Michaelynn’s Personal Story: Battling Persistent Diarrhea, Weight Loss, and a Gastroparesis Diagnosis
My issues started in 2009 and it all started with persistant diarrhea, indigestion, heart palpitations and nausea. I was working a full time job and struggled to make it through each day with the diarrhea. They prescribed every drug for reflux but they only made the diarrhea worse. Eventually the diarrhea slowed down after taking Protonix and severe constipation kicked in which prompted multiple ER visits due to radiating chest, arm and leg pain. By 2013 I began to drastically loose weight and starting having malabsorption issues. My vitamin D and iron levels became extremely low. I always had constant body rashes and itching that would wake me in the middle of the night and I just couldn’t figure it out. By 2016 I lost a total of 140 pounds and began experiencing tachycardia from the drastic weight loss. I was diagnosed with wheat intolerance but every celiac panel was negative and was placed on a gluten free diet. I resigned from my job of 10 years and felt as though I had completely lost my mind. Doctors diagnosed me with gastroparesis on 2017 and then more things made sense to me. My doctor said there’s no point in continuing drugs if they don’t help. Now in 2019 I feel like I’m finally beginning to gain control of my life again i’ve gained 15 pounds back and I feel happier. I’ve had to learn what I can and can’t eat mainly on my own. The symptoms are all still present so I try not to let them get me down but it can be depressing. I’ve learned that it takes great mind control because once it takes over your body it’s easy to loose yourself. The biggest thing for me is feeling as if i’m fighting this alone but God is always there to hear my cry. Gastro diseases are real issues but are often ignored or down played by doctors and society. I person may never understand it until they’ve lived it.
Living with an invisible illness often means spending countless hours confined to a bed or a recliner, trying to distract the mind from physical discomfort. During my worst flare-ups in 2017, the sheer isolation of being homebound was almost as challenging as the symptoms themselves. I joined several patient advocacy networks and digital support circles just to connect with others who understood the daily reality of pacing and energy conservation.
In one specific chronic illness forum I frequent, members constantly exchange ideas for low-energy distractions to help pass the long, difficult afternoons. Threads are filled with recommendations for immersive audiobooks, accessible sweepstakes casinos, and complex digital jigsaw puzzles that offer a bit of mental stimulation without requiring physical strain. Finding these small, accessible pockets of entertainment made the hardest days feel a little shorter and significantly less lonely.
Ultimately, navigating gastroparesis is about discovering what works for your unique situation, whether that means adjusting your diet, strictly pacing your daily activities, or finding new ways to stay engaged with the world. It is a daily practice in patience and grace. While the medical journey is far from over, recognizing the quiet strength it takes to simply get through the day has been an unexpected source of healing.