tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1409673128953874992024-03-13T15:49:33.689-07:00Living as a Crohn's NewlywedAnonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00446159398261238210noreply@blogger.comBlogger61125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-140967312895387499.post-73144214246814955422014-06-06T22:36:00.000-07:002014-06-06T22:36:56.894-07:00Managing Stress in the WorkplaceRecently, I started a new job within my company in the Communications Department. I am super excited and proud to be a part of such a smart team of people. My department has their hand in nearly every major project in the company, and I love being behind the scenes planning strategic and smart communications.<br />
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Thankfully, my Crohn's is well managed at this point in my life, and I am able to focus on a new job. Although my health is in a good place, managing stress in a new environment when my routine has complete altered is new challenge. Being the type A personality that I am, managing stress in all areas of life has always been a bit of a struggle. I easily acknowledge that I tense up easily. But the key for me is to notice when I am tense and tell myself to physically relax. Take deep breaths.<br />
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When starting a new job, it is perfectly normal to feel a bit overwhelmed. I expected that. Soaking in new information takes time and patience. And feeling stressed at work when you have been working for ten years in that position is normal too! Work can be stressful at times. <br />
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But how can you learn to manage stress well in the workplace so that you're not collapsing with exhaustion by 5:00 pm each day?<br />
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I'd like to share some tips that I have learned along the way:<br />
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<b>Eat Breakfast</b><br />
I'm sure you have heard that breakfast is the most important meal of the day. I believe it. I never miss a breakfast. My morning must start with some fruit and protein. When I have a full belly, I am better able to concentrate. On mornings when I dive right into a project or answering emails for an hour, I feel more stressed and my concentration levels are low because my stomach is grumbling. My breakfast and coffee always start my day off well.<br />
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<b>Make a List</b><br />
I know, I know, this is a very "type A" thing to do. My husband makes fun of all my lists. I can't imagine going to the grocery store with no grocery list! The idea of trying to remember every single item we need for the week stresses me out.<br />
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There is something internally soothing about writing down all the craziness of things to do that day, visualizing them on paper and checking them off one by one. When I see a plan in place for the day, I have confidence that I won't forget anything and my tasks will get done, because a list is keeping me accountable. At work, I make several types of lists. I make a list on Monday of all the things I need to accomplish before Friday. I make a list each day of the tasks I need to check off for that day. I keep a lists in front of my at all times. I never let it get buried under piles of papers or thrown in the trash. That list is my roadmap for the day.<br />
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<b>Take a Quick Leisurely Walk</b><br />
I work in your standard office environment. I sit at a desk and work at a computer most of the time. When I have been hunched over working hard at a project and my brain feels like it is spinning, I often force myself to stand up and take a walk around the halls. Go get a drink of water, get a snack, look outside, maybe go stand outside for a minute and smile up at the sun, or briefly say hello to a co-worker. Walking around and taking a mental break is essential to relieving stress that may be building during a workday. Then within five to ten minutes, I am able to come back to my desk with a clear head and renewed concentration.<br />
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<b>There Will Always Be Work</b><br />
When the work seems never-ending and always building, I remind myself that there will always be work to do. There are only so many hours in a day. The important thing is learning to prioritize your most important tasks for the day or week first and working down from there. I feel good if I get to the end of the day and my top three most important duties are complete. If I have a few more items on my to-do list that did not get accomplished but do not necessarily have a strict deadline for that day, then I know that it is ok to pick those up the next day or a few days later.<br />
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Since work is really never-ending, it is vital to your personal health and happiness to know when to close up shop for the day, turn your phone off, stop checking email and spend time with your family. Go play with the kids. Cuddle with your husband. Watch a move or read a good book. And don't talk about work. Don't even think about it! Get a good nights rest, wake up, eat your breakfast and start the day fresh. My body needs physically relaxation time to stay healthy. I have to have time to recharge, chill out and focus on my relationships.<br />
