sing like wildflowers

My full and kooky life as a homeschooling mommy to 2 great kids, raising a child with HLHS (Hypolastic Left Heart Syndrome), coping with depression, following Jesus, and being much too camera happy.

Ellis started to feel unwell since yesterday, and our family is worried that this might turn into another episode of cyclic vomiting. She already had 2 bouts of throwing up yesterday and none today. We’re just taking it very slow and relaxed today, which we hope will make a full recovery from what is bothering you. I’m so grateful that we have her migraine medication on hand.


The website called my.clevelandclinic.org gives a helpful description of the various phases cyclic vomiting and it’s been useful for me to better understand it and to give me hope that it’s not a forever thing.


Here is a copy and paste of the information from their website.

  • Prodrome phase: You start feeling nauseated and sweaty in the minutes or hours leading up to the vomiting. For most people, the feeling starts in the early morning hours.
  • Vomiting phase: You vomit, sometimes several times an hour. Children with CVS may projectile vomit. The vomiting may last for a few hours or even a few days. The experience can feel so intense that you’re unable to talk to others and need to stay in bed alone.
  • Recovery phase: The vomiting and nausea gradually improve.
  • Well phase: You return to feeling like yourself again.

According to those stages, we are in the Prodome phase. I hope we stay in this phase and we make a full recovery. Once we get into the vomiting phase, that’s awful for her and for the wellness of our family! I thanked Elliot for being such a trooper when Ellis gets sick and trying to lift her spirits. He responded with a hug and saying “thank you for acknowledging that.” I couldn’t believe how mature he got this year. Made this mama’s heart proud.

A serene mural at the cardiologist’s office. We were there yesterday morning and I wanted to sit on the grass among the wildflowers in that painting.
Posted in , , , , , , , ,

21 responses to “Walking on egg shells with cyclic vomiting”

  1. Liz Gauffreau Avatar

    I’m very sorry to hear that. I hope this time Ellis’s recovery will be short.

    1. singlikewildflowers Avatar

      I hope so too! Just staying vigilant so we avoid another hospital visit

  2. Linda Schaub Avatar

    Esther – sigh. I hope this will not be a prolonged bout of cyclic vomiting and your weekend will be a restful one and not spent at the ER. Elliot is a super big brother to have, one who adores and boosts his little sister up. {{{ Hugs }}}

    1. singlikewildflowers Avatar

      Thank you, Linda! Elliot is very protective of his sister and voicing more of his support now. When he was younger, there was jealousy during to attention splitting but that’s gotten better. We can’t help it!

      1. Linda Schaub Avatar

        That’s great … now it is admiration and support only now that they are older. Elliot is very mature for his age – you and Chris have raised him right.

  3. cindy knoke Avatar

    Love to all of you.

    1. singlikewildflowers Avatar

      Thank you, Cindy!

  4. restlessjo Avatar

    Oh, bless! Surely an answer must be found soon.

    1. singlikewildflowers Avatar

      We don’t know for sure! Whew

  5. LightWriters Avatar

    🙏❤️🙏❤️🙏❤️🙏 whatever the source of this issue, may Jesus’s healing power free Ellie from this persistent affliction, and make her whole.

  6. heavenstobetty Avatar

    Praying for you all 🙏

    1. singlikewildflowers Avatar

      Thank you, friend! Need it badly

  7. Linda Schaub Avatar

    Before I sign off for the night, I’m hoping all is well in the Suh family?

    1. singlikewildflowers Avatar

      We are home and taking it easy. Ellis is on and off, and it’s hard to gauge her condition. It’s overwhelming to be this vigilant and not show paranoia or else that’ll exacerbate her worry and thus her stress triggers. Ahhhhhhh!! It’s been a rough 2 days.

      1. Linda Schaub Avatar

        I hope Ellis has turned a corner and feeling more like herself. I imagine it is difficult to act like everything is normal to not upset her when you are torn up inside. {{{ Hugs }}}

      2. singlikewildflowers Avatar

        You articulated it perfectly! I wish I were a better actress because I fail miserably at trying to be cool but am totally torn up inside.

      3. Linda Schaub Avatar

        You are a mom – it’s too difficult to pretend to be cool and indifferent when you’re torn up inside. {{{ Hugs }}}

  8. Annika Perry Avatar

    Esther, wishing a speed recovery for Ellis! It is tough on her and you all too, I more than understand. Bless, Elliot’s comment is so mature and considerate – one of those special precious moments you will always remember. hugs, Annika xx

    1. singlikewildflowers Avatar

      Thank you, Annika! I do cherish the special memories that these experiences bring us. It’s hard but we find so much to be grateful in those dark times too and our family bond grows deeper.

  9. Ju-Lyn Avatar

    Younger Child and I are admiring the painting from the Doc’s office. While you sit in the grass, I think I might take a dip in that cool pristine water!

    Praying Ellis better soon. Elliot is such a good brother and son. Bless him! and you all.

    1. singlikewildflowers Avatar

      The painting is so vibrant and peaceful! It’d be nice to meet you in the painting. What a fun thought.
      Thank you for your sweet comment. Ellis is doing much better and Elliot is back to his silly ways again. When she gets sick, life suddenly feels bleak as we navigate the unknowns. Thank the Lord He is always there for us and His strength renews this weary mama’s soul.
      I hope you and your family are well and happy!!

Discover more from sing like wildflowers

Subscribe now to keep reading and get access to the full archive.

Continue reading