Digestive Tract Paralysis Awareness Month

Digestive Tract Paralysis is something that is hard to explain.  The definition seems easy your digestive system doesn't work because it is paralyzed.  Now people have different things that come to their mind when they thing of this term.  People are usually shocked that there is such a condition.

A person that has never been affected by this disease cannot imagine what the disease is like.  They often think if you eat differently it will resolve.  If you on TPN or J-Tube then they think well if you just start eating you can get better.

Then there are those people that wonder what you did to cause it.  Did you do things when you were young that affected you today.  Could you have taken better care of yourself.  Then they start wondering if they are doing something now that has caused it.  They see you getting sick and wonder if you suffer from Anorexia or Bulimia.  They can't imagine that eating or drinking can make you sick.

Even our families can wonder if they did something wrong.  I just had the conversation for yet another time with my mother.  She is often worried if she had done something differently I wouldn't got sick. She worries that it is genetic and we could have treated it earlier.  It is hard for our families because they want us healthy.

Our friends have a problem accepting it especially if we have changed from the past.  Most activities revolve around food and it is hard to explain that you don't want to go.  You start hiding yourself from people because you don't want to be around food.  You only go to events when there is no food involved.

Awareness month gives you a chance to be in charge.  A time to tell people what it is like without being afraid.  A time to interact with people under our rules.  Instead of food being the center allowing conversation to be the forefront.

It is a time to feel empowered.  Not to focus on what is wrong instead looking at the things you can accomplish.  Time to wear your green and encourage all of your friends and family to join in.  A time to share with people the illness and the symptoms.

Awareness is our month.  A month not to be afraid.  A month where we stand up and do whatever it takes to spread the news about DTP.  A time to not be upset about being sick.  Lastly, a time to build relationships with others that are fighting just as hard as we are.

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.