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At the end of the day, the relationships in my life are what is most important to me. At my funeral someday, I would rather be remembered for how much I cared for and loved people than how good of a worker I was. Although career accomplishments are great achievements to be recognized at the end of one's life, life is really meaningless to me without making an impact on other's lives, loving people and developing deep relationships with my husband, future children, parents, siblings, friends and co-workers.<br />
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Managing stress at work is no easy task. Some struggle with it more than others. It is a choice to wake up each new day, take deep breaths, take a walk, prioritize your list and keep a clear perspective of what is important in life. <br />
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<br />Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00446159398261238210noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-140967312895387499.post-25207870866355418112014-05-16T20:36:00.002-07:002014-05-16T20:36:36.116-07:00These Are The Good TimesLately, I have to remind myself that I still have Crohn's disease. My main symptoms have mostly subsided and my gut is not inflamed currently. I love it, and I do not take my energy and health for granted.<br />
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I remind myself, because I want to live in reality. My reality is that I do still have an illness, and it can and probably will come back at some point. I have accepted that. But during the good times, I will enjoy life and be so thankful for those good times.<br />
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Right now is a good time in our lives, and good things are happening. Isaac and I are both coming up on job changes. We are remaining with the same large oil and gas company, but moving up within the company to different departments. Recognized for our hard work ethics and skills, we were offered new jobs quickly and in areas that will grow and challenge the both of us.<br />
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Since I began my career, my goal has been to work in the communications department at my current company. After nearly four years, I am in. I was recently offered a position as a Communications Representative, and immediately accepted. I start my new job in two weeks.<br />
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My company is going through massive changes right now and has been for a year. So, communicating to the media and to employees well is critical to the success of the company. It's a busy time, a tense time for many and a great time for growth. This job is an answer to prayer. I am so happy to also be feeling at my best with energy levels to dive into my new job.<br />
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Both Isaac and I share similar work ethics. We are both hard workers who strive to do our best, continue learning, and be professional, honest employees. This likeness that we share I believe attracts us to one another and brings harmony to our relationship. I respect my husband as a hard worker, and this is a very attractive attribute to me.<br />
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It is necessary to share common morals and ethics. It is not necessary to agree on every single decision and belief, but it is pertinent to see eye-to-eye and be united on the "bigger picture" morals and beliefs of life, like religion, infidelity, divorce, abstinence, life after death, abuse, etc.<br />
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The other night while we were taking a walk with Izzy, I was thanking God for all the blessings in our lives. He always blesses us and we have so many things to be thankful for, but especially right now, I am very thankful for these good times.<br />
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<br />Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00446159398261238210noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-140967312895387499.post-22601519769464629232014-03-22T18:08:00.001-07:002014-05-01T10:08:15.911-07:00Migraine Prevention: ButterburRecently, I decided to try and new supplement called Butterbur, which is an aid for preventing migraine headaches.<br />
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<span style="font-family: inherit;"><span style="background-color: white; line-height: 19.200000762939453px;">Butterbur is a plant</span><span style="background-color: white; line-height: 19.200000762939453px;"> found in the daisy family. Daisies remind me of the movie </span><span style="background-color: white; line-height: 19.200000762939453px;"><i>You've Got Mail </i>when Meg Ryan says to Tom Hanks that daisies are the friendliest flower. I've always agreed. And apparently, the plant has healing qualities as well. </span></span><br />
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<span style="font-family: inherit;"><span style="background-color: white; line-height: 19.200000762939453px;">Below is the butterbur plant. Pretty, huh? </span></span><br />
