July 26, 2010 – Life’s problems wouldn’t be called “hurdles” if there wasn’t a way to get over them – unknown author. Before I embark on my whereabouts this summer I need to apologize for not writing in over two months. I’ve been waiting to write until I can honestly say that things are great and ski training is going just as I’d hoped. But unfortunately that’s not the case, and hasn’t been for the past 10 weeks. Yet so many things have changed I realize it’s time to share what’s been happening. Since May 14th I have not been able to eat or drink without vomiting. I’ve been waiting and hoping for these symptoms to improve; have been to see dozens of gastro doctors in Maine and New England; lost 25 lbs in two months; and vomit stomach acid and blood multiple times a day.

Mild digestive symptoms started when I was in 8th grade and have been getting progressively worse over the years, manifesting in different ways. However, since February things have been getting much worse and now I’m in serious condition. I wish I were training and eating normally, but sleeping, vomiting, and going to see doctors is about all I can manage these days for strenuous activity.

I’ve had all sorts of tests, ranging from motility disorder tests – a barium swallow test, a gastric emptying study, an esophageal manometry test – to blood work testing (CBC standard blood test, lyme disease, autoimmune disorders) and chest X-rays. I’ve seen gastro specialists, primary care physicians, acupuncturists, MDs, and DOs. No test has explained my severe sypmtoms. I’ve been to the emergency room multiple times to be hydrated and I’ve tried many different medicines. For the past two weeks I’ve been on Reglan, to encourage my stomach to churn, as it should, and Nexium, a proton pump inhibitor to help with reflux. This combination allowed me to eat and drink small portions with limited vomiting for just over a week – but now they don’t seem to be working anymore. I tried Librax, a valium type medicine, to determine if my nervous system is involved, but I can’t keep down the librax either.

However, as of yesterday, I have hope! On Tuesday, July 27th, I will be admitted to the Mayo Clinic in Minnesota for up to a week of testing. I’ve heard great things about this medical clinic and sincerely hope they can find a diagnosis and help stabilize me. My mom will be coming with me for support. Although I’ve been in Hell for the past 10 weeks I feel so grateful to my parents for their unrelenting support. They have been fighting for me while I have been too tired to do it myself.

Once my health improves I will be attending the University of Colorado in Boulder, CO. I’ll be taking German, an Environmental Science class, a class on the science of hearing and communication, and Music Appreciation. I’m looking forward to living with two CU skiers who are close friends of mine, and training and competing for Bruce Cranmer and the CU ski team.

Hopefully next time I write a blog post I’ll have good news! Meanwhile check out these intense training pictures.