My plan of action since being diagnosed with Gastroparesis
has alot to do with self medicating with exercise and completely changing my diet. I tend to consume more liquids than
solids which is easier on the gi tract. I was never able to find any relief with medications due to the side effects that
only make my Gastroparesis worse. The added risks always outweighed the benefits. Since my diet is so limited
due to my Gastroparesis, I use either my 'Jack LaLanne' juicer or 'Nutribullet' to help liquefy fruits and vegetables and
alternate between various protein powder supplements in order to help provide my body all the necessary nutrients. I
exercise during my good days by using a home treadmill, resistance machine and an abdominal belt called, 'Slendertone'
which has recently been FDA approved. By trial and error I have
continued to successfully find foods that work best for me. I consume various types of sports drinks, Crystal Light
products, Vita-water and Smart water mixed with Pedialyte to help stay hydrated during my GP related weekly
treatments. I take a daily liquid multivitamin or chew gummy vitamins to help replace nutrients that my body
lacks by not eating a variety of foods.
9/13/2005- I had another EGD procedure this time with balloon
dilation, stomach biopsy to help with esophagus constriction (Diffuse Esophagus) due to acid reflux and my
Gastroparesis. Doctors are not sure if the esophagus will stay open or if the procedure will need repeated within the
year. The constriction is very common with Gastroparesis patients due to stomach acid and food that has not digested however
'Diffuse Esophagus' will not worsen but tends to become a permanent condition.
12/1/2005- Final meeting with my doctors. We have exhausted all
possible tests over the past 19 months and still nothing to show the origin of why my stomach stopped working. My doctors
tend to agree medication at this point unfortunately that is not designed for Gastroparesis will only add unwanted
side effects so the goal is to continue with the alternate treatment at home. I continue to have hope that one day FDA
will find a medication to help all patients struggling with Gastroparesis.
1/7/2006- Alternate treatment (exercise, heat therapy,
liquid diet) continues to remain successful and I am finally making my way back to a somewhat normal life.
3/10/2006- Testing will continue for current problems with
slow motility of the GI tract. Specialists are now sure this is related to my Gastroparesis. Further
testing on the pancreas will be observed as well liver levels because of possible food backing up.
6/4/2006- My Gastroparesis is now leading to other digestive
problems and in general slowing the entire digestive process. I am starting to get burned out of daily exercise to keep
the food going so trying to find some outdoor activities. I am continuing to have problems with dehydration (electrolytes).
7/6/2006- After visiting the hospital over the weekend I was
told by my doctors that my colon function (motility) is not working so I am going back to my GI Specialists to discuss the
options that might allow me to continue living a better or somewhat more normal life. It could take 2-4 weeks to
clear the colon completely out so liquids are now a normal part of my daily diet and form of nutrition. Not sure of my future
but anything is possible with strong support, hope and prayers.
7/7/2006- News from the docs not good and coming to terms that
the colon has little to no motility, at this point they are not sure what to do next. I am trying to stay mentally grounded
as well keeping my mind occupied with work.
7/15/2006- The colon is finally but slowly clearing
out day by day. I have learned a tough lesson over the past 2 years as well what true friends in life really mean
and if they will stick by your side through the best and worst of times. I will move on with my life the best I can and
accept what I have before me with God's help and I will be ok. Whether you like it or not life is certainly full of changes,
you may not like it but it is what it is....................
7/21/2006- Working with doctors in August on limited upcoming
tests to find out the plan of action now for the loss of my colon motility.
8/5/2006- Polyp, abnormal tissue growth located in colon were
both completely removed this week. Gaining my strength back from 4 week strict liquid diet. I will be continuing
with liquids until pathology comes back in a week with lab results from biopsy. Doctors still not sure on plan of
action on motility function of the colon.
08/21/2006- All of my doctors/specialists have been truly wonderful
these past 2 years, all additional treatment options have been exhausted however I am grateful for their honestly
and never giving up on me. I will be seeing another GI group of 4 specialists late August in hopes of any other potential
treatments or insight they can offer the other physicians to help with the loss of motility with my stomach and
colon due to the Gastroparesis. I have slowly learned to fully accept my illness and each day living life to
the fullest. One must never give up on hope however you must face the road that leads ahead sometimes to the
unknown. There 'is' always a light at the end of the tunnel.
