NEED TO KNOW
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Shayla Talei struggles with Complex Regional Pain Syndrome (CRPS) and gastroparesis, a condition that essentially paralyzes her stomach.
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She was diagnosed with gastroparesis just two years ago, and the pain associated with eating has led her to lose around 100 pounds in eight months.
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The 31-year-old mother of two shares her experiences with chronic illness on social media, where she has garnered a following of 249,000 on TikTok.
Shayla Talei has found new meaning in her life as a social media influencer, creating a platform where she can work despite her serious health challenges.
This Oklahoma City mom has been living with CRPS since she was 17, a condition that often results in excessive pain after an injury, surgery, or other medical events, according to medical sources.
Talei has connected with her followers by sharing insights into her medical routine, revealing how she navigates daily life, including managing to eat with her paralyzed stomach. Gastroparesis is characterized by the inability of stomach muscles to properly digest food.
Her initial symptoms of gastroparesis became evident approximately ten years post-CRPS diagnosis, and they grew severe when any food was consumed, causing crippling bloating and nausea. Drinking water even feels like “glass shards” in her stomach, she shares.
Before her diagnosis, there were days when she could barely manage more than three bites of food throughout the day, resulting in a significant weight loss while doctors sought answers.
After trying various medications and tube feeding, her doctors moved her to total parenteral nutrition (TPN) in July 2025. This involves delivering nutrients through a central vein close to her heart, allowing her body to absorb what it needs.
While this method ensures she receives necessary nutrients, she points out that starting TPN was a serious decision, as it carries considerable risks.
For eight years, Shayla ran her own salon, but she was compelled to close it down last spring because of her health issues. She often finds herself low on energy or even fainting and relies on a wheelchair, which carries her heavy TPN backpack that she uses for 12 hours each day.
“At this point, social media is really my only option,” she says. “I often feel like I’m a 90-year-old in a 31-year-old’s body because I tire so quickly.”
As with many content creators, Shayla has encountered a mix of supportive and critical audiences. Some people resonate deeply with her experiences, while others seem unable to grasp the complexities of her condition.
Shayla mentions that one of the biggest misunderstandings in the comments is the belief that her stomach issues stemmed from using a GLP-1 medication. Although research has shown a link between such drugs and increased risk of gastroparesis, she clarifies that this was not the case for her.
“I’ve never taken one,” she explains. “I just lost weight due to my condition… There are many causes, and this isn’t something I brought upon myself.”
