PTSD Live Talk

Last month I shared an update on my return to TPN, IV nutrition, due to severe weight loss, despite making huge strides in food intake and what we thought was a life beyond GP. Not only did this feel like a big, fat blow to my confidence and hope, but a physical and emotional roller coaster of once again accepting that my body does not function properly. Followed by hospital visits, procedures and once again managing daily medical intervention has been challenging to say the least. Enough to cause random panic attacks out of nowhere, fear of what might go wrong next and confusion about how to plan for the future. 

Why is this happening?
How did I get here? 
What can I possibly do?

Book Review: The Gastroparesis Healing Diet

A few months ago I was curious what else was out there on the topic of "healing gastroparesis." As some of you know, I've been writing for the Healing Gastroparesis Naturally website for some time and working on the book this past year (to be released end of May!). To my surprise, the image for The Gastroparesis Healing Diet came up with its upcoming release date in March. I could not be happier to see we were not alone when it came to using the word healing. Not to mention the cover looked so delicious and inviting! 

I contacted the author Tammy Chang, a nutrition coach and cook living in the San Francisco Bay area. While she does not have GP herself she has knowledge of how the gut functions and experience with creating nourishing meals to help heal the body, having worked one-on-one with clients and wrote her first book, The Nourished Belly Diet. She admitted this was not an easy task, finding GP to be the complicated disorder that many of us know firsthand. But she shared in her book that she "found the GP community, along with it's taking in people's harder days, is also extremely loving, supportive, and strong." Between the medical research plus interviewing and talking with those who live with GP (some of whose stories you will find in the book), she was able to get a good understanding of how to create ideas for a healing diet. 

Navigating the Holidays with GP

“At times our own light goes out and is rekindled by a spark from another person. Each of us has cause to think with deep gratitude of those who have lighted the flame within us.”
— Albert Schweitzer

There are times when we may feel like the world is falling apart, when our bodies cannot withstand the challenges they annoyingly present at the most inconvenient times, when our mind feels overwhelmed and exhausted.  It is during these times when finding gratitude and what to be thankful for, are absolutely necessary. 

The holidays can stir up a lot in our lives and perhaps that in itself is something to be grateful for. We are forced to step outside our routine, our comforts, and deal with more than we are used to dealing with. In the midst of all of this, we must also acknowledge what is good and find gratitude. As I'm sure you see, the internet is filled with tips and tricks for surviving the holidays, reducing stress, and of course, being thankful. It is also filled with food, food, and more food! Does that depress or inspire you? If you are someone who really struggles with eating then it can feel pretty isolating. So, let's talk about some ideas that may be helpful for you and those you love these coming weeks. 

Hope and Inspiration Part 2 - Essential7 Oils and Support

In the previous post I shared some pretty amazing stories of recovery and as promised will share more in a moment.  I woke up with some thoughts about how to talk about these approaches, being I myself still struggle quite a bit.  The last thing I want to do is provide false hope or offend anyone. So, just a brief idea of where I'm coming from as five years of blog posts may be a lot to review or remember!

Coping, Stress and Anxiety Summit Giveaway

I'm not sure how many times I can say this but, "where did the time go?!"

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!  

Pizza Dreams and Mindful Awakenings

My eyes slowly opened, a dull light shining in through the shaded window telling me morning had arrived.  Normally I roll over, do a few of my favorite stretches in bed and begin the day.  Today, my dreams called me back to sleep.  Back to a world where I was about to order a large slice of pizza followed by a wall of desserts to choose from.  I allowed myself to drift off, returning to the tantalizing aromas of melted cheese and fresh tomato sauce.  However, when the slice came I realized I forgot to mention I was gluten free so they had to make me a new one.  Patiently waiting, it came again only to realize the cheese was not going to settle and the tomato sauce would give me heartburn.  Hmmm, it's not really the pizza I was hoping for without flour, tomatoes or cheese.  Darn it!  Everyone around me was stuffing their faces with pizza, pasta and mini cheesecakes while I sat on the sidelines, hungry and heartbroken.

I'm not writing this to tease you with what we may not be able to enjoy, but as a way of sharing the challenges we face, even subconsciously.

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.

Another GP Holiday Season Begins - Finding Thanks

How different it is to wake up on Thanksgiving morning, knowing the day is not all about indulging in endless amounts of food dishes.  This is now my 5th year with gastroparesis during the holidays.  I remember the first couple times being mostly in denial and, despite the special gluten free recipes, feeling so sick afterwards.  On one hand I was too proud and the other, too embarrassed to be complicated.  Food was my passion, how could I give it up?

Is this your first holiday season with GP and feeling anxious?   Or, maybe you have finally gotten used to being a little different and found peace with it.  Whatever the situation is, and this is something I repeat often, know that you are not alone.  Don't just say this to yourself, share it with everyone around you.  Some may think it's all in our heads or we are just being difficult, but not being able to eat certain foods, eat very much of it, or for some not eat at all, is VERY real.

Now, on to what this holiday is really about...giving thanks. Yes, food is wonderful and comforting and I do hope that those who indulge are incredibly thankful for the ability to do so.  But, how about indulging in what WE do have.  That is the goal for today and as the holiday season unwinds.  Shifting the focus to the small things in life (and the big!) that bring joy and comfort, just as much (or at least close, haha) to a piece of pecan pie.

I am thankful for all the love and support around me, including my wonderful husband, family, friends, the community I live in, and everyone here and on the FB page supporting each other.
I am thankful for the foods I am able to tolerate, even if sometimes the list is short.
I am thankful for my adorable puppy, Luna, a wonderful daily dose of healing therapy.
I am thankful for the small things, like the very small cup of local coffee I can tolerate, fresh air, good books, blogging, living in a free country, heating pads, clothes on my back, yoga, and hot tea.

