Happy New Year!

I wanted to take the time to wish all my friends, family and all that visit my blog from around the world, a very happy and healthy new year!!!!
All the best for 2012!!!
And thanks to all for their help, support and encouragement the past year (and all the years prior)

CHEERS!!

Ache or Not to Ache....That Is the Question

One of the problems I've discovered over the years, is when I start to feel achey all over.  And I mean all over....like I just ran a marathon or spent the night lifting weights. 
So the question arises....am I feeling achey because I'm sick, or am I feeling achey because I'm feeling better?
Doesn't make sense?  Let me explain.  When I'm not feeling very good, I feel achey because of the obvious....I'm sick. 
BUT, when I start feeling better I also get achey because the proper nutrients are getting to my muscles etc.  and they're saying "HEY!!  what's all this stuff?  GOOD stuff!! yay!!  'Bout friggin time dude!!"
I guess time will tell.  The only good news is that my weight seems to have halted at around 140lbs and hasn't dropped.  And the Imuran seems to be working too. 

Could it be.  Is it possible.  I'm on the right track for a change.........

Crohn's Advent Calendar Day 25

December 25th....opening the last toilet seat door this morning to find.......

it empty.

At this point in the calendar, this door was going to find what every Crohnie wants.....a cure.
But, as this hasn't happened, yet, this one will remain blank.  One day, eh?!

On a personal note, I've enjoyed this past 25 days doing this calendar.  Coming up with items was sometimes hard, sometimes very easy, but fun at the same time.  I would like to thank everyone for their emails, comments and remarks.  It's nice to see all the people from around the world coming on here to see what's been going on and enjoying the calendar.

Merry Christmas everyone!!  And all the best for a happy and healthy 2012!!

Crohn's Advent Calendar Day 24

December 24....opening the toilet seat door this morning to find.....

a box of Purdy's chocolates!!  hmmmm....can't eat them, but ohhhh they smell soooo good!!

(twas the night before Christmas.....)

Crohn's Advent Calendar Day 23

December 23rd....opening the toilet seat door this morning to find....

diamonds for my wife!!!!!  (for my 'crabby days', cuz she of all people puts up with the most from me especially when Im not well......thanks hun)

(I'm the partridge in your pear tree)

Crohn's Advent Calendar Day 22

December 22nd.....opening the toilet seat door this morning to find......

sirens and lights for my car!!!!!  (cuz sometimes you REALLY, REALLY gotta go)

(snowball fight!!)

Crohn's Advent Calendar Day 21

December 21st......opening the toilet seat door this morning to find.....

a six month supply of Imuran!!  (cuz so far, so good)

(Fa la la la laaaaa, la la la laaaaaaaaaaaaa)

Crohn's Advent Calendar Day 20

December 20th....opening the toilet seat door this morning to find.....

NON cancer causing meds!!!!  (wow...not many here)

(I'll be home for Christmas)

Crohn's Advent Calendar Day 19

December 19th......opening the toilet seat door this morning to find..........

a pair of Air Jordon shoes!!!!!  cuz getting to the bathroom in time comes down to seconds

(Mele Kalikimaka)

Crohn's Advent Calendar Day 18

December 18....opening the toilet seat door this morning to find......

a mini sits-bath kit!!!  (mmmm warm)

(joy to the world)

Crohn's Advent Calendar Day 17

December 17.....opening the toilet seat door this morning to find......

a weeks worth of Intravenous fluids!!!!  (ahhhh.. nothing like sugar water to rest the ole' bowels)

(baby, it's cold outside)

Crohn's Advent Calendar Day 16

December 16......opening the toilet seat door this morning to find.......

a lifetime supply of Charmin!!!  (cuz it NEEDS to be soft)

 (Joyeux Noel)

Crohn's Advent Calendar Day 15

December 15....opening the toilet seat door this morning to find.....

an extremely large tube of antiseptic cream!!  (Germoline to my UK friends)...cuz sometimes, wiping your ass 100 times a day, kinda makes it red , sore and bleed alot!

(Feliz Navidad)

Crohn's Advent Calendar Day 14

December 14th....opening the toilet seat door this morning to find.......

new clothes!!!!  for the weight loss / gain / loss / gain.....

(chistmas carols)

Crohn's Advent Calendar Day 13

December 13.....opening the toilet seat door this morning to find.....

a case of air freshener!!    cuz there are many times you NEED it!

(I'm dreaming of a white christmas)

Crohn's Advent Calendar Day 12

December 12th (half way there!).....opening the toilet seat door this morning to find...

a doughnut cushion!!  (can you say aaahhhhh!)

