Viewing entries tagged
Gastrointestinal

Diagnosis In The Era Of Google

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Diagnosis In The Era Of Google

The doctor sent me home with a recommendation for a colonoscopy to see if I have inflammatory bowel disease – not to be confused with irritable bowel syndrome. This is where my Google searching picked back up. I furiously searched for answers. What is inflammatory bowel disease? What is the difference between IBD and the more common IBS? Was this disease life threatening?

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5 Ways My Faith Has Grown Stronger Because of My Chronic Disease

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5 Ways My Faith Has Grown Stronger Because of My Chronic Disease

My hope is placed in Jesus, not in the doctors. Therefore I am not disappointed when a doctor has no answer for me, because if my hope is in Jesus then I can’t be disappointed. Instead I trust that He knows exactly what’s happening so I have no need to worry.

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The Never Ending Text

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The Never Ending Text

Born with a chronic gastrointestinal (stomach) disease I was constantly fighting a daily battle to keep my spirits up and not succumb to the thoughts and emotions that always threatened to overwhelm me. Texting was like a lifeline for me. It made me realize I wasn’t alone and there were people out there who loved and cared for me. 

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The Week I Traveled To California While I Was In The Hospital

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The Week I Traveled To California While I Was In The Hospital

After I received the G-J tube I spent about a month in the hospital. I was released, but returned a week later for dehydration. The next stay also lasted a month. I was out of the hospital for about four months and was then readmitted that January. When I was released the first week of February I thought my hospital stays were over, but sadly I was once again admitted about a week later. As I mentioned above I was heart broken and didn't want to see another hospital room, but I reluctantly agreed to the admission. 

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Stares

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Stares

When I go to a cash register to check out I watch as the cashier’s eyes stayed glued to my chest instead of my face as I try to talk to them. I try to ignore the stares. I try to pretend that they aren’t staring openly at me. I try to act normal, but it’s hard. Sometimes I just want to blurt out, it’s called a port and it’s keeping me alive. If you have any questions please ask them, but please just stop staring at me and acting weird or embarrassed about it.

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Why Living with a Chronic Disease is Really a Blessing in Disguise

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Why Living with a Chronic Disease is Really a Blessing in Disguise

Many ask if it was possible for me to be born without my disease would I chose that? My response may surprise you, but I would say no. I've prayed for many years that God could use the bad of my disease to bring good to others and I have begun to see that being played out. If I hadn't suffered first I would never understand someone else's suffering to the extent I do. There are countless lives I never would have had the opportunity to touch if I didn't have my disease. 

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Dear Gastroparesis

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Dear Gastroparesis

Because of you gastroparesis, I know what it is like to suffer and be in pain and therefore I am able to empathize with people on a different level. I have developed an incredible passion for the medical field. A passion that was sparked at a young age. I want to be able to help others who are suffering because I know what it’s like. 

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