I have added my artwork to clothing and have started with women's silk scarves
http://shopvida.com/collections/voices/vern-laine
Hopefully I can add more clothing as well as artwork.
Thursday, March 10, 2016
Tuesday, March 1, 2016
You Might Be A Crohnie
If the question, "how are you feeling?", is THE most difficult question in the world to answer
...you might be a Crohnie
...you might be a Crohnie
Thursday, February 18, 2016
It's Just A Cold...
When I use to hear this from people that didn't understand my "predicament", I would go in to a long spiel about how I have Crohn's and there never is "just a cold" anymore.
Today when people say it to me, I just roll my eyes, shake my head and smile...sort of.
I wish I could "just have a cold" like I use to 30 years ago, gone are the days of catching a cold and take some medicine. The cold medicines that use to help me now cause me problems, either with pain, discomfort or major diarrhea.
I caught a cold the other day and I had a sore throat that felt as though something was stuck in there; my voice sounded like Barry White.....only deeper; a headache, but the sharp ones behind your eyes; runny nose, like a tap; cough that I feel in my chest, back and causes pain in my abdomen each and every time; muscle and joint pain that makes me feel like I'm 97 instead of 47; and dehydration that takes the wind out of me each and every time walking up stairs and, well.....just walking.
So, no, it's not just a cold. Maybe for all the "healthy" people it's just a cold, but maybe think twice before telling someone else, it's just a cold, you have no idea what a cold is.
Today when people say it to me, I just roll my eyes, shake my head and smile...sort of.
I wish I could "just have a cold" like I use to 30 years ago, gone are the days of catching a cold and take some medicine. The cold medicines that use to help me now cause me problems, either with pain, discomfort or major diarrhea.
I caught a cold the other day and I had a sore throat that felt as though something was stuck in there; my voice sounded like Barry White.....only deeper; a headache, but the sharp ones behind your eyes; runny nose, like a tap; cough that I feel in my chest, back and causes pain in my abdomen each and every time; muscle and joint pain that makes me feel like I'm 97 instead of 47; and dehydration that takes the wind out of me each and every time walking up stairs and, well.....just walking.
So, no, it's not just a cold. Maybe for all the "healthy" people it's just a cold, but maybe think twice before telling someone else, it's just a cold, you have no idea what a cold is.
Sunday, February 7, 2016
Tuesday, February 2, 2016
You Might Be A Crohnie
If getting out of bed is one of the highlights of your day...
you might be a Crohnie
you might be a Crohnie
Wednesday, January 27, 2016
Remicade : Day 1282
It's funny, when you see 1282 days, it doesn't look like a lot.....but when you convert it to years, it's 3 1/2 years! Certainly doesn't feel like it that's for sure.
But after all this time getting treatment sitting in those chairs, getting poked and juiced up and reading my iPad, I came across yet another Crohn's patient passing away from complications to this god forsaken disease.
It doesn't necessarily mean that I'm going to die from it, but there is always the possibility I guess. I know I will be at a higher risk for colon cancer or lung disease and as I age, there's the risk of malnutrition. Then again....anything can happen at any time no matter if you have a disease or not.
I thought of my wife and kids and how they would be when I'm gone. Then I thought about how many days, outings and trips I've missed because of my Crohn's. So maybe I should make each day count we spend together, whether that be having dinner together, watching a movie or reading a book together. #makeeachdaycount
Then after all that "thinking", my infusion was over and I thought, you do an awful lot of thinking while sitting in a leather Lazy Boy.
But after all this time getting treatment sitting in those chairs, getting poked and juiced up and reading my iPad, I came across yet another Crohn's patient passing away from complications to this god forsaken disease.
It doesn't necessarily mean that I'm going to die from it, but there is always the possibility I guess. I know I will be at a higher risk for colon cancer or lung disease and as I age, there's the risk of malnutrition. Then again....anything can happen at any time no matter if you have a disease or not.
I thought of my wife and kids and how they would be when I'm gone. Then I thought about how many days, outings and trips I've missed because of my Crohn's. So maybe I should make each day count we spend together, whether that be having dinner together, watching a movie or reading a book together. #makeeachdaycount
Then after all that "thinking", my infusion was over and I thought, you do an awful lot of thinking while sitting in a leather Lazy Boy.
Tuesday, January 26, 2016
Protein Bars
Finally found a protein bar that doesn't cause me any discomfort or pain. I found them at WalMart and Costco here in Canada.
Saturday, January 16, 2016
What Happens In Vegas.......
My wife and I just returned from a great trip to Las Vegas and it got me thinking how much more difficult it is for me to prepare for a trip compared to a "normal" person. I have to think days ahead and prepare for what "could" happen as apposed to just getting on a plane and go on vacation.
