Dear Max,
So, two days ago, I had to leave you alone again to go back to the Emergency room, for another “acute bout” of my chronic constipation.
Luckily, they weren’t too busy so I only had to stay for three hours as opposed to the 12 hours the other two times.
Of course, before I went I had to look up a pet sitting service to come and take care of you in case they had to keep me due to a bowel blockage (my greatest fear is always what will happen to you if I have to be gone for an extended period of time)
The “treatment” was the same as the last two times, an abdominal scan, to check for an obstruction, then sent home with the most powerful laxative available. Unfortunately I am taking that now, and it has not worked (so I don’t know)
I found out last month, when I was weighed for the first time since the gastrointestinal issues have been occurring that I have gotten down to a dangerous 86 pounds due to my inability to eat.
Luckily, at the emergency room, I saw a nurse who was familiar with my issues as I had been there three times before.
I went for the “standard” third time abdominal scan, but this time when the nurse came back in, she said
“Uh, you know that weight loss you mentioned is quite pronounced” “you are extremely skinny” “we could see it on the scan” “honestly, we could see your bones sticking out”
She asked me if I was able to get anything down, I said, for the past two or more months I’ve only been able to take ensure drinks, soup, small amounts of chicken, tuna and some candy for more calories”
I said, my stomach cramps and hurts and bloats out so much after trying to digest anything that it just isn’t worth the pain.
“Well at least you are taking in some calories she said, but if it continues to be this bad (that’s not good) I said well I am definitely not doing this on purpose
I am as shocked as yall are.
I dream about food everyday..
LIVING WITH CHRONIC PAIN WITH ANNA AND MAX 