09/23/2006- Now working on round #3 of testing. There is a possible
Gastric Pacemaker testing later this fall at a research hospital that they might be able to get me into as well finding a
Gastric Motility clinic/research hospital to help find a way to make life more tolerable with my Gastroparesis.
10/15/2006- Recovering from medical procedures and stomach/small
intestine biopsy. Will be moving forward with hospital Dietitian and Nutritionist mid November as well testing for
potential Gastric Pacemaker and colon motility.
11/6/2006- Trying to maintain my weight and stay hydrated as
well out of the hospitals. Amitiza- A new medication on the market for the colon did not work seeing I had a very
bad reaction so back to square one.
11/15/2006- Long meeting today working with a team of registered
Dietitians at the hospital to get back on my feet. My weight is at an all time low of 112 pounds and my body is starting to
use muscle for fuel-not good. I might have hit rock bottom but I will continue to fight to get back up that hill and get better!
Trying some alternate treatments for the next 6 weeks if that does not work I am seriously thinking of using "Nocturnal
Jejunum feedings" to get my weight back up.
12/09/2006- So far gained 2 pounds, up to 114 with
the new diet plan. Still trying alternate foods and vita-waters/protein drinks however I am finally having more
good days than bad days. Now the real test-Holiday foods, heehee. Next visit with Dietitians in 2 weeks. Indeed
life is good! :)
1/01/2007- A New Year 2007 and another chance to
make a fresh start. Opting to not seek continued help from Dietitians. The new diet was not working so reaching from
strength deep within to continue the fight! Sure I have my bad days, we are all human but I will never give up the
fight....
2/01/2007- Continued monitoring on my pancreas
levels with new diet. Still in question for ERCP procedure due to possible Gastroparesis complications with biliary ducts,
I prefer not to have it so undecided at this moment.
2/20/2007- Having great success in therapy helping
to deal with my Gastroparesis as well coming to terms with the other parts of my life that it affects on a daily basis.
3/10/2007- Giving massage therapy a try to help
with the bowel, stomach pain and relax the muscles from spasms. Thank goodness weight is holding steady around 113, WHEW!!
3/29/2007- What a wonderful Gastroparesis focus
group meeting tonight and I just want to say you are all in my prayers. It truly was one amazing experience to finally meet
face to face with other Gastroparesis patients like myself.
4/26/2007- Trying to find something to keep my
intestines going-Miralax is making me dehydrated and causing fluids to retain in my bowels. I can't handle much more liquid
Drano-Golytley surgical bowel prep-similar to having colonoscopy prep once a week. The specialists/surgeons can
not seem to come to an agreement on surgery to help maybe eliminate some of this pain and pressure so I might have
to consult with another group of doctors. The fun never ends right? NOT!
5/14/2007- Dr. Wells has been amazing and I thank him for being my shoulder
to lean during the most difficult times. I think my acceptance living with Gastroparesis has come to full circle now
however I refuse and will never accept not having 100 percent of my normal life back. This gal will always keep her boxing
gloves on. You know, Life IS worth fighting!
8/8/2007- Working with specialists on upcoming
extensive blood and genetic testing to see if I could possibly have any underlying conditions such as Lupus, etc that could
play a part in my Gastroparesis. Gut kicks that maybe I might have answers, one can only hope right?
8/25/2007- Met with a wonderful Hematology group and amazing doctors.
Went through my first round of extensive blood work and second round next week. I told my doctor this is it, I will not be
seeing anymore specialists nor more testing, enough is enough already right, gees! Putting my faith in the good
Lord and hope that maybe they can after 3 years 6 months connect the dots. Time will tell.
9/8/2007- All Hematology tests came back Thursday and seems
the only direction is pointed back to severe Gastroparesis which has my body all out of sync and causing alot of organs to
just not function properly. There are no more specialists left for me to see nor nothing at this
point anyone can do. After 3 years 6 months it is now shifted to acceptance. My true strength and character is now going
to be tested so time for a new life and whatever my future may hold in front of me.
10/8/2007- Keeping the faith and staying mentally
strong for upcoming surgery November 2nd. Please keep the surgeons/doctors in your prayers for hope and strength during this
difficult procedure.