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<span style="font-family: inherit;"><span style="background-color: white; text-align: left;">"People use the leaf, root, and bulb to make medicine. Some butterbur preparations contain chemicals called pyrrolizidine alkaloids (PAs), which can damage the </span><a chronic_id="091e9c5e80348a30" crosslinkid="73851" directive="friendlyurl" externalid="091e9c5e80348a30" href="http://www.webmd.com/digestive-disorders/picture-of-the-liver" keywordid="42791" keywordsetid="10464" object_type="wbmd_pb_page" style="background-color: white; color: #006699; outline: 0px; text-align: left; text-decoration: none;">liver</a><span style="background-color: white; text-align: left;"> and cause other serious harm. Only butterbur products that are certified and labeled “PA-free” should be used.</span><br style="background-color: white; text-align: left;" /><br style="background-color: white; text-align: left;" /><span style="background-color: white; text-align: left;">Butterbur is used for pain, upset </span><a chronic_id="091e9c5e8035ee80" crosslinkid="70401" directive="friendlyurl" externalid="091e9c5e8035ee80" href="http://www.webmd.com/digestive-disorders/picture-of-the-stomach" keywordid="58694" keywordsetid="25972" object_type="wbmd_pb_page" style="background-color: white; color: #006699; outline: 0px; text-align: left; text-decoration: none;">stomach</a><span style="background-color: white; text-align: left;">, stomach ulcers, </span><a chronic_id="091e9c5e8002394a" crosslinkid="189" directive="friendlyurl" externalid="091e9c5e8002394a" href="http://www.webmd.com/migraines-headaches/default.htm" keywordid="38121" keywordsetid="9344" object_type="wbmd_pb_page" style="background-color: white; color: #006699; outline: 0px; text-align: left; text-decoration: none;">migraine</a><span style="background-color: white; text-align: left;"> and other </span><a chronic_id="091e9c5e8002394a" crosslinkid="189" directive="friendlyurl" externalid="091e9c5e8002394a" href="http://www.webmd.com/migraines-headaches/default.htm" keywordid="7522" keywordsetid="1291" object_type="wbmd_pb_page" style="background-color: white; color: #006699; outline: 0px; text-align: left; text-decoration: none;">headaches</a><span style="background-color: white; text-align: left;">, ongoing cough, chills, </span><a chronic_id="091e9c5e8003c115" crosslinkid="452" directive="friendlyurl" externalid="091e9c5e8003c115" href="http://www.webmd.com/anxiety-panic/default.htm" keywordid="31072" keywordsetid="8074" object_type="wbmd_pb_page" style="background-color: white; color: #006699; outline: 0px; text-align: left; text-decoration: none;">anxiety</a><span style="background-color: white; text-align: left;">, plague, fever, </span><a chronic_id="091e9c5e800251e7" crosslinkid="491" directive="friendlyurl" externalid="091e9c5e800251e7" href="http://www.webmd.com/sleep-disorders/default.htm" keywordid="72577" keywordsetid="1872" object_type="wbmd_pb_page" style="background-color: white; color: #006699; outline: 0px; text-align: left; text-decoration: none;">trouble sleeping</a><span style="background-color: white; text-align: left;"> (insomnia),</span><a chronic_id="091e9c5e8001aee6" crosslinkid="44857" directive="friendlyurl" externalid="091e9c5e8001aee6" href="http://children.webmd.com/tc/whooping-cough-pertussis-topic-overview" keywordid="38945" keywordsetid="9528" object_type="wbmd_pb_page" style="background-color: white; color: #006699; outline: 0px; text-align: left; text-decoration: none;">whooping cough</a><span style="background-color: white; text-align: left;">, </span><a chronic_id="091e9c5e8003517a" crosslinkid="144" directive="friendlyurl" externalid="091e9c5e8003517a" href="http://www.webmd.com/asthma/default.htm" keywordid="6879" keywordsetid="830" object_type="wbmd_pb_page" style="background-color: white; color: #006699; outline: 0px; text-align: left; text-decoration: none;">asthma</a><span style="background-color: white; text-align: left;">, hay fever (allergic rhinitis), and for irritable </span><a chronic_id="091e9c5e803acac6" crosslinkid="73852" directive="friendlyurl" externalid="091e9c5e803acac6" href="http://www.webmd.com/urinary-incontinence-oab/picture-of-the-bladder" keywordid="60402" keywordsetid="26631" object_type="wbmd_pb_page" style="background-color: white; color: #006699; outline: 0px; text-align: left; text-decoration: none;">bladder</a><span style="background-color: white; text-align: left;"> and urinary tract spasms. Butterbur is also used to stimulate the appetite (WebMD)."</span></span></div>
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<span style="background-color: white; font-family: inherit; text-align: left;">II have suffered from migraines for a few years now., and decided to give the supplement a try two weeks ago. </span></div>
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<span style="background-color: white; text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: inherit;">I have tried multiple triptan prescriptions drugs, like Maxalt, Frova and Imitrex, Excedrin, ibuprofen and drinking more water. I hated the side effects I had from the riptans and Excedrin. They gave me anxiety, sweat, rapid heart beat and </span>insomnia<span style="font-family: inherit;">. Pain killers, like Loratab, will always decrease the migraine pain. However, I cannot function properly during the week on Loratab, because it is a drug with strong side affects of sleepiness, dizziness and nausea. When I am getting migraines several times a week, I cannot rely on pain killers. Another remedy I have found that sometimes works for me is coffee and ibuprofen. If I take ibuprofen and a cup of coffee the moment I feel the onset of a migraine, I am usually able to feel relief. Unfortunately f I get a migraine late at night, I don't want to drink </span>caffeine<span style="font-family: inherit;"> for fear of not being able to sleep. </span></span></div>
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<span style="background-color: white; text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: inherit;">So, I decided to give an herbal </span>supplement<span style="font-family: inherit;"> a try and see if </span>migraines<span style="font-family: inherit;"> can actually be prevented. I honestly never tried this before, because I did not believe prevention was possible. </span></span></div>
