A little encouragement if gastroparesis feels scary right now...

[@briardevito1811]

I’m crying listening to you because I don’t feel alone in this moment

[@csaltrelli]

I'm so glad that this video resonated with you. Remember, our feelings and our situations are fluid; they change, and so can our perspective and experience of living with gastroparesis. You're part of a community that understands deeply what you're going through. 💖 Since you found this video helpful, I want to recommend this blog article, too: Alleviating the Emotional Suffering (www.livingwellwithgastroparesis.com/blog/the-emotional-side-of-gp)

[@roserodriguxz]

Thank you. I was diagnosed when I was 20, I am now 21, and feel like my life is over. I really needed this because I feel like no one around me is listening to my pain.

[@katetaylor3753]

Thank you so much, I am one month out from my diagnosis. All these new appointments and doctors and new diet is overwhelming me to the point where I hardly want to eat. You were recommended to me by my new nutritionist and I've been bingeing your videos. Thank you for the perspective and for providing comfort and a guiding light for the rest of us just now finding our way.

[@csaltrelli]

Sending you so much love, Kate! The whirlwind you're in now is temporary, I promise ❤️ I hope my content is helpful for you. If you don't have the Quick Start Guide to GP Management, that's a really straight-forward, practical place to start. www.livingwellwithgastroparesis.com/quick-start-guide-to-gastroparesis-management

[@azzialearnold856]

I'm newly diagnosed with GP. That is exactly what I asked myself; "how am I going to do this forever?" Thanks for giving me perspective.

[@csaltrelli]

Hope it brought you some comfort! It was a real perspective shift for me when I realized that we never experience "forever" only "right now." Makes it all feel a lot less overwhelming! Sending good wishes ❤️

[@jocelynvasquez4260]

Hey I also have GASTROPARESIS. I’m already seeing improvement and you should watch this video on the autonomic nervous system. I already watched it. He explains what GASTROPARESIS is and how to solve it. You have to take Alpha Lipolic Acid. But please watch since my GASTROPARESIS has went from 8hr to 6hr. kzbin.info/www/bejne/parIpXuqfa6Krpo

[@morningwithgracie7870]

@@csaltrelli hi mam...do u think acupuncture can help GP?I developed it from antibiotics psyche meds yeast molds I'm sensitive to supps food n meds mam..do u think it can help to eat right food?

[@mistylee717]

I was diagnosed 6 weeks ago. But I’ve had gastric pain for many years. Honestly the diagnosis didn’t upset me too much. I’ve been so sick all my life I’ve learned to cope already I guess. But occasionally I get depressed. But usually I can use self talk to remind myself that I will still be able to enjoy things. I have interstitial cystitis, IBS-C, chronic migraines, 3 ruptured discs, 6 herniated discs, fractured vertebra, 3 ribs permanently dislocated, chronic urticaria, dysautonomia. Even with all this I know I can laugh, love and rest. What else do I really need.

[@stephaniewright2237]

I can relate to this on many levels. I have Ehlers-Danlos and Gastroparesis is a comorbidity I have inherited with that along with slow colon transit complicating things further. When I was first diagnosed with EDS and having significant Gastric issues the thought of Gastroparesis literally terrified me. As time went by having been in 'the groups' for EDS I already knew a bit about Gastroparesis and knew what the problem was. I was SO unwell, scared about the future thinking it could only get worse, that I would end up with a feeding tube and all kinds of scary things. Dont get me wrong I have tough days but I function so much better with it since getting effective treatment and adjusting my diet. Crystal's book helped me SO much! I went from being bedridden more than half of the time, constantly throwing up and being told I couldn't be treated effectively because Gastroparesis advice conflicts slow colon advice.I felt hopeless WRONG!!!!! Read the book and follow Crystal's videos. Learn about your body and what your body is doing and why ( in terms of Gastroparesis that is), learn about the treatments and what they do and how it works with your body, learn about the Gastroparesis 'diet' that Crystal discusses because you can adapt that to anything else you are working with. Where my Gastroenterologist and clinical dieticians struggled to help, Crystal really did and I now have a much better quality of life. What Crystal says about 'the groups' is true. No one ever posts about how well they are doing. Its where people go to ask questions when they struggle. They have their uses but always remember that because the negativity can be scary. Reading about the vagus nerve and its impact on your body in times of stress and trauma is also really helpful.

