Crohn's and Fitness : Part Two

Well, just an update on the "program" I'm on. 
It's been a month and surprisingly everything is coming along well.  I say "surprisingly" because honestly, I was expecting more pain and fatigue then I am experiencing.  I still feel it, don't get me wrong, I was just expecting it to be worse.
My trainer, Kristine, is great.  She keeps me focused and is quick to correct my positioning and posture. We're working on my core, shoulders and hips but also working the glutes and chest.  The only equipment I use is a resistance band and a lacrosse ball for massaging the muscles.  Who knew pulling on a large rubber band and rolling a lacrosse ball along a wall actually works.  No need to spend hundreds of dollars on fancy equipment.  The ball really works on getting the kinks out and nicely massages the muscles to loosen them up.  She knows her stuff and constantly asks how things are going during the session so not to "hurt" myself.
Between sessions, I workout at home and the challenge is to remember to DO IT !!  And for the past month, I HAVE been.  There's a lot of self motivating and I've been making sure I do the exercises either everyday or every two days.  Starting next month, we're going to change it up as she puts it, but I don't know what that is yet.  But for the next month, going to keep it up.
My goal for now is to be "Fit by Fifty", which is my 2 year plan, and get back to my athletic physique.
I'm going to get there.....health willing.


Slow and steady wins the race

You Might Be A Crohnie

If your veins are as hard to find as the Invisible Man
... you might be a Crohnie

Remicade : Day 1404 Happy Crohn-aversary!!

Had a quick infusion yesterday, but wow did I feel it afterwards.  I wanted to curl up in a ball and just sleep....but I had to drive home still, so THAT would be awkward.

Then I realized as I was slowly nodding off, that it has been 4 years now of Remicade infusions.  I can't remember the exact amount now, but in the 30's I think.  AND it's just over 28 years since my "official" diagnosis.  I had been having symptoms months before, but a doctor finally gave what was happening to me a name.  And when he told me that name, I was like "huh??" because I had never heard of Crohns before that date.

So, Happy Crohn-aversary to me!!  Now let's eat cake !

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Crohn's and Fitness

I've always been afraid to workout since my surgeries.  Maybe it's because the surgeons cut through the abdominal muscle and not along it, so I'm picturing doing a crunch and my insides rip open spilling my intestines out all over the floor....or...maybe it's the lack of energy I have ALL the time, along with the dehydration, and as I'm working out, pass out and fall over a machine, spilling my intestines out all over the floor.....or....maybe...

I could keep going on and on with excuses why I haven't, or don't workout, but this is a new day.  On Wednesday I turn yet another page on my journey with Crohn's Disease.  I decided after my 48th birthday that I would put in motion a 2 year plan to get fit.  I don't need to lose weight, I want to get my strength back.  Maybe not to the point of my figure skating days, but....fit.
I found a trainer that works with people like me. You know, those of us that have limitations, and I'm going for it.  I have an assessment on Wednesday so she can see range of motion, etc. and she will design a program for me that's basically strength and conditioning.  I described it to her as, "picture me as an athlete that's trying to recover from an injury" and take it from there.  Slow at first, which is why I gave myself a two year plan.  If everything goes well, we'll move on to the weights and pumping iron, but one thing at a time.

Slow and steady wins the race

You Might Be A Crohnie

When your peri-anal abscess is only the size of a quarter, but FEELS like a watermelon
...you might be a Crohnie


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You Might Be A Crohnie

If your version of multitasking is farting without crapping yourself
...you might be a Crohnie

You Might Be A Crohnie

If the airport security asks, "Can I look in your bag?" and you lift your shirt
...you might be a Crohnie


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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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