It's Just A Number!

Being sick for so long was a nasty trial. It reminded me of being 1st-trimester pregnant, only it was more painful, and it was more discouraging because I had no clue why I was feeling so crummy, or when it would end.

On the upside, I've seen a lot of little silver linings from this trial, especially in relation to my healthy living goals:

1. I lost weight. Unexpectedly, and too quickly. Don't try this at home.
2. I learned a lot about portion sizes. I couldn't eat much at a time without getting sick. I know now that I can eat a lot less food at each meal and not be hungry.
3. I don't crave junk food as much. It makes me sick. But I still eat it. Just not as often.
   
4. I'm limited in what I can eat, so I eat less. If I'm hungry, I can't just cut a slice of whole wheat bread, and eat it toasted with jam and butter. (yum! but ouch!) Instead, I eat ~1/2 cup of Corn Flakes with milk. Which feels just right for a little snack. That's a lot of calories saved.
5. I have a renewed gratitude for my health and energy.
6. I learned that apples settle my stomach, so I got in the habit of eating an apple every day.

A brief time line of my recent digestive woes:

May 2005 - November 2009: Stomach pain and nausea
• Five distinct times when I’d taken Ibuprofen
• pain would go away when I ate.
• Dr. suspected ulcer, took Zantac, “cured” it each time

January 2010: Intermittent stomach pain and nausea
• different from previous experiences, more painful, more nausea
• didn’t respond to eating or to Zantac

February 2010: Intermittent pain and nausea continues
• Dr. prescribed Prilosec.
• Symptoms got worse.

March 2010: Started feeling nauseated several times a week.
• Pain and nausea got progressively worse
• Extreme fatigue

March 24th, 2010: Went to ER for severe upper, middle abdominal pain.
• Sent home with a diagnosis of "gastritis"
• Started sipping Mylanta, but didn’t help.

April 2010: Started eating ulcer diet
• felt much better, but not perfect

April 2010: Upper Endoscopy (camera down my throat)
• found gaping esophageal sphincter
• bilious gastric fluid
• no ulcer

April 2010: Cut out wheat, as an experiment
• seems to have helped
• suspect whole wheat more than refined white.
• tested negative for Celiac disease

April - May 2010: Took dicyclomine (an IBS med) twice daily
• After finishing one-month supply, gastroenterologist suggested stopping it to see how I feel.
• Two months later, I still feel okay most of the time. I avoid certain foods (whole wheat and high-fiber) and I take Dicyclomine as needed.

May 2010: Went to 2nd gatroenterologist for a 2nd opinion
• No clue.
• Said I have a sensitive digestive system, and I maybe got a stomach bug that disrupted my system and took a long time to resolve.

August 2010: present
- went to gastroenterologist for a 2nd opinion
• I take dicyclomine once in a while, more often when I'm on a trip or stressed.
• I still avoid wheat, oats, flax, bran, raspberries, and blueberries.

The good news is, I feel great most of the time. Hooray!