[@BrandonPotter-r9b]

I also have EDS I’m still eating regular meals and feel full for hours. I had my smart pill test done in Dec 2018 .

[@puregold1725]

I feel this is the best video you have done. Its like listening to a friend.

[@SketchyMarieArt]

"You don't have to do anything forever, you only have to do it right now. And you are doing it" - Thank you. This really struck me. I am going to simmer that in my mind for a while.

[@julieblack8777]

Your timely post has been a real answer to prayer for me. Thank you…may just have to watch it over again!

[@csaltrelli]

So glad it was helpful for you, Julie!

[@morningwithgracie7870]

@@csaltrelli mam I watch your video on acupuncture do u think it can help me?I've lost weight n sensitive to food supps n meds ..how can I change my diet?...if sensitive to food..I developed this due to psyche meds antibiotics yeast mold

[@brittanyharden9210]

As someone who was recently diagnosed, I really needed to hear this! Thank you.

[@karabe1440]

Hi Crystal, So good to watch a video of yours again! I was in your 12-week program 11-years ago. That program really changed my entire life for the better. Not just with Gastroparesis but how to advocate for myself, how to discern what information to trust, how to nourish my body, etc. I still use so many of the tips you gave me. I too rarely think about having Gastroparesis anymore. I occasionally have symptoms and can quickly recognize them but I know how to manage them without altering my entire life. The wild part was that your program really gave me an advocacy jumpstart for when I found out my son had congenital muscular dystrophy 4-years ago. I can never thank you enough for sharing your amazingness with me!

[@csaltrelli]

Kara, this totally made my day! I'm so happy to hear how much the program helped you and how well your doing all these years later. Sending lots of love and good wishes to you, your son, and your family!

[@morningwithgracie7870]

@@csaltrelli what program?

[@DianeHighman]

I got gastroparesis after hiatal hernia surgery in 2021. It has been a struggle, especially with the flare up’s that give no warning. Eating out is no longer enjoyable when you’re limited to what you can eat. My safe place is home and knowing how my food is prepared. But I know I will get through this. Your videos are very helpful and informative so thank you!!! ❤️

[@junekempel5852]

Crystal thank you so much! As always your pep-talk was right on. Without you my 9 year journey with Gastroparesis would have been much more difficult. I thank God for you every day♥️

[@bettylou3867]

I appreciate this too! I was diagnosed three months ago with gastroparesis and I haven’t found even ground yet. Today was a very hard day. I ate something in the last few days that has made me incredibly sick. Nausea and stomach pain was terrible all day today. So mentally I started thinking about the future. I am low mobility due to my lower back and post laminectomy syndrome which causes me chronic pain and symptoms in my hips and legs. So just everything was on my mind and I spiraled. Then this email popped up like it was meant for me! I know it wasn’t, but it felt like it was 💜 I really do appreciate what you do!

[@csaltrelli]

Betty Lou, I'm SO glad this brought you a little comfort today. My goodness, I know exactly that thought spiral you describe. I hope you find some even ground soon with you symptoms. If you have specific questions, feel free to ask them. You're not alone in this ❤

[@susanhenke8441]

I totally get this. I went threw that with spinal surgery. My life changed over night. Now dealing also with gastroparesis on top of dealing with chronic pain. You learn to deal with chronic illness over time. Thanks for positive messages.

[@SketchyMarieArt]

I come back to this video often. It’s really helpful to me. I have functional dyspepsia, some distant cousin of gastroparesis and I face similar issues and thought patterns. Thank you for this comforting video. ❤

[@colleenbarnett6543]

Wow, the universe directed me here to this video because it’s exactly what I needed to hear, when I needed to hear it! Im having a very tough, painful and symptom filled few days so I’m in the scary overwhelmed state right now feeling very depressed about my situation. It’s nice to know that I’m not alone and it’s not always going to be this bad. I balled the ugly cry all the way through the first time I watched it and once I settled down I went back and listened to it again. Thank you so much for the pep talk that I desperately needed. 🥰

[@csaltrelli]

