You Might Be a Crohnie

If you look at a small roll of 1-ply toilet paper and giggle...
you might be a Crohnie

IBD and Mental Health

It's never easy having an illness of any kind, let alone an illness you have no idea how you got, nor can you cure it.

It's bad enough to cope day to day, no, hour by hour with IBD (inflammatory bowel disease) because you just never know when it's going to raise it's ugly head.

So, with the pain and suffering of IBD, add anxiety and depression.  No one sees what you're going through battling Crohn's and Colitis because it's inside of you, but so is your mental health.
For many years now, when I talk to people who are newly diagnosed, I stress to ask their doctors to have their mental health checked as well. At least have your doctor give you information on someone you can call or contact in case you need it. You may never use it, but you have it just in case. I find now that social media is a great tool. There's nothing better than to be able to connect with others that can relate to what you're going through, physically and mentally.
I've come along way in 32 crohns years....

When I was diagnosed in 1988, I had never heard of Crohn's disease or IBD and neither had any of my friends or family. There was no internet to "google", I physically went to the local library to research the disease with the small amount of books available on the disease. To say it was discouraging was an understatement. No help there.
It was a year or two later that things turned for the worse after my second consecutive bowel resection surgery when my doctor told me to prepare for the possibility I could wake up from surgery with a ostomy and a bag attached. I was in my 20's and the thought of have a bag just was not even in my plans. I became very depressed and the doctor could see that, so he had someone come talk to me in hospital, that had Crohn's AND had an ostomy. It helped....a little.

I never considered myself an extrovert but also not a huge introvert either, but as the years went on, I definitely turned in on myself and stayed close to home. The pain and embarrassment of the disease caused me to shut people out and push others away. No one would understand what I was going through anyway, so why bother talking to anyone. I guess it was at this point that you find out who your friends are. The ones that will stick with you knowing somethings gong on.

Eventually, the pain, embarrassment, anxiety, depression and the like, got to me and I tried to commit suicide. I took a handful of Tylenol 3's and laid on my couch. It got to the point, I thought, I couldn't take it anymore. I had got it in my head that I was never going to get better, I was going to look the way I did for the rest of my life (skin and bone) and no one will ever want to be with me.  I was going to be alone the rest of my life. I remember taking the pills with a rum and Coke and then starting to feel relaxed. Soon after I started to feel light headed and sick to my stomach. I started to feel sick I started to get scared. Did I really want to do this? I didnt like this feeling, not at all, so I went to the bathroom and stuck my fingers down my throat to bring up what was left in my stomach. I didnt feel very well for a few hours afterwards, but I slept it off and was "fine".
I kept it to myself, for years, but in the end, glad I didnt go through with it. It goes to show what some of us go through silently and there should be mental assessments done along with regular GI appointments.

Over the many, many years I have had IBD, I learned to turn it around and make fun of it and laugh at the strange, weird, disgusting, terrifying, depressing, anxiousness we go through on a daily basis. You have to.  It's where my "You Know You're a Crohnie When..." came from.
In the end, it turns out I was wrong. I gained weight and I found someone who actually wanted to be with me. I told her on our first date about my illness. We will have been married 18 years this September and have two boys. Life's good but I still have bad days that my mind wanders to "the dark side". We all get like that. It's what you do with it that matters.

There are so many good people and organizations now online via social media that can help or just listen. I have people contact me now asking for help, guidance or just to listen  to them and I am happy to do what I can. I don't profess to have all the answers, but we all need help at some point.

I've been there... and back.

Quarantine Part Two

You'd think with all this time at home, there would be lots of time to make blog posts, but we've been spending time with each other.
Our 2 week quarantine was up last week, but we're still staying home, mostly, so no one risks bringing it home. We only go out for groceries, or deliver groceries, and that's it. My wife has been doing all the grocery shopping so not to put myself at risk. We are very careful still, even to the point of wiping down groceries before bringing them into the house.
It's amazing what you can get done around the house inside and out, when you dont need to go out.
It's still a little cold out, but I started prepping our veggie garden the other day and planted seeds in my little mini greenhouses. Luckily, my health hasnt turned for the worse, other than the pesky peri anal abscess that doesnt seem to want to go away. But, I know how to deal with it, as I have been since 1990 when my first peri anal abscess appeared.
It's interesting how quarantine in 2020 is looking more and more what life was like back in the 1970's. Take away all the devices and internet and you have the 1970's. We've reverted back to a time when you ate at home, around the dinner table... together. The board games and puzzles are coming out of the closets, basements or attics to play together... as a family. More importantly, we're talking more. Using the telephone to talk to people, no texting.
People are re connecting with family and friends.  People arent worrying about "me" as much and focusing on others.
The question now is, will people remain focusing on others, or will they revert back to "me" attitude? I guess we'll find out when all this is over.

