when you can. And never be afraid to say, โI know something isnโt right.โ ๐
Sending healing hugs to every Gastroparesis warrior who has ever had to fight to be heard. ๐ค๐
๐