11/1/2007- READY FOR SURGERY! :)
11/10/2007- What a birthday gift of continued
recovery physically & mentally from one 'Hellish Nightmare' surgery of twisted bowels, severe dense adhesion's pulling
down from my stomach, cleaning up strangled and gutted reproductive organs, freeing up my bladder, etc. It was
alot more than ever expected from my surgeons who told me and my family they literally sweat the entire surgery with one refusing
to ever go back in surgically. GP still present and 50/50 chance my colon function will return back to normal. Of course this
surgery is only a temporary fix seeing the severe dense adhesion's will grow back in time, they are just not sure when. I
am trying to find some hope.
12/17/2007- Officially released as of this week from all Surgeons, Specialists,
Doctors only to schedule yearly follow up appointments, scopes and biopsies. There is nothing else left that medical
technology has to offer and I have exhausted these past 3 years 10 months all testing available to my doctors.
Surgery was not a success for the motility of my GI organs due to Gastroparesis. They were able to take down alot of scar
tissue/adhesion's and untangle one heck of a mess but found through testing it is not responsible for
my Gastroparesis. I would have not done anything any different through these years and at the end of the day I can say
you know-'I fought this battle with everything I have, not giving up, nor giving in but pushing with my doctors
to find answers.' My life now is in the hands of future medical technology- Gastroparesis medications and a possible
cure. I have a new pair of boxing gloves, ready to keep up the fight! I sure have learned alot along the way and hoping I
can help many other fellow Gastroparesis patients through their life journey. Fighting is worth it! Life is worth
it & YOU are worth fighting for!
1/17/2008- 'As a GP survivor, I am well aware of
just how debilitating Gastroparesis can become. When I can offer someone else hope, I go to bed with a fulfilled
life.'
2/8/2008- What can I say on my 4 year GP Anniversary
date but here I am and will keep on fighting! Looks like the boxing gloves will stay laced up!
3/24/2008- Having seizures. Valium helps with them while Neurology looks
into possible link of the seizures due to Gastroparesis.
3/27/2008- Vagus Nerve/Gastroparesis connection-Are we onto something?
Continuing Valium therapy and so far in past 4 days only had one seizure.
3/28/2008- Life may not always be a bed of roses. Think with your
brain, then your heart. When you do good onto others, good will come back to you.
4/3/2008- The day that life forever changed and time stood still.
My CrystalBlue passed soundly away in her sleep on my bed with her head on my pillow. This night I allowed her early sleep
instead of GP office time with me which I never let happen, this night she wasn't by my side, did she not want to me to see
because of the pain it would have caused me? I know she is still here in spirit by my side waiting for me to follow
her through the gates of heaven. She was my everything and indeed my heart is broken and shattered in a million pieces.
4/8/2008-Neurology tests came back and had meeting to go over everything
and long term care plan. I am waiting to meet with my doctors tomorrow as well Cardiology group next week. To regenerate nerves
would be impossible. Time to do alot of soul searching and blessed to have my CrystalBlue home as of this afternoon. I made
a special bed with her white blanket and beautiful crystal blue urn and her favorite toys in it. I find peace and comfort
in knowing she is now with me again and waiting to be once again by my side.
4/9/2008-Appointment with doctors tomorrow to discuss seizure relation
to my Gastroparesis. All medications available on the market Neurologists fear will only create other GI organ problems. They
gave me medication to take home earlier this week but the risks do highly outweigh the benefits.
4/11/2008-With the seizures it has been decided after alot of soul
searching and wonderful compassionate and understand specialists the time has come to retire early after 20 years of
working and go on permanent disability. The 'They don't ask and I don't tell policy' with the company came full
circle and I think corporate was more than a bit surprised with the Gastroparesis Awareness Campaign organization and my life
behind the scenes. I am at peace with the decision and indeed time to give my body a break. In life one door may close but
another one is always waiting to open.
5/12/2008-Time sure is flying by this month. It's amazing but nothing
is sometimes the absolute hardest thing to do. Making the decision to leave the corporate world and give my full time and attention to
the Gastroparesis Awareness Campaign organization I started 3 years ago sure was the best decision of my life. Helping
others around the world is truly priceless!