Prior to leaving, I need to make sure I have all my meds in place, making sure they remained in the original bottles as they could be confiscated at security if they are not. I also have to get extra travel insurance, just in case. Insurance for those of us with pre-existing conditions, it only costs an extra $25, so worth every penny. The morning we left, I didn't really eat, just a little bit of my wife's muffin and a little water. I don't want to have to have any problems before getting on the plane or on the plane. I would rather not eat, then have to "worry". I repeated the routine on the flight home as well.
Now, while in Vegas, it's not as bad because if I have to get to a washroom fast, there are plenty of public washrooms around, in the hotels and on the strip itself, so good on Vegas for that. If you're like me though, I'm not fond of the public washrooms, our hotel room was not far. We stayed at Caesar's Palace (great hotel). Each day was planned, where most people just head out, if we were going to be out for a long period, I didn't eat, but we didn't go too too far. We saw Cirque du Soleil's LOVE the first night (great show)...the show starts at 7, so we had dinner at 4 so I had time to go to the bathroom prior to the show. I highly recommend Gordon Ramsay's Pub and Grill in Caesar's Palace. I took power bars with me just in case, but never ate one.
Breakfast the next day was at Mon Ami Gabi at the Paris Hotel, highly recommend as well, but instead of having what I wanted, I had to think what we were doing after breakfast, which was walking the strip and shopping, so I had French Toast with fruit, simple. We had dinner at 4 again at the Bellagio Buffet because we were going to see Celine Dion at 730, again, giving me time. With the hundreds of selections of food, I still can only eat a small amount of what's available. I should say, I can eat whatever I want, but not if I pay for it later. The next day was breakfast at Terrance Point Café at the Wynn, highly recommend again and then at Gordon Ramsay's Pub and Grill around 4pm as we were at another show for 730, Terry Fator and the Mirage, another great show.
We were leaving the next day and repeated my routine for flying as when arriving.
All in all, I wish I could have had more to eat and I would have loved to have some drinks, but this is my life now and the life of a Crohnie sometimes. I need to think ahead to avoid problems and to enjoy myself. Drinking lots of water helps make me feel full. My wife ate and drank whatever she wanted to and I love her for that because why should she suffer because of me. I don't feel I lost anything and we had a wonderful time in Las Vegas. I personally recommend Caesar's Palace for the rooms, staff, restaurants, shopping, shows and overall cleanliness. Some of the hotels we walked through smelled liked we were walking through an ashtray full of sweat, so disgusting.
Prior to leaving, I need to make sure I have all my meds in place, making sure they remained in the original bottles as they could be confiscated at security if they are not. I also have to get extra travel insurance, just in case. Insurance for those of us with pre-existing conditions, it only costs an extra $25, so worth every penny. The morning we left, I didn't really eat, just a little bit of my wife's muffin and a little water. I don't want to have to have any problems before getting on the plane or on the plane. I would rather not eat, then have to "worry". I repeated the routine on the flight home as well.
Now, while in Vegas, it's not as bad because if I have to get to a washroom fast, there are plenty of public washrooms around, in the hotels and on the strip itself, so good on Vegas for that. If you're like me though, I'm not fond of the public washrooms, our hotel room was not far. We stayed at Caesar's Palace (great hotel). Each day was planned, where most people just head out, if we were going to be out for a long period, I didn't eat, but we didn't go too too far. We saw Cirque du Soleil's LOVE the first night (great show)...the show starts at 7, so we had dinner at 4 so I had time to go to the bathroom prior to the show. I highly recommend Gordon Ramsay's Pub and Grill in Caesar's Palace. I took power bars with me just in case, but never ate one.
Breakfast the next day was at Mon Ami Gabi at the Paris Hotel, highly recommend as well, but instead of having what I wanted, I had to think what we were doing after breakfast, which was walking the strip and shopping, so I had French Toast with fruit, simple. We had dinner at 4 again at the Bellagio Buffet because we were going to see Celine Dion at 730, again, giving me time. With the hundreds of selections of food, I still can only eat a small amount of what's available. I should say, I can eat whatever I want, but not if I pay for it later. The next day was breakfast at Terrance Point Café at the Wynn, highly recommend again and then at Gordon Ramsay's Pub and Grill around 4pm as we were at another show for 730, Terry Fator and the Mirage, another great show.
We were leaving the next day and repeated my routine for flying as when arriving.
All in all, I wish I could have had more to eat and I would have loved to have some drinks, but this is my life now and the life of a Crohnie sometimes. I need to think ahead to avoid problems and to enjoy myself. Drinking lots of water helps make me feel full. My wife ate and drank whatever she wanted to and I love her for that because why should she suffer because of me. I don't feel I lost anything and we had a wonderful time in Las Vegas. I personally recommend Caesar's Palace for the rooms, staff, restaurants, shopping, shows and overall cleanliness. Some of the hotels we walked through smelled liked we were walking through an ashtray full of sweat, so disgusting.
Wednesday, December 30, 2015
You Might Be A Crohnie
If you are more embarrassed buying toilet paper then you are buying condoms or tampons
...you might be a Crohnie
...you might be a Crohnie
Tuesday, December 22, 2015
Twas The Night Before A Crohnie Christmas
Here, once again, is my version of the famous poem.
