6/8/2009-Long term, unknown medical conditions such as Gastroparesis that lack the
research and awareness I have learned can completely flip your life upside down to great depths. I am in the process of questioning
my next step medically with my surgeons. Our great government and Social Security system is back-logged another year and 6
months for county cases. This now leaves me waiting a total of 3 years for approval. Alot on my plate and just
trying to sift through and figure out which to tackle first. Let's just say if you are going through far too
much in your life I totally understand how you feel and my heart truly reaches out to each and every one of you.
7/7/2009-I had my upper scope last week, darn if I don't have a really bad case of gastritis
from an infection as well Gastroparesis doesn't help the situation either so back on meds for the next 30 days. They
took my coffee away and any caffeine, I feel like a walking zombie!
7/23/2009-My GI doctor called late last week on biospies that were taken during the upper
scope procedure. Seems they can not do any further dilations at this point because the choking sensations that still continue are
not from constriction but lack of smooth muscle contraction in the esophagus. What from? of course-my Gastroparesis. They
would like for me to have the 'Esophageal Manometry Test' placing a tube down my throat into my stomach-while awake.
Of course my question is will there really be anything you can do to correct the situation and their answer was-no. Now
why would anyone just do a test like this if there is no cure nor medication to help things? I was strongly advised to avoid
solid foods and stay on liquids. I am now already at 90 percent daily liquids. They are going to run a follow-up catscan
next month and then I need to schedule surgery with my surgeons. I just am not mentally ready for a major surgery,
I am not sure I will ever be at this point. I have honestly been putting it off for almost two years now.
8/28/2009-Did I not just post about putting off surgery for the past two years? The left
mass is continuing to look more like the ovary taken out almost two years ago that has regrown and been
functioning once again. There was a right bowel mass found on my scan however they are not sure what it could be and
will only know upon surgery. My surgical team will do surgery only as 'Emergency basis'. I have other reasons not to
have surgery, not for awhile. Looking very much forward to my favorite season just around the corner: FALL! :)
9/8/2009-Continuing stable. Feels great to beat the odds as a Survivor
after the long 5 year battle but will continue to fight! Sure is time for some positive changes ahead! Looking forward to
additional Gastroparesis projects for the winter so stayed tuned, we have only just begun!
10/17/2009-Today officially celebrates 4 years for the Gastroparesis Awareness Campaign
organization and what an amazing journey it has been! I have learned so much about myself and become truly inspired by
others who suffer from Gastroparesis as well other chronic medical conditions. No one is invincible in this lifetime. We all
need to support one another, lend a hand, show kindness, compassion and love. Thank you everyone for allowing my heart to
continue to grow and remember you too are never alone. KEEP ON! KEEPING ON! :)
10/30/2009-Over the past five years I have truly grown to be a very spiritual person. I
have taken alot of time to re-evaluate my health and have come to the decision that I will hold off on surgery. My surgical
team feels if I under go another surgery there is a very strong chance this time I won't make it out as well there are alot
of high risks that could lead to becoming paralyzed or worse losing vital organs. They are not comfortable proceeding ahead
which was fully discussed with me on a few occasions over the past month. That being said I am finally at peace and ok with
the decision to back away from surgery. No one can put a time on your life, its only up to one person. I have a great fight
ahead but I am more than ready :)
11/14/2009-I am very blessed to have recently celebrated my birthday. Living with a terminal
condition puts life quickly into perspective. Family and friends means so much more and the small things bring more happiness
than the elaborate things we all take so much for granted. Time has allowed me to form a closer bond to my family, friends and
Sister. I decided to create a 'Living Wish List' for next year so going to do my best to start living my wishes
out because life is meant to live! Thank you everyone for all your wonderful birthday and get well wishes. I am indeed touched!
:)
12/17/2009-Where did the year go? I can't believe it is almost Christmas and time for the
festivities around 'food'. *SIGH* Its amazing how much we celebrate with food and how hard it is having a medical condition
that limits what you can eat or drink. I call this my 'moody time of year'-hahhahaha! CHEERS!
1/1/2010-HAPPY NEW YEAR EVERYONE! May your year be filled with many blessings & GP
Free days :)
1/26/2010-I feel the winds of change right over the horizon. Doing some testing on new
gym equipment and working with a few other companies behind the scenes in hopes of providing more alternative options for
Gastroparesis Idiopathic patients. Will keep everyone updated on the results, etc.
2/2/2010-Do you ever wonder what in the world gets into people? I find the hardest emails,
letters and phone calls to take are from those who lost not just their health and freedom but the support of family,
friends and loved ones. You have to really sit back and question the truth in those who seek to harm and hurt others.
I have seen the best in people through the years but as well on the flip side; the ABSOLUTE WORST. I do believe
in Karma and when you do good unto others good will come back to you in abundance.
2/14/2010-HAPPY VALENTINES DAY EVERYONE! May all your chocolate dreams come true!
:)
2/23/2010-I will be blogging on my experience before and after surgery starting February
21st, 2010.
3/17/2010-May everyone have a lucky & blessed GP free St. Paddy's Day! :)
3/18/2010-Today marks the 6th year of the great GP fight! Here's to so many who have been
such a amazing inspiration. KEEP ON! KEEPING ON!
4/3/2010-Wishing everyone a blessed Easter :)
4/14/2010-At 10:10AM the hands of fate closed the door of a 2 year Social Security
disability battle that ended in a win for all of us. Truly a blessed day and God is good. I now stand before my new journey.
