Basically, the last two years have been quite the whirlwind. I have experienced many things that I never expected, namely, Crohn's Disease. Exactly two years ago, right before my sixteenth birthday I became unusually sick. Very sick. This was quite strange because I never seemed to be sick. I have always been "the healthy child" in my family. Summer of 2012 my sickness never seemed to go away and I was diagnosed on October 17, 2012 with moderate/severe Crohn's Disease and Colitis. That news was awesome. Although at the time it wasn't. And still at many points of the day it still isn't awesome. But I have faith that it will one day become awesome. Awesome because I choose to live happy and healthy and to make the most of my circumstances. I have been given the privilege to take control of my life and health and to learn many things around this oh so difficult journey. Words cannot describe my appreciation for what I am learning through my journey with this disease because I couldn't learn these valuable lessons any other way. Briefly, I will describe what my new daily life entails and how Crohn's and Colitis effect me on a day to day basis. First thing in the morning, I wake up usually with a sore belly from sleeping on it and a hungry stomach. Quickly I remember that although I am very hungry, I will have to eat the same thing again. Well, maybe not the exact same breakfast. I have about two or three options of breakfast that I rotate through. Once I eat my monotonous breakfast I take lots 'O' vitamins. And I mean lots. However, thankfully they help and I don't have to take as many as I used to. And thank goodness that I don't have to drink cod liver oil anymore! That was disgusting! And it would bring tears to my eyes on numerous occasions because it would just emphasize at times, my seemingly despair. After breakfast I leave the house at 7:45. And yes, school does start at 7:45. I am now often tardy cause it takes so long to get ready, I am tired and my 'special diet' takes a lot of preparation. Once at school, I eat a snack and then thankfully this year I come home for lunch. As you can tell, most of my day seems to revolve around food cause my diet is closely connected to my health. The rest of the day goes as follows, eat relatively the same lunch and dinner, take lot's 'O' vitamins, live relatively normal now ( I feel so blessed!), and then record in my food journal. For the past two years I have recorded the exact food I've eaten and all the vitamins and medicine I've taken. I also record my reactions.
This is my food journal
It is awesome.
Until recently, I haven't had the courage to share my story with hardly anyone. So if I have confided with you my story, feel privileged :) It means I trust you, and can gain strength and encouragement from sharing my story with you. Hiding behind my computer as I blog about my story has given me courage to talk to more people about my experiences and new life with Crohn's Disease. I am surprised by the number of people I have come in contact with at my very own school with similar circumstances. It is frightening, and I feel like I am speaking on behalf of many people. I often feel like I am asked what feels like a bazillion and one questions, often all are the same kind of question. So now, I blog, and if people have questions hopefully my blog will answer them. In short, I don't eat
- Starch
- Gluten
- Wheat
- Bread
- Sugar
- Chocolate or Coco
- Processed foods
- Sugar substitues
- GMO food
- Corn
- Rice
- Potatoes
- Etc
This is why having Crohn's Disease is so hard for me. Because I have to live such a disciplined life. And if I eat one of the above foods it is so not worth it. I feel way too sick for way too long to cover the momentarily indulgence. I often have doctor appointments as well. Although I am a C.N.A., I personally don't like to be the patient. I would rather be the one wearing the scrubs. This year, and last, I have had to miss important school events. Class, AP reviews, sleep, dances, etc. because I was at Primary Children's. And for the most part, I have been too embarrassed to say where I was going. And when I do say where I am going, I usually get emotional.
These are not my only visits to the doctor. I have had many blood draws and interviewing doctors (now that I am 18 I have to find a "grown up" doctor). However, I wear a smile on my face because I have seen miracles happen to me. I am WAY healthier than ever before, in the past two years. And I am able to do and eat way more now too. I really am SO blessed! Among, many many miracles and tender mercies, my cross-counry story makes me the most proud. While unknowingly sick, I raced with a 5K time of 36 minutes for no apparent reason. After regaining much health through my dedication to my diet and other things, I raced a 5K time of 21 minutes, earning a varsity letter!!!
This wall is my wall of encouragement. When I am sad about my trial, I remember that I am the most improved cross-country runner at my school by 15 minutes!
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