So are the days of my life!

I have had a very interesting couple of weeks! After going through the dismal experience of yet another colonoscopy last week, and trying to recover from the flare-up it caused, I had the the joy of having a CT scan yesterday.

Of course, this couldn't go as planned...like most things in my life, lol. I had the confirmation phone call on Monday saying to be at the hospital for 9:15, a few minutes early for paperwork. I thought "awesome, I can sleep in a bit", oh how silly I am! I wasn't told that I had to drink 2 litres of contrast in 2 hours and then get hooked up to an IV contrast for the scan. Oh wait, did I mention I was suppose to write a make-up test at noon from Monday? That's right, because old man winter decided to seize an emergency brake cable in my truck (if I could drive backwards legally, I would have!). Side note: Kind of explains why my truck got stuck last week and why the brakes were sticking, hmmm....hindsight! So...in my small amount of panic, I called my dear mom for some damage control. She emailed my teacher saying that I was essentially at the mercy of the hospital and might not make it to my test. Thankfully, and quite surprisingly, my teacher said not worry, I can make it up Wednesday morning. She also said that I was quite the awesome girl and a trooper...this from the woman that I thought despised me! Hopefully she likes me enough to pass me!

Here I am now; my tests written, only my MRI to go next week, and my truck fixed! Thank goodness! Now what??? I was getting used to the chaos! Things are going to be boring now! I don't even have any gifts left to wrap, geez...maybe I'll go make a snowman! :)

Jell-O Sucks Today!

So here I am, on a liquid diet because I have a colonoscopy scheduled tomorrow morning. As I was reading over the directions on what I can and cannot eat, I got hungry...I mean starved! (I am really hungry right now actually, and have you ever noticed how many television commercials revolve around food!!) I am allowed to drink Powerade, clear juice, soup broth, ginger ale, jell-o, and that`s it! I just shoveled the driveway and I`m exhausted...probably going to have a nap soon! :)

I understand the importance of doing this prep for the procedure, which is why I haven`t cheated and ate bread or anything yummy! I`m just hoping I don`t keel over from lack of food! I`ve been trying to think of what meal I want for after my procedure tomorrow...could be anything from pizza to seafood! I`m used to eating 6 to 7 times a day because of the diet that I follow and my Crohn`s disease, so this is just torture!

I still have the second stage of this hell tonight. Should be an interesting night, thank goodness we have 2 washrooms in the house.

I have a CT scan and MRI coming up, at least there`s no crazy prep for those, just no liquids or food for 2 hours before...that I can handle. This, I may perish! lol

CCFC Educational Symposium!

On Sunday, my mom and I attended the Crohn's and Colitis Foundation Educational Symposium. I missed it last year, actually...I chickened out last year from going. I don't think I was quite ready to grasp the Crohn's community and embrace it.

It was such an eye-opener! Seeing that 100% of the fundraising efforts that the CCFC does, goes straight to research! This is so important to ensure that all that money is getting used to the maximum. And, because of that money, some researchers are on the brink of some serious breakthroughs. There are new genes that are being identified as possible contributors to Crohn's and Colitis. This means that soon, maybe, there may be a way to isolate these genes and eliminate the symptoms of C & C.

Also, I learned a heck of a lot about Probiotics! These could save me from being a very, very sick girl! I'm on 4 different medications right now, one of which being Imuran, an immunosuppressent. The probiotics may boost my immune system and help the rest of my body to function on a healthier level. If my body can do less work being healthy, it can concentrate on healing the Crohn's lesions and extra-intestinal manifestations! Very exciting for me! I'm also going to get my family started on probiotics, there is an awesome website that explains everything about them by Allison Tannis, RHN (who's originally from Barrie!) www.allisontannis.com.

It's good to see that there is hope out there for a cure or, at least, a chance at maintaining my Crohn's without harmful pharmaceuticals!

That's all for now!

So,..here we go again!

Well it's going to be a long couple months! I went back to my gastroenterologist last week and I've been put on a crazy array of medications; Prednisone, Cipro, Flagyl, and Imuran. I also have a colonoscopy, CT scan, and MRI coming up in the next month. Whew....this should be interesting.

So far, I've actually felt alright; no weird side effects from any meds. As long as I don't get puffy from the Prednisone, I think I'll be OK with any of it.

I had a little breakdown last week, well a couple little ones to be honest, but I've come to terms with it all and am ready to take on my Crohn's from this angle. My doctor seemed really positive that he could help me get better started a week or so after I start my medications.