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<span style="background-color: white; text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: inherit;">I have been taking 75 mg of butterbur, two pills, every day for two weeks now. So far, no migraine! Seems too good to be true. I'm not sure how long this will last or how often I will get migraines while taking this herb. For now, I am happy with the results :) </span></span></div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgtuc-DLkhLhw42dKTIHJM0kCe61nOhfK6HHZCNEIRHxjxLaA1KKSBlrnVro-tOhtmCuCtkEB7VSgtQw7k1MwH_nB39C1lq1ZmiN6yeXNMwbxulX_LF5VcxVZtyoc4kp4zGCv6Aa6PbWyU/s1600/butterbur.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgtuc-DLkhLhw42dKTIHJM0kCe61nOhfK6HHZCNEIRHxjxLaA1KKSBlrnVro-tOhtmCuCtkEB7VSgtQw7k1MwH_nB39C1lq1ZmiN6yeXNMwbxulX_LF5VcxVZtyoc4kp4zGCv6Aa6PbWyU/s1600/butterbur.jpg" height="320" width="185" /></a></div>
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It has been nice to wake up with a clear feeling head. It feels so good to be able to work at a computer screen all day long at work with no pounding achy head by 3:00 pm. </div>
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I found my 30 day supply for 15 dollars at Whole Foods here in Oklahoma City. </div>
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It seems this herb may have inflammation healing properties that could help my Crohn's disease as well. This is a plus for me!</div>
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If you suffer from migraines and you have not found a great resolution yet, please try this supplement. Every person is different, and we all respond to things differently. So, it may help some and others not. </div>
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Please let me know what other remedies you use! I'd love to know. No one really understands how bad and debilitating a migraine can be until you have suffered from one. So, let's help each other out!</div>
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By the way, I was not paid to advertise for this herb. :)</div>
<br />Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00446159398261238210noreply@blogger.com6tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-140967312895387499.post-30635056057514967092014-03-02T17:55:00.002-08:002014-05-01T17:32:43.320-07:00Arthritis of IBDAfter a long awaited appointment with a rheumatologist, a doctor who specializes in arthritis, I received an official diagnoses of arthritis last week. I made this appointment at the end of November, and this was the quickest I could get in to see this type of doctor. It can be very difficult for a new patient to schedule an appointment with a specialist for the first time.<br />
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I have written in previous posts that I started experiencing joint aches and pains almost a year ago in April 2013. My pain was mostly noticed in my wrists and in my left thumb joint. Slowly the left thumb joint became more stiff and painful to do certain tasks, like opening a jam jar. The pain started right after I weened off my last steroid Endocort, a drug I had been taking for quite some time. So, it seems steroids were helping. However, steroids are not a longterm answer.<br />
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In November 2013, I was having a difficult time washing heavy dishes, folding laundry and picking up a mug. My thumb really hurt, and it was swollen. A previous bone doctor who had seen me gave me a steroid shot into my joint. And that helped! I still had to wait three months to see a specialist to confirm the pain was indeed arthritis.<br />
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I have what is called arthritis of inflammatory bowel disease, also known as Enteropathic Arthritis.<br />
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<span style="background-color: white; font-family: inherit; line-height: 20px;">"Many people don't realize that the gastrointestinal tract contains the largest immune system in the body. The immune system is the body's natural defense against foreign invaders, and it is somehow altered in people who have these conditions. Some researchers believe that the long-lasting inflammation found in the intestines of people with IBD damages the bowel, which in turn may allow bacteria to enter the damaged bowel wall and circulate through the blood stream. The body's reaction to these bacteria may cause other problems including inflammation in the joints and/or spine, skin sores and inflammation of the eyes. Currently this hypothesis is neither fully understood nor confirmed by rigorous scientific study(www.spondylitis.org)."</span><br />
<span style="background-color: white; font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: 13px; line-height: 20px;"><br /></span><span style="background-color: white; line-height: 20px;"><span style="font-family: inherit;">When my Crohn's symptoms were flaring, bacteria escaped out of the damaged bowel wall, circulated through my blood stream and affected my joints. Thus, aches and pains in my left thumb joint and wrists. </span></span><br />
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<span style="background-color: white; line-height: 20px;"><span style="font-family: inherit;">Although it does not change the outcome, I always feel better and empowered when I have a deeper understanding of my illness. Knowledge gives me some kind of peace. I do not feel out of control when I understand what is happening to my body and why. </span></span><br />
