This year has been a busy one between traveling, work, organizing the GP Walk, home life, and of course my own self-care. The summer is coming to an end and I hope to have some time soon to share more stories, updates, and photos. However, today I have a wonderful giveaway and event that I am very excited to tell you about!
What I have learned over the years during my journey with GP is that no matter what kind of diet, medication, procedure or alternative therapy I try (trust me, I've tried a lot!), none of these things will make a difference if I'm not managing the emotions of it all. Learning to cope with gastroparesis, learning to live without fear and anxiety about what has, is or could happen is so incredibly necessary to living our very best. It is not easy but with the right guidance and support I promise it's possible.
Coming up on Saturday, September 26th, Crystal Saltrelli, from Living Well with Gastroparesis, will be hosting The Coping, Stress, & Anxiety Online Summit. What is so great about this event is that anyone can attend online right from the comforts of their own home! It takes place from 9:30am - 5pm EST and includes 6 expert speakers, 2 live Q&A sessions, a chance to talk with other attendees, video and audio recordings, event booklet, plus books and product giveaways throughout the day.
Here is what Crystal has to say and I'm sure many of us can relate to at least one of these.
If you identify with any of the following statements, you should definitely join us:
- The most stressful thing about my life is having gastroparesis.
- I can’t stop worrying about what this diagnosis means for my future.
- I try to “think positive” but it really doesn’t help.
- Since I was diagnosed, I feel like I’ve lost myself.
- I just want my life back.
- I know I should reduce my stress but I can’t because…. x, y, z.
- I feel helpless to improve my situation.
- I’m scared to eat, I’m scared to travel… I’m scared to do a lot of things I used to do before I had gastroparesis.
- I go back and forth between ignoring GP and feeling consumed by GP.
PLUS she has generously offered 2 free tickets for me to give away!
To enter leave a comment below on the following:
- What has been most helpful for you when coping with the challenges of GP? This could be as simple as a nap, cuddling with your pet, reading a book, being with someone you love, hobbies, or taking a deep breath. OR What is something you would like to include more of in your life that may be helpful?
I will also be asking this on the FB page where you are welcome to leave a comment to enter as well (1 entry per person).
***Congratulations Heather and Ruth N., you both have a ticket to the upcoming summit!***
Thank you everyone who shared what has helped you cope with GP, both here and on FB. Be sure to check out the details on Crystal's website and hope to see you at the event!
Related Posts:
Eating Well for Gastroparesis - Book Interview with author Crystal Saltrelli
Fear or Faith
Pizza Dreams and Mindful Awakenings
The two most helpful things for coping with GP have been my SO and my dog. My SO for helping me out when I'm at my sickest and can't do for myself, and my dog for helping me get out of bed and be something every day!
ReplyDeleteAs for including more: I need to include more outings! More time in the sun, going to a park or just being active. I've let myself become too much of a couch potato and need to try and overcome my "fear" of being in public (we know them all, what if I get sick in the store?).
-Jessica D
Diet, acupuncture and anxiety meds... Also meditation.
ReplyDeleteThe two most helpful things for me in dealing with GP have been (1) finding a quiet place to nap and relax in the middle of a crazy day teaching teenagers and (2) resting in the promises from Scripture. My God is my rock and my fortress and my HOPE! While I may not have help or answers from the medical professionals, I know that my God is still in control of my life and He still loves me and cares for me. I have to keep looking to Him especially when I start to become anxious and overwhelmed.
ReplyDeleteThe most helpful thing that I do to deal with the stress of gastroparesis is speak truth to myself to replace the misconceptions or lies that tend to spin around in my head. For example, it is very powerful to me to remind myself that gastroparesis is not a degenerative condition, it won't get worse.
ReplyDeleteMy husband has been a huge help as I have been too weak to fix food for myself. I have started acupuncture and hope that helps. I need more education about this disease and would greatly benefit from this event. I need hope that I can live with this.
ReplyDeleteMy husband has been a huge help as I have been too weak to fix food for myself. I have started acupuncture and hope that helps. I need more education about this disease and would greatly benefit from this event. I need hope that I can live with this.
ReplyDeleteI am newly diagnose with gastroparesis as well as having to be a strict FODMAPer since last month. I became a GPer in 2010 after an emergence gastroectomy. The only thing getting me out of bed since then is my animal needing care.
ReplyDeleteAs well as research but it is consuming my every thought.
I need help with coping! My world has been flipped upside down. I thought I was coping with GP friendly food but now as a strict FODMAPer also I'm lost. I don't know where to start. I feel like I'm out to sea without a life jacket. Thanks for the great question.
Ashley W.
The two things that have significantly helped me cope are my family and my cat.
ReplyDeleteMy family has gone to such great lengths to help me with everything and they've been so understanding when I've been unable to do even simple things.
My cat cuddles with me when I'm in pain and is always doing things to make me smile. :)
Hi Heather, your name was randomly selected for a free ticket to the online summit! If you can please send me an email to journeywithgp@gmail.com and I will provide you with the details.
DeleteI have been struggling for almost 6 months to end up with the diagnosis of idiopathic GP. I am so thankful to have an answer, now I know what I am fighting. I already have autoimmune colitis and my diet is already gluten and grain free along with 20 food sensitivities. My family is my anchor but my job REALLY gets me thru these hard times. I blessed to be the nurse to amazing children with multiple handicaps. When im not feeling great I go to work and I see this wonderful person who cant walk, talk, or even breathe on their own, and you know what?
ReplyDeleteThey are smiling! They are always smiling and happy despite their medical issues. How can I feel down when they are so happy and depend on me! I am reminded every day that things can be so much worse. Life is so good, and I will make it thru this. Overall faith love and hope will get me thru. :-)
My dog, of course, is my main reason for getting up in the morning, so she is very helpful. Relaxing and learning to put ME first and letting go of fear has been extremely helpful.
ReplyDelete