In the last year my GP symptoms have gotten much better. To the point that I am able to go on small hikes (nature walks I call them) with my husband. I have not vomited in 2 years. Yet my dizzy spells are weekly which I know happens (for me) when I am dehydrated and/or needing protein. I still get lots of pain after I eat a meal with too much fiber or was too big of a serving. I have to run to the bathroom with the "D" if I have too much fat in a meal; including dairy. I have to avoid gas causing foods/drinks or the pressure is so unbearable, the pain has brought tears to my eyes. Some foods cause a bad allergic reaction. As you can piece together I try very hard to analyze ingredients on a menu, but prefer to cook my own food so I know what's in it.
Living like this is no easy task for the individual or the their family. Wondering how what you just ate will effect you. Can you can go to the store as you planned? Will you be able to attend an event? Scoping out where a bathroom is in each place you are at. Knowing all the 'clean' bathrooms on your driving route, since you've frequented many over the years.
The length of time the episode lasts can very, which again plays a huge roll in the unknown. Sometimes it's a case of a sudden onset of intense pain followed by running to the bathroom, then relief after the "bad" has left your body. Other times the symptoms can last for days. I hate when it happens in the middle of the night, keeping me up for hours in the bathroom. It's so tasking on the body that there is zero energy left for the next day.
My case is very mild compared to so many. Like so many, I was never given a reason WHY mine happened. Without knowing this, I do not know how to treat the underlying cause or know if it would ever go away (some cases are brought on by a virus). I do know that my vagus nerve has not been severed, so I do have motility in my stomach. Recently it's gotten better to the point I am able to consume larger portions of food and start to eat some items that were painful in the past without too much problem if the quantity is limited. Why this is happening, no clue! But I am going to take advantage and enjoy of every moment of this, for however long it lasts!!
So the next time you eat something that 'does't agree with you' or you have a stomach bug, I HOPE you think of all of us with gastroparesis when you are given a small glimpse of our daily life. It's not fun ~ is it?!