About Me

Hi. My name is Vern and I'm a Crohnie.

I was born in a small town and now live in Surrey, BC, Canada.  I have been living with Crohn's since 1988 after 20 years of rarely even catching a cold.  Prior to diagnosis, I was into soccer and was a competitive figure skater, some might say a "rink rat", winning and placing in several regional competitions.

It took many months, several doctors, and even more days and nights of lying in the fetal position on my bed (or the floor) from the intense pain before I was finally diagnosed properly. I've heard them all from, "It's all in your head" to "It's just gas".  It was devastating news to fathom, especially when I asked the question, "How do I fix it?" and the doctor replied, "Unfortunately there is no cure".
Since 1988, I have had numerous surgeries, resections, abscesses, fistulas, fissures, kidney stones, obstructions, fatigue, dehydration, and many other "minor" complications.  Because of the number of resections I have short bowel syndrome.  I, like many others after diagnosis, went through the "why me?!" phase, followed by the "wtf!!" phase and the "c'mon, really?!" phase.

I'm currently on Hadlima injections every 2 weeks. I was on Remicade for 8 years prior until the end of 2020, followed by Humira for just over a year. I take supplements such as iron, Omega 3, B12, B50, Magnesium, Vitamin D & E, Zinc, and a multivitamin derived from fruits and vegetables (easier to digest and absorb). I eat a lot of peanut butter and protein bars, and drink enough water each day to double my weight!  I average about 3 liters each day.
Other then Crohn's, I'm healthy.

In 2020 I had temporary ostomy surgery while my perianal disease healed.  A couple of months later, my ostomy was made permanent, and was given a proctectomy (Ken butt) at the same time. I, unfortunately, had kidney issues as a result, going into renal failure.  Fortunately, things seemed to have turned around and my kidneys have recovered but I still monitor them with monthly blood work. 

I have a new normal now.

I started painting in 2010 as part of my own 'art therapy' to try and take my mind off of the daily blah of crohn's.  I can put paint to canvas and paint what I feel at that moment in time.   Have a look for yourself (I've added them to this blog) and at my art blog Artist's Laine.