Me, myself and my machine~

I have a nutritionist now!!  YEAH~   Thank you so much to Katie McDermott that made the recommendation to see Merin Kinikini at IHC Medical Center in Murray.  Katie also suffers from Gastroparesis severely and I pray every day that she can feel some comfort.  It's no fun fighting this horrible disease.  Anyway, Merin and her assistant, Hilary, have been my lifesavers.  They have not only taken care of me physically, but they understand me emotionally and that helps me so much.  I am now attached to my favorite machine, that I love to hate, 24/7.  I was given a different formula made from Nestle and it seems to be helping me tons.  Also, with the G tube inserted into my stomach I seem to be less nauseated and I am able to drain my stomach anytime I feel pressure or pain.  I'm glad we made the decision to put the tube in even though it was a 3 day hospital stay.  I'm still in some pain from having the tube in but that is to be expected.  I have pain all the time with my Gastroparesis...  so this is nothing new.

The Standard Examiner Newspaper did an article on me with the hope that we could get some additional awareness to the public about Gastroparesis.  Here is the link if anyone wants to read the article:
    http://www.standard.net/topics/health/2010/09/12/syracuse-womans-life-without-eating-gastroparesis

With the newspaper article being published good news came our way.  We are so grateful to Nestle Corporation for calling the paper and giving them our personal information.  They contacted us and we filled out the paperwork for the formula to come to me free.  Nestle has said they would send my formula to me for free, but unfortunately, this has yet to happen.  I suppose everything takes time and a process of getting things approved etc.  We are still hoping they pull through.  It would be such a huge blessing.  I have gone months without proper nutrition because of my health insurance denying me this.  Even though I despise being hooked up to the machine, at least I now know the food will be there and I have a way of being fed without worrying so much about the cost and what affects it is having on my family.  I will be forever grateful to Nestle.  Please cross your fingers this all works out!

I also wanted to mention the 5k run/1 mile walk we are having on October 9th.  It will be fun to have so many friends and family around and a yummy breakfast that I can SMELL and you can EAT!!

Thanks for being here for me everyone.  I love you!

Changing of the tubes!!

First and foremost, I need to say "thank you" to so many of you that came out and supported me and my family this weekend. We had a huge turnout for the Spaghetti Dinner and Auction. I was able to see lots of friends and neighbors that I haven't seen in so long. I appreciate everything that was done to put on such a huge night. There were so many people that helped and gave of their time and I love you so much for that. Thanks for caring so much about me~

So, today I'm headed back up to the hospital to put an NG tube in for decompression. They are admitting me because of the amount of pain I have whenever they mess with my tubes. The NG tube should be a temporary one until they see if I can handle the pain. If all goes well, they will put a G tube into my stomach on Wednesday or Thursday. I will still have the J tube for my feedings but the G tube is to help with decompression. I have heard alot of good when people have the G tube in so I'm hoping that it really works for me. I have been told that with the G tube in and staying hydrated I would feel sooo much better! I really hope so. Hoping and praying this will be a good week.

Life in the E.R.

Spending another night in the University of Utah's Emergency Observation Unit. I seem to be spending alot of weekends here. :(