I’ve become the very thing I used to mock. If 5-years-ago-me
heard some of the things coming out of Today-me’s
mouth regularly, I’d scoff, “Suck it up!” and take another bite of my extra-cheese
pizza and gulp a drink of beer. But, oh how times have changed. I’ve been reduced
to 3 questions:
“Do you have gluten-free
options?”
“Can I get lactose-free
milk?”
“Is it possible to
leave off the sesame seeds?”
A little background: I’ve basically been in some sort of
pain for about the last year or so. I got used to taking daily Ibuprofen’s,
sometimes Naproxen. Some days Ibuprofen and Aspirin. And still some days both
with a heating pad. That’s just how it was going to be now. I’m in my 40’s and
(according to one useless Doctor’s analysis and dismissal) and I should just learn to cope
as I begin my decade-long slide into menopause. Yeah, thanks.
My discomfort sent me to the emergency room 3 times. Blood work
showed nothing and I was beginning to lose hope. Then, after much research, and
a Dr. who FINALLY listened to me, we found one piece of the puzzle: Uncomplicated
Diverticulitis. That’s what that pain is. Of course! I was given meds and it
subsided…
…for awhile.
As if realizing that I was finally feeling kinda normal, my
body seemed to rebel in a big way. I was either being stabbed by some invisible
force or a Xenomorph was about to burst free from my gut. The level of pain
accounted for either… or both. Sadly, (or maybe luckily) I know what Diverticulitis
pain feels like and this wasn’t it. So, back to the Dr. I went.
Long story short: More blood work. More tests. An ultrasound.
Lots of tears. I was told one of the saddest things of my life, “You have a gluten and
dairy intolerance.” But bread!! But cheese!! But bread dipped in cheese!!
Sadness.
I hate this term….but it was a true “Aha moment.” I remembered
how my tummy grumbled every time Matt and I would go for beers. I remembered
how I would wake up every morning with an upset stomach after my nightly glass
of milk. And too many other duh’s to name. Ok, this makes sense. I made
an oath right then and there, in the office, to change my diet and test this theory.
It’s now 3 weeks later.
The verdict: I’ve lost 10 pounds. My skin has cleared up. I
feel less anxious and most importantly, I don’t hurt.
Riiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiggggggggggggghhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhttttttttttt…..this is
what it feels like to not feel … anything. I forgot.
So, here we are. I’m that person. I spend my free
time researching gut-friendly recipes and adjusting to my new normal.
I’m telling this (TMI) story for one simple reason: these
diagnoses were made by me. I took these theories to my doctors and asked to be
tested. I did this several times. I made noise until someone listened. Far too
often, we are dismissed. We are given a generic analysis and some “this’ll help
for now” medication. It’s absurd.
Simply put: If not for my self-advocating, I’d still feel
like shit.
I don’t know if this is the complete solution to my gastro problems
but, it’s a big damn start and I know now I’m headed in the right direction. I
have hope of being pain-free.
Please friends, if there’s something happening with you.
Something that’s just not right. (Who knows better than you?) I urge you (beg
you!) to not take “no” for an answer. Demand tests. Demand answers. Demand a doctor
who will listen. It’s totally acceptable to be an a-hole nuisance when it comes
to your health. And a good doctor won’t mind.
Here’s to a happy, healthy 2020.
XOXO
-Vanessa Sully
 |
| Good advice. |
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