6/24/2008-Summer and taking time to relax but pushing forward on
the Gastroparesis Mission! I have come to realize sad but true that in life sometimes society can be awfully quick to
judge the book by its cover. If they don't walk in your shoes never expect others to fully understand a 'unique' life with
a disability. We are human but just living life a bit differently with a creative touch, compassion and a whole
lot of heart!
7/9/2008-Taking care of a pup is well a HECK of alot harder than 11 years
ago before I was sick, what an awakening indeed it has been the past few weeks. Takes more than myself to care for the
little one but she sure does reminds me of my little CrystalBlue. Animals give abundance of unconditional love and can
be great therapy for the soul :)
7/19/2008-More tests, more tests, more tests, so many doctors come
up with different theories on how I got Gastroparesis and well seems no one 'really' knows the mystery question of why?..
During this next month of some very HOT temperatures I am doing my best to increase fluids so I can stay hydrated and
out of the hospitals. Trying to stay in remission with my flair ups and keeping busy sure helps the mind!
8/26/2008-Lower left mass found during a routine ultrasound. The surgeons
are not sure what the mass is, first thinking it was bowel wrapped together with adhesion's but since they ordered a cat scan
it now shows a mass not a bowel adhesion problem however the mass is stuck deep between the intestines so it
is going to be very hard to even get to the location surgically.
9/26/2008-Exam and follow up surgical consult to get my surgery date
October 8th. I can't wait to have the mass taken out, makes me a bit uneasy knowing it is there and I can't wait to finally
get some normal sleep. There comes a time when you must get that 'Game-Face' back on, I am ready!
10/9/2008-I am physically exhausted, mind is strong but my body is tired.
I am not sleeping very well either which only makes me more drained. Surgeon consult today went far from expectation,
they all feel I could not go through another surgery right now, they are now going to keep monitoring me on a monthly
basis, so more repeat testing. I am just tired of being tired, sounds funny doesn't it? Yes, one can still keep a sense of
humor, you have to in life. I am B L A N K.....
10/24/2008-This week was final testing. Seems next game plan to remove
part of the colon they feel is far too risky and I would not make it through another surgery nor the recovery
process. After a split second decision I agreed. There is still much, much more Gastroparesis awareness to raise,
many others to reach out and help to inspire to keep the good fight! I also have alot more time to annoy everyone, heeheehee!
I left my surgeons office shaking his hand with a smile. I won't be seeing my surgeons for another 6 months. I must be
proud for my GREAT fight I have given over the past 4 years, I continue to find peace within. Indeed learning
to appreciate far more now the little things in life, the things that make you smile :)
11/10/2008-WHEWWWWWHOA! I made it, another year, another day and now
I am 37, where did the time go? Birthday cake for everyone!
12/3/2008-Time for my records to move to Oncology? My current surgeons now
realize even maybe things are too complex for them to handle, I have to be ok with their honesty and I am. Hoping
to get into the new pain mgr doctor within the next few weeks, solid sleep would be a blessing about right now minus
pain waking me up. Continuing to take things one day at a time and sometimes even one hour at a time but you can't hold a
good gal down, got those boxing gloves laced tight!
12/12/2008-Surgery date was set yesterday for December 31st, the surgeons
are not sure if there is much that can be done. My Gastroparesis and related bowel motility issues will be a lifetime
problem, they feel it is best not to remove any of the colon or intestines at this point.
12/16/2008-Surgery postponed. Can we say my patiences are running thin?
I am ready for a one way ticket to Hawaii, celebrate Christmas with a book in one hand and a margarita in another.
12/21/2008-Surgery now rescheduled for February 2nd. Thank goodness!
1/14/2009-After meeting with all my specialists, heading back to main
surgeon January 20th for final review, going over all risks and benefits of upcoming surgery.
1/28/2009-Recovering from Meningitis, will be 4-6 weeks, surgery has
been postponed until March and upon being released from Neurology. I thought Gastroparesis flair ups were bad! I think
I have just found another Monster-Meningitis!
