No matter how much you think you have Gastroparesis beat, you never fully do. There will always be a setback that hits you. For me, it always seems to be when there is a large shift in the weather. It is so incredibly frustrating to be on a good path and then something completely out of your control throws a wrench into the whole scheme. It’s in these moments that I hate Gastroparesis the most. It’s in these moments that I struggle to stay positive and keep fighting. It’s in these moments that I have a hard time fending off the depression and self-doubt. Today has been one of those moments.
The weather had a giant shift yesterday which wreaked havoc on me and my Gastroparesis. I have been fatigued and this morning had extremely horrible stomach cramping. I stand by my acupuncture post from yesterday, because even though I faced this setback I noticed that my body is bouncing back faster than it did before the acupuncture treatments. It still doesn’t bounce back as quickly as I would like, but something is better than nothing.
This morning was not only filled with fatigue and severe stomach cramps but was also filled with self-doubt and depression. What is my point in life? Why was I changing my diet, taking supplements, blending my food, getting acupuncture just to remain sick? Why do I always have to get sick? Why don’t more people know about Gastroparesis? Why keep fighting it? Is the blog really helping anyone? Should I keep doing the blog? The list goes on and on and on. These moments are EXTREMELY difficult to pull yourself out of. Once the snowball starts rolling it takes a giant yeti to make it stop.
Somehow, someway I was able to get the snowball to stop. Maybe it’s because I had to force myself out of bed to get some work done.. Maybe it’s because my dog was insistent that I needed all the kisses she could give me. Maybe it’s because I saw an adorable photo of my friend’s baby in a safari hat. Maybe it’s because my amazingly calm and supportive boyfriend was saying all of the right things. Maybe it’s because I know I’m meant to make a difference for the Gastroparesis community. Whatever the reason was, I was able to slowly snap myself out of the funk today. I’m not fully out of it but still slowly getting there. I saw the image for today’s blog & I think it will be my new motto: Chin up buttercup!
Ever since I found the image, I’ve been telling myself this over and over. It seems to be working. I’ve thought of additional ideas that I can do to expand the blog to more than just my daily posting about life with Gastroparesis. I’ve thought of some possible ways to arm others with copies of the Advocacy Binder.
I’m excited about the future and hoping that you will be too. I’m hoping that you will like the changes coming soon to Adventures with Gastroparesis!
Never give up & keep your chin up! We will find a way to make our voices heard, just you wait & see!
~Millie
Adventures with Gastroparesis 
Sorry you are feeling this way…..your blog has helped me in more ways then I can ever thank you. This is all so new to me even though it has been just over a year since I was told I have GP. Cheer up and know that we must take everyday as another step. 🙂
Thank you so much Susan!
It is always good to know that it is helping others.
I have some ideas to expand the blog with some additional information. I hope to add them over the next few weeks.
~Millie
This week I finally got some funds in. I was in a more positive mood although I still have major depression, but I thougtht if you can do it so can I. I decided to run some errands yesterday and was and was only gone a few hours, but I was pooped by the time I got home, but I felt I at least accomplished something. So today, even though I woke up miserable, I decided to push myself. I was able to get a much needed car part and decided to stop at the store on my way home. As soon as I parked, I had to run into the store to go the bathroom. I was so fatigued and in so much pain, that I just left the store and decided to go back home and save it for another day. Even though I want to push myself to get things accomplished and stay in a good mood, I also realized that sometimes i just need to listen to my body and rest. We all have setbacks, but on the bright side, tomorrow is another day that may be better. Your voice does help, and for the little time that I have been listening, you have helped me more than you know. I wish I could give you a big hug. Cheer up buttercup, there is always tomorrow.
Thank you Bri!
So glad to hear that you were able to get some errands in. You are correct that it is important to listen to your body and rest when it requires it.
~Millie
You are not alone. Sometimes it just sucks and there is nothing to do but crawl under the covers and snuggle with your dog. They always seem to know when you need some TLC. Today was a good day for me. It was acupuncture day. But last week I was in so much pain and looked five months pregnant. One foot in front of the other.
Hi Amy,
Thank you for the kind words!
Sorry to hear that you are having a rough time but hopefully your acupuncture appointment will pop your bloated balloon! 🙂
~Millie
I have never done acupuncture, what does it do to make symptoms improve? I know about needles poked into the body, but what improvements do you get out of it?
Having the acupuncture for me has help big time with bloating, crampping and tiredness. The acupuncture stimulates the flow of your body. I can’t explain anymore then that, as I still read articles on it. I still get a B12 shot monthly to help with the energy level.