The Act of Living Well with Gastroparesis

I was on vacation last week, enjoying time with my husband, hiking beautiful trails, and yes, even sampling some local food.

I know many people struggle with travel after a gastroparesis diagnosis. It’s true that it requires extra planning, preparation, and flexibility, but for me, it’s worth the effort. In the past year, I’ve visited places like Costa Rica, Scotland, and the Great Smoky Mountains, and while none of those trips were free of discomfort, I made incredible memories and had wonderful experiences along the way.

Being able to do the things that bring us joy, excitement, and special moments with those we love — whether that’s travel or something else entirely — is a significant reason most of us want to feel better in the first place.

But these things don’t have to wait until you've gotten to a place you call “living well with gastroparesis.”Rather, it seems to me, they’re a vital part of the act of living well with gastroparesis. Of noticing and embracing opportunities to feel fulfilled, regardless of the circumstances you currently find yourself in.

So my advice is to do something that you enjoy but might’ve set aside since your diagnosis, whether because you’ve been solely focused on fixing your health or because of worries and uncertainties.

It doesn’t have to be as elaborate as a vacation. It might be seeing a movie with your kids, meeting a friend for coffee, going to a concert, or taking a day trip to the beach. Maybe it’s time to get back to your book club or the place where you volunteer. Whatever it is, pick a day, make your plans, and go for it.

Know that it might not be perfect. You might not feel great. You might have to do some preparation that you’d rather not or set some boundaries that feel uncomfortable. Maybe you’ll have to cut the activity short this time. But I’ve found that the more you expand what you allow yourself to do and experience, even when your life doesn’t look the way you want it to, the closer you get to a life that feels the way you want it to.

Speaking of travel, did you know that Living Well with Gastroparesis coach Samatha Cook went on an epic seven-week, around-the-world vacation with her family last year — all while navigating gastroparesis, psoriatic arthritis, and her son’s special needs? She told us all about it on the Living Well Pod, and it’s a true testament to finding joy and living well in the midst of symptoms, struggles, and uncertainty. Listen now.