- Superior Mesenteric Artery Syndrome
- Interviews
Gabrielle's interview
How did all start?
I started getting really bad stomach aches after I would eat or drink anything. I had been having diarrhea for months and thought nothing of it. It all happened so fast and before I knew it the pain was unbearable.
Do you already have a diagnosis? How long did it take you to get it?
I got my diagnosis in October of 2015 when I was 18. it took a lot of tests and about two weeks to finally narrow it down and then diagnose me. I was sent to the Mayo Clinic in Minnesota for further treatment.
For what medical specialties have you been treated? What has been the most useful specialty for your?
I was first told that I had to try to gain weight on my own so I tried drinking milkshakes and eating soft foods but it wasn't working so I got a NJ tube placed. That clogged so then I got a GJ tube and had that for 4 months. I was able to get better after 8 months of fighting this condition due to the GJ tube. I am now tube free.
What has been the most useful thing for you so far?
The GJ tube helped me the most to get better and be able to eat normally again.
What have been your biggest difficulties?
Worrying about if it will come back and if every stomach ache or not feeling good means its returning and that im going to have to get the tube again or the surgery.
How has your social and family environment reacted? Have your social or family relationships changed?
My family was and still is very supportive. I have lost a lot of friends over this condition though and I have seen family members become distant. People would stare at me when I had the tube or when I was in a wheel chair because i was too exhausted to walk across the grocery store. It was hard.
What things have you stopped doing?
I have stopped all cardio activity but i still do my passion which is competitive rock climbing. I may never be as strong as I was before this condition but that wont stop me from doing what I love.
What do you think about the future?
I think that the future is going to be good. I hope that this condition stays manageable like it is right now and that I can manage it without another tube or surgery.
So far, which years have been the best years in your life? What have you done during them?
The best years of my life so far have been my high school years. I was able to compete in many climbing competitions and even win some. I have competed in a few since the diagnosis and I am proud of myself for that.
What would you like to do if you didn’t have your condition?
I would like to be able to play soccer still and be able to workout without worrying about my weight and the calorie loss.
If you had to describe your life in a sentence, what would it be?
You never know how strong you are, until being strong is the only option you have.
Finally, what advice would you give to a person in a similar situation?
Keep moving forward and focus on getting better. Don't dwell on your current health state. Celebrate small steps of progress everyday and don't take anything for granted.