In the meantime, cough or sneeze into your arm, keep social distancing and for God's sake
WASH YOUR HANDS!!

Quarantine

We are in Day 9 of a 14 day self isolation quarantine because we were in Orlando, Florida visiting DisneyWorld.
I'd like to point out that quarantine is not that hard, for all of those people whining they cant go out.
Think of the consequences. This virus will never go away if people go out and socialize and not keep distance from others.  I akin it to the old 1980's Faberge shampoo commercial, IF YOU DON'T quarantine...

You infect two friends (2) and they infect two friends (4) and they infect two friends (8), and so on (16), and so on (32), and so on (64)... well, you get the picture. You can see just how fast this virus can spread.

In the 9 days so far, we have done alot of things around the house. We've cleaned out the garage, cleaned gutters, power washed all the cement outside, washed the cars, thoroughly cleaned out and disinfected the inside of the cars, played games, puzzles, watched movies, caught up on tv shows, etc.
I still have to clean one more room, but I have alot of time still.  The point is, don't complain, get things done. Read a book... WRITE a book, whatever it takes.

I'd like to take this time to thank the doctors, nurses and all essential service workers out there on the front line.
I'd also like to thank all those friends and family that have come to our need with groceries, etc. When all this is over, I have alot of lunches, dinners or coffee "dates" to plan.
Everyone needs to do their part at this time. Cover your mouth and nose, keep social distance, self quarantine if needed (or even not), but most importantly, WASH YOUR HANDS !!!

And finally, to all those out there NOT heeding warnings, you don't think you're going to get it... you don't know that. Everyone is susceptible. You could still carry it and pass it without having symptoms. Listen to your Health Officers or Surgeon Generals, and not those who have no idea or any knowledge of viruses or pandemics. Serious times require serious measures.

I am immune compromised and even though I have no symptoms, I am in quarantine with my family.  To be honest, I will still probably stay at home because it's safer. I don't trust others out there in the world. I don't trust they will follow the rules. I am very anxious about my life right now and that of my family.  PLEASE, follow what the professionals are telling you. Certain leaders... well just one actually, *cough* Trump, is making everything worse and I feel for my US family and friends.

Please take a look at links below for COVID 19:

Canada - Health Canada
USA - CDC
UK - NHS

Also, for us IBD'ers, go to your country's Crohn's and Colitis sites.

Canada - Crohns and Colitis Canada
USA - Crohns Colitis Foundation
UK - Crohns and Colitis UK

My final thought on this matter.
To all those out there around the world who think COVID 19 is a hoax?   

Go "F" yourself !!

You Might Be a Crohnie

If you stop counting your bowel movements after 20 in a 12 hour period
... you might be a Crohnie

COVID-19

COVID-19 has been around now since December 31, 2019 (first reported to WHO) and now has turned into a pandemic, I am shocked at just how stupid people are. No one can honestly say, "I didn't know", unless you just walked out of a cave with no contact with the outside world.

People are STILL coughing and sneezing without covering there mouths or nose.... REALLY?!?!

As someone with a low immune system, I feel like grabbing them and ask them, "are you really THAT f'ing stupid?!!!" 

If you are sick, STAY HOME!! Don't go out, don't go to work, stay away from people. And to those I see coughing and sneezing into your hands and DON'T wash or sanitize your hands, I just want to smack you up side the head!

Alot of people are doing what they are suppose to do, but there are far too many NOT.

Last week, we were in Orlando, Florida experiencing the wonders of Disneyworld. Our hotel, the Coronado Springs Resort had hand sanitizing stations throughout the resort, which was great.