Colleen, I'm so glad that you found this video when you needed it and the words have brought you comfort. Sending you LOTS of good wishes! ❤️

[@stephaniesmith6643]

My 93 year old father was recently diagnosed with gastroparesis. He suffered for a year with epigastric abdominal pain, nausea and occasional vomiting before the diagnosis was made. His food intake became progressively limited to the point that he now eats a liquid diet for the most part. He’s not diabetic so I searched the internet for medical articles to help me understand the most likely cause. Because Dad is an advanced age I had a much longer history to help me find the likely etiology. The main clue was that Dad had similar symptoms on occasion for years where he would complain of nausea, usually in the evenings and would avoid eating. The most prominent potentially harmful habit that I was aware of was about 5 decades of daily or near daily alcohol intake of usually a drink a day. I never saw him actually intoxicated. However the immutable fact is that alcohol is a toxin and long term regular use can cause many health problems. With this in mind, I did a medical literature search for alcohol related gastroparesis. The are numerous medical articles readily available on the internet. In addition to gastric motility problems, chronic alcohol intake can also result in esophageal dysmotility. This leads me to wonder why it’s not mentioned in medical lectures or educational materials as a cause of gastroparesis. Lumping essentially all non-diabetic related gastroparesis into the category of idiopathic (unknown cause) seems curious at best. It is a question that should be asked. Crystal, I wonder if your physician who is a motility specialist would have any thoughts on this question. I have listened to several of your videos. They are very well done. You’re providing an important service. I hope you will research the topic of alcohol related gastroparesis and make a video on the topic. Thank you.

[@charlynnmullin38]

Just diagnosed this spring. Besides being given meds, I was given very little guidance. I am appreciating your podcasts very much. I’m reading your third edition on eating for gastroparesis ands it’s very helpful. Thanks for writing that.

[@wendaschoppert2028]

Just recieved the news this morning. something I had read about but kept praying "No, that's not me". Well, it is. I really believed the Gracious God led me to you because I sure needed that little talk. Yep, one foot at a time.. I have chronic migraines, severe, severe constipation (which outweighs EVERYTHING) and now this. BUT, recently found out I have a Hyperparathyroid. That can cause gastric disturbances y'all! And the Hyperparathyroid can be tied into the Vagus Nerve which is tied into practically all gut issues. So, after many many years, I see a puzzle coming together. The Hyperparathyroid did not show itself from regular thyroid test nor were my calcium levels out of check. Just happened upon a new neurologist that tested for PTH, INTACT AND CALCIUM. So, please consider the Vagus Nerve and PTH which may (hopefully) shed some answers on GP. THANK YOU CRYSTAL AND BIG SOFT HUGS TO YOU!!!!

[@csaltrelli]

Hi, Wenda! Your post made me think of another video that I did about why a gastroparesis diagnosis feels so scary for a lot of people. If you haven't watched that one, it might be helpful as well: kzbin.info/www/bejne/fYCQpH6aabyLiLs Sending lots of good wishes!

[@reneajordan6864]

I just ran across this episode of you talking about Gastro paresis. You’re doing more of a encouragement Top video which is so helpful. I have had the worst flare from Gastro paresis. Had it for 3 to 4 weeks solid. Finally two weeks ago it started turning around for me. I couldn’t get out of bed. I was still awake. I stayed hydrated all the time. I had three visits to the ER for fluids in 7 to 8 days, because I couldn’t hold my head up off the pillow. But I finally hint of energy bad that I haven’t felt in a long time. A little history, I had back surgery in January surgery in February and upper EGD 1 of March like the day after the EGD is Gastro flared.but thank you so much for your smiling face on this video and your words of encouragement. I need to start following you because you have really afflicted me in about 30 minutes at a time. I really need it. Thank you.

[@csaltrelli]

I'm so glad that the encouragement has been helpful for you. It's been helpful to me, too, and that's why I think it's important to share it. I'm sorry you've had such a hard time lately. I'm sending you lots of good wishes ❤️

[@yanethloosbrock303]

Thank you Crystal! I’m newly diagnosed GP. Really help me to hear this.

[@csaltrelli]

You're so welcome, Yaneth. I'm glad it helped you!

