It always takes a minute or two to process what happened. During those moments the sounds of the day are muffled, almost dream-like. All at once I become so lethargic that it seems easier to just fall asleep. Eventually I begin to notice a set of eyes peering into mine, soon followed by the recognition of the familiar words of someone asking if I’m alright.
What I just described to you was what I, for years, explained as a fainting episode brought on by low blood sugar. These “episodes” have happened since I was a kid. They have caused me to end up on an ambulance en route to the ER, be written about in the “Crime Blurb” section of my college newspaper and savagely eat M&M’s out of a very handsome firefighter’s hand.
However, It wasn’t until about 6 months ago that I accepted the fact that I was lying. I was lying to my family. I was lying to my friends. I was even lying to myself. These weren’t “episodes”. I wasn’t hypoglycemic. I wasn’t diabetic. To put it simply, I was starving myself.
Unfortunately, it wasn’t simple. It isn’t simple. I have (and continue to) seek guidance from a barrage of professionals and “survivors”. The latter being the very motivator for putting my story out there.
In my future posts, I will talk about my history, how and when it started, ways I cope day to day, fertility issues, and my relationship with running and working out.
While I wholeheartedly believe in the effectiveness of professional help (I’m working on my graduate degree in dietetics), reading other people’s stories (struggles and wins) has provided more inspiration than I ever thought possible. In many ways, Thirty Stars is dedicated to those women before me.
This is not going to be easy. I am an extremely private person. I considered the pros (reaching out to other women, bringing attention to the subject) and cons (possible alienation, future elephants in rooms), and in the end my husband and I both thought that this was the right thing to do. I left a great job in the medical device industry, in part, to follow my passion. This is it.
XoXo
Katie
thirtystars 
Katie, you are amazing! I am so proud of you for telling your story. I am sure you will help a lot of people!
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Thanks Becky!! I sure hope so! 🙂
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WOW Katie, your one tough and brave cookie! I admire you so much for being “real” and being vulnerable and putting your story out there!! Love you!
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Hi Leah! It’s a little scary…not going to lie! Thank you for your support! 🙂
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Sending all the love I have to you. You are brave and I love you. I look forward to learning about your story. ♡
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Hi Linds! Thank you for the love! I’m feeling the good vibes! xoxo
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Katie, I want to be here for you however you need me to be. I’ll take it very seriously, and make light of it, too, whatever you need with no judgement. The world may not be a nice place, but you are surrounded by people who are, keep following your passion and purpose!
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Kathy! What an amazing comment! Thank you very much! Well said!
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Thank you for sharing.
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Thank you for reading! 😉
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Good for you, Katie. It takes a lot of strength to take a tough situation and turn it around to use for the good of others. Your story will help others who struggle with this same affliction.
Stay well and follow your dream.
Clare
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Thanks Clare! That means a lot!
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Thanks for sharing Katie. I have always struggled with similar issues, you have already helped me by “putting it out there” and I am working up the courage to share my story with my family. Thanks for your courage and beautiful insight.
Sally Blankenship
We were in MEd courses together at Texas State (Round Rock Campus) several years ago.
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Hi Sally! No need to explain where our paths have crossed! You have always stuck out in my head as a strong, smart and beautiful woman! I’m so glad to hear that I may have helped you in some small way! It’s very scary to say those words out loud, especially to people you love, but I promise you will feel a huge weight lifted off your shoulders. Please keep in touch!
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🙂 this is awesome!!⭐️
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Thank you! 🙂
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Katie – I am so amazed at your strength and willingness to be so open about this struggle. I think I have the opposite problem – but many of the same issues. I so proud of you for taking steps to move yourself in a positive direction and I will be excited to track your journey. Super positive thoughts and juju coming your way!
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Thank you so much Susan! I’m sending good juju your way as well. PS It’s good to hear from you! 🙂
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