Another Day of Me and Maybe More?

Originally this blog was started to help me process every thing I was going through with my stem cell transplant. Then after it all calmed down, i stopped writing. I automatically assumed I had nothing anyone would want to hear.

Im learning now, I need to write for me and in the process, I hope someone reads and relates. My greatest wish is that someone can learn from my journey, from my pain, and it can help them. We all know Crohn's doesn't just affect the body, but it alters the mind as well. Sometimes all we need is someone else who gets it. You know, REALLY GETS IT!

I hope that as I start back writing more often, God will give me the words that you may need to hear.

As for today, remember you are special and loved. Crohnies United!

Back Pain ER Trip

So i started having these severe, sharp pains in my back around my kidney and in my abdomen just below my ribs. It was hurting so bad, i couldn't sleep.

As much as i didnt want to, at 3:30am i caved and came to the er. I prayed on my way it wouldnt be a long wait or else i was going home and suffering through the pain. But God answered my prayer and there was no one in the waiting room.

They gave me fluids, pain meds and nausea meds to help..and they definitely did help. The doctor ordered blood work, urine tests and a ct scan of my kidneys.

All the tests came back great. Even though i suggested it may be my arthritis, the doctor feels its more likely a crohn's flare.

He gave me pain meds to go and is starting me in prednisone...yay, moon face will be back...😑😑😑

Praying my rheumatologist can get me on meds for my back and hoping my GI will figure out my flare (I have an MRI on December 10 and a cold in January).

I should be discharged in like 15min. Im ready to go home and sleep now!!

Update on My Health

Lately I have been so so. The antibiotics seem to help. But I am cramping so bad. I barely can move but its life and I have to. I have been pushing through, getting to my appointments anyway! :)

I posted some pics of me lately. I did my hair and have been trying to get dressed more often. Getting out of your pjs helps your anxiety so much!! Same with going to the gym!  My body may be hurting or i may be throwing up after 20 minutes or I may do ok but I still go regardless because it helps me feel more confident and I need that!

Followup With GI

I went to my post hospital followup visit with my GI doctor.  He said I need to continue on disability for a while, if not permanently. He is keeping me on prednisone for the full course and then may be trying a new crohn's medication.  I can't remember the name but I promise to post about it and any info I get as soon as I know!

Thanks for keeping in your thoughts and prayers!

Low Residue Diet

I've been trying to diet and lose weight lately and I ended up losing sight of what I could and couldn't eat due to my Crohn's disease. I want to eat like everyone else trying to diet. Unfortunately,  eating raw veggies is just not a realistic plan and I ended up with a small bowel obstruction because of my poor choices. So I'm heading back towards a low residue/fiber diet and I wanted to share a bit of information for everyone!

Should You Try a Low-Residue Diet?

If a doctor has diagnosed you or a loved one with an inflammatory bowel disease (IBD) -- like Crohn's disease or ulcerative colitis -- or with diverticulitis, your doctor may suggest you follow a low-residue diet.

Never heard of it? The basic idea is that you'll eat foods that are easy to digest, and you'll limit those that aren't. 

What Is a Low-Residue Diet?

It's a diet that limits high-fiber foods, such as whole-grain breads and cereals, nuts, seeds, raw or dried fruits, and vegetables.

New Way to Ease Ulcerative Colitis?

"Residue" refers to undigested food, including fiber, that make up stool. The goal of the diet is to have fewer, smaller bowel movements each day, in order to ease symptoms such as diarrhea, bloating, gas, and stomach cramping.

Your doctor may recommend that you go on a low-residue diet for a short time when you're having a flare, or after surgery to help with recovery. But it's not a general eating plan for all people with IBD. 

Crohn's can make it harder for your body to absorb nutrients from food. Ask your doctor for a referral to a nutritionist who can make sure your diet plan is right for you and let you know if you need any vitamin supplements.

On a low-residue diet, you can eat:

Grains

Refined or enriched white breads and plain crackers, such as saltines or Melba toast (no seeds)Cooked cereals, such as farina, cream of wheat, and gritsCold cereals, such as puffed rice and corn flakesWhite rice, noodles, and refined pasta

Fruits and Vegetables

The skin and seeds of many fruits and vegetables are loaded with fiber, so peeling skin and avoiding seeds is part of a low-residue diet. You can eat the following vegetables on the diet:

Well-cooked fresh vegetables or canned vegetables without seeds, such as asparagus tips, beets, green beans, carrots, mushrooms, spinach, squash (no seeds), and pumpkinCooked potatoes without skinTomato sauce (no seeds)

Fruits include:

Ripe bananasSoft cantaloupeHoneydewCanned or cooked fruits without seeds or skin, such as applesauce or canned pearsAvocado

Milk and Dairy

Milk products are OK to eat in moderation. Milk has no fiber, but it may trigger symptoms such as diarrhea and cramping if you have lactose intolerance. You could use lactase supplements or eat lactose-free products.

