**Mother Shares Struggles with Chronic Illness and Inspires Online Community**
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Shayla Talei, a 31-year-old mother of two from Oklahoma City, has been navigating the challenges of living with Complex Regional Pain Syndrome (CRPS) and gastroparesis, both of which have drastically impacted her life. Diagnosed with CRPS at the age of 17, Shayla’s struggles intensified nearly a decade later when she began experiencing severe digestive issues, ultimately leading to her gastroparesis diagnosis just two years ago.
Gastroparesis is a condition characterised by the paralysis of stomach muscles, preventing food from moving through the digestive system effectively. For Shayla, this has meant enduring extreme pain and discomfort whenever she attempts to eat. Symptoms manifested quickly, with Shayla experiencing debilitating bloating, nausea, and vomiting after consuming any food. In fact, she likens the sensation of drinking water to “glass shards” in her stomach. The severity of her symptoms initially saw her barely able to manage three bites of food in a day, culminating in a staggering weight loss of around 100 pounds over eight months.
To better manage her condition, Shayla has explored various medical aids, including tube feeding. In July 2025, her healthcare team began her on Total Parenteral Nutrition (TPN), a method that provides nutrition directly into her bloodstream via a central vein. While effective in ensuring she receives the necessary nutrients, initiating TPN represented a significant turning point in Shayla’s treatment journey, as it is generally reserved for more severe cases due to its inherent risks.
Despite the debilitating nature of her conditions, Shayla has found a new sense of purpose through social media. She has amassed a following of 249,000 on TikTok, where she documents her daily routines and shares insights into living with chronic illness. Her content promotes awareness and understanding, showcasing both the mundane and extraordinary aspects of her life. Shayla candidly notes that social media is now her primary focus, particularly since she had to close her hair salon last spring due to her health challenges.
The demands of her health mean that Shayla often feels fatigued and can experience sudden dizziness. She relies on a wheelchair equipped with a TPN backpack that operates for up to 12 hours each day. This physical toll has led Shayla to describe herself as a “90-year-old woman in a 31-year-old’s body,” highlighting the stark contrast between her age and level of vitality.
Engaging with a wider audience has its ups and downs. While many followers express support and empathy for her struggles, others have voiced scepticism about the validity of her condition. One common misconception she addresses is the belief that her gastroparesis developed as a result of taking GLP-1 medications, often linked to weight loss. Shayla clarifies that she has never taken such medications and that her weight loss is solely attributable to her medical condition.
Shayla’s journey is not only about managing her symptoms but also about providing support to others who might be facing similar battles. By sharing her experiences online, she hopes to foster a community where individuals with chronic illnesses can connect, share insights, and feel less alone in their struggles.
Despite the ongoing challenges, Shayla continues to inspire others with her resilience and determination to advocate for herself and others. Her unfiltered portrayal of life with chronic illness serves as a reminder of the strength it takes to navigate health challenges while also engaging with the world around her.
As Shayla Talei moves forward, she remains committed to shedding light on the realities of living with chronic pain and digestive disorders, creating a platform where education and understanding can thrive amid the complexities of illness.