[@shellyl9806]

Thank you so much for making these videos. I am newly diagnosed and your videos are very helpful. I just received your two books off Amazon and can't wait to read them and learn about this condition. I have not had a life really in the last six months and hope that things start getting better soon.

[@csaltrelli]

Sending lots of good wishes your way!

[@carolynrodriguez9779]

Thank you Crystal for sharing your story and experiences with gastroparesis. I purchased your books and made some changes and I am already seeing some relief in just 3 days. I stopped many vitamin supplements and switched to the chewable gummies. My esophagus spasms are less and the swelling in my stomach that is always there is less. I am looking forward to changing my diet and trying some new recipes. My family is also happy that I am now empowered to take on some of my challenges. I now know that it's time for me to focus on me and my health and that there are many things I can do to have a better quality of life.

[@csaltrelli]

Oh my goodness, Carolyn, this just makes my day! I am so glad that you're starting to feel better and, most of all, feeling empowered. Sending you LOTS of good wishes ❤️

[@Skye-vknwh]

thank you for the video and post as I sit here and cry.. feeling hopeless and overwhelmed now finding out I have gastroparesis I have a colon recession and after nausea I just wanna feel ok again. Very scary yes. Thank you for sharing God bless you.

[@LeahFrohman]

Thank you so much. I really needed this. I was just diagnosed. I relate to you a lot. I have debilitating LPR. That is my main symptom. Weakly acidic reflux. PPIs never worked and almost put my in liver failure. Most doctors don’t understand what that is and I was gaslit for the past 2 years. Any more advice you have is greatly appreciated! I will keep watching your videos 💗

[@csaltrelli]

Sending you lots of love, Leah! Since you're newly diagnosed, definitely download my Quick Start Guide to Gastroparesis Management. The better we're able to manage gastroparesis in general, the better all of the symptoms tend to be, including reflux. You've got this! www.livingwellwithgastroparesis.com/quick-start-guide-to-gastroparesis-management

[@zerlenafunderburg7510]

I know you are not uploading anymore, but thank you for all the information. You have helped me through so much that I have know idea where to start. But thank you for doing all this research for us and helping us getting started in the crazy, scary, life changing journey. Thank you

[@elenamorera9457]

Crystal, thank you, thank you, thank you. This is exactly what I needed to hear. Appreciate you taking the time to tape this message.🙏🏼

[@csaltrelli]

Elena, I'm so glad this spoke to you. Sending you lots of good wishes! ❤️

[@erikamissonis3891]

Thank you Crystal!! Your calm demeanor, experiences and educational tools are what we need. They can’t be found anywhere else so thank you thank you thank you!!!

[@charlynnmullin38]

Thanks❤

[@rita.sotero]

Thank you so much for this

[@morganbuckner8233]

My Gastroparesis technically went away for 3 years (diagnosed in 2013) until I got a bad stomach bug in March with a fever for 2 weeks. and now I'm back to where I was in 2015. Any tips? Ive lost 20 pounds and in the middle of a painful divorce and lost my job due to illness. My illness has been bad every day. It's crazy because I was eating sushi and technically normally. Now I struggle with liquids. So glad Crystal is posting again. I feel like this was an answered prayer at such a good timing. My family is so confused as to why I'm so sick again. Trying to remain hopeful that this will go away since I did have a bad virus.

[@csaltrelli]

Hey Morgan! I'm so sorry you're having a hard time with symptoms again. I would definitely be hopeful that things will get better and resolve again; that seems to be pretty consistent with post-viral onset and recurrence (just anecdotally). My best advice is really just to do what you know works for you from your previous experience with GP and take it one day at a time. I think for so many of us, the drive to "get rid of it RIGHT NOW" spirals us down even further. If you need a refresher on the practical stuff that helps, my Quick Start Guide is still free on my website: livingwithgastroparesis.com/quick-start-guide-to-gastroparesis-management/ Sending good wishes!

[@marcelamcdermott7290]

Crystal, thanks for this short video. I love watching your videos and have both of your books. This is so encouraging and I really needed this today. Thank you!

[@csaltrelli]

So glad it was helpful to you, Marcela! Thank you for being here ❤️

[@damaj04]

Thank you. I'm angry that I feel like my body continues to betray me.

