Off the wagon-permanently!

If any of you have been following my stomach issues-which have been an epic event spanning 13 years-you know I have tried everything, including all types of diets, seeing many doctors, and reading every available article on the web pertaining to the stomach! Nothing has seemed to be the correct solution. In fact last fall I was on an extremely limited diet, loosing 20 pounds in the process. I amazed myself with will power. I got to the place that I could bake Hunter a triple layer boston cream pie for his birthday and not put one morsel into my mouth! Along this journey I've learned to seek God for strength. Phil 4: 13 "I can do all things, (even going months with no dairy, no grains, no beef , and a lot of other "nos"), through Christ who strengthens me." I often referred to that verse.
If these measures had produced positive results-freedom from stomach distress-I would gladly have continued them indefinately. But there was no improvement and the stomach aches continued.

I decided to make one "last ditch effort" and see yet another gastroenterogist in the Austin area. I figured he'd want to do a series of tests, as the other three gastroenterogists I have seen in the past insisted on doing.
To my total surprise he said he knew what was wrong and it would involve no tests. He said I had a spastic stomach, a form of Irritable Bowel Syndrome, and with medication I could be free of stomach distress in a matter of weeks!! I looked at him in shock-really?? After 13 years could I really have found a DR. that was interested more in me than test results? As I left his office he said to start taking the meds, call him in a week so he could tweek them if needed and go out and eat anything and everything and gain 20 pounds!

What a bit of wonderful news! And he is right, absolutely. As long as I am on medication I can eat anyting and feel good most of the time. I can't wait to go to Italy once again without any dietary restrictions!

I'm back to baking my own aroma filled bread, desserts, and enjoying once again creativity in the kitchen. Lesson learned? Be patient yet persevere through as many doctors as you need to find one that is understanding and will work with you to achieve healing!

Thank-you, Lord, for seeing me through this tough time. Verses to help in times of frustration:

1 Peter 5:10
"The God of all grace, who called you to his eternal glory in christ, after you have suffered a little while, will himself restore you and make you strong, firm, and steadfast."

Ps. 27:14
"Wait for the Lord, be strong and take heart and wait for the Lord."
Why you might have to wait for years I don't know but God has his plans and they will be accomplished in His perfect timing!!

Just remember to- "Delight yourself in the Lord and He will give you the desires of your heart."
Ps. 37:4