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<span style="background-color: white; line-height: 20px;">When I asked my doctor if my thumb would ever feel normal again, he said, maybe, maybe not. He said that inflammation is very stubborn, and it may take many years for the pain and stiffness to subside. In the meantime, I can continue to be injected with steroid shots if I wish. He wrote me a prescription for a gel to rub on the joint three times daily. The gel contains Advil and steroid medication, which topically melts into the joint from the skin. I'm interested to see how the gel makes a difference. </span><br />
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<span style="background-color: white;"><span style="line-height: 20px;">Knowing that bad inflammatory Crohn's bacteria can escape the bowel wall and travel through the blood stream is one of the most important reasons to do whatever it takes to keep IBD symptoms under control. Eat a healthy noninflammatory diet, regularly take prescribed medication and do not learn to live with the symptoms. The bad bacteria can affect the entire body and intensely lower quality of life. Not only can arthritis arise, skin, eyes and other organs can also be negatively affected. </span></span><br />
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<span style="background-color: white;"><span style="line-height: 20px;">I challenge those who suffer from any illness to do what you can to be your best kind of healthy, because a long quality life is worth it. </span></span><br />
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<span style="background-color: white; font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: 13px; line-height: 20px;"><br /></span>Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00446159398261238210noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-140967312895387499.post-75057422507754691612014-02-09T18:36:00.003-08:002014-05-01T17:58:40.495-07:00The Lie I BelievedI have struggled most of my life with believing a lie that I am weak. Several factors in my life have contributed to that lie, especially health problems.<br />
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At four and a half years old, I was diagnosed with Supraventrivular Tachycardia (SVT). I even learned how to say that long word at a young age!<br />
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<span style="background-color: white; font-family: Arial, Verdana, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: 13px; line-height: 16px;">"During an episode of SVT, the heart's electrical system doesn't work right, causing the heart to beat very fast. The heart beats at least 100 beats per minute and may reach 300 beats per minute. After treatment or on its own, the heart usually returns to a normal rate of 60 to 100 beats a minute (www.webmd.com)."</span><br />
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I remember having these episodes often as a child. They occurred so often that in kindergarten I had to carry around a heart monitor in a blue jean Hello Kitty fanny pack. I also had to take pills to keep the episodes under control three times a day. During lunch time at school, I stopped by the office to swallow my tiny nude-colored pills before heading out to the play ground. I was always afraid to run around too much at recess in fear that would create an episode - and that did happen a few times.<br />
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My condition was embarrassing and scary. But most of all, it made me feel weak. Not only did I have a serious heart condition, I was very thin growing up. Kids sometimes said things like, "You're too skinny; you have toothpick legs." This made me feel physically weak, although I was not. Funny though, I have never even broken a bone.<br />
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When I was eleven and had just started at a new school, I underwent a nine hour surgery called an ablation to repair my heart. All was successful. However, it took about a month to recover, and I missed school. Immediately, all my new classmates knew me as the new girl who had heart surgery. Health problems. Sick. Weak. I know now that most of them probably don't even remember that about me and it was an internal label only I gave myself, not them. It was a lie I was believing about myself.<br />
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In my teen years and some in college, Satan used my quiet, introverted spirit to tell me I am weak. I don't have a voice. I have nothing important or funny to say. It wasn't until I got to college, that I made friends who encouraged me, brought out my confidence and my voice.<br />
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At 21 years of age, I was diagnosed again with SVT plus Atrial Fibrillation, a condition when the heart's rhythm is off for periods of time. I chose to undergo the heart ablation for a second time right after college graduation. I wanted to get it over with and move on with my life. No more health problems. But my body had a different plan.<br />
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Two years later, I was diagnosed with Crohn's disease. However, I had been living with the symptoms since college. The diagnoses was a blow to me at first. With all the new medications I began taking, I felt especially weak. And tired. And sick .<br />
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But, I have found my voice. I have found my strength. My strength only comes from Jesus. I do not live defeated, because He is not defeated. I do not live weak, because He is in me and He is strong. And the more I talk about my struggles, my health condition and not hide, I feel more empowered every day. When I feel weak, I remind myself of His truth in the bible. When I am weak, He is made strong.<br />
