It’s back. Gastroparesis is back. I’ve been busying myself with lots of chores and plans to try to ignore it all…but there’s no denying it anymore.
It’s time to face this thing head on…again. And what better way than to share my journey in hopes it might help someone out there struggling with some type of eating issue as well?
My Symptoms
I was diagnosed with gastroparesis when I was a senior in college based on the very obvious symptoms I was having. I never got formal testing for gastroparesis done though.
My symptoms are exactly the same as they were back then, which is why I am taking the liberty to call this condition gastroparesis.
At the moment (and since October, really), I am experiencing the following symptoms on a daily basis:
- getting full quickly (like after 3 bites…even though my last meal was 8+ hours ago).
- staying full for a long time (like for 6+ hours after eating a small meal)
- weight loss (I currently weigh 87 lbs.)
- significant constipation
- feeling very hungry and very full at the same time
- low blood sugar while still feeling full
- lots of fatigue ( I suspect from lack of calories)
- feeling like my digestive system has completely “turned off”
What Caused My Gastroparesis?
Based on my history, tendencies, etc., my hypothesis is that my gastroparesis has been caused by chronic high stress weakening my vagus nerve. The vagus nerve is a cranial nerve that controls many things including the digestive system. When it becomes damaged due to physical trauma or high stress, different body systems are impacted (one of them being the stomach’s ability to digest and pass food).
In college, my chronic high stress was caused by perfectionism and fear of failure while completing undergraduate research.
This was me in 2021 right before the gastroparesis officially set in. My weight was dropping, I was constantly extremely fatigued…but I was so driven to excel that I didn’t notice the warning signs.
After completely shifting my lifestyle and values, my body began to relax and heal over time.
Similarly, 2024 was a high-stress year for me due to travel, moving, and lots of emetophobia panic attacks (like multiple a day for months)…I’m going to write about this soon. After all of that, how wouldn’t my nervous system be affected?
My conclusion is that this bout of gastroparesis has been brought on by the chronic high stress that I experienced for most of 2024.
My Current Predicament
Right now I can only eat 2 small meals a day: once in the morning around 8am and once in the evening around 6pm. I drink juice and tea in between to keep my blood sugar up and try to satisfy my cravings for food. It’s not enough though.
It is hard to eat even 1,000 calories a day right now, which means my weight is a huge concern for me. I am genuinely concerned about what this caloric deficit is doing to my body.
My Gastroparesis Healing Strategy
I experienced complete recovery from gastroparesis when I was in college. After having it for approximately 6 months, it completely healed. So I know it’s possible.
(This image is back from 2021. This was my FIRST somewhat decent meal after weeks of not being able to eat. I was so happy that night!)
It’s gotten better before, so I am sure (pretty sure…more like hoping), it will get better again.
The biggest thing with gastroparesis is figuring out how to maintain your physical health and quality of life.
When you lose freedom with food for whatever reason, it significantly impacts your life. With gastroparesis, you don’t have the freedom to satisfy a craving, get a pastry at a coffee shop, have popcorn with a movie, or do anything spontaneous with food, really. Not that you don’t want to…you DO…you just physically can’t because you’re stomach feels full. And if you have that cookie now…then you won’t be able to have proper nutrition later because your digestion is soooo slow.
So here’s my plan for managing/healing my gastroparesis–
- Breakfast: High Calorie Protein Smoothie (500-700 calories, 40 grams of protein)
- Midday: liquids such as juices, tea, water, coconut water, bone broth
- Dinner: a small meal of easy-to-digest, nutrient-dense foods such as bone broth rice, lean meats, well-cooked soft vegetables, soups, etc.
- Lots of rest
- Lots of sunshine and time outside to soothe the nervous system
- Take one, 1-mile walk per day to stimulate my digestion and get in a little exercise
- Wear a castor oil pack at night for detoxification and increased circulation
- Stretching my midsection to relieve tight muscles
- Vagus nerve stimulation exercises to try to wake my nervous system back up
- Anything to stay positive and joyful! Time with loved ones, doing fun activities, prayer and Scripture, etc.
Thoughts and Conclusions:
The Gastroparesis Diaries is something I am starting as a way to candidly share my experience of learning how to nourish myself holistically — body, mind, and soul— even while my ability to eat food is limited.
My goal is to offer a sense of connection and understanding to anyone out there experiencing loss of food freedom for any reason whether it be severe allergies, autoimmune issues, cancer treatment, pregnancy sickness, or an illness like gastroparesis.
So feel free to tag along! After all, that’s what my blog, Nourish Yourself, is all about.
Up until now, my blog has mainly been about delicious, nourishing food! But I expect that this experience with gastroparesis will teach me on a much deeper level what nourishing yourself holistically really means… and that I’ll be able to share that with you all! 🙂
More Like This!
- Healthy High Calorie Weight Gain Smoothie Recipe (500-700 calories, 40 grams protein)
- How to Feel Happier in Life
- 10 Date Nights at Home for Quality Connection
- 11 Things to Do with a 1 Year Old
Hey! I’m so glad you’re here. Share this article with anyone who you think it would encourage!
Whatever situation you find yourself in today…take time to nourish yourself — body, mind, and soul!
Warmly, Caroline
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