Things change in an instant

You may or may not have read my post about getting some tests done recently. In a nutshell, I have been having reflux symptoms and severe indigestion. I had an endospopy, gastric emptying scan and an ultrasound. There have been a few "attacks" as I call them, where I have severe pain in my stomach area, way up high. This has brought me to the emergency room, only to wait a few hours and the symptoms are gone. Never to be seen by a doctor. The pain is severe. Not knowing what caused it makes it even harder to fix or avoid.

The gastric emptying scan revealed that I have Gastroparesis. I hadn't heard about it until the nurse called me. Unfortunately, there isn't a cure. There's not enough awareness for it.

What is it? Here's the definition from the Mayo-Clinic.

"Gastroparesis is a condition in which the muscles in your stomach don't function normally.
Ordinarily, strong muscular contractions propel food through your digestive tract. But in gastroparesis, the muscles in the wall of your stomach work poorly or not at all. This prevents your stomach from emptying properly. Gastroparesis can interfere with digestion, cause nausea and vomiting, and cause problems with blood sugar levels and nutrition.
There is no cure for gastroparesis. Making changes to your diet may help you cope with gastroparesis signs and symptoms, but that's not always enough. Gastroparesis medications may offer some relief, but some can cause serious side effects. "

I have to modify my diet. I have been eating clean for about 2 1/2 years and pretty much most of what I've been eating is not good for me. No whole wheat, whole grain, brown rice, raw veggies (especially broccoli and cauliflower), no fruits for the most part. For those that know me, this is what I eat every day. Fiber is bad for me because it's harder to digest.

It's scary, not knowing if what I just ate will trigger an attack. It's frustrating with no relief in sight.

I'm one of the lucky ones. Most people with GP can't even eat solid food.

It's disheartening when you're faced with a trial, especially when there's no end in sight. This is something I have to learn to live with. I have to accept it and move on. Here's some verses that bring me comfort in the midst of the storm:

"Not only so, but we also rejoice in our sufferings, because we know that suffering produces perseverance; perseverance, character; and character, hope. And hope does not disappoint us, because God has poured out his love into our hearts by the Holy Spirit, whom He has given us." (Romans 5:3-5)

"Have I not commanded you? Be strong and courageous. Do not be terrified, do not be discouraged, for the Lord your God will be with you wherever you go." (Joshua 1:9)

"Now to him who is able to do immeasurably more than all we ask or imagine, according to his power that is at work within us, to him be the glory in the church and in Christ Jesus throughout all generations forever and ever! Amen." (Ephesians 3:20)