[@csaltrelli]

I think that's a really common thought/feeling. I wonder, though, what if your body isn't betraying you at all but it's working as well and as hard as it can for you given whatever circumstances have resulted in the delayed gastric emptying? It makes so much sense that we take things with our bodies so personally but I'm not sure that serves us in any way. (I think we're less apt to feel like our house is betraying us, for example, when we have a roof leak.) I'm not saying that you can or need to change your thinking on this -- so much of our thinking is habitual and conditioned -- but I do think just paying attention to how you feel when this thought comes up can be really transformative. Does it feel empowering? Defeating? Good? Bad? Is it helpful? What if that anger that you describe is pointing you toward the fact that you're simply caught up in a story that looks real but isn't? The body isn't malicious. It's part of nature and sometimes nature go awry. What if it's so much less personal than it feels/seems? I'm not sure if that resonates with you, and it's okay if it doesn't, but like I said it's a common thing that I hear and this is what occurs to me to share.

[@puregold1725]

Thank you,

[@PAWS615]

Just recently diagnosed with GP after hiatal hernia surgery last year. Horrible intestinal cramping from constipation. Do you take a daily fiber powder or Miralax to help you? I know low fat, low fiber, but what do you do? I am trying to drink more water and walk daily, but not helping. At my wit's end with this disease. Bought your books and watch your videos. Helping me a lot. Thank you for trying to help us all. 😊

[@andreea-alexandraduduiala6222]

Thank you ❤ , I unfortunatly thinking about cancer no stop... do you also got tested for other causes of gastroparesis? Can you please make a video with that? Thank you again..❤❤❤

[@csaltrelli]

I'm sorry that you're struggling with worries about cancer. There are lots of potential causes of gastroparesis but, honestly, cancer isn't one I've heard of. The most common known cause of gastroparesis is diabetes, which is easy to rule out. It can also occur after abdominal surgery or after a viral illness. There are some underlying conditions that can lead to gastroparesis, such as Parkinson's disease, multiple sclerosis, amyloidosis, scleroderma, cystic fibrosis, lupus, thyroid disorders, and connective tissue disorders, but typically you'd have other symptoms associated with them. One of the most commonly diagnosed "types" of gastroparesis is idiopathic and that just means "of unknown cause." That's the kind I've been diagnosed with. There was a long time when I thought I absolutely had to figure out why I had gastroparesis -- and if you do have an underlying condition that can be managed in order to improve gastroparesis then that makes sense. But I underwent dozens of tests at the Mayo Clinic -- I was there for weeks at a time -- and everything was ruled out. I eventually realized that the stress I was creating trying to find an "answer" wasn't supporting my desire to live well with gastroparesis. I was eventually diagnosed with Ehlers Danlos syndrome (not at Mayo Clinic), which is a connective tissue disorder that might be the reason I have gastroparesis or was susceptible to getting gastroparesis, but that hasn't changed anything about how I handle the condition. The good thing is that, for the most part, regardless of the cause of your gastroparesis, the comprehensive management plan that I talk about works to reduce symptoms and improve quality of life. And the mental health stuff that I talk about definitely applies across the board. Hope that info helps a little! Sending you lots of good wishes.

[@robinbarnes9395]

Crystal, I need help with food. How to cook, what to eat, I do have other issues but not diabetes (thank you Lord). I really don't know what I need maybe just some support or guide with cooking food. Thank you. I have watched you for awhile,also was on the video chat.

[@ilda-nv2sc]

HI you still around. Info. Good ,I think I've had it for quit some time, but maybe haded longer? I'm 71 yrs with its own story since I was 25 yrs .it's been a life of pain, but I've learned to deal day by day. From ilda b,m.😮

[@csaltrelli]

Day by day is it exactly -- that's how it all unfolds. I hope you've found information and support that's helpful to you. Sending good wishes ❤️

[@rachelchadwick2516]

I am newly diagnosed 2 weeks, I am losing a pound a day. If I eat I am in so much pain, so I am living on baby food and cup of soups. I don’t know what to do really.

