AGMD Living With Digestive Motility Disorders Telephone Internet Program - May 2017

The Association of Gastrointestinal Motility Disorders, Inc. (AGMD) presents, Living With Digestive Motility Disorders. This open discussion meeting is for anyone affected by motility disease, including patients, parents, partners, and loved ones.  AGMD provides a safe place to talk about everything that goes along with the diagnosis of a motility disease.  Topics include emotional/mental health issues, chronic pain, relationships (personal as well as with medical professionals) ostomies, tubes, lines, and nutrition. This program is co-facilitated by Brittany Neal. Brittany is a patient with chronic idiopathic pseudo-obstruction since birth. Now in her 30s, she has had numerous surgeries and procedures including multiple central liine placements, G and J-tubes, and has a permanent ileostomy. She is currently TPN dependent and has several health concerns due to CIPO. No longer able to work, she serves as a volunteer for AGMD. Since the publication of this program, we sadly report that Brittany Neal passed away in February 2018. She is greatly missed. We honor her memory by posting this program. It reflects her caring heart and unconditional dedication and willingness to help others. The topic of discussion for this program will be focused on hospitalizations.  Being in the hospital can be a very frightening situation for the patient, but also for the family and caregivers.  Talking about it, planning ahead, preparing yourself as much as possible, and knowing your rights can reduce a lot of the stress, worry and anxiety.