What can I eat

This subject is what scares everyone that has Gastroparesis.  If you have Menieres you know that your diet it just as tricky.  Most people with one chronic illness also have another illness that complicates the issue of what to eat.  You might not be able to eat gluten, yet are not suppose to have starch, oh wait no fiber and don't think about adding salt.  So the question comes what can I eat?

This has bothered me for sometime and I have being learning to live with my pacer.  See life changes when you aren't as nauseous as before.  You become a little risk taker and then you find out that somethings are off the list for good.  The best thing that I have learned through this whole process is that no two of us are alike.  What I can tolerate would send others down a deep spiral.  What others eat I can't even handle the taste with out the nausea starting.

Some people swear by juicing others by puree.  Some say baby food others try soft solids.  The goal is finding out what you can do that makes you get through the day.  Remember what you eat today may not be something you can eat tomorrow.  Don't beat yourself up if you try something and it doesn't work.  We learn over time to become one with the body.  Once you quit fighting and eat what your body can handle then you will start to get better.

Now I laugh and say that since my pacer I have started to lose weight.  Which for me is a great thing.  I am actually eating healthier and my body is getting the proper nutrients.  I still have trouble with the fiber components but that is okay they just take to long to break down.  I can enjoy food now because I have learned that food isn't my enemy.  My body isn't my enemy they are a tag team that need to work together.  If you eat the right food and the correct amount you will win the battle.

Now what about those that can't eat anything.  Once you get to that point the doctors help with parental feedings or use an NG tube.  If you are at this point don't get mad.  The frustration can set in quick because most of the things we do in life revolve around food.  So here is what I suggest be the owner of your new life.  don't get mad get even.  What I am saying is take control don't give up.  Be happy that you have a way of still moving on with life.  

I learned a valuable lesson and that is people will look at us that suffer and be amazed with what we do.  There are people in your life that think you are wonderful.  They know how you feel and they put you on a pedestal when you accomplish milestones.  My friends are my biggest supporters and when they see me do things they are excited.  

So keep a diary of what you can eat so that you know what works and what doesn't.  Also keep a diary of what all you accomplished that day.  You will soon learn that the one diary is more important than the other.  For me what I got done today is better than what I can eat.  Now I concentrate on it and my life is much happier.  Guess what I can add posting this today to my list of accomplishes.  What have you done that makes you smile today?


For my fellow fighters keep on fighting and remember one day they will figure this out and we will have won.  Until then don't give up hope.  It is okay to rest on bad days,  but on the good days enjoy life to your fullest because you deserve it.    

There is so much more and remember this is something that I live with and am writing from my perspective.  Talk to a doctor if you feel you may have this or any other disease because without proper diagnosis you will never get the treatment you deserve.