(chestnuts roasting)

Crohn's Advent Calendar Day 11

December 11.....opening the toilet seat door this morning to find......

a very large bottle of Tylenol 3's!  (for those days you want the pain to just go away.....for an hour or so)

(Frosty's the Man!)

Crohn's Advent Calendar Day 10

December 10.........opening the toilet seat door this morning to find......

a T-shirt that says, "I KNOW I don't LOOK sick!!" cuz sometimes you just get sick and tired of answering the same question over.....and over....and over......

(here comes Santa Claus)

Crohn's Advent Calendar Day 9

December 9th.......opening the toilet seat door this morning to find.......

a paid week off work, to rest!!!  (cuz I need it)

(Santa baby....)

Crohn's Advent Calendar Day 8

December 8th......opening the toilet seat door to find this morning.....

ostomy pouches!!!!

(ohhhh Christmas tree....)

Crohn's Advent Calendar Day 7

December 7th........opening the toilet seat door to find this morning......

a lifetime supply of underwear!!!  (no extra comment needed here)

(jingle bells)

Crohn's Advent Calendar Day 6

December 6th.....opening the toilet seat door to find this morning......

a coupon for dinner and a movie (knowing I can't do both in the same night)

(god rest ye merry gentlemen)

Crohn's Advent Calendar Day 5

December 5th.....opening the toilet seat door to find this morning......

1001 Reasons Why You Can't Attend An Event Because of Your Crohn's (eventhough you really DO want to go) book.

('Tis the season)

Imuran : Update

Well, today is day 6 of the new drug.  So far so good.  No 'visible' side affects, so that's good.  I go back on Tuesday for more blood work to check the liver.  Hopefully, my liver is sayin', " Yeeeah, nothing going on here!  Go ahead and up the dose!".  It's only one pill a day for now and then up to 2 a day if everything's okay.  Haven't noticed any changes, but it's only been a week.

( I guess I should stop steppin on the scale every morning )

Crohn's Advent Calendar Day 4

December 4th.....opening the toilet seat door to find this morning......

a 6 pack of Boost!!   (not that it's going to do anything, but...)

(Go Rudolph!)

Crohn's Advent Calendar Day 3

December 3rd.....opening the toilet seat door to find this morning......

a World map of every possible public washroom location!  (awesome)

(Ho Ho Ho!)

Crohn's Advent Calendar Day 2

December 2nd.....opening the toilet seat door to find this morning......

a bag of freshly ground Starbucks coffee!  (that I'll never get to drink....cruel)

Merry Christmas

Crohn's Advent Calendar

December 1st......opening the toilet seat and find.......a years supply of Prednisone!!!

I love Christmas  :-)

New Site

I was directed to a new site that are doing great work for all of us the suffer quietly

http://invisabilities.org/

Give them a look.  Ask about starting a Chapter near you. 
Let's bring the invisible visible
Great work Julie, and thank you.

'Twas The Night Before a Crohn's Christmas...

I wanted to share this with everyone.  Don't know who wrote it, but I give them two thumbs up.  And there is a language warning before you read......but enjoy!

'Twas the night before Christmas and everyone waited with glee
Except for the one in the bathroom-I have CD.
The Charmin was hung by the toilet with care
In hopes that I'd reach it before ruining more underwear.
I started at night when I was snug in my bed,
Those rumblings I heard were not in my head.
I'd been looking forward to a long, restful nap
But had to get up for a much needed crap
When out on the lawn, there arose such a clatter,
I exited the crapper to see what was the matter!
I opened my door, and it hit like a flash…
This god-awful stench-I fell on my ass.
I opened my window and threw up in the snow
It covered the nativity scene down below.
And what to my bloodshot eyes should appear
But a miniature sleigh with some tiny reindeer.
A decrepit old driver, not lively or quick,
I knew in a moment it must be St. Nick.
Slowly-with effort, those reindeer, they came
As he whistled and shouted and called them by name:
"Now, Crohn's! Now, Colitis! Now J-Pouch and Ostomy!
On, Hemorrhoid! On, Fissure! On, Stool O Bloody!
To the top of the house, to the top of the wall!
Now dash, little bastards, and don't let me fall!"
And then, in an instant, I heard on the roof
The scratching and farting of that big, ol' dumb goof.
As I drew in my head, and was turning around,
Down the chimney St. Nicholas came with a bound.
He was dressed all in red, from his head to his toe,
And he smelled like hell…he really had to go.
A bundle of toys he had flung on my couch.
He winked at me and said, "Wanna see my J-Pouch?"
His eyes-how they twinkled as he let out a fart.
It smelled worse than mine-nearly stopped my dear heart!
His droll little mouth was drawn up like a bow,
If not for the beard, it'd resemble an @#%$!
The bags under his eyes-I saw the fatigue
That comes from living with Crohn's or UC.
Plus a bad case of D had filled his round belly,
And shook when he farted-it was oh, so smelly.
He was chubby and plump; he screamed at his elf.
I laughed when I saw this, in spite of myself.
The moon face, the mood swings-the twitch of his head,
I knew right away…side effects of the Pred.
He spoke not a word, but went straight to the bathroom
And filled my toilet with a *splat* and a VVVAROOOMMMMM!
Using his finger to close up his nose,
And giving a nod, up the chimney he rose.
He sprang to his sleigh; he weighed ten pounds less.
And thanking me for the Charmin, he apologized for the mess.
As I heard him cry out, I realized he knew of our plight:
"HAPPY CHRISTMAS!
"I'VE IBD TOO, AND I'M HAVING ONE HELL OF A NIGHT!"

