My 2 Year Crohn's Diagnosis Anniversary
Hello everyone.
Today marks the offical two year anniversary that I was diagnosed with Crohn's disease. I remember waking up in the hospital after a colonoscopy and Dr. Quallich explaining to me what Crohn's disease was. I had never heard of it before that day and had no idea what I was in for.
The first year went by without barely a hitch. But this past year put me through the ringer. I was in the ER a grand total of five times. I was admitted twice. I have been on a mix of many different drugs trying to get my system to settle and be stable once again. Unfortunately, some of these drugs did just the opposite and made my system react even more.
After about 10 months of playing this game, I am glad to report and I'm finally on an upswing. I haven't had a textbook definition of a flare up since just before Christmas and I am finally on medications that are working quite well with my system.
With as hard of a year I've had, I pale in comparison to some of the stories out there. I have met or talked with a number of people with a range of symptoms who suffer from Crohn's disease. One lady I've met just had a baby six months ago with a mild case of Crohn's. Through the pregnancy, she only took one medication four times a day. On the other end of the spectrum, I've known a woman for about a year and a half who was misdiagnosed for twenty years before her disease was found in her upper colon. Originally, doctors thought she was suffering from a form of cancer. After the Crohn's were found, she had surgery to remove part of her intestines. She was fine for about ten years, but is now having trouble with frequent flare ups. Another surgery is in the near future for her.
Both of these women are mature adults. Unfortunately, this disease is quite common in children. That's one reason why I ran the Guts & Glory Walk last September. Next month, I am once again running in the Take Steps Walk to raise money and awareness for Crohn's disease.
The money goes towards education, information, and treatment for children who are diagnosed with Crohn's. Some of the funds also go towards running a day camp for children with Crohn's, Ulcerative Colitis, and IBD.
I will be registering for the walk this weekend. My humble request, my friends, is if you can spare it, please donate a few dollars to this great cause. If not for my sake, but for the sake of the children that are so young that they can't understand what is happening to their bodies. Even $5.00 will help in this fight against this incurable disease.
I will have a donation link and more information soon.
Lastly, on this solemn day for me, I would like to thank all of those who have really been there for me during these two years. My beloved fiance Peter, who has been there for me physically, mentally, and financially. You will never know how much I love and appreciate everything you have done for me. I can not wait to be your wife. My mother and father for the parental support and the motivation to keep going in my fight ahead. Kellie, for taking all the phone calls and talks where I bitch and moan in stride and always being there to help me calm down. Patti, Mike, and Becky, for visiting me in the hosptial and "babysitting" me when I needed the company. Ben for all the phone calls and meals of junk food when I was finally able to have it again. Stacey for the game nights when I had to stay in. And my extended network of friends, family, and LJ-ers who have given me such good vibes and well wishes. They have always meant the world to me and made me smile when I was down and feeling really out of it.
All the best and good health to everyone.
My love always,
Adrianne
X-posted to ihavecrohns and my facebook.
Today marks the offical two year anniversary that I was diagnosed with Crohn's disease. I remember waking up in the hospital after a colonoscopy and Dr. Quallich explaining to me what Crohn's disease was. I had never heard of it before that day and had no idea what I was in for.
The first year went by without barely a hitch. But this past year put me through the ringer. I was in the ER a grand total of five times. I was admitted twice. I have been on a mix of many different drugs trying to get my system to settle and be stable once again. Unfortunately, some of these drugs did just the opposite and made my system react even more.
After about 10 months of playing this game, I am glad to report and I'm finally on an upswing. I haven't had a textbook definition of a flare up since just before Christmas and I am finally on medications that are working quite well with my system.
With as hard of a year I've had, I pale in comparison to some of the stories out there. I have met or talked with a number of people with a range of symptoms who suffer from Crohn's disease. One lady I've met just had a baby six months ago with a mild case of Crohn's. Through the pregnancy, she only took one medication four times a day. On the other end of the spectrum, I've known a woman for about a year and a half who was misdiagnosed for twenty years before her disease was found in her upper colon. Originally, doctors thought she was suffering from a form of cancer. After the Crohn's were found, she had surgery to remove part of her intestines. She was fine for about ten years, but is now having trouble with frequent flare ups. Another surgery is in the near future for her.
Both of these women are mature adults. Unfortunately, this disease is quite common in children. That's one reason why I ran the Guts & Glory Walk last September. Next month, I am once again running in the Take Steps Walk to raise money and awareness for Crohn's disease.
The money goes towards education, information, and treatment for children who are diagnosed with Crohn's. Some of the funds also go towards running a day camp for children with Crohn's, Ulcerative Colitis, and IBD.
I will be registering for the walk this weekend. My humble request, my friends, is if you can spare it, please donate a few dollars to this great cause. If not for my sake, but for the sake of the children that are so young that they can't understand what is happening to their bodies. Even $5.00 will help in this fight against this incurable disease.
I will have a donation link and more information soon.
Lastly, on this solemn day for me, I would like to thank all of those who have really been there for me during these two years. My beloved fiance Peter, who has been there for me physically, mentally, and financially. You will never know how much I love and appreciate everything you have done for me. I can not wait to be your wife. My mother and father for the parental support and the motivation to keep going in my fight ahead. Kellie, for taking all the phone calls and talks where I bitch and moan in stride and always being there to help me calm down. Patti, Mike, and Becky, for visiting me in the hosptial and "babysitting" me when I needed the company. Ben for all the phone calls and meals of junk food when I was finally able to have it again. Stacey for the game nights when I had to stay in. And my extended network of friends, family, and LJ-ers who have given me such good vibes and well wishes. They have always meant the world to me and made me smile when I was down and feeling really out of it.
All the best and good health to everyone.
My love always,
Adrianne
X-posted to ihavecrohns and my facebook.