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No advice but just wanted to send some hugs your way.

I’m so sorry you’re struggling with yet another diagnosis. My SIL has gastroparesis, diagnosed about 12 yrs ago when she was just in her early 20s. She had a really rough time adjusting and figuring out what works for her, partially because it’s just a difficult and confusing condition and partially because she was young and a little naive about the changes she would need to make.

I hope you find out what triggers your flares without too much pain or trial and error. And that you can continue to enjoy food and be a foodie in your own new way as you navigate this. I understand it’s different for everyone, but in case it’s helpful, SIL’s main triggers are alcohol, coffee, and the volume/frequency of eating rather than one food or group. Also stress in general (good or bad) is the biggest trigger. Travel and big life changes can manifest as a gastric episode and land her in the hospital if she doesn’t manage them when she starts to see warning signs. She and her fiancé also started eating a primarily vegan diet about 2 yrs ago for non-gastro reasons but she’s found that it’s also helped her flares. And, if it’s something legal where you are and you may be open to it, medical marijuana has been a huge help for her in both preventing and managing pain/nausea with flares.

Sending hugs and healthy thoughts

@Mrs. Snowflake: I feel you. I work for a financial company. I spend a not insignificant portion of my day telling people, you won't get that money back. It's especially shitty this year because I had a customer commit suicide while they were on the phone with me a few months back. So every single call I know there's the possibility for families to be left hungry for weeks or be evicted. It doesn't help that I've been struggling with money. I'm especially chapped that my boss is spending more to decorate her cube than my kids are getting for Christmas. (She bought lumber, it's a whole thing.)

I am sorry you are going through this - that is a lot to deal with. I feel like things are insanely busy now and at the same time I am missing connecting with family and friends. My mom passed away earlier this year and my dad’s health is failing and my siblings and family don’t come together like we used to. It’s harder this time of year but I see the good in my life and I am thankful for that.

BIG BIG HUGS I know it sucks that it's the joyful, merry holiday season but don't feel like you cannot be sad! Be happy when there's something to be happy about, and be sad when things are hard. It's okay