Stomach Issues -- Need To Vent

[jenwclark]

For most of my life, I've had a hard time getting enough to eat. Sometimes it was nausea, sometimes I'd get full after just a few bites, sometimes I'd eat what seemed like it should be enough, but it was like my stomach just didn't register the food. I consulted multiple GI specialist, who were unable to find anything wrong.

Then a little over a year ago my metabolism shifted for no reason I can identify. I was only eating 5 times a day, and not only was I gaining weight, but I was sleeping through the night without waking up hungry. It was fabulous! I found that I actually enjoyed food when it wasn't a constant source of stress.

Well, about a month ago, it started to shift back. I am needing to eat more, which means more time and energy going onto food preparation. Also, because I'm not in the habit of eating those extra snacks, I have slipped up sometimes and let my blood sugar crash. And the last couple of evenings I've been nauseated, even though my blood sugar was stable.

It's not that I don't know how to deal with this. I do. I've done it for years. I know I need to have bread and meals stocked in my freezer so I don't have to cook when I'm tired. I know I need to eat before I get really hungry, or I'll get a stomach ache. I just really, really hate having one more source of stress back in my life. Most people tell me I'm lucky I can lose weight without trying. This is one of the few places I thought I might find people who understand.

I just want to know I'm not alone.

Spike

[futurehope]

I have no idea what it feels like to be "normal" regarding digestion. If I ever have been normal, those times are few are far between. I've had problems since the age of 2. I'm 55 years old.

I often tell my husband and mother that they do not know how lucky they are that they do not have to THINK about their GI tract all the time.

I don't have a choice. My GI tract reminds me frequently to pay attention. Oh well..SIGH

[bttrflyamby1981]

Sorry your having a tough time.

If it helps at all I too am having problems with my stomach. I've been in the bathroom all weekend.

I have IBS and have been dx since I was 14, so I couldn't tell you what's normal either. But I do so understand about sugar crashes and feeling sick. (((hugs)))

Take care,

Amber

[jenwclark]

Thanks, guys. I'm feeling better about things today. I had a burst of energy yesterday, so I did some shopping and cooking, and now I've got my cabinets and freezer stocked with ready-to-eat foods. (Today's project: washing all the pots & pans) That will make it easier to keep on top of things. I hate those moments when I know I need to eat, but I'm so tired I'll get nauseated if I stand up to fix a meal.

futurehope -- You're right, it's having to THINK about it all the time that gets wearing. I so envy those people for whom food is something to look forward to, rather than an all-consuming chore.

Amber -- hope you made it out of the bathroom. And I wish we could all see what "normal" is like, just for a little while.