Health Update
Hi Friends 🤍
I wanted to pop on and share a quick health update, because many of you have been checking in and wondering how I’m doing. I try to get back to everyone, but I apologize if I missed you.
Since December 7th, I’ve been dealing with really intense abdominal pain. I’ve been to the ER about four times, urgent care six or seven times, met with my doctor and another primary care physician, and now I’m working with a GI specialist. The tricky part is I’ve had three doctors tell me it’s pancreatitis, and three say it isn’t. My GI specialist is running more tests to get to the bottom of it. He’s not completely ruling pancreatitis out, but he also doesn’t think that’s what’s going on.
Right now, I’m on a fat-free, liquid diet because when I try to eat solids, the pain gets really bad. I’m doing my best to keep my chin up and stay focused on healing, and I’m trusting that we’ll get answers soon.
If there’s one thing I’ve learned, it’s that my body has kept me on my toes since I was about 20. I’ve had about 15 surgeries… and yes, I’m counting my wisdom teeth in that number. That one still makes me laugh. The rest have been mostly abdominal surgeries, so this whole situation has been especially frustrating.
I’m also really thankful that I’m able to work from home during this time… and honestly, most days that means working right from my bed. I don’t take that flexibility for granted.
Thank you so much for your continued support, your check-ins, and your patience with me while I navigate all of this. It truly means more than you know.
Dealing with chronic abdominal pain can be incredibly challenging, especially when diagnoses vary as much as I've experienced. From my personal journey, one key takeaway has been the importance of patience and persistence. Navigating multiple doctors' opinions—some suspecting pancreatitis, others ruling it out—highlighted how complex diagnosing abdominal issues can be. I found it helpful to keep a detailed symptom diary, including pain intensity, timing, and diet changes, which aided my specialists in understanding patterns more clearly. Living on a fat-free, liquid diet has not been easy, but it has made a noticeable difference in managing pain. I’ve experimented with various nutrient-rich liquids like broths, smoothies (without fats), and specially formulated meal replacements to maintain my strength and energy during this tough period. Working from home, especially from bed on some days, has been both a blessing and a challenge. It’s allowed me to continue professional responsibilities while listening closely to my body’s needs. My experience has also underlined how critical emotional support and community check-ins are when facing health uncertainties. The encouragement and patience from friends and followers have provided immense emotional strength. For anyone going through a similar health saga, I recommend advocating for yourself persistently, seeking second or even third opinions when necessary, and embracing any flexibility in your routine to prioritize healing. Lastly, I encourage anyone with ongoing abdominal pain to explore specialist care such as Gastroenterology early, as they can order specific tests that might not be immediately considered. While my GI specialist hasn't fully ruled out pancreatitis, further testing is paving the way for clearer answers. Remember, healing often involves a combination of medical expertise, dietary adjustments, and emotional resilience.
