My name is Alyson, only 21 years old and very recently diagnosed with gastroparesis. I’m hoping posting my story will help me connect with others who can offer me a little hope to my life. Ive had on and off symptoms of IBS my entire life, but it wasn’t until a couple months ago I started getting awful bloating to the point where I found it hard to move, the extreme nausea that followed, the painful acid reflux and heartburn and the weight loss. As a petite girl who has never weighed over 100 pounds, I definitely couldn’t afford to lose 20 pounds. But nonetheless, I have. After all the lab tests done, an ER visit, an upper endoscopy and X-ray, they have concluded I have gastroparesis. i see a lot of people saying to remain hopeful, but honestly this has already taken away many aspects of my life, its extremely difficult to have even a glimmer of hope. I had to take a leave off work, I never take my dog out, I hardly leave the house, I have to take 4 different medicines each day just to be able to function half way. Can anyone tell me it gets better? I guess I’m just terrified that this is going to be my life forever and I’ll have to quit my job and stay at home for the rest of my days. I’m very scared, everyone. i love my life and I wish to have it back. Please offer some hope.