[@csaltrelli]

Hi, Rachel. I'm so sorry to hear that you're struggling. It can be really overwhelming and scary in the beginning but it won't feel like that forever. Do you have my Quick Start Guide to Gastroparesis Management? If not, I would download that and start there. There's a lot that we can do to help reduce symptoms: www.livingwellwithgastroparesis.com/quick-start-guide-to-gastroparesis-management

[@rosahernandez8606]

Hi crystal Ia m 70 years old I have gasteriparieses for three years I didn't not bilive the doctors I have gasterparieses I was eating very put I we'll sick everytime I eat and get contipation and nasia I loss 50 pounds in one year Right now am eating small six times a. Day put I cannot eat that much. Iam trying to drink protein and juses and soup Can you help me what eat thank you Rosei

[@kateanderson7782]

Hey, I’m a 24 female. I’ve been vomiting for 3 months 3x a week. My dr has ran labs and checked my gallbladder function. My pharmacist suggested I get a gastric emptying study but before I could request it. One of my dr has put a eating disorder social worker on my portal. So I’m concerned the next time I go to GI. I’ll be faced with being accused of having a ED. How do I tell them there is something else that could be wrong before assuming I’m mentally unwell. My psychologist in a different hospital has addressed eating disorders With me. I can’t live with this anymore with out a treatment plan. My dr has me on the lowfodmap diet and it isn’t helping. I have dysautonomia so I feel like gastroparsis is a good guess to what is wrong with me

[@donnaallison7462]

Crystal I was diagnosed a year and half ago with gastroparesis and clonic inertia .I don't know what to do so I thought I would ask you.I've lost over half of my hair .I ask my gp doctor and no answer other than it will eventually come back. I don't think I can handle the throwing up,pain,and I've lost 85lbs in the last year.But i don't think i can take losing my hair . my little grandbabies don't recognize me because it is so dramatic. Please help. I feel like I'm losing at trying to manage this by myself.I excersice every day like the doctor told me I stay away from fats,seeds,skins on anything, processed foods, and dairy and try and drinking as much water as I can. But it feels like I'm losing at this no matter how much I try.I just don't know what to do anymore.

[@csaltrelli]

Hi, Donna. I'm so sorry to hear that you're struggling with all of this right now. It sounds like it's likely all related and I do have a few thoughts to share. Hair loss after extreme weight loss is quite common due to physical stress on the body. It is usually temporary, as your doctor said, but I know that doesn't make it feel any less distressing. I also wonder if nutrition deficiencies are playing a role. The biggest thing that jumped out to me in your post -- and what I'd want to explore with you if we were chatting face to face -- is this: "I feel like I'm losing at trying to manage this by myself." I think that idea that we alone are responsible for controlling our experience is such a heavy weight to bear. I wish I had a better word to use when talking about gastroparesis than "manage" because that puts a lot of responsibility on our shoulders. Do our choices matter and make a difference in how we feel? Absolutely. But does that always translate into the outcomes we're going for? I really don't think so. I wonder if there's any room for you to loosen your grip around all of this. I don't mean stop doing the things that make sense to you to feel as good as you can. I more mean, consider that trying harder isn't going to necessarily result in a more desirable outcome. I think sometimes it's almost the opposite. With your diet, for example, I wonder if there's room to possibly incorporate a little more fat or a little more volume on some days, which your body may need in terms of both weight stabilization and hair growth. It feels counter-intuitive because when we're trying to "manage" symptoms, it's all about stricter and harder and what else can I do. But at some point, I think relaxing around things can actually improve how we feel AND make the whole thing feel a bit easier. Does any of that resonate with you?

[@heatherg6896]

Thank you. I was just diagnosed and I am in a dark place right now ❤️‍🩹

[@csaltrelli]

I'm so sorry to hear you're going through a tough time right now. It's completely understandable to feel overwhelmed upon receiving a gastroparesis diagnosis and I also want you to know you're not alone. Many have navigated this journey and found ways to manage and live well with gastroparesis. If you haven't already, I would encourage you to download my Quick Start Guide to Gastroparesis Management (www.livingwellwithgastroparesis.com/quick-start-guide-to-gastroparesis-management). It's a great resource for those who are newly diagnosed to help you better understand the condition and get started with a management plan. I also think this blog post might be helpful for you: Alleviating the Emotional Suffering (www.livingwellwithgastroparesis.com/blog/the-emotional-side-of-gp) Sending good wishes❤️