Awareness Walk Donation = Exciting A-wear-ness Package!

The Awareness Walk for Gastroparesis 2013 is right around the corner with only 7 weeks to go!  This year we are doing our best to raise funds for research but even more motivated to spread awareness around the globe.  Friends, family, doctors, dentists, grocery store checkers, you name it...they need to see this invisible illness that lives inside us and realize the affect it has on millions of lives.  Do you or a loved one battle with GP?  By wearing it on the outside those around us become curious, ask questions and eventually may want to do something about it.

Seeing the Moon Behind the Trees

I was sitting outside on the back patio tonight, overwhelmed with what has happened the last couple of days.  Beyond the fence stand giant cedars, branches reaching out in every direction, blocking views of the sky beyond.  These branches are like the obstacles we face, so many and so thick that often it's hard to see through the thick of it.  But I hear birds chirping and notice a faint glow surrounding them.  So instead of sitting there, slumped over feeling sorry for myself, I get up and slowly walk across the yard, cool green grass under my bare feet.  I look behind the trees and there it is.  The moon is big and bright, like a crystal ball waiting to tell me my fortune.  Sometimes when we can't see the light, we might just have to find another angle to look from.    

Post Procedure: Healing with Love, Rest and Soup

Another procedure survived!  It's sad when going under anesthesia becomes as common as the yearly check up, especially at the age of 32.  I can't even actually count how many times I've been through it, though it still feels like a strange and confusing place to be.  When we arrived at the clinic, my husband in tow with our entertainment bag of phones, Ipads and magazines, I went through the usual paperwork (no, I don't need a copy of the HIPPA practices I have signed a hundred plus times), clinical questions and dressing in the oversized hospital gown that makes you feel like you have disappeared under a king size bed sheet.  T and I got cozy, him playing a game on Ipad and me drooling over summer recipes in the latest Real Simple (don't ask me why I torture myself).

Goodbye J-Tube #2

Well the time has finally arrived.  Tomorrow at 9:45 am I will be admitted into the hospital as an outpatient for a minor procedure (laporoscopic) to remove my second j-tube.  It's exactly 12 hours until this time comes and though I'm more than excited to have it out, I'm equally scared and anxious to once again "go under."
The surgeon who placed the tube back in January completely disagrees with the decision to get rid of it.  Yep, the tube that has not been used in 6 months, caused me to feel worse when I did use it, and not to mention the daily pain and bleeding I currently struggle with because of it.  In fact, he was so confident that he proceeded to tell me that if I don't have it as a back up and my TPN fails "you will certainly die."  Seriously?  Is that the kind of support and compassion we should be getting from our doctors, the ones we are paying so much money to so that we CAN get help?  "What is your plan B?" he continues.  Hmmm, I can sure tell you it's not coming back to see you Dr. P!  And it's certainly not a tube sticking out of me that does nothing for my well being but cause more trouble.

Thankfully, I do have an amazing primary care doc who has provided me with confidence and support so that other's don't take me down.  I know this is the right decision.  And as far as plan b...one day at a time, breathing my way through each moment with hope that I will get better.  There is no cure so this is all we have, HOPE.  I've personally met people who have recovered and they continue to be the light at the end of the tunnel.

Wish me luck on a quick recovery and will be back to write about what's next on this Journey!

July Giveaway: Barlean's Coconut Oil

When I was initially diagnosed with GP fat, became an instant fear as I'm sure many of you can relate to.  However, with the encouragement of the right dietitians and friends, I learned how to include the right fats in small amounts.  After doing some research, coconut oil seemed to be the friendliest one to incorporate and I have been hooked since.  For myself and those I've worked with this seems to digest the best out of most choices for fats.  It is rich in lauric and caprylic acids, great source of medium-chain triglycerides (easier to break down than long-chain), and may support the structure and function of the immune system, cardiovascular system healthy metabolism and energy production, as well as body, skin and hair care.  

Barlean's is a local company here in Bellingham that supplies high quality, organic, non-GMO and gluten free products.  Not only have they been a big supporter of the GP Walk but have generously donated a 16 oz jar for this months giveaway!

For a chance to win you must be subscribed to the newsletter.  Just leave a comment below, either on your favorite way to use coconut oil or what you would like to try using it for.  Look for the name randomly picked on July 16th!

***Note, changed date from 15th to Tuesday the 16th.

To read more about the benefits of coconut oil you can go to the last year's blog post for lots of delicious details.  Look forward to hearing your ideas!

Congratulations Trish O., your name was randomly chosen for the Barlean's giveaway!  Look for an email with details.  Thanks everyone for the comments, I might have to include another giveaway for coconut oil in the future :)

Recipe: Homemade Turkey Loaf and Burgers

Recipe: Homemade Turkey Loaf

This is a recipe that my dear friend Lori and I have adapted from the book Eating Alive II, finding it to digest quite well if animal protein works well with you.  Fat is limited with the use of lean turkey meat and easier to metabolize coconut oil.  Spinach is a wonderful green that, when cooked, works well for most.  If not an option then an alternative recipe for turkey burgers is also posted below.

Wonderful served with roasted sweet potatoes or pureed squash, or a couple slices of avocado and low fat baked potato chips!