And The Beat Goes On

Funny thing about Crohn's.  You just never know.  Hour by hour, day to day, week to week, month by month and year to year, you just never know.  You can wake up in the morning and everything is great, and then by lunch, you feel like crap.  And you know what?  There is absolutely NOTHING you can do about it.
Last January I was in hospital for....well...they never DID find out what was wrong.  Some sort of virus.  For a normal person, a few days in bed and they'd be fine.  A crohn's sufferer, hospital for a week.  But, having said all that, I felt great afterwards.  I gained weight, I couldn't stop eating and I had energy.
Now?  I feel worn out, tired, losing weight (140lbs at 5' 10"), I eat, but not as much, and the evergy level has just, well, gone. 
Why?  Who the f knows.  Is it the crohn's, stress from work....both.  Who know really.  I'm heading to the specialist in a few weeks to discuss Remicade and we'll go from there.

If I could bottle my weight loss, I'd be a billionare.  Except for the side affects of course.

Remember Them

It's November again and I would like everyone to take a few minutes and remember those that have lost their lives in the fight that we all can live in freedom.

 If you can't "remember", show some respect to those who fought the fight and still do.  The Vets, young and old, deserve our thanks.

So at 11am, on the 11th day, of the 11th month, of the 11th year this year, take 2 minutes to pause and remember, reflect or quietly give thanks.....it's 2 minutes people....2...I think it's the LEAST we can do, don't ya think.  Take a few minutes and watch the video below..

Thanks

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=KYlrrAWCTRg

Happy Halloween

I look around these days at how many different types of costumes there are out there and got to thinking how "un" scary they really are.  I mean, what's more scarier than a Crohn's patient?

Take me for example, numerous scars of different sizes, that are actually real, abcesses, fistulas, fissures of different sizes and severity, real moaning, from abdominal pain, skinny as a rail, not to mention the life-like gurgling and churning coming from my insides.....oh wait, those ARE real....and I can make them louder by eating certain foods! 
Wow! this is an awesome costume so far... Now let's make it really scary by adding scary foods and drinks....ooooooooooooooo......
How bout a bowl of nuts, with raisins, cranberries, popcorn, dried apricots and mango's to start and a glass of unfiltered water.....mildly spooky. 
Well then let's get freaky and add a side dish of raw carrots, broccoli, cauliflower and those mini onions with a glass of Coke....AAAAAA!!  are you starting to hide your eyes yet...? 
Well let's go gorey shall we and have a plate of turkey, spinach, lettuce, brussel sprouts and corn.....and for dessert?  Get ready for it............hide!!!!....... ICE CREAM!!!

 NOOOOOOOOOO, not that!!  Anything but that!!!!!!!!!!!!  Ohhh the HORROR!!!

So, while you are out this year with all the little ghosts and goblins and your little ones say to you,
"Daddy? What's the scariest costume you've ever seen?"  Look around you, a Crohn's patient could be standing right next to you and you won't even know it.

Whooooooaaaaaaaahhhaaaaaahaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaa!!!!!!!!

Boo.


Having said all that, I'm curious what everyone's "scariest" food, or foods are.

Have a happy Halloween.

New Sport

As I am still laid up, I was watching TV today and came across a triathlon race.  So I was watching it and they were mentioning what great times everyone was getting and I found myself saying out loud "HA!  You think THAT's a good time, you should be me when I have to go to the washroom!"

Then that got me to thinking.  There should be a Crohn's awareness biathlon, involving two sports in particular, that sum up Crohn's Disease.....running and driving.  Because I know there have been many times where I literally run to the washroom and other times I drive like Schumakker to get home to use the washroom.  And I know other Crohnie's are shaking their heads in agreement here.....you could call it the Tarmac to Toilet Biathlon ( or something like that).   Hmmmm........

New Painting

It's amazing how much painting you can do while you're laid up

This one is called 'Checkers'

Sad.......But True

Had to share this picture.
I couldn't believe just how true it is.  I've heard them all, these ones and more.