There are some words that might offend, but.....well.....I never said I was politically correct =)
Enjoy !!!
And then, in an instant, I heard on the roof,
The scratching and farting of that big, silly 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 fur, from his head to his toe,
He looked very fatigued, he moved really slow.
A bundle of toys he had flung on my chair,
He looked in pain, it must be a flare.
His eyes, how they squinted! His face quite scary!
He let out a fart, not pleasant or airey!
His droll little mouth was drawn up like a bow,
I was getting prepared, he was gonna let another one go.
The bags under his eyes, I saw his fatigue
That comes from living with this dam Crohn's Disease.
He had a broad face, (must be the Prednisone),
If he didn’t hurry, he would soon need the throne.
He was chubby and plump, a right smelly old elf,
And I laughed when I saw him, in spite of myself!
The moon face, mood swings and twitch of the head,
Soon gave me to know it was for sure the Pred.
There are some words that might offend, but.....well.....I never said I was politically correct =)
Enjoy !!!
‘Twas the night before a Crohnie Christmas, quiet as a mouse
Trying to get to the bathroom without disturbing the spouse.
The TP was hung by the toilet with care,
In hopes that I don’t run out whilst I sat there.
The children were nestled all snug in their beds,
I hope I’m not too loud lest I wake their sleepy heads.
And mamma in her ‘kerchief, and I in my cap,
But I had to get up, I needed to crap.
When out on the lawn there arose such a clatter,
I sprang from my throne to see what was the matter.
Away to the window I flew like a flash,
Still pulling up my underwear to cover my ass.
I live on the coast so there wasn’t any snow
Just dreary wet grass that I can see below.
When, what to my very tired eyes should appear,
But a miniature sleigh, and eight tiny reindeer.
A decrepit old driver, not lively or quick,
I knew in a moment it must be St Nick.
He didn’t look well, he must be inflamed,
But he whistled, and shouted, and called his reindeer by name!
"Now Crohns! Now, Colitis! Now, Pain and Grouch!
On, Abscess! On, Fistula! On, Ostomy and J-Pouch!
To the top of the porch! To the top of the wall!
Now dash away! Dash away! Dash away all!"
Trying to get to the bathroom without disturbing the spouse.
The TP was hung by the toilet with care,
In hopes that I don’t run out whilst I sat there.
The children were nestled all snug in their beds,
I hope I’m not too loud lest I wake their sleepy heads.
And mamma in her ‘kerchief, and I in my cap,
But I had to get up, I needed to crap.
When out on the lawn there arose such a clatter,
I sprang from my throne to see what was the matter.
Away to the window I flew like a flash,
Still pulling up my underwear to cover my ass.
I live on the coast so there wasn’t any snow
Just dreary wet grass that I can see below.
When, what to my very tired eyes should appear,
But a miniature sleigh, and eight tiny reindeer.
A decrepit old driver, not lively or quick,
I knew in a moment it must be St Nick.
He didn’t look well, he must be inflamed,
But he whistled, and shouted, and called his reindeer by name!
"Now Crohns! Now, Colitis! Now, Pain and Grouch!
On, Abscess! On, Fistula! On, Ostomy and J-Pouch!
To the top of the porch! To the top of the wall!
Now dash away! Dash away! Dash away all!"
And then, in an instant, I heard on the roof,
The scratching and farting of that big, silly 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 fur, from his head to his toe,
He looked very fatigued, he moved really slow.
A bundle of toys he had flung on my chair,
He looked in pain, it must be a flare.
His eyes, how they squinted! His face quite scary!
He let out a fart, not pleasant or airey!
His droll little mouth was drawn up like a bow,
I was getting prepared, he was gonna let another one go.
The bags under his eyes, I saw his fatigue
That comes from living with this dam Crohn's Disease.
He had a broad face, (must be the Prednisone),
If he didn’t hurry, he would soon need the throne.
He was chubby and plump, a right smelly old elf,
And I laughed when I saw him, in spite of myself!
The moon face, mood swings and twitch of the head,
Soon gave me to know it was for sure the Pred.
He spoke not a word, but went straight to the bathroom,
And filled my toilet with a splat! and a KABOOM!
And laying his fingers, covering his nose,
Giving a nod, up the chimney he rose!
He sprang to his sleigh, he now weighed so much less,
He thanked me and apologized for the big mess.
But when I heard him exclaim, I realized he knew our plight,
“I have Crohn’s Disease too, it’s going to be one HELL of a night!!”
And filled my toilet with a splat! and a KABOOM!
And laying his fingers, covering his nose,
Giving a nod, up the chimney he rose!
He sprang to his sleigh, he now weighed so much less,
He thanked me and apologized for the big mess.
But when I heard him exclaim, I realized he knew our plight,
“I have Crohn’s Disease too, it’s going to be one HELL of a night!!”
Merry Christmas everyone!!
Subscribe to:
Comments (Atom)