It brought back uncomfortable memories. After the stroke it could have been so much worse, but still: I have felt sick to my stomach so many days since.
I had one real GI crisis about four or five months after the stroke, when I was directed to take iron supplements, and Neal and I both misunderstood the directions. It took me about a week to figure out why I felt so awful: I was taking about 3 or 4 times the correct dosage. I had alternating bouts of diarrhea and constipation, and constant nausea for about 6 weeks. I lost more weight, which wasn't a good thing.
The whole stroke recovery has reminded me sometimes of being pregnant: a few periods of crisis, then this off-and-on stuff. The threat of nausea is always there, even though I almost never get truly sick. My appetite has been very unpredictable. I've often felt like I have a low-grade stomach bug for more than two years.
In general, I'm feeling so much better these days. On bad days, though, I remind myself: I can deal with this feeling--the feeling that my body is a bit of a stranger to me. I'm getting to know this new version of myself. It's like a very, very long gestation.
Have you been checked for hiatus hernia, Grace? I developed one, and I had miserable stomach trouble for a while...
ReplyDeleteIt does sound miserable.
DeleteI haven't had GI actual pain for a long time. My feeling is that so many things have been contributing to this: meds, lack of physical activity, hormones, and of course, stress--so many things have changed since my stroke.
With an unknown due date. ;)
ReplyDeleteHave you mentioned your nausea to your doctor? Nausea can be a side effect of lots of medications.
ReplyDeleteI'm *sure* that some the GI is due to meds, actually. I've been tapering down on meds (with my dr's blessing), but it's a slow process...
DeleteHello from England
ReplyDeleteI also had a stroke (in March this year) and am finding it hard to come to terms with. I have been reading other stroke survivors' blogs as I find them more helpful than going to my GP at times.
I find that I have to eat little, but not too often, to avoid discomfort.
I decided to start my own blog last night as my own way of vocalising my emotions, and showing that life - in any form - can go on.
Thanks for inspiring me.
Welcome! I look forward to reading your blog.
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