Porcelain Mistress

It's weird, but as a Crohnie, and a married one at that, I feel like I'm cheating on my wife with the toilet.  It's like, everytime I have to go to the washroom, I'm "sneeking away" to visit my porcelain mistress.
Hey, I've been laid up for the past week from surgery (non Crohns).....your mind wanders.

Get Checked

October is Breast Cancer Awareness Month.  I lost my mum to this disease, so I'm asking everyone to go get checked.

Come on....go touch yourself!!!

Starting to Paint Again

I haven't been in the mood lately to paint.....but got in to it the other night. 
So, here's "Waterfall II"

Weight gain or not weight gain, that is the question

Well, I think I've decided on the Remicade, but I found out I have to wait til the end of November for my next gastro appt.  So, almost 3 months to "stir".  Fun.  I guess the benefits outweigh the costs.  If I get cancer, I get cancer.  There's no way to stop it really.  I could get cancer whether I take the Remicade or not. I'm more worried about my liver and the fact they have to test it all the time....but....if it'll heal me and take away the pain, or even let me gain some weight!  I'll be happy.  I need to find out how much this is going to cost, money wise as well.........Let's see where this new journey takes us shall we......

Decision Time

Talked to my Dr after my colonoscopy, still groggy of course, so I'm glad my wife was there, and she said what I didn't want to hear.  She found "significant inflammation" about 10 inches in.  Options given..?

1. Surgery
2. Start on a drug called Remicade
3. Start on a drug called Humera

Now, the problem I'm having is, that I need to do one of them.  I've already ruled out #3 as it involves injections.  Remicade is intravenously, but some of the possible side effects are what I'm worried about (cancer).  And surgery doesn't really solve anything, it'll return either way.
Not alot of choices.....
Anyone out there on either Humera or Remicade..??????
Help.

It's a Bird, It's a Plane, It's, It's....

....Angry, Frustrated Man!!!!
I had a specialist appt on Tuesday and she wants me to go in for a colonoscopy....on Friday.  That's pretty quick I'm thinking.  I'm also thinking, what the hell is wrong.  So, here we go.  Today is Wednesday and my gut is doing flip flops like it's taking part in the Gastro Olympics or something!  Going to the washroom every half hour, eventhough I haven't barely eaten anything.  Angry and frustrated..?  Yyyyyyep, you could say that. (insert apology here for my family)
But there's nothing like a Friday being knocked out and having a camera shoved up your ass!  Unless you're in college, then that's a regular occurance.

100th Post

So, I noticed that this is my 100th post and I can't believe I've written on here so many times.  Even my wife said, "Has it been that many already?".  Now comes the task of what to write for such a special occasion.  I thought about it for a few days and came up with something that I haven't written about yet.  Sooooo, I thought, why not write a "Thank you" card.
Where to start.  There are literally hundreds of people I can thank during my bout with Crohn's and I know I'm going to forget some (sorry). 
I want to start by thanking the doctor who finally diagnosed me after months and months of seeing doctors.  Then all the doctors I've seen since, in hospitals, offices and clinics.  My current family doctor, my surgeon, my gastroenterologist, all can never ever be thanked enough.....ever.  The fabulous nurses that I've had the pleasure of knowing and even the ones I don't know (operating room nurses).  Dieticians, counselors and other hospital patients.  Current and past employers and employees who put up with my abscences, especially since I never know when I'm going to be abscent (last minute).  Those other Crohn's patients, sufferers, battlers and survivors who I've talked to and helped me and those I've helped in my own little way.  My friends who have helped me and my family over the 20+ years, not only with helping out physically and monetarily, but mentally as well.  Alot can be said with just words....thank you.
Then there is my family.  They have put up with the most crap over the years.  First....sorry, then..thank you.
My dad, whom has always been there, no matter what and whatever the distance.  My mum, who always tried to keep my spirits up even when I was 120lbs and people thought I had AIDS.  She's gone now, but I know she's still got my back.  My England family, who helped me out when I became very ill while visiting and were right.....I probably should have stayed longer and had the surgery there instead of flying 8 hours in tremendous pain.  My extended family, step and inlaws, who were brought in on this "journey" without being asked.  My brothers and sister who have understanded, cared and helped along the way.  My two kids, who still don't understand fully what's up with Dad, but try very hard not to "get Daddy" in the stomach area, and I know it must be frustrating for them sometimes trying to understand why Daddy can't play with them or go to some places with them.  But maybe one day soon they will get it.
And finally, to the one person who puts up with me daily and sometimes I don't know why....my lovely wife.  She has stayed with me, even when we were dating, knowing about what I had.  She didn't run away, like others had in the past.  She has been there through thick and thin, through hospital visits, surgeries, and the like.  Through my stubborness and stupidity over the disease.  She has been my rock, my everything.  She completes me.  I don't know what I would do or where I would be without her.....I love you.
Thank you to you all....I can never repay you.