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I have important things to say, and I have a God who speaks through me.Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00446159398261238210noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-140967312895387499.post-12137005230791240492014-01-24T20:14:00.000-08:002014-01-24T20:14:04.069-08:00Wanna See My Guts?<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
Ew gross! No really, I would like to share with you what my Crohn's disease really looks like!</div>
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I had my colonoscopy almost two weeks ago, and I received a great report! It has been two and a half year since my diagnoses and first colonoscopy, and I have come to a good place with my health. Praise Jesus. Below I would like to share with you real photos of my intestines and colon. </div>
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The first photo is a drawing my doctor gave me to visually show me where my Crohn's inflammation is located. I am a very visual person, so this helped. Inflammation and ulcers can appear anywhere in the GI tract and mine is mostly in my colon and small intestine. </div>
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The next three photos are from my most recent scope. You can see the inside of my small intestine and my colon. See how they are fairly pinkish-white looking? That is good. They are not inflammed and red. Also, you can see yellow arrows where she points out some inactive Crohn's ulcers. I still have the illness; it is just not inflammed right now. </div>
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The last three photos are from my scope when I was first diagnosed. See how much more red they are filled with yellow mucus? Yuck. I have come a long way. :)</div>
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<i>So, does this mean I am in remission? </i>That was the first question I sleepily asked my doctor when I awoke from the anesthesia. She said that technically according to the photos, no. But symptomatically, yes. My symptoms seem to be under control for the most part. This might be the best I will ever get, and that is fine with me. :)<br />
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Remission does not mean I am healed. Remission does not mean I don't get sick anymore. Unfortunately, I still have Crohn's, and I still am having arthritis issues in my hands. The illness affects my whole body. It does mean my symptoms are managed well and under control for the most part temporarily. (Hopefully, a long while!) This is good! Glory to God!<br />
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The colonoscopy prep was awful as expected. The three bottles of magnesium citrate I drank made me very bloated and extremely crampy. I was in a lot of pain for nearly two days. I prayed a lot, thanked God for where I am at in my life, sang songs to him with my music on in the bathroom, and also thought about french fries. Ha. I'll admit I was a little cranky off and on, and I hated the prep.<br />
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Isaac did not eat for most of my fast. He cheated a little. He only ate some when he was not around me. ;) I am okay with that, because he was scraping the popcorn off of our ceilings and working really hard to make our home look pretty.<br />
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I hope everyone has a wonderful weekend!<br />
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<br />Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00446159398261238210noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-140967312895387499.post-65583917723555366502014-01-10T18:30:00.001-08:002014-01-10T18:30:17.206-08:00How to Really Prep for a Colonoscopy<span style="font-family: inherit;">This Sunday, is my colonoscopy prep day. This is one of those days most people do not want to hear about when it comes to having Crohn's disease. Most people don't even want to know I am having a colonoscopy at all. Just leave that part out. TMI!</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: inherit;">I can't though. I just can't. It is so much a part of having Inflammatory Bowel Disease and a part of my young life right now. </span><br />
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<span style="font-family: inherit;">Those of you who don't know what a colonoscopy is, let me enlighten you. </span><br />
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<span style="font-family: inherit;">Usually young people are unaware of this procedure, because unless you have a reason, like me, for a doctor to look inside your colon and intestines, you will not need a colonoscopy till later in life. Medical professionals encourage adults to have a colonoscopy regularly after they turn 50 years old to test for things like colon cancer, polyps, tumors, imflammation etc. </span><br />
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<span style="font-family: inherit;"><i>Colonoscopy is a test that allows your doctor to look at the inner lining of your <a href="http://www.webmd.com/digestive-disorders/large-intestine" style="color: #3789b9; outline: 0px;">large intestine</a> <a href="http://www.webmd.com/digestive-disorders/large-intestine" style="color: #3789b9; outline: 0px; text-decoration: none;"><img align="" alt="camera" border="0" src="http://img.webmd.com/dtmcms/live/webmd/consumer_assets/site_images/media/interface/camera.gif" style="border: 0px;" /></a> (rectum and <a href="http://www.webmd.com/digestive-disorders/picture-of-the-colon" style="color: #3789b9; outline: 0px; text-decoration: none;">colon</a>). He or she uses a thin, flexible tube called a colonoscope to look at the colon. </i></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: inherit;"><i>The