2/10/2009-After follow up with Neurology this week and talking to
my main surgeons office, surgery will be postponed for quite sometime. The post Meningitis part of balance and hearing issues
still have yet to resolve. They can't give me a time, could be days, weeks or months, so I need extra patiences. I can't wait
to drive and get the heck out of the house, this is crazy! I feel jailed in my own home, LOLOL! that did sound FUNNYYYY!
You know me, never one to stay seated too long, I like to go, go, go! I am however finding much success behind the scenes
with new Gastroparesis Awareness Campaign Organization projects so working full time at home while my body heals is proving
to be VERY successful.
3/3/2009-Hematology/Oncology running another round of blood work. Due
to the Meningitis and my immune system it is still a long road to recovery and the game plan is holding off
on surgery. Once repeat testing is done end of April they will re-evaluate the left unknown mass, if it is still stable
as show last month then we continue the watch and wait game however if it has grown then Hematology/Oncology feels it is time
for my Surgeons to go ahead with scheduling surgery. It is estimated to be another 2-3 months to finally rid the
Meningitis symptoms and a possible year for my body to make a full recovery. My Gastroparesis has been very angry
lately with all the medications.
3/18/2009-Today marks 5 years that have changed every aspect of my life-
Idiopathic Gastroparesis. I don't look at my 5 year Gastroparesis Anniversary as a bad thing, I truly feel blessed. If
I look back over the years, Gastroparesis has completely changed me inside and out. It has made me a far better person
for it too, that is something I can't deny. Gastroparesis could have taken my life many, many times but I refuse to let it
control me and I will continue to find ways to work around those bad days. Indeed today I celebrate five years of a new life
and many, many more years of a GREAT fight!
4/15/2009-5 years later and I have one heck of a team of specialists.
They will continue managing each symptom as it arises. I couldn't ask for a better team of doctors. Time to continue
the good fight and I am ready! :)
5/18/2009-Wow! spring time already! enjoying the nice weather before
the heat and humidity return for summer. I don't get out as much as last year due to limited energy but hoping for more good
days ahead! Repeat catscans continue every 3 months for any changes to give my surgeons the green light but blessed so far
things continue stable with the left mass. I continue to live by the day and not plan out since I don't know how I feel physically
day to day.
6/8/2009-Long term, unknown medical conditions such as Gastroparesis that
lack the research and awareness I have learned can completely flip your life upside down to great depths. I am in the process
of questioning my next step medically with my surgeons. Our great government and Social Security system is back-logged another
year and 6 months for county cases. This now leaves me waiting a total of 3 years for approval. Alot on my
plate and just trying to sift through and figure out which to tackle first. Let's just say if you are going
through far too much in your life I totally understand how you feel and my heart truly reaches out to each and every
one of you.
7/7/2009-I had my upper scope last week, darn if I don't have a really
bad case of gastritis from an infection as well Gastroparesis doesn't help the situation either so back on meds for the
next 30 days. They took my coffee away and any caffeine, I feel like a walking zombie!
7/23/2009-My GI doctor called late last week on biospies that were taken
during the upper scope procedure. Seems they can not do any further dilations at this point because the choking sensations
that still continue are not from constriction but lack of smooth muscle contraction in the esophagus. What from? of course-my
Gastroparesis. They would like for me to have the 'Esophageal Manometry Test' placing a tube down my throat into my stomach-while
awake. Of course my question is will there really be anything you can do to correct the situation and their answer was-no.
Now why would anyone just do a test like this if there is no cure nor medication to help things? I was strongly advised to avoid
solid foods and stay on liquids. I am now already at 90 percent daily liquids. They are going to run a follow-up catscan
next month and then I need to schedule surgery with my surgeons. I just am not mentally ready for a major surgery,
I am not sure I will ever be at this point. I have honestly been putting it off for almost two years now.
8/28/2009-Did I not just post about putting off
surgery for the past two years? The left mass is continuing to look more like the ovary taken out almost two years
ago that has regrown and been functioning once again. There was a right bowel mass found on my scan however
they are not sure what it could be and will only know upon surgery. My surgical team will do surgery only as 'Emergency
basis'. I have other reasons not to have surgery, not for awhile. Looking very much forward to my favorite season just around
the corner: FALL! :)
9/8/2009-Continuing
stable. Feels great to beat the odds as a Survivor after the long 5 year battle but will continue to fight!