As far as food goes, I am still making some dishes, both GP and non-GP friendly.  Sweet potato casserole, gluten free pumpkin cornbread, and creamed spinach.  T is in charge of making turkey this year, which we will be packing up early this afternoon to join the rest of the family.

A Few TIPS:

Find something non-food related to indulge in.  I bring my knitting to work on and keep my hands busy.  Crafts, games, books, magazines, or maybe the paper to start planning your Christmas shopping.

If you have more variety in your diet, allow yourself to have small portions of a few dishes that work for you, as opposed to a big bowl of mashed potatoes.

Write down 3 things you can be thankful for and repeat them whenever you feel frustrated with what can't be had.

BREATHE and LAUGH whenever possible!  Both have been proven to reduce stress and relieve pain.

Feeling lonely today or have some tips to share with others?  Join the community here or on Facebook and leave a comment.  

Happy Thanksgiving to all of you and warm wishes to feeling your best. 
With gratitude,
Stephanie

Re-Post: When Being Positive Isn't Enough

Back in March, I shared this post below when going through a rough time.  We can all relate to having bad days, both mentally and physically.  When we are tired of trying so hard or feel frustrated and overwhelmed with what we have been forced to live with.  Well, I've had one of those weeks, even though I choose to keep a positive outlook, eat the right foods and practice living a healthy lifestyle (breathing, exercise, time with loved ones...).  Why is this?  Because, despite all of this, I still have gastroparesis and days like these are a part of it. 
This blog, as well as connecting with others like myself, whether through the FB page, clients or personal contacts, reminds me that I'm not alone and neither are you.  Thank you for being a part of my journey and supporting this blog, it truly feeds my soul. 
Continue reading for a look at how I felt last spring during a challenging time, as well an additional  book recommendation that has been helpful.

Now Scheduling Free One-Hour Consultations

By working as a health coach one-on-one, I can provide you with:  

• Weekly/Bi-Weekly One-Hour Sessions - Over the phone or on Skype
• Unlimited Email Support 
• Recipes and Food Ideas
• Living with food intolerance's such as gluten, dairy and FODMAPs.
• Helpful Handouts - Relaxation techniques, digestive education, beneficial supplements and more.
• Assistance on creating a medical "dream team."
• Gifts to help you explore and experiment, which may include food samples, wellness products and books.

For more information Contact Me through email to set up a complimentary one-hour consultation, which includes a review of your health history, current challenges and goals.

Book Review: Living Well with Gastroparesis, by Crystal Saltrelli CHC

This Little Lark Guest Post on Acupuncture

I was recently asked by one of my favorite bloggers, this little lark, to write a more detailed story on my experience with acupuncture.   To to read it you can visit her post here.You might recognize her from my recent link to her wonderful tips on Overcoming Emotional Blockages During Dietary Changes.


What a treat to be able to contribute to her site!
If you've have any stories to share about your experience with acupuncture please feel free to comment.  We can continue to learn through each other :)

When Being Positive Isn't Enough

Photo credit to www.tortagialla.com

I thought pretty seriously about whether or not to write about this subject, being that I highly promote positive thinking as the key to living a balanced life.  That said, its also not realistic to achieve this 100% of the time, unless you are either not human or incredibly gifted.  For some of us it might come easier than others, and one day might flow better than the previous.  Though I push for a good attitude everyday, I'm learning it's OK to allow feelings to come up such as sadness and anger, as long as I learn from it and move on.

Navigating Emotions with Illness

After many years of living with digestive issues, exploring variations of special diets and journaling my day to day experiences, one factor consistently presents itself as the most difficult challenge.  It's not necessarily the pain, the nausea, restricted foods and lifestyle, but having to emotionally deal with so many changes.

Yoga for Gastroparesis

Even before having GP I couldn't imagine a day without stretching, how good it feels to reach for the sky, touch my toes and bend or twist.  When in pain, and especially when feeling so full, it's easy to want to curl up on the couch and wish it would just go away.  Though necessary to rest at times, moving has been my savior.  Yoga has a way of healing not only the body but the mind as well.  If you don't already include this in your daily self-care I urge you to give it a try!  The benefits are infinite on digestion.  Here are some tips from my wonderful friend/yoga teacher/future acupuncturist, Debbi Yu.  Thanks Deb for taking the time to share!

Taping the Tube and Deep Breathing Continues

Great News:  The doctors called on Monday morning and decided that it would be better and obviously less invasive to continue to tape the tiniest of tiny hole in my tube instead of going back in and having it replaced.  Apparently, they had to remove the latex part of the tube due to an allergy that could have caused the hole, which inevetibly could happen again.  So, the journey continues, slowly and one day at a time.
I went to have acupuncture today and it did wonders for my anxiety.  The idea of this tube is a little overwhelming at times, as well as accepting my body not being able to do much for myself right now while I recover.  Luckily, I'm surrounded by support (husband and mother ESPECIALLY!) and don't know what I would do without everyone.  It can be hard to accept the help but learning to receive can be as great of a gift as giving, good for both the heart and soul.
That said, a technique I often turn to to reduce anxiety and bring myself to the present moment is called pranayama breathing (click for instructions).  According to Yoga Journal it has a  "mysterious power to soothe and revitalize a tired body, a flagging spirit, or a wild mind."  


Please share any techniques you have for dealing with anxiety during trying times!
Stephanie

Acupuncture and GP

Acupuncture has been an essential part of maintaining my symptoms, particularly nausea and appetite.  I encourage anyone who has the option to do some research on a good practitioner in your area and give it a try.  Weekly visits could significantly improve not only symptoms but state of mind.  Often assosciated with gastroparesis is an increase in anxiety and depression as well as insomnia.  On treatment days I can eat more, have increase in energy and sleep better.