Life has indeed handed me a new deck of cards and everything I have known the past 6 years will be forever gone as
a new door opens and a medical plan of changes must take place in order to survive.
5/6/2010-Nothing quite like getting hit with one virus/cold after another. I have been
sick so far most of this year. I can now understand why my surgeons ran out of surgical options due to my very
low immune system. I am starting to become fearful of going out in the public because I can't afford to keep getting sick.
5/15/2010-7 years sure caught up quickly this week and since life has finally
slowed down the hardest part of tracing back all the years and coming to terms with everything sure isn't easy but taking
it one day at a time.
6/9/2010-Learning once again that me and the heat don't mix.
7/4/2010-Sometimes in life you have to go past your comfort zone. If not, you
can't live to enjoy it. This year I got to finally enjoy the 4th of July!
8/1/2010-Maybe a HOT SAUCE convention wasn't the smartest decision in the world. I guess
even the best of us go into 'Gastroparesis Denial' time to time.
8/2/2010-Mid afternoon and as I check my email and log into the support group I notice
a repeated email and post. My heart just sank as I read the news of my dear Angel friend Impy and she has passed onto a better
place, Heaven. It breaks my heart and the news is shocking. Impy was a second Mom to me and always there to guide me through
life's journey. Impy, I know you will always be watching over me, you are truly my Guardian Angel. Until we meet again, I
love you my dear friend.
9/6/2010-These darn seizures are still sneaking up on me. Just when I thought they went
away for good I am hit when least expected. Hoping the change in season less heat and sunlight means less head issues.
10/2/2010-Finally the fall season is here! Praying for better GP days!
11/1/2010-Time to head back to my doctors and surgeon this month. Not sure if they will
go back in surgically to dissect my organs off of each other so expecting the worst but hoping for the best.
11/10/2010-I MADE IT! Another year I am blessed with life, here's to the good fight! 39
years! :)
12/10/2010-Trying to get into the holiday spirit. I still have lots of shopping left to
do. Now if I can just get my body to follow my brain! Gotta push the Scrooge aside because even living with a chronic condition
there is alot to be blessed for this holiday season, amen.
1/1/2011-A lucky day and blessed with a New Year! Here's to a year full of positive changes!
CHEERS!
2/8/2011-I sure hope this isn't a sign of another bad late winter and early spring being
sick. Seems the winter viruses are now making their way around and I have become an unfortunate victim. Needless to say this
house-jail is getting old very quick! Not to worry because once I am better its time to get back to enjoying life before the
summer heat is upon us.
3/18/2011-Today marks my 8 year GP anniversary. I consider this a very lucky day because
I am still alive. I am a GP survivor! So much still continues to change in my life but that which doesn't kill me can only
make me stronger, AMEN! CHEERS TO VICTORY OF THE GREAT GP FIGHT! :0)
4/15/2011-Back to the GP race. Finding alternate ways to
help my destroyed immune system. I was placed on round 5 of antibiotics and my lymph nodes are still swollen. It just never
ends sometimes but I refuse to let it take me down. Time to buckle up for the long road ahead....
5/1/2011-I am never one to have to step back to concentrate on my life but I am now finding
myself in a situation where I have to take care of me and my health first. Hopefully I can be back in a good position soon
to reach out and help others but I first need to help myself. I can't be any good to anyone if I can't get a grip on things
in my own life first.
6/1/2011-After many months I finally went back to see my main GI specialist. I wasn't expecting
a very good visit seeing things are progressing with my Idiopathic Gastroparesis and my immune system is now suffering. He
continues to be very concerned for my health and wants me to still go to the Iowa Dysmotility Clinic. Honestly I am just tired
of tests and no answers.
7/6/2011-Here we go again as my Idiopathic Gastroparesis starts to rapidly progress. My
low blood pressure problems are no longer a mystery as I was told more mind blowing news today at my Cardiologist appointment.
My condition will not get any better but only worse. I have a list of tests and specialist appointments this month in hopes
they can help my heart.
8/1/2011-Once again I am released from my specialists care after hearing the
famous line, "There is nothing more we can do for you." If I had a dollar for everytime I was told that over the past
eight years I might just had a corvette by now, hahahaha! Doing my best now to survive mentally as my brain catches up with
my body.
9/4/2011-Trying to find balance and happiness again. Accepting fate as my Idiopathic Gastroparesis
continues to quickly progress.
10/3/2011-Change, change and more change. All positive though because after coming close
to a decade living with Idiopathic Gastroparesis it's time to find this gal some much earned happiness! :0)
11/9/2011-A fresh new start and new decade in my life begins this month. Its hard to believe
its almost been nine years since my initial Idiopathic Gastroparesis diagnosis. Although sadly I am experiencing more problems
with my intestines I am still determined as ever to defy the odds against me. CHEERS!
12/9/2011-Enjoying the festive season a bit differently this year by creating positive
memories. Crossing my fingers for a hospital-free December!
1/1/2012-A New Year means its time for this gal to turn over a new leaf. AMEN!
2/2/2012-Going to try a few small road trips this month. Life is far too short. Although
one might suffer from a terminal or chronic condition you also must time to time test your strength mentally and physically.
'The Road Before & After Surgery-The Road To Survival--The Final
Road To Survival'
Sharing my journey with others in hopes to inspire the great fight
for life.
'Sometimes in life you must first survive in order to live'
'You've got to believe deep inside yourself that you're destined to do great things.' -Joe Paterno