Sure is time for some positive changes ahead! Looking forward to additional Gastroparesis projects for the winter so stayed
tuned, we have only just begun!
10/17/2009-Today
officially celebrates 4 years for the Gastroparesis Awareness Campaign organization and what an amazing journey it has been!
I have learned so much about myself and become truly inspired by others who suffer from Gastroparesis as well other chronic
medical conditions. No one is invincible in this lifetime. We all need to support one another, lend a hand, show kindness,
compassion and love. Thank you everyone for allowing my heart to continue to grow and remember you too are never alone. KEEP
ON! KEEPING ON! :)
10/30/2009-Over the past five years I have truly grown to be a
very spiritual person. I have taken alot of time to re-evaluate my health and have come to
the decision that I will hold off on surgery. My surgical team feels if I under go another surgery there is a very strong
chance this time I won't make it out as well there are alot of high risks that could lead to becoming paralyzed or worse losing
vital organs. They are not comfortable proceeding ahead which was fully discussed with me on a few occasions over the past
month. That being said I am finally at peace and ok with the decision to back away from surgery. No one can put a time on
your life, its only up to one person. I have a great fight ahead but I am more than ready :)
11/14/2009-I am very blessed to have recently celebrated my birthday.
Living with a terminal condition puts life quickly into perspective. Family and
friends means so much more and the small things bring more happiness than the elaborate things we all take
so much for granted. Time has allowed me to form a closer bond to my family, friends and Sister. I decided to create
a 'Living Wish List' for next year so going to do my best to start living my wishes out because life is meant to
live! Thank you everyone for all your wonderful birthday and get well wishes. I am indeed touched! :)12/17/2009-Where did
the year go? I can't believe it is almost Christmas and time for the festivities around 'food'. *SIGH* Its amazing how much
we celebrate with food and how hard it is having a medical condition that limits what you can eat or drink. I call this
my 'moody time of year'-hahhahaha! CHEERS!
1/1/2010-HAPPY
NEW YEAR EVERYONE! May your year be filled with many blessings & GP Free days
:)
1/26/2010-I feel the winds of change right
over the horizon. Doing some testing on new gym equipment and working with a few
other companies behind the scenes in hopes of providing more alternative options
for Gastroparesis Idiopathic patients. Will keep everyone updated on the results, etc.
2/2/2010-Do you ever wonder what in the world gets into people? I find the hardest
emails, letters and phone calls to take are from those who lost not just their health and freedom but the support of
family, friends and loved ones. You have to really sit back and question the truth in those who seek to harm and
hurt others. I have seen the best in people through the years but as well on the flip side; the ABSOLUTE WORST.
I do believe in Karma and when you do good unto others good will come back to you in abundance.
2/14/2010-HAPPY
VALENTINES DAY EVERYONE! May all your chocolate dreams come true!
:)
2/23/2010-I
will be blogging on my experience before and after surgery starting February 21st,
2010.
3/17/2010-May
everyone have a lucky & blessed GP free St. Paddy's Day! :)
3/18/2010-Today marks the 6th year of the great GP fight! Here's to so many who have
been such a amazing inspiration. KEEP ON! KEEPING ON!
4/3/2010-Wishing everyone a blessed Easter :)
4/14/2010-At 10:10AM the hands of fate closed the door of a 2 year Social Security
disability battle that ended in a win for all of us. Truly a blessed day and God is good. I now stand before my new journey.
Life has indeed handed me a new deck of cards and everything I have known the past 6 years will be forever gone as
a new door opens and a medical plan of changes must take place in order to survive.
5/6/2010-Nothing quite like getting hit with one virus/cold after another.
I have been sick so far most of this year. I can now understand why my
surgeons ran out of surgical options due to my very low immune system. I am starting
to become fearful of going out in the public because I can't afford to keep getting sick.
5/15/2010-7 years sure caught up quickly this week and since life has finally
slowed down the hardest part of tracing back all the years and coming to terms with everything sure isn't easy but taking
it one day at a time.
6/9/2010-Learning
once again that me and the heat don't mix.