Attack of the Oreo Cookie

Quietly I waited.  Waiting for just the right moment to make my move.  After months of waiting in this crowded, dark, dry little space, I will be free.  Free to torment another.  Shhhhhh....I hear someone coming.  Could this be the time?  Could this be my moment of glory?  We're moving!!  They are taking us down off the shelf and opening the bag, my tomb.  Come on....pick me dammit!  It's MY time.  It's MY turn.  You know you want to....you know you shouldn't....but you're going to anyway.  They are reaching in...I can feel the pressure on my hard cookie exterior....they have me!!!!  They bring me out and suddenly there is light...bright blinding light!  Then darkness as I am eaten alive!! Then, CRUNCH!  They bit into my hard flesh in one bite, the ANIMAL!!  But....it's payback time.  I can see on my travels along their digestive tract, they are diseased.  Muuahhh ahhh hahhhhhhh!!!  I've got you now!!  They appear to be....hmmm...yes, yes, I can see it now......they are....a Crohnie!!!  Muahhhhh ahhh hahhhhh!!!  Maybe my hard outer chocolate coating might not harm you, but my creamy sugary center will!!!  Eat ME will you!!!!  I am going to stay with you at least a few hours and cause you so much pain and discomfort, you will never want to eat an Oreo again!  Muahhh ahh hahhhh!!!  I sacrificed myself for my fellow package mates.  I am a martyr.  I AM OREO!!

A Day at the Northwest Washington Fair....by a Crohnie

Got up early to make sure the boys were ready, had to go to work quick anyway, and I had breakfast at 7am (keep that time in mind).  Made sure I went to the washroom a couple of times before we left, even if I didn't have to.  We left and got to the border around 9:30 and waited.....and waited.....and waited.....keeping in mind this is the "good" border crossing....and waited and finally crossed at around 10:20.  We headed down to Target first to get some items for the day and to do some returns and of course so the boys can go to the washroom.  Over to one more store to do a return and then off to the Fair.  By now, it's lunch time and we ate the sandwiches we brought, me? peanut butter and water.  THAT was my big meal of the day.  We had fun at the fair, but with the heat today, 30 degrees C, I wasn't handling it too too well.  My wife stood in line for ice cream, for them, not me, but they were sooooo large, I had to keep licking the cone of my eldest to stop it from dripping all over him....maybe not such a good idea at the time.....but.  So, after a few hours at the Fair, we headed back to the shady car to relax for a while.  We headed back in around 5:30 so the family could have dinner.  They had hamburgers, hot dogs and fries (we brought our own water) and they headed off to the Monster Truck show, while I headed  back to the car to lay down and relax.  Mainly cuz the show cost $30 just for them and tack on more if I went. 
But, by now, I'm starting to get that "hmmm" feeling.  You know the one.  The one that you're thinking, "am I going to last the length of the show, the wait at the border and the drive home to get to the washroom?"  Oh yeah, didn't I mention....I have yet to use the washroom.  Mainly because I hate using public washrooms.  I will if I have to, but ...yeeeeah, not my thing. 
Luckily they left the show early, but it's still after 9pm now.  Yes they had a great time at the show.  In their own words...."wicked!"  Yes, there was a wait at the border, but not bad, and we made it home after 10pm and after lugging the now asleep boys to bed, I finally got to get to the bathroom....whew.  And I finally got something to eat.
But as you can see, just going out to the Fair takes planning from a Crohnies part.  Can I eat? When can I eat? Should I eat?  If I eat, how long til I'll have to go to the washroom.?  Luckily, I didn't have much, so the ice cream didn't affect me like I thought it might.
So....in the end, you either have to starve yourself for the day, don't care about using public washrooms (especially disgusting ones) or.....be able to drive really, really fast.