Even Disneyworld  had sanitizing stations throughout the park as well as their security check point and staff members throughout the park had them attached to their belts. I have never seen so many people sanitizing their hands after getting off rides, it was great!!  Even our Disney bus ride to and from the airport made announcements regarding washing your hands and sanitizing after touching surfaces.

BUT, then there are those that were in the parks coughing and sneezing out in the open, not giving a care in the world. Now... this does not mean they have the virus, BUT it's just common courtesy to COUGH OR SNEEZE INTO THE BEND OF YOU ELBOW !!  I watched people while in line to rides coughing into their hands, and then touch the railings. Kids rolling around on the floor and then eat something and then touch railings, etc. I just.... don't.... get it.  What is wrong with people?

While we were there, Disney and Universal Studios closed on the Sunday (15th). We were to be at Universal for the Sunday and Monday, but cut our trip short and missed Universal all together. We were worried about getting home. We live in Canada, but flew out of Seattle and had to drive back from Seattle and cross the border.  With the constant changing rules and regulations we just wanted to get home at this point. Luckily we were flying Alaska Airlines and my brother in law is a pilot for them so we were able to use some passes to fly standby to get home early. No problems at the border either. We, especially me, were happy to be home. I could now breathe a little easier. I didn't want to be stuck in another country with an auto immune disease, with the threat of a pandemic AND my travel insurance would have been void because of it.  

I have never been so happy to see the Canadian flag. 

We are now in self quarantine at home for 14 days. None of us are showing any signs, but better safe than sorry.

Then there is the other end of the spectrum. People hoarding food and basic necessities. Why do you need 9 packages of 36 rolls of toilet paper??? Do you realize that's 324 rolls??  And water. Why do you need to stock up on water??!!  They are not going to shut off the water. I just don't get it. People are panicking, for no reason at all!!  Stores should be putting limits on items so everyone can buy food and necessities. I blame the stores for some of the panic buying.

Practice social distancing and WASH YOUR HANDS !!!!  The spread needs to stop somewhere, why not start the stop with you.

(rant over)

Humira : Day 57

Humira is different than the Remicade simply because I really have nothing to report!
I'm guessing it's working, but wont know for sure until another colonoscopy is done.
I have another MRI next week because one I had done last month was "unclear" regarding my pelvic region, probably to do with my ongoing peri anal fissure/fistula/abscess.
Hopefully this next one will be more clear for them. If it shows it abscessing worse inside, then I will need to see a surgeon to re access. If it gets that far, then I would need to get a colonoscopy regardless. Fingers crossed.
All I now is, since being on Humira, my peri anal disease has not been bad at all. It's definitely better, not 100%, but better.
Well, if I have to get another colonoscopy, my family sure enjoys it. I never remember anything from the conscious sedation, but my family sure gets a good laugh. And as everyone knows with this disease, sometimes you just have to laugh!

You Might Be A Crohnie

If you would rather drive 20 miles to use the toilet instead of using a public one
... you might be a Crohnie

For Sale !!

I have signed on with RedBubble  to sell my art in different forms.
I have also added my blog's logo and one of my favorite sayings,

"I don't LOOK sick...You don't LOOK stupid...LOOKS can be deceiving"

Check everything out here:

artistslaine.redbubble.com

CBD (cannabidiol) Will It Work For You?

I myself don't use, nor have I ever used, CBD or cannabis, before or after my diagnosis. 

Having said that, it does not mean I won't endorse people using it if it works for them.

I may use CBD in the future, who knows, but there is too much evidence to support the use for those of us with chronic illnesses.

Can CBD Offer Hope To Those Living With Crohn's And Colitis?

Let's take a brief look at how CBD could help improve the lives of those living with colitis and Crohn's Disease.

Inflammatory bowel disease (IBD) is an umbrella term that covers a group of conditions and disorders involving chronic inflammation of the gastrointestinal (GI) tract. Crohn's disease is a form of IBD that can impact any part of the GI tract, which may affect the entire thickness of the bowel wall. Colitis is a series of chronic digestive inflammatory diseases that specifically impact the innermost lining of the colon.

IBD and related conditions currently affect an estimated 3 million Americans and millions more throughout the world. With so many people living with these chronic conditions, many often wonder if there are safe and effective companions to traditional treatment to help manage their symptoms.

