fbpx

Tag: adolescence

My Endless NJ Tube Series

by Becca on July 16, 2019

The hospital room I stayed in when my NJ tube wasn't enough to keep my electrolytes in balance

If you wanted to look up the word sick in the dictionary, you would probably find a picture of me. Ever since I was eight years old and started struggling with muscle fatigue and appetite loss I have been on a downward trend in my health. By the time I was ten I had had my first NG tube. This was followed by my first surgery when the NG tube caused a bowel obstruction. Then I had to deal with an even thicker NG tube to suction. This was followed by my first NJ tube.

I spent a good chunk of fifth grade in the hospital, and went home from the hospital with the NJ tube still in place and a diagnosis of severe gastroparesis. The rest of my childhood was spent racking up frequent flier miles at my local children’s hospital. At age thirteen my heart rhythm disturbances took … Find Out What Happens Next

Tagged as: , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , ,

{ Add a Comment }

More Than an Eating Disorder: History of Sick

by Becca on July 9, 2019

As a toddler, I spoke before I walked, but I walked right on time too.  I hit all my milestones early. My mom had a Master’s degree in early childhood education. She consulted at multiple daycare centers and nursery schools.  Some days she would bring me with her to work to show me off. I would ace all of the baby developmental screenings. The other teachers and educators would watch in awe. Back then there was no talk about me having an eating disorder.

Me in third grade right before they decided that I had an eating disorder

In third grade, I began my descent into chronic illness. My skin, hair, and mouth became extremely dry. I started getting frequent pounding headaches.

From kindergarten to the first part of fifth grade, I attended a private Jewish day school, where every day began with a morning prayer service.  The Orthodox Jewish Prayer service consists of multiple parts where you remain standing for prolonged periods of … Find Out What Happens Next

Tagged as: , , , , , , , , , , , , ,

{ 4 Comments }