Adventures with Gastroparesis

Fall 2013 Gastroparesis Adventurer

Sarah Morrison Guthrie

Sarah inspires me so much.  She has completed her masters, completed half marathons, and has an AMAZING attitude.  Gastroparesis might have been a bump in her road, but she refuses to let it define her.  She continues to inspire others by finding a way to continue to find the adventure in life!

Below is Sarah’s story in her own words…

Jessica Linville

Jessica is truly an inspiration to me.  She has what I like to call spunk!  No matter what life throws at her she keeps a smile on her face and finds a silver lining.  Gastroparesis has been no different for her.  For example:  After a family trip to Las Vegas, Jessica was able to joke about how her jeans were sawing her in half due to living life and eating normal food with her family.  I’m in agreement that the jean sawing is worth letting loose and living life once in awhile!  These types of stories is what makes Jessica our July Adventurer!

Another reason that Jessica is an inspiration is that she puts her whole heart and soul into her day job with the Cystic Fibrosis Foundation.  Despite the fatigue that can come with Gastroparesis, Jessica keeps working to put together successful events for CF.  She is passionate about her work and doesn’t let GP slow her down.  Yes, there are days that she struggles like the rest of us, but she refuses to give up!

For Christmas, her husband gave her a Gastroparesis Survival Kit which shows what a fun attitude both of them take towards battling GP!  They are definitely in this fight together and it is further proof of how absolutely amazing our caregivers are.

Thank you Jessica for always looking at the positive, continuing to do what you are passionate about, and for being an inspiration to us all!

GO JESSICA!!

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June Gastroparesis Adventurer

Stephanie Torres

Stephanie has been an inspiration to me!  She has been changing her diet, exploring acupuncture & yoga and starting to see her health turn the corner. 

Below is Stephanie’s story in her own words:

Prior to GP I was very active hiking, yoga, biking, and a lover of food/wine. In fact, even had a small nutritious gluten free catering business and read cookbooks like novels! In 2008, after about 3 months of serious digestive troubles and down to drinking broth for meals, I ended up in hospital and diagnosed with GP after undergoing every test in the book. Because of previous food intolerances I was accustomed to dietary changes but no fiber, fat or raw vegetables, seriously?! I returned to work part-time to help recover and with lots of support and domperidone, regained my weight and energy, though still very careful about eating. In January of 2009 I enrolled back in school, completed degree with pre-requisites and applied to the master’s program for Acupuncture and Chinese Medicine at Bastyr University in Seattle. Over the years acupuncture has played a role in my life, starting in my early 20’s when diagnosed with endometriosis. The last 6 years it has been a huge relief of GI discomfort as well as helping to stimulate appetite and lower stress levels.
In 2010 I was accepted into the program and began the adventure of a lifetime studying this ancient form of medicine. My passion for learning, however, was not enough to save me from the stress of being a full-time medical student, not to mention traveling back and forth and working to maintain a happy marriage. The week I returned home after the first year I crashed, ended up in the hospital and eventually on a feeding tube to get me back on track.
Lesson learned: Self-care is the MOST important piece to living with a chronic illness! Once I started to feel better, I wanted to help others learn to take care of themselves so I went on to get certified as a Health Counselor (this time studying from home!). I’ve learned a lot from working with others not only about giving advice but taking it for myself as well.
What keeps me sane and provides more good days than bad include daily breathing exercises (oxygen can do wonders for our mind/bodies), what I call “my friendly diet” (MF friendly since we are all so different!) which includes small portions of lean proteins, well cooked veggies sometimes pureed, coconut oil as an easier to digest fat source, occasional hot cereal grains soaked overnight, and as much H2O as I can sip throughout the day. What I avoid are most dairy, most FODMAPs, gluten, refined sugars, and most recently coffee (sub green tea).
Acupuncture as well as working with Dr. Matsen, ND (www.eatingalive.com), and a few supplements play another role in feeling well. And, not to forget the adventure in us that must live on! For me this includes yoga, walking outdoors when possible, short bike rides, and small amounts of strength training a few days a week. Of course, there have been stretches when this was not possible but don’t ever give up that the time will come again. On those days I still keep myself on the “upside” with good books, funny movies, positive connections online with those who “get it” and as much support I can get from loved ones including my pup Luna.

GO STEPHANIE!!!