100,000 Thank you's !!

Signed in to my blog this morning to write about my Remicade infusion, day 1410 by the way, and noticed that my little blog has surpassed the 100,000 view mark.  WOW!!  It's a great feeling that it's reached so many out there, bringing our big world together.  It's like I just won an Academy Award!
So, keeping to that theme...


WOW!! Okay. So here I am. I know everyone says they’ve dreamt about this moment since they were a kid or whatever, but I never did really.
Anyway, let me catch my breath for a second... whew.  There are a lot of people I would like to thank that helped me on this journey, from the local Tim Hortons that supplied the coffee and donuts, to my incurable invisible disease that was my muse and the reason for all of this.


But honestly I'd like to thank everyone that came by my blog for a visit.  It started out for me to vent and to share my experiences battling Crohn's...and add a little humor...maybe, just maybe mind you, help others who are going through the same battles.  Even if it helps one person, then I'm happy.
My sister-in-law suggested I start writing in 2009 and here we are, 7 years later and over 100,000 views.  I'd also like to thank Healthline.com that have recognised this blog since 2013 as one of the top Crohns Disease blogs.
To say the least, I'm extremely humbled.
Thanks to everyone who have come by for a visit and a read.  And to those that have shared, commented and/or contributed to Leaving the Seat Down.
But most of all, I'd like to thank my friends and family who have encouraged me but also have endured my ups and downs over the 28 years of my battle with Crohn's, especially my wife.


I thank you all sincerely from the bottom of my heart.

Calling All Crohn's Tattoos !!

Healthline.com is once again compiling a list of Crohn's inspired tattoos and want you to add yours to their list.
 All people have to do is send in a clear photo of their tattoo +  short description, with the subject “My Crohn's Disease tattoo,” to nominations@healthline.com – they’ll then feature them on the site!


I'm submitting mine....will you..?


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I Am Strong...

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Toilet Paper VS Bath Tissue : Part 3

So... further to my calculations, let's go for distance, shall we...
Over my 28 year fight with Crohn's Disease,

-5110 rolls x 425 sheets = 2,171,750 sheets of toilet paper (77,562 per year)

if each sheet is approx. 10cm in length, then...

-425 sheets x 10cm = 4250 cm (1673 in)
-each roll is approx. 42 meters (139 ft)

so....

-5110 rolls x 42 meters = 214,620 meters of toilet paper (704,134 ft)
-214,620 meters = 215 kilometers (134 miles) of toilet paper in 28 years.....approx.

That's like driving from Vancouver, BC to Seattle, WA !  (almost)

New Biologic Treatment In Canada

May 19th was not only World IBD Day, but The Crohns and Colitis Foundation of Canada announced the government approval of a new biologic, ENTYVIO (vedolizumab), for use in Canada.


http://www.takedacanada.com/media/news-releases/2015/entyvio/


We're getting closer....


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World IBD Day - May 19th

Thanks to CCFC

 

Wear Purple to show support on Thursday May 19th !!

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Toilet Paper VS Bath Tissue : Part 2

I thought I would add to my toilet paper calculations....
If there are 425 sheets per roll, then over my 28 year battle with Crohn's...


-5110 rolls x 425 sheets = 2,171,750 sheets of toilet paper (77,562 per year)
-each sheet is 11.5cm x 10.1cm = 116.15 sq cm's (4.5in x 3.9in = 17.55 sq in's)
-2,171,750 total sheets x 116.15 sq cm's = 252,248,762.5 sq cm's (38,114,212.5 sq in's)


To give you an idea, that's about 54.5 million.... postage stamps!!
Thanks goodness toilet paper isn't as sticky!


Just some "fun facts"


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Toilet Paper VS Bath Tissue

So....I was sitting in the bathroom, like I frequently do, and started to think...is it toilet paper or bath tissue?  I know, what a weird thing to be thinking about at that moment in time, but I do some of my best thinking whilst "going".  Let's face it, we Crohnies spend a hell of a lot of time in there.
Most people call it TP or toilet paper here in Canada, but then why does the packaging say, Bath Tissue.  The only thing I could think of was that it was "more polite" while it sits on the shelf.  Honestly, I couldn't give a crap WHAT they call it.  Ha ha ha, I couldn't "give a crap"  (that's funny) but then I started thinking...I wonder just how much toilet paper I've used since my diagnosis?  hmmmm, well let's see.....


-there are 365 days in the year and I go through, on average, 1 roll every 2 days = 182.5 rolls/year
-I've had Crohns for 28 years = 182.5 x 28 = 5110 rolls
-average 36 rolls per pack = 142 packs
-average $20 per 36 roll pack = $2840 spent in toilet paper since having Crohn's Disease.


This of course is just an estimate, but gives a sense of how much I use...and also a sense of how bored I get.
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Thanks Healthline.com !!

A huge "Thank you" goes out to Healthline.com for voting my blog one of the Best Crohn's Disease Blogs of 2016.  It's an honour for me to be recognized in this way.
After 28 years of living with Crohn's, I try to bring some information as well as some humor and honesty to a disease no one really likes to talk about.  And to be placed in such a fantastic group of other blogs....wow!


Thanks again, I truly appreciate this honour.

Wearable Art Collections - Checkers

Here are some of my Checkers collection featured on VIDA
http://shopvida.com/collections/voices/vern-laine

Men's Silk or Cotton Pocket Square

Modal Scarf

Cashmere Modal Scarf

Men's Silk or Cotton Pocket Square

Cashmere Modal Scarf

Silk Square Scarf

Cashmere Silk Scarf

Cashmere Modal Scarf

Men's Silk or Cotton Pocket Square

Cashmere Modal Scarf

Cashmere Silk Scarf

Cashmere Silk Scarf