colonoscope is a thin, flexible tube that ranges from <span class="Measurement">48 in. (122 cm)</span> to <span class="Measurement">72 in. (183 cm)</span> long. A small video camera is attached to the colonoscope so that your doctor can take pictures or video of the large intestine (colon). The colonoscope can be used to look at the whole colon and the lower part of the small intestine. </i></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: inherit;"><i>Before this test, you will need to clean out your colon (colon prep). Colon prep takes 1 to 2 days, depending on which type of prep your doctor recommends. Some preps may be taken the evening before the test. For many people, the prep for a colonoscopy is more trying than the actual test. Plan to stay home during your prep time since you will need to use the bathroom often. The colon prep causes loose, frequent stools and <a href="http://www.webmd.com/digestive-disorders/digestive-diseases-diarrhea" style="color: #3789b9; outline: 0px; text-decoration: none;">diarrhea</a> so that your colon will be empty for the test. The colon prep may be uncomfortable and you may feel hungry on the clear <a href="http://www.webmd.com/diet/liquid-diets" style="color: #3789b9; outline: 0px; text-decoration: none;">liquid diet</a>. </i>- www.webmd.com</span></div>
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I had to have a colonoscopy in order to be officially diagnosed with Crohn's disease so that the doctor could point out and actually see the inflammation lining my intestines and colon. This time, I am hoping they see that the inflammation has subsided. </div>
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It's true though, the prep, the day before the procedure, is the worst part of it all. Not only can I not eat solid foods all day long, but I have to drink a strong laxative that removes all the bowels inside my intestines. So, I will be on the toilet for quite a while Sunday. I even am prepping for the prep! I bought a book to read, soft toilet paper and wipes. </div>
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Tonight as I am thinking about and dreading Sunday, I ask myself if I want to go to church on Sunday morning. Immediately I think, <i>no, I'd much rather sleep in to make the day go by faster and stay near a toilet. </i></div>
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But then I heard God say to me, <i>Come worship me, and I will feed you. You will hunger no more. </i></div>
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I'll admit, I hate fasting. I have never had the desire to fast. Never saw the point. Never wanted to. I want to eat. I want food! I can still love God, put Him first and eat food. So, screw that. </div>
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On Sunday, I will have no choice but to medically fast. But I feel that God is also calling me to take this opportunity to spiritually fast - to sings songs for him, to read his Word, and to lean on Him when I am hungry and in pain. </div>
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And that is what I will do. </div>
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I am writing out my plan to spiritually fast publicly so that I can be kept more accountable to follow through with God's request. </div>
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I will write a follow up blog post next week to report back how my colonoscopy prep went and the results. Please say a prayer for me on Sunday. If you personally know me, do not hesitate to text me to ask how my spiritual fast is going. ;) </div>
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My sweet husband has even offered to fast with me to make the experience easier on me. Let's keep him accountable too! </div>
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Thank you!</div>
Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00446159398261238210noreply@blogger.com4tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-140967312895387499.post-2841589560582438622014-01-06T19:06:00.001-08:002014-01-06T19:06:39.279-08:00My New Year's HopeWhile everyone has been making their New Years resolutions, I have been putting off writing about what I truly hope for for 2014. Mostly out of fear. Fear that if I write down my hope, that I might jinks it and ruin it. <div>
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This year, I have hope for a change. A change that I have been working and praying towards for two and a half years now. </div>
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Remission from my Crohn's disease. </div>
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A break, a pause, a rest from an illness that I know will follow me till a cure is found. </div>
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That is only what remission is. Just a break. It could be a year, three years or 10 years. I don't know. But a break sounds nice. And a break will do just fine. </div>
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I truly believe I am unofficially in remission from my stomach/intestinal symptoms. I have had only one to two bathroom visits per day for approximately six months now. That is something to be proud of. :) Here and there I have stomach upsets, but nothing that last longer than a day or two. </div>
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On Monday January 13, 2014, a colonoscopy should tell me where my inflammation levels are at currently. And then I will know if I have reached my goal. Although, my prayers have already been answered. </div>
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<i>God just give me a break. I'm tired. I need your strength. </i></div>