So......it's finally official

I went to the doctor today to get the results of my blood work, which I already knew the answers to.  Low Iron and B12 due to anemia, but I'm taking the easy iron pills so we'll have more blood work in a month and a half to see if that helps.  But, I have also been having problems with my eyes and seeing things close, like words.  I wanted to make sure that there wasn't anything going on inside my eyes as a result of the lack of minerals etc.  The Dr didn't think so, but she tried an experiment on me.....right there in the doctors office!!  She handed me a magazine and asked me if I could read it, I said yes, but it's blury.  She handed me a pair of glasses and said, how bout now?  I said out loud...Holy Shit! What a difference!!.  "I can see, I can see, thank God Almighty, I can see!!!!!!"  Well, it wasn't quite THAT dramatic, but you get the idea.  The answer from my doctor?  She said,  (ahem) "you're just getting old".
So, it is finally official.....I'm old...... (er)

Iron and B12

So, I had some more blood work done the other day at my request, because I was feeling tired and just, well, worn out.  Eventhough I get B12 shots once a month, I was still feeling ...."blah"   My workup showed the usual culprits, low Iron, low B12, high white count, low red count..etc, etc.  I started taking these pills from a health food store called "easy Iron".  It has Iron, Folic Acid, B6, Vit C and B12 and within a few days, I can feel my energy go up.  I'm obviously not going to go out and run a marathon now, but I'm not so so tired right now and makes going to work easier.  I'll go get more blood work in a month or so and compare the results.  Because most of my large and part of my small intestine are non existant, I can't absorb the nutrients I need, so these Vite's are more easily absorbed so at least I'm getting "something".
Works for me!!

Midnight Snack

So, last night I couldn't sleep....again...and its either I'm hungry, my legs are bothering me or my Crohn's is bothering me.  So, I do what any 'normal' person would do and get up, go downstairs and check out the kitchen on what there is to snack on.  BUT WAIT!!  Is there anything in the cupboards or refridgerator that I can eat, being a Crohnie and all??  Hmmmmm, let's investigate shall we.  First, let's check the cupboard.  Peanut butter? maybe. Honey? nope. Wheat crackers? nope. Nutrigrain bars, wheat thins, gummie bears, Special K bars?  ah, hell no. Potato chips, marshmellows, chocolate chip cookies? nope.  Hmmmm, let's check the fridge.  Fruit? possible.....apples, grapes, oranges, nnnnnope.  Raw carrots, broccoli, cauliflower?  definately not. Okay then, how bout to drink, maybe that will quelch my hunger.  Pop, juice, iced tea? nope.  Water? yep.
So, what did I accomplish last night in the kitchen in search of a late night snack?  Other than the fact now, not only am I tired and hungry, but I'm also depressed....a nice cold tall glass of plain, ordinary, unflavored, but filtered....water.  Mmmmm, mmmm, mmmmmmmm

The moral to this story kids...don't get up

Facebook

Started a Facebook page, still under development, called "Crohnie Island"
Let see where it takes us shall we......

It's a pain in the ass

You know, I've had Crohn's for a long time now, too long, you might say, and I can put up with alot of things.  And I have. 

1.  The abdominal pains, of course, in the beginning were very painful, quite painful, frequent and above all, irritating.
2.  Going to the bathroom all the time.  It got to the point where I stopped eating, just to avoid going to the bathroom.  Not very smart, I know, but when you start setting up the bathroom like a living area, to the point where you are basically living in the bathroom, not eating seemed, at the time, unimportant.
3.  Not eating your favorite things.  I miss(ed) ice cream, chocolate, dairy, popcorn, pop, juice (and ironically, I should be drinking raspberry or cranberry juice for my kidneys), tea, turkey, a simple salad, etc etc etc.
4.  Frequent hospital visits.  From surgeries to dehydration to kidney stones.....I almost had my own room in the hospital, I was there so many times.
5.  Knowing where every store, gas station or restaurant with a washroom is within a 50 km radius.
6.  Trying to explain "it" to others.  Why are you away so much?  What's wrong with you?  Why don't you eat more?  Come on, have a drink, don't be a "woman", and my personal favorite, You don't look sick?  And yes, these ARE some of the things I hear or have heard.  It got to the point where you want to say,
"You know what?, Fuck off!!"

Now, like I said, I can handle most things, but to this point, after 20+ years of Crohn's and everything that's happened to me and affected me (and my family), I'm getting sick and tired of the pain after frequent visits to the bathroom.  When you "go" up to 3-4 times in an hour, your ass is just screaming to you, "Awww, c'mon!! not again!!!!"  My saving grace?  My family knows, and my U.K. family knows too.....GERMOLINE!!!  Put that on, while my ass is screaming at me.....it's like "Ahhhhhhh, thanks mate"

So, to sum up.....Crohn's? bad!  Germoline? good!

Web Site

Found a new website I saw as a commercial on tv

http://www.knowcrohns.com/

Filtered Water

So, the past week or so, I've been having ab pain, but I couldn't figure out why.  Other than the fact I have Crohn's of course ha ha ha, but anyway, I switched to a liquid diet like I usually do, as that helps calm down my intestines.  Now, I have been drinking filtered water since I was diagnosed, on the advice of my doctor, which is fine ( I use Brita).  So, I have been drinking like crazy during this flare up as it normally helps, but not this time.  I took a closer look at my Brita filter......the filter expired a few weeks prior.  I thought tho myself, "Self, it coulnd't possibly be that simple".  I went and bought some new filters, popped one in and by the next day......pain subsided.  Coincidence?  Maybe.....but something to think about.

