Fear or Faith?

There is so much to say on this subject and I want to take more time in the future to talk about fear and it's effect on our mind and body.

Finding Balance Yet Again...J-Tube #2

Bookmark my sister-in-law gave me :)

Today I was blessed with the opportunity to meet someone here in town, female, my age, bright and positive energy, who just happens to also live with a j-tube, amongst other challenges including gastroparesis.  It seems awful to say what a relief it was, but truly it felt great to sit next to someone, on my cozy couch, sun shining brightly on us through the windows, sharing experiences we never thought would be a part of our life.  Being in my early 30's, surrounded by active and healthy friends, it is so easy to feel alienated, to try and understand why this is happening to my once-upon-a-time active and healthy body.

Natural Vitality Giveaway

Tea is just one of my many favorite comforts that I did not have to give up when this digestive journey began.  In fact, there seems to be just as many tea remedies as you might find prescriptions in a pharmacy!  Later this month I'll be sharing some of my favorites when it comes to both caffeinated and herbal selections.  However, today I want to talk with you about an essential part of my daily routine.  I call it my vitali-tea, and I want nothing more than to give a reader the chance to try this as well.

J-Tube Procedure Scheduled

My lip quivered as I signed the agreements with the doctor yesterday, accepting the risks of surgery.  Though it is laparoscopic, and fairly simple, we still have to be "warned" of complications.  I've been through this before in my early twenties, twice actually, for ovarian cysts and endometriosis.  Luckily, that resolved itself after the age of 25.  Now, here I am again, with a date set for this Friday, January 11.   Even though I knew this was coming, now that it is on the calendar, it's that much more real.


What I am looking forward to is everything going smoothly, a short recovery period, and most of all, gaining strength with the additional calories my body cannot otherwise take in.  When this happened before my ability to eat more, both quantity and variety, grew over time.  I'm determined this will happen once again and life can move forward.  If I have to live with a feeding tube to supplement calories for longer then I choose, then that is just a part of life I have to accept.  There are millions out there living with a form of illness or disability, who are forced to live a little different, however, they still live well. 

In 2011, my kind and compassionate mother flew out to help me adjust, my angel during the tough times, and continues to be there for me daily, even if it is by phone.  Tomorrow, my sweet father will be arriving (both still live in Kansas where I grew up) to help out around the house and be there with his good sense of humor and positive attitude for as long as we need him.  I am truly blessed to have such supportive family and friends.  It's not easy letting go and allowing others to take care of you, even more difficult when you are used to being the strong one.  I'll be working on my handout for what I CAN Eat and making a list of what people can do to help over the next couple weeks.  I highly recommend this when going through a rough time.  People do want to help but most of the time don't know how.  Have the ones who understand food limitations make you a soup or snack, send someone to the store to do grocery shopping, another to help with some cleaning around the house, someone to walk the dog, and of course those who can bring you a funny movie or trashy magazine (haha) and help you smile and have some good laughs.  Of course, sometimes, we just need to be alone to rest and be in stillness, also an important part of healing.  

Okay, I'll stop rambling.  The thing is, I'm scared, nervous, anxious, you name it.  Writing helps me to put things into perspective and find ways to remain positive, not only for myself, but for all of you who need it as well!
Thanks for being a part of my journey and I will keep updates coming as I can.

In the meantime, Natural Vitality's giveaway is still happening and will be sent out via newsletter soon. No matter what is going on in life, I always enjoy a good giveaway :)

2012 - 2013: Re-cap and Update, Triumphs and Troubles

Reflecting back to January of 2012, it feels like a distant planet.  At this time last year, having become comfortable with the feeding tube, I was packing my bags and preparing to head south to Mexico for what turned out to be a fantastic getaway.  After returning, refreshed and renewed, I enrolled in the health coaching program at Institute for Integrative Nutrition.  The year flew by as I studied and began working with others looking to make healthy changes in their lives.  In addition, September kicked off the first annual Awareness Walk for Gastroparesis here in Bellingham, WA.  
That in itself was a job, rewarding for sure but wow, I have a whole new respect for fundraisers!  The year also brought many challenges, including a trip to Johns Hopkins in Baltimore (way on the other side of the country from WA!) to further understand SIBO and how to best deal with the new diagnosis.  After finally clearing that up in October, shortly there after tube troubles arose and, if you have read the recent updates, began a fast and furious downward slope with my health.