I am also part of a study, called REACT, that is to help my doctor and I treat my Crohn's in the best way possible. Every 2 months I will be filling in questionnaires, a follow-up on 6 months, and the number and email of my research nurse for any questions I may have. I'm feeling hopeful again that I can live a "normal" life. That's a scary thought though, after having Crohn's for 12 years I'm not sure what "normal" really is. I think that's what I'm most afraid of is adapting to a life where Crohn's won't be the focal point and the thing I can't escape from....I might be able to do more things; like travel, long canoe trips, random, spontaneous things that everyone else seems to do!!!!!!! Fingers crossed! :)

I have a great group of people around me that help me everyday, they know who they are, and I thank them from the bottom of my heart! :) xo

On the Up and Up! :)

Well I'm going to gloat a little bit! I have been in a really good mood for the last couple of weeks. Karma must be on my side or something! It started with my health making a 180, work picking up a bit more, meeting someone, starting Taichi and getting a little perspective on things thanks to the CCFC.

I'm not sure how my specialists are going to like my going off any form of medication, but I don't care...I haven't felt this good in months! I've researched a lot of different methods and the pros and cons of everything so I'm educated when I have to sit down with them. That feels pretty good, to know where you stand and being prepared.

Next, a couple personal painting jobs that I'm doing quotes on and working for my older drywall boss when I'm not painting. Money doesn't make the world go 'round, but it's sure gonna help!

And then, "someone"! Ya, well...I'm going to keep that to myself, but it's going really well!!! :) Looks like it's going to be a good winter!

The CCFC has given me a renewed hope, ya...that's cheesy but it's true! I've become acquainted with some awesome people and been able to talk about having Crohn's and the different types of treatments every one's gone through. It makes going through things a lot easier and it's been great creating awareness for the cure.

Then the Taichi!!! This one I'm really excited about! I've only had 2 classes so far but I am totally connecting with something and I feel more self-aware. I look forward to the classes for some calm and centering. Apparently I'm a natural too! lol

So that's it...a happy, happy, joy, joy blog because that's how I'm feeling! :)

There's Always Something, but hey...I've got Qigong!

So I've had a bit of a break through with my Crohn's; don't take anything! The natural medications that I was trying were not working, actually...they may have made things worse! I've decided to quit all of them but try to pick up the antibiotics once-a-day for the bowel sinus tract cysts...the jury is still out on whether that's working or not, though.

Since last Thursday I have improved greatly, my stomach isn't cramping after I eat and, well...the other stuff is "regular" (if ya get what I mean!). I am debating about going back on the B12 injections though because of the erythema nodosum that is affecting my lower legs. Side note: erythema nodosum is a painful condition where small bumps and bruise like lesions occur on the lower legs, mainly, and swell and also causes very sore muscles. The B12 may help the blood flow and iron levels which may, or may not, lessen the severity of the lesions. I've also research a few other possible treatments but, I'll spare you anymore textbook babble in case I've bored anyone already! :)

I started Taichi and Qigong last night! That was an awesome experience! I've not only learned the first 8 moves of a 16 move Taichi sequence but I've also learned how to calm my mind and start to be more self-aware of the way my body moves. I was actually able to relax my back enough last night to realign a couple discs in my back, more like pop them in place, actually.

I am hoping with more classes I will be able to get rid of the blockages in my body and get the energy flowing throughout the way it should be. That may help with the erythema nodosum and the edema problems too!!!!

That's about it for now, I was starting to feel a little down but, I've come out on the shiny, happy side again! I've gained a mantra that has helped me a lot. It's really simple and makes sense to me; Just Be. I repeat this no matter where or what I'm doing as soon as I feel my self get a little high strung about something, keeps my calm. :)

One Step Forward and....a Bunch Back!

So just as I was starting to think I was on track with maintaining my Crohn's. I've had a little bit of a set back the past few days. Not only has my stomach gone crazy, but a whole new thing has crept into the equation...extreme pain from what I think is my arthritis. Which is a little odd seeing I've never had more than a sore knee here and there.

Hmmm...adding it to the list for the specialist in a couple weeks. I'm starting to think that I might need to suck it up and take some pharmaceuticals, before that though...I'm going to save some money for a consultation with a holistic specialist. I can't give in that easily, can I!? :)

I was planning on going to my first class in Qigong tonight, but at last, my gut wasn't letting it happen. This is the last thing that I want, is for new things I want to do, or even the old things I want to keep doing being affected from my Crohn's.

I went to my first meeting last Thursday for the Simcoe County Chapter of the Crohn's & Colitis Foundation...it was very inspiring! Meeting people that have the same problem that I do, and know what I'm talking about without any of us being embarrassed! There were some really good ideas that I'm going to discuss with my specialist. And, I am volunteering at my first event...The M & M Meat Shop on Minet's Point is hosting a BBQ the CCFC this Sunday the 24th. I've also been able to call in a friendly and get posters put up in the Georgian College pub advertising the event and the month of November, being awareness month.

So, trying to keep the positive attitude now matter what gets put in my way...or how frustrated I get! It's a pretty tough road to travel right now, especially trying to do my classes and work, but head up, right!? I can't feel terrible forever, and tomorrow's another day! :)