Following is a copy of a posting G-PACT had on here Facebook wall 4-26-2013. I tried to do a Link to this specific post, but it would not work right. So here you go:
G-PACT has been asked a lot recently about our support groups. Here is a list of groups we provide and the specialized focus of some of them.
Support Groups: We provide multiple support groups for various issues and age groups. These groups are great places to exchange ideas with others and get some support from others who understand. Just about any question you have can be answered by someone in the groups usually. Groups are a great place to meet others online and have led to many in-person gatherings as well. Great relationships and lifelong friendships are formed.
Yahoo: www.yahoogroups.com/group/gastroparesis
- largest online support group for GP and CIP on the web with over 3,000 members.
G-PACT on Inspire: www.inspire.com/groups/g-pact-gastroparesis-and-cip/
- a community of support groups for a variety of conditions all in one location.
Facebook: We have a number of group options in Facebook:
G-PACT: Coping with Gastroparesis and Intestinal Pseudo-Obstruction- general group for all issues related to life with GP and CIP (aka: DTP- Digestive Tract Paralysis) - www.facebook.com/groups/GPACT. Great group to connect and meet others from all age groups and backgrounds. All DTP related topics are discussed here. It is a safe place to share feelings, ask questions, exchange ideas, and share experiences with others. Do not take any information provided as medical advice. Discuss all suggestions with your physicians first!
The Gutsy Teen Lounge: Very active, engaging group for teens/young adults with DTP located at www.facebook.com/groups/gutsyteenlounge
Kid Bits: Group for parents or caregivers of kids with DTP located at www.facebook.com/groups/kidbits
The Gutsy Guys Garage: Group for men who deal with gastroparesis to hang out and talk. No women allowed! www.facebook.com/GPACTGutsyGuysGarage
Family "Rays"ing: Group for people who have DTP and are trying to raise a family at the same time- www.facebook.com/groups/familyraysing
Spouse House: Group for spouses who are dealing with someone with DTP located at www.facebook.com/groups/spousehouse
Gutsy Sibs cafe: Group for siblings to hang out and share experiences of life with a brother or sister with DTP located at www.facebook.com/groups/gutsysibscafe
Share the Grief, Have Belief: CLOSED, private group for people who have lost loved ones to DTP, not just online (although those losses are hard) but in more of a personal, family, caregiving type atmosphere. Must e-mail publicrelations@g-pact.org and ask to be added or request to join and wait for approval by an administrator. Located at www.facebook.com/groups/sharethegrief
The Bellycommunicator: Positive thoughts with GP and CIP: Group dedicated to only positive thinking, comical stories, inspirational quotes, and all things positive to help group members laugh and see the positive side of life. No medical posting (unless a comical or inspirational story) or medical questions allowed. This group was created for people who can't handle medical stuff all the time, but still want to connect with others who have DTP. Located at www.facebook.com/groups/TheBellycommunicator
G-PACT Supply Depot: Group where members post medical supplies they have and supplies they need so patients can swap when in need. Shipping arrangements made directly between donor and recipient. www.facebook.com/groups/gpactsupplydepot. This is an excellent group and patients in need have received tube formula, supplies, pumps, feeding backpacks, and other medical devices as a result of this group. Non-DTP specific related items such as wheelchairs, canes, breathing devices, and other medical devices also allowed. Guidelines on what is allowed to be transferred from patient to patient are listed (no medications, heparin flushes, insulin, etc can be swapped). Other guidelines listed (i.e. note expiration dates on formula, keep sterile things sterile, etc)
G-PACT Middlers: Group for those in their 20's-40's trying to hold down a career, get married, start a family, or deal with dating issues. Group for those between college and nearing retirement to discuss issues related to the young adult years. www.facebook.com/groups/GPACTmiddlers.
Wrinkled Guts- Maybe the name is humorous, but all of our guts are wrinkled. This group is for the late 40's, 50's and beyond members who need to discuss issues related to retirement, career, grandkids, adult children, and life with DTP as other age related health issues set in. Located at www.facebook.com/groups/wrinkledguts.
Prayer chain- This group is dedicated to people who like to pray and believe in the power of prayer. It is open to praying for suffering DTPers or ANY issue weighing heavily in the minds and souls of DTPers that they would like to share with others. Prayer requests may be posted. www.facebook.com/groups/DTPrayers
International Groups:
G-PACT Canada: Group for our Canadian friends to connect with each other. www.facebook.com/groups/GPACTCanada
G-PACT Down Under- Group for people who live in Australia or New Zealand to connect. www.facebook.com/groups/GPACTDownUnder
G-PACT UK- Group for G-PACT members from the UK to connect and share information about resources available there. www.facebook.com/GPACTUK