7/4/2010-Sometimes in life you have to go past your comfort zone. If not,
you can't live to enjoy it. This year I got to finally enjoy the 4th of July!8/1/2010-Maybe a HOT SAUCE convention
wasn't the smartest decision in the world. I guess even the best of us go into 'Gastroparesis Denial' time to time.
8/2/2010-Mid
afternoon and as I check my email and log into the support group I notice a repeated
email and post. My heart just sank as I read the news of my dear Angel friend Impy and she has passed onto a better
place, Heaven. It breaks my heart and the news is shocking. Impy was a second Mom to me and always there to guide me through
life's journey. Impy, I know you will always be watching over me, you are truly my Guardian Angel. Until we meet again, I
love you my dear friend.
9/6/2010-These darn
seizures are still sneaking up on me. Just when I thought they went away for good
I am hit when least expected. Hoping the change in season less heat and sunlight means
less head issues.
10/2/2010-Finally
the fall season is here! Praying for better GP days!
11/1/2010-Time to head back to my doctors and surgeon this month. Not sure
if they will go back in surgically to dissect my organs off of each other so expecting
the worst but hoping for the best.
11/10/2010-I
MADE IT! Another year I am blessed with life, here's to the good fight! 39 years!
:)
12/10/2010-Trying to get into the holiday
spirit. I still have lots of shopping left to do. Now if I can just get my body
to follow my brain! Gotta push the Scrooge aside because even living with a chronic
condition there is a lot to be blessed for this holiday season, amen.
1/1/2011-A lucky day and blessed with a New Year! Here's to a year full
of positive changes! CHEERS!
2/8/2011-I sure
hope this isn't a sign of another bad late winter and early spring being sick.
Seems the winter viruses are now making their way around and I have become an unfortunate victim.
Needless to say this house-jail is getting old very quick! Not to worry because once I am better its time to get back to enjoying
life before the summer heat is upon us.
3/18/2011-Today
marks my 8 year GP anniversary. I consider this a very lucky day because I am
still alive. I am a GP survivor! So much still continues to change in my life but that which doesn't
kill me can only make me stronger, AMEN! CHEERS TO VICTORY OF THE GREAT GP FIGHT! :0)
4/15/2011-Back to the GP race. Finding alternate ways to help
my destroyed immune system. I was placed on round 5 of antibiotics and my lymph nodes are still swollen. It just never ends
sometimes but I refuse to let it take me down. Time to buckle up for the long road ahead....
5/1/2011-I am never one to have to step back to concentrate on my life but
I am now finding myself in a situation where I have to take care of me and my
health first. Hopefully I can be back in a good position soon to reach out and
help others but I first need to help myself. I can't be any good to anyone if I can't get a grip on things
in my own life first.
6/1/2011-After many
months I finally went back to see my main GI specialist. I wasn't expecting a
very good visit seeing things are progressing with my Idiopathic Gastroparesis and my immune system is now suffering. He
continues to be very concerned for my health and wants me to still go to the Iowa Dysmotility Clinic. Honestly I am just tired
of tests and no answers.
7/6/2011-Here we
go again as my Idiopathic Gastroparesis starts to rapidly progress. My low blood
pressure problems are no longer a mystery as I was told more mind blowing news today at my Cardiologist appointment.
My condition will not get any better but only worse. I have a list of tests and specialist appointments this month in hopes
they can help my heart.
8/1/2011-Once
again I am released from my specialists care after hearing the famous
line, "There is nothing more we can do for you." If I had a dollar for every time I was told that over the past eight
years I might just had a corvette by now, hahahaha! Doing my best now to survive mentally as my brain catches up with my body.
9/4/2011-Trying to find balance and happiness again. Accepting fate as my
Idiopathic Gastroparesis continues to quickly progress.
10/3/2011-Change, change and more change. All positive though because after
coming close to a decade living with Idiopathic Gastroparesis it's time to find
this gal some much earned happiness! :0)
11/9/2011-A
fresh new start and new decade in my life begins this month. Its hard to believe
its almost been nine years since my initial Idiopathic Gastroparesis diagnosis. Although sadly I am experiencing more problems
with my intestines I am still determined as ever to defy the odds against me. CHEERS!
12/9/2011-Enjoying the festive season a bit differently this year by creating positive memories.
Crossing my fingers for a hospital-free December!
