Gastroparesis: You are NOT Crazy

I draw some inspiration in my blog entries by reading online messages from people who have Gastroparesis - one of the most common postings you may see from someone is that "They go to the ER; and people look at me like I am crazy!"

There are a few things to remember about this.  For one, it is human nature for someone at the front desk of an ER to respond immediately to something they can see versus something they cannot see.  In other words, if someone is running into the ER with blood dripping from their arm, the natural human reaction is "This person is seriously injured!" (even if it turns out they are not).  If someone walks into the ER with a hidden stomach condition, you may not be seen as someone who is in seriously bad shape.  (Note that I am not excusing this behavior at all - hidden illnesses, in many ways, can be worse than those that are visible.  If you walk into an ER with a bleeding arm, it is instantly apparent what is wrong with you and what the remedy may be.   If you walk in with stomach pain, you could have a million different things going on).

The best thing you need to remember when this happens is that you are the only one who knows how you are feeling.  You are the only one who knows your symptoms.    If you are feeling very sick and are seeing things such as vomiting of blood or black stools, you can't be worried about what the ER doctors or receptionists will think; you need to get to the hospital and scream at the top of your lungs if you need to. 

I always ask Colleen what she wants to do - even when she wants my opinion.   Rarely does she go to the ER - we actually haven't been there since her diagnosis.  In the end, it is up to the patient and how they feel - if you are feeling sensations that you never experienced before with your condition, you should at least seriously consider going there.

I completely understand the frustration - we have seen it first hand.   But even the very best ER doctors can't tell you how you are feeling.  Make sure you get the care you think you need.  Don't hesitate when it comes to your life - even something relatively minor can become much more serious if not treated promptly.

This is not meant as a "scare post".  My main point is simple:  You should know when an ER visit is warranted.  And when you know that, GO.   If you have to wake up your support system in the middle of the night to do it, then do it.  I know that personally, I would rather be tired with a healthy wife than fully rested with an unhealthy wife.