gastroparesis

Yesterday I woke up in a gastroparesis flare. It was a long painful sick day...  Lots of yucky yellow bile (bags full I vented our my gastric tube) I ended my night on the kitchen floor wrenching to no end trying to get my medicine crushed and in my intestine.

No eating and what I eat has to be vented out my g tube (so no nutritional value by mouth) plus I only tolerated 20ml of pedialyte only through my j...minimal calories) I ate a donut tonight though and it stayed yay! Now I am sure you're thinking, "a donut really?" Hey it was yummy and some calories. I typically eat nothing in these situations but random junk foods my body craves. I didn't always. It used to be soup and crackers.(crackers I still eat. Soups I have thrown up too much... I hate soup right now and jello) taking it I strides. I still decided that I could go on my walk, and I almost didn't make it back without passing out. I kept telling myself "you will not stop. you will not pass out. Oh please don't pass out!" My mom dragged me home and straight to the chair. I felt awful so we ran salt and pedialyte through j tube until I mustered the strength to access my port for Iv fluids. Now I am freezing snuggled up in my blanket so tired (Iv makes me so cold)-Chelle 

Happy National Dog Day

Happy National Dog Day Mr. wrecker! I love you more than words explain. You take care of me when I'll (in all your doggie ways, you are always with me in any mood...boring, sad, frustrated,or mad. You, my dog are my best friend and an amazing comforter when I am sick. May you find joy in your little doggie life your pal-Chelle.    

Today is rest day for me nutrition and fluids. I am coming down off a medicine that was for anxiety (I was misdiagnosed with Panic Disorder (as many do) before they found out what was really wrong, Dysautonomia.) we kept the medicine to help with insomnia. However I am starting to have a rough time falling asleep again. Rest today,no worries, no stress aloud here just me, my loving dog and my slanty  bed. Oh and my fancy lights and calming music... And the Iv pole of course! Om om 

things are not What they seem

Tonight I am overwhelmed with the tender mercies in my life. They are so clear to me right now and I don't think I have ever really stopped to pay attention to them. I was too focused on getting better or figuring out my next step, or trying to get through the day. I always think, "wow life was so not supposed to turn out this way!" Or "I did not choose this disease." But I know I did in the pre existing. I took this battle, I was given this battle. Tonight I realized how extremely lucky I am for being in this place that I never could have imagined. Sure, I never planned Dysautonomia but good things have came to me through this awful disease. My heart at the end of the day is bigger. I have a better understanding of this life. The importance of life. I never dreamed these awful things Would happen to me but I also never imagined all these good, positive, blessings in my life. Like my loving support group of strangers who battle the same battles as I do yet take the time to help me or pull me up when I need it. I have never met a stronger group of people and I never would have without my Dysautonomia. God loves me and he loves you I promise that! I have have so many heaven's  blessings. such an out pouring of love from family and friends (and strangers) The simple little things matter. The heart matters. I now could never imagine a life without the tender mercies that Dysautonomia brings me-Chelle  

cards

My Grandmother has been hospitalized for the last few weeks with a lot of blood clots. She seems to be very weak and just overall not doing well. I guess I talk to mostly I'll people but I realized I should be sending her a card and I am going to start writing letters. Who says pen pals are out dated with the Internet? No email or text can send the thought and love a hand written note or card can. So that's my new thing!  I will also be sending to my chronically ill friends in hard times.  That's what I accomplished today. I am now worn and tired -Chelle 

Stepping Stones

Today I did something so amazing!! I with all my physical challenges accomplished a goal I have wanted to conquer for YEARS!!! My body has been to broken and weak. Now I am not declaring cures in any way but I had the best day today!! I walked my old stomping grounds, Fools Hollow Lake. As a kid we spent our summers here since we live so close. And we would walk around the path countless times. I have shed tears over the thought of not being able to probably do this again. I have had countless physical therapy (rehabilitation) and several illnesses take me down. I still did it. I am feeling so tired and sore but so alive inside. I know my savior stood beside me and has helped me in so many ways this week. Feeling oh so blessed, my heart is beaming!! Keep going you don't know what lies ahead just around the corners of life-Chelle

We ended with a tired and sore Chelle who needed electrolytes replaced and salt via j tube ...but happy!

Forgiveness

the gospel according to Mathew chapter 18 verse 22, "Jesus saith unto him, I say not unto thee, until seven times: but until seventy times seven."  This was Jesus's response to Peter after Peter asked how many times he should forgive  his brother (Peter asked seven times?) May we all hold love and forgiveness in our hearts for others and for ourselves as our savior's example continually shows us -Chelle 

Donate to G-pact

Donate to my fundraiser http://www.firstgiving.com/fundraiser/michelle-woolford/focus-on-developing-a-cure

 I am supporting (G-PACT) https://www.g-pact.org/G-PACT is a wonderful non-profit that supports, helps, and offers resources for patients with Gastroparesis, Chronic  Intestinal Pseudo Obstruction, and Colonic Interia. Can you believe they help 35 countries and 50 states!!! G-PACT also is an advocate for awareness, fundraising, research, and so much more!! They need your support so let's offer it!! After all it is gastroparesis awareness month! -Chelle