Chronic pain
I’ve been having stomach issues since college. I started drinking coffee (black) when I was 14, and I probably drank four to six cups a day until I was twenty. I generally switched to Mountain Dew after lunch. Then I noticed that the Dew increasingly made me sick, especially when drinking it with a meal. So I stopped drinking sodas. I stopped and haven’t had one since; I haven’t even wanted one.
My stomach was better for a while, but then it started getting worse again. Before long, I had given up coffee, too, saying that my stomach just couldn’t handle it anymore. On the upside, I switched completely to tea, which is far healthier anyway.
Since college, my stomach mostly stayed the same for several years. It was volatile but not terrible. Some things really irritated it while I could generally eat spicier foods with impunity. It took Katie to convince me that my stomach was really getting worse slowly and I just hadn’t noticed it. In fact, my stomach had gotten so bad that I simply couldn’t eat out any longer, and I found myself sick several times a week.
Of course I went to the doctor about it a few months ago and was given several diagnoses with a regimen of pills. Now I’ve got the problem much more under control, although I still have my bad days.
It took the exhaustion of living in the hospital for several days while C was born to admit to myself that my stomach problem really is a problem. We’re talking “chronic pain” problem.
For some reason, I’ve always avoided the word “chronic.” I guess no one wants to think they have an issue like this that will never go away. But I’m definitely there now. Chronic pain.
I will have stomach problems for the rest of my life.
Damn.
August 26th, 2007 at 7:27 pm
I have found that each of us needs to take control of our own health. And, pharmas are not the answer.
Cut out the junk food, and go as natural as possible with your food.
August 26th, 2007 at 7:55 pm
You know, that’s easy to say. And I’ve thought about it. I’m sure if I started eating real oatmeal (groats?) every meal with water, my stomach would feel fine.
I could cut out all caffeine, alcohol, and any non bland foods - including fresh fruits and vegetables and salads, which all mess up my stomach. But what would life be like? Would it really be worth it? Would it be practical, even?
August 26th, 2007 at 8:07 pm
And how do you define “junk food?”
August 27th, 2007 at 6:25 am
I define junk food as fast food, but I guess also chips, cookies, candy, that kinda thing. It is a bummer that fruits and veggies mess up your stomach too
How about going to a naturopath?
August 27th, 2007 at 6:42 am
It’s funny that you’d mention oatmeal… Steelcut oats are pretty much the only thing that gives me heartburn.
But, I do agree that you should work on the problem more holistically. Try letting your body repair itself, then you won’t have to be quite as strict with your diet. Cooked veggies are okay, aren’t they?
August 27th, 2007 at 8:02 am
You should go read about Phillip’s Mola Mola.
August 27th, 2007 at 12:02 pm
I ‘m not in the medical field, but since I recently read that ulcers are caused by bacteria I am thinking that maybe eating yogurt might help?
August 27th, 2007 at 4:10 pm
i second the yogurt advice! i had stomach problems all thru my twenties and eating yogurt every morning has really helped!
maybe you’re allergic to something? gluten?
August 27th, 2007 at 7:04 pm
Yes, allergies.
Read “Eat Right for Your Blood Type”
I cannot eat white flour products without paying.
Had lasagna last night and have had indigestion since. (pasta)
Find out what you cannot eat (nutrionalist) and start from there.
You know how as a child you balled up bread to hook a bream? It made a nice play dough type ball?
For some people white bread does the same thing in their stomach.
Nuff said.
August 28th, 2007 at 8:01 am
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