Celebrating Those Special Days with Gastroparesis

I have outlined in a previous post about how sometimes it can be hard for a sufferer of Gastroparesis to attend family gatherings because of the abundance of food (never mind the feeling of being sick in the first place - that is actually the most important thing.  It is one thing to not be able to eat - it is another to feel so sick that you can barely function at all)

Recently, Colleen and I celebrated our 5th wedding anniversary.  While many people would probably celebrate this day by doing out to dinner, or going to their favorite recreation place, we couldn't really do that because of Colleen's illness.   This doesn't mean the day is any less special - it is just altered.   You have to make the day special while making sure your loved one is comfortable - whatever that comfort may be.

In our case, it was a simple enough day - recently, a new bakery moved into our area that is a bit different than your traditional bakery; sure, they make the typical cakes, cookies, and brownies.  But they also make many of these desserts gluten free, which is a bit less common in the marketplace.   For some people with Gastroparesis, cutting back on gluten (or eliminating it altogether) can sometimes ease up the symptoms.   I think it is safe to say that this is especially true of those with Gastroparesis and a gluten sensitivity.

Don't get me wrong here - a gluten free chocolate chip cookie is still a ... chocolate chip cookie.    Sugar is gluten free, so it isn't entirely hard for a company to exploit a gluten free movement by just pouring a bunch of sugar into a bag of rice flour and saying the product is healthy.   Please note that this statement is not about the bakery mentioned above.  To be exact, the overall vibe of this place leads one to be confident that they are making their desserts in the healthiest way possible.   If you are a Gastroparesis sufferer with a sugar craving, getting a dessert that is even a bit "healthier" than a traditional dessert is beneficial.

Colleen was able to celebrate our day with a slice of pizza (not gluten free, of course) and a few macaroons.  Perhaps it wasn't dinner from a 5-star restaurant, but it doesn't have to be.  You can celebrate special days with someone who is ill just as easily as you can with somebody who is healthy.  It may not be traditional - it may not be what you always dreamed about.  But, in the end, the most important thing is being with the person you love to celebrate that day.