My digestive track and I have always had a complicated relationship.  I have been living with IBSD for over 10 years. Have had flares of gastritis and SIBO. A year ago I added another thing to the list of challenges with my digestive track… gastroparesis.

Over the past year I have had some ups and downs trying to manage this condition especially as someone who is sensitive to medicine so I am trying to handle it with as little intervention as possible.

I am currently managing a severe flare. This has inspired me to share some of my tricks and tips since with the exception of one recent visit I have managed this condition for the past year with only a single trip to the emergency room because dehydration got ahead of me.

Before I share my tips and tricks here is a little disclaimer:

I am not a dietitian a doctor or any medical professional of any kind. I am a woman who has spent many years navigating life’s challenges and who has spent years learning my body and what works and what doesn’t work. I don’t have any cures but I do have some things that make life more manageable for myself.

This is not medical guidance.  These are things i have tried based on the guidance I received and my own experience as a person who tries very hard to live intuitively.

Always rely on your own providers for the exact guidance best for your situation. Nothing I will share is a one size fits all. What works for me may not work for you (although I do hope it does!) And vice versa.

Here are some of the things that have helped me tremendously.

Changing my relationship with caffeine / coffee

I wish I had fully done this the moment I was diagnosed but I was a little bit of coffee queen. Admittedly I consumed more caffeine than I probably should but I’m a busy mom who needs more rest than I get. But i also loved decaf coffee just as much.  When my gastroparesis is calmer I can usually handle my coffee… however when my gastroparesis has severely flared up coffee and I don’t work well together.  Having a painful stomach condition and a caffeine withdrawal headache is miserable.  Transitioning away from needing caffeine to avoid a headache will help make managing a gastroparesis flare easier. If you can’t avoid the headache I find childrens tylenol…while disgusting in flavor… easier on my stomach if I do have a headache that needs treating. 

Hair 

I have long hair. When my gastroparesis flares for me sometimes I vomit and it can be very suddenly. I braid my hair before I go to bed so it doesn’t come undone overnight incase I wake up needing to vomit. During the day if my hair is down I keep a hair tie on me so if I need to put it up fast I can. However during the day if I am feeling nauseous at all I keep it up.  During a flare anytime I go to consume anything it goes back first incase trying to eat or drink triggers me to vomit.

Be as prepared as you can be before the flare starts

Make a gastroparesis emergency kit. We prepare (or at least should) for various emergencies.  Consider making a first aid kit for your stomach. 

I personally like to have electrolytes (ideally ones without heavy citric acid as it can create a burning sensation), caffeine free herbal teas, boxed broth, I have prescription Zofran that I keep on hand. I also keep liquid childrens medicine on hand like Tylenol or benadryl so if I need it I can take it without the pill feeling like it’s sitting in my stomach. Vomit bags are also wise to keep around especially in the car.

I also like having what I think of as an adult sippy cup. You know the cups you get at a coffee shop when you get a drink with foam… those cups.  Makes it easier to sip a drink vs chug too much and get sick.

Another thing I have done is ask my doctor what medications can be available in liquid form incase taking pills becomes difficult. 

Familiarize yourself with the gastroparesis diet. I found knowing what was ok and what wasn’t makes managing a flare when it happens vs trying to learn on the fly. 

If you’re a caregiver

If you are a caregiver it is wise to think about and really define what your roles and responsibilities are.

List them out..  literally.

Then think about what they entail and what actions you can take before you have a problem to make it easier for yourself.

This is especially true for meals.

Not being able to eat well and still needing to prepare dinner is very difficult.  In an ideal situation you could ask someone else to take on that care task, but that is not always possible. 

Your freezer can become your life line. When you are well put freezer meals together and have ready for when you need them.  Prep the kind of meals that suit your unique situation best.  Since we eat as a family I prefer family style meals like casseroles or “dump meals” for the slow cooker. I also will lean heavily on frozen foods and simple meals when it hits unexpectedly like frozen things the kids like.

For other tasks like cleaning or laundry for example spend some time thinking of the easiest way to do these.  If you can’t get someone else to do them don’t feel bad for purchasing paper plates and other disposable items.  When you’re energy is low from low fuel intake reserve whatever you can by taking short cuts.

If you have kids in activities try to get to know the other parents. This is helpful no matter what your situation but if you are managing chronic illness knowing others involved can give you options if you find yourself struggling .

I truly hope something I shared can help you or someone you know who is struggling.  Gastroparesis can be a very draining condition to live with, but emotionally and physically. However learning what makes it easier can reduce the burden on you.