GI Time!

Get ready for my trip to Mayo! Trust me, you're going to need some popcorn or ice cream for this one, lol.

So, we had our bags packed and snacks in tow, but let me tell you, my nerves were through the roof this time. I've been battling stomach issues for years now, and I am just over it. My GI doc in Des Moines didn't help much—he just kept saying I had a lot of gas in my stomach and that there was one procedure that worked, but he wouldn't tell me what it was and said insurance wouldn't cover it. His go-to advice? "Take this medicine; it'll help a little. Doesn't right—this is the same guy who made me toss my cookies for four straight days, forcing me to hit urgent care for IV treatment because I was so dehydrated.

We opted for valet again because why not? We got there early since it was in a different part of Mayo, meaning we had to trek through a bunch of construction. However, the waiting rooms are nice, and everyone has been extremely friendly. Once we got in, we chatted with the nurse, and then my doctor came in; I instantly felt at ease. He even chuckled at my binder of medical info, saying, "Looks like we have a lot to talk about."

I went into all my stomach woes, and he specialized in Celia's disease, which was perfect because I needed someone who really got it. I made sure to clarify that these latest issues weren't related to my celiac. It was great to discuss my journey with him, including how, nine years ago, I was diagnosed after going through months of frustrating tests for rashes, headaches, and constant nausea. Turns out, my doctor at the time thought it was all stress-related because I was in a toxic relationship (we'll call him "Asshole"). I got rid of the stress, but the symptoms stuck around. A blood test showed I had celiac, and going gluten-free made my stomach feel so much better.

We went on to discuss my other symptoms —nausea, throwing up, gas issues, and this bloating that makes me look six months pregnant. The coughing after eating? Yep, that was all part of the package. Then he asked if I ever pee a little when I cough. I said — yup! When he asked if I had any kids, I told him just my furbabies, so he quickly pieced things together. It wasn't my GI causing the problems; it was actually my colon, butt issues, and pelvic floor dysfunction. My brain isn't coordinating well with my butt and colon, so when things get backed up, chaos ensues. Thanks to my TBI and that jerk "Asshole," my butt muscles are weak.

After chatting for over an hour and getting a butt exam (yes, you read that right), we figured out the next steps: a swallow test to see if I'm swallowing food properly and a balloon test for my butt muscles to check their strength. Fun times ahead!

Then came a heap of bloodwork and X-rays. By the end, I was exhausted—so exhausted that, for the first time, my mom had pushed me into a wheelchair. I love her to bits, but let's say she might've run me into a few walls and elevator doors. We made it back to the car, though, and the ride home was pretty quiet—so much to process.

The biggest takeaway? My stomach issues were never about my celiac, and I didn't need a colonoscopy. It just goes to show how my old GI was so focused on blaming my celiac. Also, that "Asshole" really did a number on my life, even a decade later. My mom learned some things, too, stuff I had never shared about that part of my past.

When we finally got home, we swung by Aldi to grab a gluten-free take-and-bake pizza. It's either that or ice cream for our post-doctor's visit treat! I was scheduled for that swallow test the next day, but when I woke up, my body was like, "Nope!" I rescheduled for the following week, and one of the things I appreciate about Mayo is how nice they are when you need to reschedule

I know that was a lot, but we figured it all out, one step at a time!