Reviewed by Jennifer Robinson, MD on November 18, 2014

© 2014 WebMD, LLC. All rights reserved.

Just A Thought

I was just on a Crohn's Facebook page and I was looking at the different issues we, as crohnies, face and how the world sees us. I've discovered that we can be quite the performers.  Everyday we deal with pain, urgency,  accidents, anxiety, illness, and so many other things and yet we hear all the time how great we look. Well, for one, the disease is in our gut, not our face. Secondly, we are incredible actors. Somehow we manage to get up and get out and live the same life as everyone else...in a outer appearance kind of way. Our bodies may get weak, but our spirits are strong. We handle the cards we've been dealt, smile, and live the best we know how.

Easily Digestible Foods For Crohn's Part 1

List of Most Easily Digestible Foods With Crohn's

By Amy Deemer Feb 08, 2014

Crohn's disease is a chronic digestive disorder that causes inflammation of the intestinal tract. Symptoms of Crohn's are stomach cramps, nausea, vomiting, bloody or watery diarrhea, fever, anemia, fatigue and weight loss. Because Crohn's affects the digestive system, certain foods may trigger or worsen the symptoms of the disease. The Crohn's and Colitis Foundation of America suggests following a low-fiber, low-residue diet that includes easily digestible foods that can ease the pain and discomfort of Crohn's disease.

Grains and Cereals

Grains provide your body with fiber, B vitamins, iron, magnesium and selenium. People suffering from Crohn's should eat refined grain products when experiencing a Crohn's flare. Choose easy-to-digest white rice, white pastas, refined white bread and hot and cold cereals that are made from refined rice, corn or wheat. Avoid brown rice, whole-grain and whole-wheat products and any bread and cereals that contain nuts or seeds.

Fruits and Vegetables

Fruits and veggies provide you with vitamins A, C, D and other important nutrients that are necessary for proper body function. When experiencing a Crohn's flare, soft, well-cooked or very ripe raw fruits are better tolerated by the digestive system. Ripe bananas, ripe melons, applesauce and other cooked fruits that have had the skins and seeds removed are good choices for Crohn's sufferers. Avoid most raw fruits and dried fruits. Canned and well-cooked, soft veggies without skins and seeds are easily digested and are ideal for Crohn's patients. Don't eat raw vegetables, cooked peas, broccoli, brussels sprouts, cabbage, onions and vegetable sauces during Crohn's flareups.

Meat, Fish and Poultry

Your body gets essential amino acids and protein from meat, fish and poultry. All meat, fish and poultry are good choices for those suffering from Crohn's disease. Select low-fat, lean cuts of meat, and make sure that the meat is tender and well-cooked to allow for easier digestion. Bake or roast lean cuts of beef, chicken, fish or pork so as to not use oils and fats in the cooking process. Avoid eating tough, fibrous meats, sausage, seasoned meat, fried meats, processed luncheon meats and smoked or highly seasoned meats.

Dairy Products

Dairy products provide your body with calcium that is essential for healthy teeth and bones. Crohn's patients should limit milk products to 2 cups per day. Plain cheese, eggs, cottage cheese, milk, almond, soy and rice milk and lactose-free milk are easily digestible choices. Plain or fruit-free yogurt and ice cream can also be consumed to gain am extra boost of calcium. Avoid milk products that contain seeds, nuts or fruits.

Resource : www.livestrong.com

January 2015

Ive had a few days where ive been incredibly nauseous but all in all ive been feeling well. I'm getting out there and enjoying my time with friends and family and I'm happy, that helps my health a lot.

I guess it's a good thing that I dont have much to share!! :)

Information on Crohn’s and Stress

Improve Your Lifestyle

Getting adequate exercise, eating a healthy diet, and kicking any tobacco habits can make the symptoms of Crohn’s disease easier to handle. Because Crohn’s can make nutrient absorption difficult, it’s also important to get adequate doses of vitamins and nutrients to make up for any lost due to malabsorption.

Stress and anxiety can also make the symptoms of Crohn’s disease worse. Stress can also trigger flare-ups. When you have an increased level of stress, your body’s normal processes can’t run properly. This includes your digestive tract. Stress can trigger symptoms or make existing ones worse. Finding a healthy way to handle daily stress, whether it’s through exercise, yoga, or talk therapy, is vitally important to increasing the number of days you’re in remission and symptom-free.

Quitting Smoking with Crohn’s

Crohn’s patients who smoke put themselves in jeopardy for increasing the severity of their symptoms.

Resource : www.healthline.com