In high school I started having digestive issues. I have gastroparesis. It is a delay in the stomach emptying process and causes people to throw up food and feel nauseated. Now I have a digestive motility problem in which my colon is not working. It’s called colonic dysmotility. I am on many laxatives, but they do not always help. My belly gets very distended. I am in the ER often for pain due to the bloating. Many nurses and other people ask me if I am pregnant when I have a flare up. I had a colon marker test and it was abnormal. I am now waiting on the colon surgeon to determine if I need to have parts of my colon removed.
No one understands this. I look healthy on the outside, but in reality my energy level is down most days, my digestive tract is not feeling good, I’m nauseated, and I am constipated from my colon not functioning the way it should. People ask me why I don’t eat lunch. It is because you come to the point where you want to eat as little as possible since food gets stuck in your colon.
Growing up with people thinking it was all in my head combined with lack of support and no understanding causes me to feel mentally “down”. I cry, feel angry, and feel resentment. Why did this happen to me? There is no cure; just treatments. This has made me a stronger person. I work full time as a certified medical assistant and a nursing assistant helping others. People need to take a walk in my shoes.
Melissa
Wisconsin
Submitted 4-7-13
The informational content of this article is intended to convey a personal experience and, because every person’s experience is unique, should not be relied upon as a substitute for professional healthcare advice.
This story is intended to convey a personal experience and, because every person’s experience is unique, should not be relied upon as a substitute for professional healthcare advice.
I know what you’re going through. I have gastric dismotility, i also developed a toxic mega-colon of unknown origins, & had my entire colon removed leaving only my small intestine. I ad complications after surgery &have chronic health problems Now. Take it one day at a time. It does get better. I am 5 1/2 years post-op. You Can get through this!
Thank you. I am six weeks post having my entire colon out and doing better. 🙂
I have the same problem & I take magnesium capsules but check with Dr. For permission. Good luck
Hello Melissa I have gastropasresis colonic inertia. Colonic dysmotility. I have had GP for two years done every laxative injection in my belly. On November 12 2014 I was told I have to have my colon removed I’M 30 years old three children loving husband. Not my first surgery. But your not only…
You’re not alone. I have been suffering with these GI problems for years. I have chronic constipation (investigating colonic inertia) and GP. I am working with a doctor now to possible insert a gastric pacemaker to help with the GP. Maybe something you could consider?