Ellen’s Living WELL Story

There’s a common misconception that gastroparesis cannot or does not get better.  The fact is, it can and often does. I’ve received countless emails and messages from people who were diagnosed with gastroparesis, some of whom were VERY sick, whose experience has dramatically improved or even resolved.  I’ve decided to share some of these stories — exactly as written, with permission — to illustrate that it IS possible to truly live WELL after a GP diagnosis.

These stories are meant to illustrate the dynamic nature of a gastroparesis diagnosis. They are not meant as medical advice or a template for your own healing.  Each person’s journey toward living well and/or getting well is unique. However, having worked with hundreds of people with gastroparesis, there are certainly common themes and practices that you’ll notice again and again. 

Ellen’s Story

I’ve followed Crystal’s blogs, Facebook page, and videos for over two years now.  I was diagnosed with GP in January of 2013 after a viral illness (probably mono I contracted from my teenager).  I had almost all the symptoms, mostly bloating, pain, nausea and severe GERD – I just never vomited.  At the time I was 55 years old.

I’ve been followed at Mayo Clinic in Rochester, MN, all along, and over the last 8 months, especially after having my gallbladder removed after severe pancreatitis, my symptoms have almost completely resolved.  I no longer have nausea whatsoever.  No more pain, and only occasionally do I have slight reflux or bloating.

I still avoid large amounts of fiber and I avoid acidic foods, but I’m tolerating salads and even small amounts of nuts and fresh fruits and veggies.  I have different eating habits now, I will admit.  I stick to organic foods as much as possible, I juice regularly, and I enjoy healthy smoothies often.

I wanted to let you know this because there’s so much controversy about GP being able to resolve.  My Mayo GI doctor in April told me that they at Mayo are discovering that it is indeed possible for GP to get better and better and even to resolve.   The damaged nerves, he said, were probably healing after the virus had attacked them.  He didn’t want to retest me with the gastric emptying scan because he said it would expose me to unnecessary radiation and regardless of the result, there would be no treatment recommended.  I agreed with this.

I’m feeling really well now, but I still remain cautious.  I have better nutritional habits now, and I certainly don’t want to go back to my old ways of eating (no fast food for over two years now, and hardly any beef ever).  I also practice yoga several times weekly, and I walk every day.  Exercise has been one of my most important healing tools.

I hope this can encourage someone else.  I know that I constantly looked for encouragement that one day I’d have improvement or resolution, and I hope and pray this is the case for many others.  I also hope and pray I have no relapses!

Thanks so much to Crystal for all her help.  I know she’s heard it over and over, but she has truly been a godsend.  On days I thought I was probably close to giving it all up, I could put on her videos or read her blog and see a young woman who was determined to live well with this disease, and that gave me so much hope and so much information to continue striving to heal.   Please pass that along to her.

Sincerely,
Ellen