Gastroparesis and a shrinking mCat

My mom can't be the only one noticing that I have lost weight.  In fact, there have been a few sidelong glances and some awkward questions.

Yes, I have lost weight.  Unfortunately TOO much weight.

For a couple of years, I have held a steady 118 - 122 weight range.

Then right after the Riverton Half, I started feeling sick.  Complete loss of appetite, pain when I eat, no cravings, and kinda just blah.  Nothing ever sounded good, and even when I thought about my favorite foods, I felt nauseous.

Family doctor ordered a test and if it came back normal, said to see a Gastro specialist.  While I was there for the original procedure, the blessed GI doc decided to do another one while I was under.

Upper GI with Colonoscopy.  I know right?  From top to bottom literally.  In addition different blood tests to rule out other GI related diseases.

In the end, everything appeared normal, so an actual consult with the Gastroenterologist was next.  After spending some time talking, reviewing my labs and tests, and going over history - she issued her diagnosis.

Gastroparesis
http://www.webmd.com/digestive-disorders/digestive-disorders-gastroparesis

some other links:
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Gastroparesis
http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmedhealth/PMH0001342/

Basically, a paralyzing of the nerves in the stomach causing slow stomach emptying.  Thus, the myriad of symptoms.  In my particular case, we're aren't sure what caused it.  Sometimes it can be triggered by a stomach virus, or it is triggered in diabetics, but I'm not diabetic and can't remember a stomach bug - kinda stymied.

So now what?  Between Splenda Daddy and me, we have throroughly researched this.  Like COMPLETELY.  We've read articles, medical sites, books.  All tend to give the same information, which is reassuring in one sense - but since it's vague and very personalized, doesn't give a whole lot of concrete answers.

What we do know:

The paralyzation could be permanent or could suddenly heal itself.

It's a real thing and affects more people than I ever realized. (I had never even heard of it)

There are some underlying similarities in all cases, but significant differing responses to a variety of treatments.

There is no medication to take for a cure.

Diet is now key and it goes against anything I ever thought would be healthy.

What works one day, may not work the next so frustration is huge and there is never a SURE answer with anything.

The diet is basically anything easily digestible.  No raw or dried fruits, or veggies.  No extra fiber.  Very low fat.  Easy on the meat, especially red meat.  All food needs to be chewed to virtually a liquid state.  Some days, are simply just liquid diet days.  And above all else, very small portions.  

Ideally, one would eat 6 smaller meals a day, however if food doesn't sound good, it's very hard to force oneself to eat.  Sometimes a particular thing suddenly looks and smells so good but just knowing the pain it will cause to eat it is enough to make me pass.  Sometimes, I just deal with the pain after a meal because I know I need the nutrition and calories.

So without trying, I have watched my weight slip down to (as of this morning) 105.

That's too little.  The biggest problem?  Having enough fuel and energy to run and do the things I love.  Try as I might, it's hard to get enough calories to function.  Maybe that's why my bed is so appealing, and I find myself sleeping alot.  I think I am going to become one of those little old ladies drinking her Ensure every morning.  How pathetic is that?

Anywhoodle - there you are.  

The unasked question has been answered.  No eating disorder.  No terminal illness.  

Just a paralyzed stomach