2013 was quite a journey for my family with everything from health exploration to self discovery in a new town. Following are some of the highlights:
- Went to the DDNC (w/ G-PACT) DC to advocate for GP, but was too sick once I got there to do so.
- Started this blog site in May 2013
- Lost my 15yr job due to Gastroparesis
- Lost my claim for unemployment benefits (too sick to work in the field I had)
- Sold our home on acreage and most belongings due to financial issues
- Moved into an apartment that was 1/3 the size of our home
- Denied SSD benefits (not sick enough)
- The 3rd and last GI Dr in my area would not take my case
- I turned down the suggestion to drive 400 miles 1-way to go see if the University could help me.
- Started over from scratch to find foods that my tummy liked.
- Moved in the Fall to a small town 3 states away to follow my husband's job transfer.
- Started elimination of dairy and gluten. No more smoothies.
Things weren't all bad! I pulled my self up, dusted my self off and dug my heels into making this a great page for information for all of you to visit as well as the following:
- Facebook page for gastroparesis and digestive track issues. As new information becomes available in the community from credible places, I post the link. From medical advancements, trials, advocacy opportunities, products that help others, jokes, inspiration and anything that may benefit the community. Lately it has been some product recalls, but that stuff is important too!
- Teamed up with Patchwork Peddler and did a G-Tube Pad giveaway.
- Created a Facebook Page for people to show off their tattoos' for inspiration, then had people vote for their 'favorite'. With the help of Hope's Alley the winner will soon be receiving a wonderful one of a kind bracelet in the colors of their chronic illness awareness campaign.
- I have a part time job that works the best they can with my GP.
- In November I started an on-line store (www.gpfight@bigcartel.com) to sell items for GP Awareness at a low cost to the buyer, to enable every person to have the opportunity to purchase something on their potential limited income. To me it's about awareness and not lining my pocket.
- I have found the diary free diet to work very well for me and limiting the gluten has helped as well. Now to just fill in the gaps of what I am missing for fruits and vegetables, I should be all set. As long as I keep up on my vitamins and supplements, that is!
For me the end of 2013 has been much better -health wise- than the beginning. The emotional issue of being in this small town away from my friends and family is a whole new subject ;)
See my next blog on how I see 2014 going .... Click HERE.