Coughing

Turns out, having a cough can aggrivate your Crohn's.  Hmmm...well, I've had this cough from a cold, for about two weeks and at the same time, my Crohn's goes active after months on nothingness.  Thankfully, the cough is going, but now it's gotten to the point, it hurts to cough.  My insides I mean.  You don't realize how much you use your abs when you cough, until they hurt!  I feel a NyQuil night coming on....

Discovery...??

I think I've discovered why I was getting bloated and gassy....I now have a cold.  I've noticed it before as well.  Whenever I have a cold coming on, my insides start doing flip flops.  Almost like my Crohn's is telling me that I'm about to get sick.  Coughing is the worst, hurts my abs.  Oh well, just something else to put up with for awhile, until the next thing comes along.

You Got That Bloating Feeling....

Gas.  Not good for alot of things, but in a Crohn's patient, it's hell.  Hurts too, especially when your 4 year old jumps on your stomach...nice!  Don't know what I ate or did that caused it, haven't done anything different.  Whatever I did, I'm paying for it now!

Fathers Day

Happy Fathers Day to everyone

What To Do, What To Do....

How can you write about something regarding Crohn's if you're feeling fine.  Hmmmm...I haven't had long stretches of remission in a long time, well actually, Never!  I mean I do have days where I'm just completely worn out tired, but is that from the Crohn's or is that from work?  I haven't had any real "pain", just a feeling of being uncomfortable.
Well, I guess I shouldn't complain, eh

Long Time No See

Finally got to get together with a friend of mine whom I've been friends with since the first grade.  That's 38 years!  Also met his new wife, who's very nice, and her daughter from another marriage, who's also very nice..  And got to see his two kids whom I havent seen in 8 years.  Boy! Kids grow up fast!!  His family got to meet my wife and kids and we had a nice lunch together.  It was funny, his wife mentioned that she was beginning to wonder if I even existed!  hahahaha.
Nice time had by all I think.  Next we'll have to have them over to our house.
Thanks guys!!

OUCH!

Hot and sunny yesterday.  Went out on painted the front trim, posts and front door (5 hours) and looks great, but got a burn on my back from doing it.  Lots of fun, now I have to go to work, should be an interesting day, seeing I work outside and its going to be sunny again.  Wish me luck!

Old

Happy Birthday to meeeee...!  It's official, I now have been living with Crohn's more than half my life.

Blah...

Tired.  Worn out.  Ache all over.

And I haven't really done anything to get this way.......uh oh

Humor (repost)

Had to repost this, it made me laugh again, and don't we all need a laugh once in awhile.

In the peace and quiet of my bedroom, lying half asleep, I hear it.  Faint at first, but loud enough to make me wonder, what's that!?  I shrug my shoulders and close my eyes and try and go back to sleep.  Then I hear it again, a little louder this time.  My heart starts to beat a little faster wondering, what's that!?  I'm hesitant to get up and take a look around, cuz you never know, but, what's that!?  I roll over and take a look at my wife lying next to me and I wonder, should I wake her?  No, I'm the man, I can handle it.  So I slowly and quietly get out of bed and go take a look around.  From the top of the stairs I hear it again, what's that!?  Even louder now, so I go downstairs and have a look.  I turn on all the lights and listen.......I hear it again even louder than ever!!  What the f*&@ is that!!?? 
Then realize it's just my gut talking.  Oh, the life of a Crohn's sufferer.

A Day In The Life....

....of a Crohn's sufferer.
1. get up in the morning after a restless night
2. go to the washroom
3. breakfast
4. washroom
5. washroom
6. lunch
7., 8., 9. washroom
10. dinner
11., 12., 13. washroom
14. try and get to sleep
15. washroom
16. restless sleep
17. repeat.

BBQ for Crohn's

Today is M&M's annual BBQ for Crohn's disease research.  Hope they sell alot of burgers and dogs.  I mean for a min donation of $2.50, you get a hot dog or hamburger, a bag of chips and a drink, can't beat that!  Thanks M&M Meat Shops!!

Getting There

Feeling better today.  It's the long weekend, so no work for 4 days, maybe I can rest.......ha ha ha, sorry had to laugh.  No time to rest.  Things to do around the house and outside the house, oh well, one can dream.