From gummies to bath bombs, CBD-infused products have swept the nation and emerged as the latest health and wellness trend. Over the past year, CBD has garnered a massive amount of buzz for a host of potential benefits to treat a myriad of symptoms and conditions, but is there any truth to all of the hype?

DidCBDWork.com aims to help answer this question once and for all in an intuitive patient-focused portal. Combining currently available scientific data with anecdotal experiences from people just like you, DidCBDWork.com seeks to be a primary informational database about CBD and its impact on a wide variety of symptoms and conditions.

What Is CBD?

Cannabidiol (CBD) is a non-psychoactive phytocannabinoid, the second most common and one of 113 identified cannabinoids found in the cannabis plant. Cannabinoids are closely related chemical compounds that interact with cannabinoid receptors throughout the body, also known as the endocannabinoid system. Tetrahydrocannabinol (THC) is the most common of these cannabinoids and is most often associated with cannabis for its potent psychoactive effect.

An important distinction between CBD and THC is that each binds with different cannabinoid receptors in varied ways, producing unique physiological effects. Another key difference is that CBD is non-psychoactive, meaning users don't risk intoxication or failing a drug screening.

A wealth of peer-reviewed scientific evidence repeatedly demonstrates that CBD and CBD-based therapies provide patients relief from a wide variety of symptoms and conditions. Several preclinical and clinical trials have shown the efficacy of CBD therapy in treating conditions ranging from ADHD to PTSD, including a variety of inflammatory bowel diseases.

Can CBD Help Those Living With Colitis Or Crohn's?

DidCBDWork.com has a wealth of anecdotal experiences from people all over the world about the impact CBD has had on their inflammatory bowel symptoms. However, they've also compiled an extensive database of peer-reviewed clinical trials and academic research, establishing specifically how CBD can impact these conditions.

For example, researchers from the University of Naples Federico II testing the impact of CBD on a variety of factors, including oxidative stress, to help understand if CBD may be beneficial in treating inflammatory bowel diseases. They found ample evidence that CBD is protective against gastrointestinal inflammation in rat models, warranting additional research and offering promising hope for similar results in preclinical and clinical trials.

Another example is a clinical study from the Medical University of Graz, which found that CBD and other phytocannabinoids help play a direct role in regulating the digestive system, affecting conditions such as colitis and Crohn's. Researchers have found this physiological mechanism to be driven by the CB1 and CB2 endocannabinoid receptors.

Research out of the University of Hertfordshire found that CBD reduces inflammation in the intestines along with lower occurrences of other functional disturbances associated with inflammatory bowel diseases such as colitis and Crohn's. The team concluded that CBD should be utilized as a supplement alongside standard treatment, or additional research should be focused on the development of novel CBD-based drugs.

An analysis from Johannes Gutenberg-University Mainz notes the fairly extensive medical history and research behind the use of cannabinoids for treating a variety of gastrointestinal issues, including pain, diarrhea, and gastroenteritis. After assessing currently available research on the matter, the authors conclude that the endocannabinoid system is a viable therapeutic target for treating gastrointestinal issues, particularly inflammatory conditions.

In addition, a study from the University of California, San Francisco, found that CBD directly impacts the gastrointestinal system in several key ways, including regulating motility and intestinal secretions, as well as reducing overall inflammation and pain in patients. An impressive point to note from the study was that over half of the participants were able to stop taking at least one daily medication for their IBD, thanks to CBD.

Does CBD Work?

As mentioned, there is extensive peer-reviewed academic research highlighting the promise of CBD for those living with inflammatory bowel diseases such as colitis and Crohn's. Gastroenterologists and healthcare professionals across all disciplines have been advocating the use of a properly supervised CBD regimen to help treat and manage a wide variety of symptoms and conditions.

As with health and lifestyle change, be sure to consult with your healthcare provider to avoid conflict with any other current treatments or medications. Additionally, your healthcare provider may be able to answer any additional questions you may have, as well as help you create the most effective treatment plan to manage your specific set of symptoms.

Written by: John Alois

Have you or someone you know used CBD to help manage their colitis or Crohn's disease? DidCBDWork.com is currently gathering experiences from millions of people, just like you, who have used CBD to help treat and manage symptoms of colitis and Crohn's disease. No matter if CBD worked for you or not, they would love to hear from you about your experience; these stories help those suffering see that there may be a solution out there for them.