A funny thing happens with Gastroparesis. (Okay, you are right. MANY funny things happen with Gastroparesis but today we will focus on just on.) You actually get excited when you feel like doing chores! Yes, you heard me correctly. You are so happy to be scrubbing some dishes, vacuuming the floor, doing some laundry, or grooming your dog. You are so happy that you think at any moment the cartoon birds will show up to hang your laundry on the clothes line. The cartoon squirrels and rabbits will surely be coming to visit and scrub your floors. So in my mind, I looked like the photo below even though I’m not a huge Disney fan. In fact, instead of Disney I was singing along to some great 80s New Wave music!
(Photo Courtesy of Disney)
You have such limited energy with Gastroparesis that you try to get by completing as few chores as possible. For me this is easy since I live with a “chore-a-holic”. He loves chores and stays on top of them. (Well, I don’t know if he loves chores or loves not having them turn into projects. We took an informal vote of our friends and received inconclusive results.) He also takes AMAZING care of me so that I am not spending my limited energy on chores. This way I can still work, see friends once in awhile, and try to get some exercise in. (Not being active really does a number on me mentally. More on this in future blogs.) I am so thankful for him because I really have no idea how I would get by without him (especially when I am going through a Gastroparesis flair!).
However, sometimes it’s nice to pick up the pre-GP routine of waking up on Saturday and cleaning up the house. It’s nice to sleep in until my body decides it’s ready to roll out of bed, make some coffee, open the windows, put on some tunes, and get to work. It feels like you have contributed to maintaining the home. It feels like you are “normal”. It feels like you aren’t a total bum “chore sponging” off your “chore-a-holic” fantastic boyfriend. In short, it feels AMAZING!
Maybe the spring air is giving me an extra energy boost. Maybe succeeding with “Gluten-Free April” is giving me an energy boost. Maybe the acupuncture is giving me a boost. Maybe listening to my dog have a blast with her squeaker toy is giving me a boost. Maybe savoring my last month(s) of coffee is giving me a boost. Or maybe it’s because my “chore-a-holic” boyfriend got up early to do errands at the store and there where actually chores left for me when I woke up! No matter what the cause of the boost, I’ll take it and mark today as a win against Gastroparesis!
~Millie
(No wildlife was harmed or treated to unfair working conditions during my morning. Although my dog did catch a squirrel last night, so she had to do double duty today! POOR SQUIRREL!)
Adventures with Gastroparesis 
And speaking of limited energy, it seems like the past couple of days I’ve gotten like almost 10-11 hours of sleep each night and still felt exhausted for some reason (today I think I finally am somewhat back to normal)!
But, I do have those “ups and downs” spurts of energy, like you are having and I get “so excited that I just can’t hide it!” 😉 Music really helps.
We are lucky to live with understanding people that help out, too!
Looking forward to future blog topics, as always! Enjoy your weekend!
Thanks Jen!
I feel like today I am fighting off a hibernation spell coming on.
Having understanding people in your life make all the difference in the world!
~Millie
I was worried about going out to dinner last night, but I took half of it to go (and finished the leftovers today, no problem!) and I ended up doing fine! And, today I feel like I got my vibe back… maybe it’s because the temps are now like springtime?!
Hope your acupuncture appointment gets you back in the groove!
Thanks Jen!
Glad to hear that dinner went well!
Today I feel like a slug (will be writing about it soon) and am so thankful to have acupuncture tonight to help snap me out of it.
~Millie
You go girl! We must be on the same parallel today. I have been reading Cyndi Lauper’s memoir which inspired me to rock out to some 80’s too and get some cleaning done. Enjoy the coffee while you can, on day 4 without here. Crave it every morning but replaced with Yogi Tea’s Perfect Energy and really liking it.
Both gluten free and acupuncture help with energy and clearing the brain fog as well. Glad this is all helping you. Back to my “girls just want to have fun” la la la. Have a good weekend and make sure to not overdo it. 🙂
Thanks!
It is odd how we all seem to cycle together at the same time: feeling good, flairs, blah, normal, etc. Even though we are all in different areas of the country and world it seems we follow similar cycles.
Thanks for the tip on the tea! I will definitely be trying it. 🙂
I can’t wait for acupuncture tomorrow, I need some of these cobwebs cleared out!
~Millie
I have acupuncture as well tomorrow. Virtual cheers to a good day following those magical needles and many days to follow. 🙂
Thanks Stephanie!
Virtual cheers to you to!
~Millie
How lucky you are. I also have a great ‘friend’. He takes me to the ER, picks up things I need, (mainly my meds), sweeps the kitchen floor, does gardening and comes over to take the trash out. I am very blessed with a supportive family. My sister takes me to all my specialist and pushes me in a wheelchair wheni am too exhausted to walk. My 84 year Super Mom comes to visit and stays with me for a few days. She gives the best hugs…I do feel bad that she has to pick her own food since my cupboards are bare )on a feeding tube and know she would prefer grilled chicken).
Hi CJ,
Glad to hear that you are surrounded by so much support. I agree that there is nothing better than a good strong hug. There is something about the safety of a hug that can’t be replaced.
I’m sure your mom doesn’t mind picking up her own food. She is probably just glad that you don’t mind her cooking it at your place!
Keep fighting!
~Millie