I haven’t posted anything until now on my health, but since I have so many inquiries as to how I am doing, I thought I might as well….
Up until last February, I was a very healthy woman who ate well, exercised reguarly, and generally took good care of herself. However, at the beginning of February, things changed dramatically. I got sick and couldn’t eat anything. I lost 18 lbs (and I’m thin to begin with), and spent almost all of February, March and April in bed. One friend said I looked like a “walking corpse”. I was unable to care for my children and had to hire someone to help out. After 6 trips to the e.r. and four hospital stays, I was diagnosed with gastroparesis, a hiatel herna, and gastritis.
Gastroparesis is when the stomach stops working. Basically, food would enter my stomach and stay there for hours. The gastritis and hiatel hernia were believed to be caused by the gastroparesis (having old food sit around in your stomach for hours isn’t such a good thing).
The most common cause of gastroparesis is diabetes, which I do not have. There are several other causes of gastroparesis, but I didn’t have any of those either. My gastroparesis was judged to be the result of the flu. I guess post-viral gastroparesis isn’t all that uncommon.
I was given lots of medication to help my condition. At one point, I was popping 11 pills a day. I also was unable to eat much of anything. For weeks, I ate nothing but plain white rice, jello, and Ensure.
However, I had another upper endoscopy done in November. The results were very encouraging. My gastritis is getting better, I still have the hiatel hernia,and I still have to stay on the gastroparesis diet (I can only eat about ten foods that don’t upset my stomach). My GI doctor biopsied something, but I think that turned out fine.
All in all, the doctor was really very positive, and said that the inflammation in my stomach is starting to heal, and it isn’t as bad as it was in March. He even suggested I try decreasing my meds some more. I’m now down to only two pills a day! What a change! He says I should be eating normal foods soon, probably next summer!
Until then, however, I have to stay on the gastroparesis diet. That means no foods with fiber, fat, or any kind of seasoning or spice. Fats and fiber slow down the stomach, and my stomach is slow enough as it is. Anything acidic (like tomatoes and OJ) is also out, as well as things that are hard to digest (nuts, berries, anything with seeds or skins). All desserts (especially chocolate) are out too.
I am so thankful for all my friends and family who have helped me out. I especially appreciate all the prayers, Masses, meals, babysitting, rides, gifts, and help everyone has given me. I don’t know what I would do without everyone’s help and support. Thank you!!
“Remember that the present day is given to you in order to gain the future day of eternity” St. Francis de Sales (1567-1622)
