Gastroparesis: My Road to Healing

Gastroparesis: My Road to Healing

 

     Well getting a diagnosis of all the pain and discomfort was a relief. I finally knew what I had but now what to do about it was the next step. 

     I was left with a phone call with an unheard of disorder and medication. No office visit to tell me what this is, what to expect or really how to fix it. I first took the prescribed medication, erythromycin, yes an antibiotic just to help with my immediate discomfort as directed. I also was on a medication to tranquilize my stomached to help with pain.     

     It wasn't until I sat down and research what I actually had, how severe it could get and the medications I would be taken for long term that I new I needed to do something about this. So I took the medications for a little over a month while I gathered information and came up with a plan on what to do. This is where mashing my foods, sometimes pureeing them & the Whole30 came into my life.

     With gastroparesis it can progress to such a severity that fixing it is extremely hard. I learned many people don't recover and continue to get sicker. * I have to say up front Im not a doctor or nor do air claim to know much about this except my own personal experience and what I thought was best for me. I knew what and how the way I ate had to change drastically. It was recommended by most of the research to:

Eat smaller meals more frequently.

Eat low-fiber forms of high-fiber foods, such as well-cooked fruits and vegetables rather than raw fruits and vegetables.

Choose mostly low-fat foods, but if you can tolerate them, add small servings of fatty foods to your diet.

Avoid fibrous fruits and vegetables, such as oranges and broccoli, that may cause bezoars.

If liquids are easier for you to ingest, try soups and pureed foods.

Drink water throughout each meal.

     Because it was very painful in the beginning I had to mash and purée my foods just to eat and stay nourished.  I avoided breads, carrots for sure, most veggies & fruits  as each time I had them I would be doubled over in pain.  I then said to myself it was ridiculous to avoid things I know are healthy, especially fruits and veggies.  My main symptoms were starting to back off  with the combination of meds and diet so I then implemented the Whole30 after reading Its Starts With Food and a recommendation from a good friend. Here is the link to Whole30. http://whole30.com/whole30-program-rules/.  Basically the Whole30 is a plan that helps clean your system and rid your body of the garbage, chemicals and God knows what else that is put in our foods thus giving your body a clean slate to work with. 

     I knew the foods I would be eating were things recommended to avoid but I did not avoid them.  I ate simple, clean, free of sugars, grains, legumes, alcohol, preservatives and so on.  I ate them in small mashed portions at first then increased them as tolerated.  It was great being able to eat, eat good food and start to feel good for once.  My symptoms faded to a point no medication was needed.  I lost 16  pounds on my first Whole30. My digestive system was finally responding well to the good foods and smaller portions I was putting in my body. I had energy like I never had before! I was actually sleeping sound and as strange as it sounds my vision was clearer. Yes, everything looked crystal clear.  I also had a huge foggy cloud move from my brain.  I could think better and my thoughts were processing properly.  I expected changes but not this good.  

     After time I was symptom free from my gastroparesis as long as I didn't over indulge in larger meals.  I don't place blame for that on my Gastroparesis for the pain from being full very may be from the hiatal hernia.  

     Im happy to announce I'm fee of the extreme bloat, embarrassing gas and unbearable pain for a couple years now that was brought on by my Gastroparesis.  Am I cured, NO, but I'm healing and symptom free, and I'll take it! I can't say for certain the Whole30 can fix gastroparesis but in my case I feel very strongly it was a main contributor for me.  

     I thank God every day for my health, being pain free and for this moment - a solution for relief.  

     I'm thankful for the info I got along the way from:

Whole30.  http://whole30.com

Living (Well) with Gastroparesis. https://www.facebook.com/CrystalSaltrelliCHC

Book: It Starts With Food. http://whole9life.com/itstartswithfood/

Lessons Learned:

Listen to your body!

Make changes as neccceasary to gain wellness!

Stay committed! (Whole30 experience and your health needs your full commitment to get the best outcome)

Put Criticism to the trash! (Everyone will not agree with you or think they know all the answers for your health and body) really! Who's body is it anyways.

(((Hugs))), Prayers & Well Wishes,

Janine