1/1/2012-A
New Year means its time for this gal to turn over a new leaf. AMEN!2/2/2012-Going to try a few small road trips this month. Life is far too
short. Although one might suffer from a terminal or chronic condition you also
must time to time test your strength mentally and physically.
3/8/2012-My Idiopathic Gastroparesis continues to wreak havoc on my internal organs. If it
isn't one thing its another but only as expecting in the life of a Gastroparesis patient. Sad
when you start to become a pro at bad news but only the strong survive! Amen!
This month March 18th marks my 8 year GP anniversary fighting the good fight
as I continue to defy the odds. CHEERS! :0)4/5/2012-This is going to be a Drano-Easter and a low key holiday weekend
for this gal! I am already beat with all the changes ahead of me as well numerous
appointments with my specialists. Hopefully this will be a quick month and I am
already looking forward to May!
5/5/2012-So
far the month of May looks like I will be turning over some new leafs. I
can't wait to see what the rest of the month holds for me. If life is about change then soon enough mine will be taking a
long awaited turn. Amen.
6/7/2012-Waiting to see my new surgical team this month. Hoping to continue the step
by step process towards surgery. Out with the old in with the new as my life continues on the
upswing. CHEERS!
7/21/2012-Gastroparesis life
guarantees one thing for certain, "Expect the unexpected." One visit with
one foot in the door for surgery and in one split second POOF! it's gone. My GP has far progressed
which means no turning back and no surgery. :(
8/4/2012-Feeling extremely drained physically and mentally. Trying to keep my head on straight
and my internal organs safe from getting into any further trouble.
9/4/2012-Its no wonder I have been so tired and fatigued after finding
out from my specialist all the blood infections, rashes and other immune
problems are due to the progression of my GP. Praying for no tumors following
a scan scheduled for next month.
10/5/2012-Note
to self: This too shall pass... Back down once again for the count fighting another
infection and virus. 11/3/2012-Finally the fall and winter are upon us! Time for comfy weather again so
maybe my poor body can catch a break. :)
12/4/2012-Praying for some seizure & GP-FREE days for the upcoming holiday season. Its
been a crazy year but I am forever thankful to continue the great fight for life. Amen.1/4/2013-HERE'S TO
A NEW YEAR AND A NEW ME 2013!! ;0)
2/4/2013-Praying
for continued positive changes and any little success I can get with new liquids
for my GP diet.
3/4/2013-Cochlear implants
are a NO-GO however going to try a first with injections that could possibly repair
damaged nerve cells. Will know more by the end of the month.
4/3/2013-Does it ever end? Heck NO!~Back to the game of
specialists this month and with it comes two procedures
all due to the big "C" scare. GEES! We are just crossing our fingers that I can
still start the new experimental injections
by the end of the month. AMEN.
5/3/2013-What
a WICKED procedure for cancer and just think I get to do it allllll over again
every 3 months now. What a way to start spring! Going to press forward with experimental injections hopefully by next
month. I can use all the help I can get for the long battle ahead!
6/3/2013-Waiting for the approval
for either experimental injections or implant to help me feel overall better, more energy but most importantly
LESS PAIN!
7/4/2013-INOPERABLE.
No injections, no implant, no miracle cures, just allowing time for peace to settle within. Praying for some GP-FREE days...
8/4/2013-Playing
the surgery game. One day its "ON" then the next day its "OFF." Very frustrating and mentally exhausting!..
9/8/2013-OH Mr. Tumor, let me count the
ways... What I really need to do is try counting some sleep this month. Of course
after the next cancer procedure...
10/3/2013-I officially WON the surgery game!
WOOWHOA!! Feeling blessed to have my wishes granted by my lead surgeon. Strict
dietary changes along with structured work out programs up until day of surgery.
'Strong' is where I need to be for a smooth surgery and successful road to recovery! :)
11/3/2013-And..another
surgery, the last one has been officially called off. I don't regret fighting
for my last request for surgery. I have come to realize that sometimes things in life are just not
meant to be. I will continue doing what I need to do in order to survive and to live the best life one
can with Gastroparesis and other progressive nerve damage. This month marks my
birthday and I indeed have a lot to be thankful for! Amen.