On My Feet All Day

It's amazing how one can take "sitting" for granted.  Try standing all day without sitting.  That includes eating breakfast, going to work, work all day, eating lunch, eating dinner and even sitting at the computer.  Don't forget to come up with reasons WHY you can't sit down when someone says to you, "have a seat" or "why not sit down and relax"  I WOULD LOVE TO!!  Now, after allllll that, that's how my day is lately because of one stupid little abcess.  Well, maybe not so little.  All I CAN do is lay down or kneel.
So, those of you that read this that don't have Crohn's, I dare you to try it, just for one day, one.....day.  Then you might get a sense of what it's like, minus the pain.

Bathroom

You know, most people have rooms in their houses which are their sanctuary.  The master bedroom, living room, kitchen, the "man cave", heck, even the laundry room.  For me, I think its the bathroom.  Yes, the bathroom.  And why not, I'm there ALL THE TIME!!   Take today for instance.  Last night, starting around 11pm, I was going to the bathroom almost ever half hour.  And I thought to myself, 'oh (expletive) here we go again!'  The first thought was dehydration and the pain in my ass, but now, almost 24 hours later, I'm a little week, but getting better.  Which brings to mind my little saying for Crohnies.......

"Funeral arrangements for a Crohn's sufferer................bury me in a porta-potty

Crohn's, diet and stress

Found a great site that actually realizes that every person suffers from this damned disease differently, check it out...

http://www.crohns-disease-and-stress.com/crohns-disease-diet.html

B12 shots

Anyone else have to get B12 shots??  I have to get mine once a month.  Today was great, because I had my two boys with me and they got to see me get my shot.  My 3 year old asked me if it hurt and I said no, you saw me get it and I didn't even move......he says, hmmmm, I think I like shots daddy.  Of course, I'm thinking, ya you say that now, wait until you have to get a shot.

Gas Pain and Probiotics

One thing I discovered with my Crohn's is there is a tremendous amount of pain from the gas produced and not necessarily from the Crohn's itself.  But having said that, I also found that taking a probiotic in pill form, helped alot in reducing the amount of gas produced.  And it had to be in the pill form and not within other products because when it's within other products, like yogurt, there isn't a high enough dose.
Try it, let me know if it works for you as it did for me!!

Potty Mouth

Ever since I was in hospital over the Xmas holidays, I've had to rethink my Crohn's and how it affects me.  Because since then, I don't go to the bathroom as much, I'm eating more, I can drink coffee, I'm drinking a hell of alot more water, I'm eating brown bread, I can drink regular milk and I actually gained a little weight....a little.  So, why am I bitching?  All this sounds great, right?  Yes and no.  The problem is, after 22 years of figuring out what I can eat, what I can drink, when or where I can eat something knowing I'm going to have to go to the bathroom within minutes sometimes, etc.....I've had to start all over again.  I've found now that if I eat peanut butter or a banana at bedtime....most of the time I DON'T get up in the night to go to the bathroom....go figure!  What's worse...?  Because I don't go as often, I actually get abdominal pain from it building up inside and puting pressure on my surgical site, yes, the 22 year old site.  So.....
 to shit or not to shit, THAT is the question!!

Facebook

I started a Facebook page called "Artist's Laine" displaying my artwork.

Testing, testing.......

I wish the hospital closest to me had a bone density machine.  I have to drive half and hour to be there a half hour before, all for a 10 minute test!!  I mean, I've only been on Prednisone for 22 years, it's not like it's forever or anything ( insert sarcasm here) Oh well, at least I'll find out if my bones are thinning.   And won't THAT be just fantastic.....I mean to go along with the Crohn's, meds and side affects.  Yee haw!!

Which are you?

Did another painting.  Pretty much speaks for itself.  Where do you fall?

I call it, Heaven and Hell.

Welcome 2011

Well, I rang in the new year with gusto this time.  I got some sort of virus or bacterial infection just before new years and ended up in hospital because I couldn't stop going to the bathroom.  Every hour, sometimes twice an hour.  So, of course, I ended up getting dehydrated.  It took 10 in hospital to recover enough to come home.  I'm fine now, but what's really weird is I can't stop eating!!  I'm hungry all the time!!  I've switched to brewed coffee (tastes better anyway), my daily bathroom visits have reduced (yay) and I have energy!  Energy!??  I had almost forgot what that was, for gods sake.  I don't know why.....maybe something in hospital after all the antibiotics they gave me or what....don't know.  Whatever happened, it's working.


But, being who I am.......and how I look at things........I'm thinking, yeeeeeah, how long til I'm sick again?  Hmmmm

Coffee

I've discovered over the past few months that I can actually drink coffee.  But, having said that, I cannot drink instant coffee, but I CAN drink brewed coffee.  Weird I thought, but I guess they put ALOT of crap in instant coffee.  So, I guess I have to go to Tim Horton's more often....oh well....in pursuit of science and for answers, I need to do more research.