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And he did just that. Right after my tough bout of Steven Johnson Syndrome in August 2013 with a fever for three weeks straight, God gave me a break. Thank you Jesus. </div>
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Ever since I was told I had Crohn's disease in September 2011, I have thought <i>will I ever feel normal again</i>? <i>Will I feel sick, tired, in pain, unable to eat yummy food, and running to the bathroom 20 times a day forever?</i></div>
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There have been moments I never thought I'd catch a break. But thankfully, I have. </div>
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Yes, the illness remains in my body, maybe forever, managed by a bi-monthly immunosuppressant injection for now. However, the symptoms, the pain, the tears, the fear, the shame, the physical and emotional fatigue is not forever. </div>
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I really believe when I call upon the strongest healer, my God, that He helps me. He will sustain me and carry me through my trials of life. He may not heal my physical ailment, but he can heal my heart. He heals my fear. He heals my sadness and replaces it with joy. He heals my shame, and gives me strength to share my troubles. He replaces pain with joy. </div>
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This is ultimate healing. </div>
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Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00446159398261238210noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-140967312895387499.post-74924998396663316402013-12-21T21:13:00.001-08:002013-12-21T21:13:20.679-08:00Considering the Christmas StoryThe other day I was wondering if the Christmas story of Jesus birth ever gets old to others. It's the same story year after year, and all churches are faced with trying to draw in visitors with a unique message to hear the real meaning of Christmas, again. Many people know the story and even display nativity sets in their homes. But many might not believe the story is true, so deep down it really has no meaning to them at Christmas time. <br />
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While sharing these thoughts, a friend of mine reminded me that maybe the message is not only for those who have not heard the story before but also for those who do not believe it's true meaning. And maybe she was right. Maybe it does "get old" for some, but I think there is something in the story that intrigues people each year. It may intrigue people enough to bring them in the doors of a church on Christmas eve. Or think more about the song lyrics to "Silent Night."<br />
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More than any other time of the year, maybe Christmas is a season to really spread the story of Jesus' life, beecause Christmas is a time when "many unbelievers pause to consider Christ (Mary Fairchild)."<br />
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It is the time of year when people are more vulnerable, emotional, and open to considering the message of Jesus birth. People tend to open their hearts more around this time of year. They soften and consider opening a door to the possibility of this truth.<br />
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For me, the story of Jesus birth is never "gets old." It's a reminder of why he came to this earth and what he did for us. His birth is a reminder of who God is - loving, forgiving, and willing to sacrifice His son in atonement for our sins - even before we ever asked for forgiveness of all the things we have done wrong.<br />
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The nativity sets have more meaning to me as I have grown older. The holiday songs that sing of Christ's birth have significance.<br />
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My husband and I were jokingly arguing over which Christmas songs are "classics." I said Hanson and Amy Grant. He says holiday songs that Nat King Cole sings. But these below are truly classics to me. Songs that sing of a savior that was born into a human body so he could die for me and I could join him in heaven one day.<br />
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<span style="background-color: white; font-family: georgia, serif; font-size: 14px; line-height: 23.09375px;">Joy to the world, the Lord is come! Let earth receive her King; Let every heart prepare Him room, And heaven and nature sing, And heaven and nature sing, And heaven, and heaven, and nature sing. - Joy to the World</span><br />
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What Child is this who, laid to rest, On Mary's lap is sleeping? Whom angels greet with anthems sweet, While shepherds watch are keeping?</div>
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This, this is Christ the King, Whom shepherds guard and angels sing; Haste, haste, to bring Him laud, The Babe, the Son of Mary.</div>
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Why lies He in such mean estate, Where ox and ass are feeding? Good Christians, fear, for sinners here, The silent Word is pleading.</div>
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Nails, spear shall pierce Him through, The cross be borne for me, for you. Hail, hail the Word made flesh, The Babe, the Son of Mary. - What Child is This? </div>
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If you are considering the Christmas story of Jesus' birth this year, know this: It might seem like an impossible and ridiculous story of a virgin giving birth to the savior of the world. But, why wouldn't you want to be true? Maybe the idea that someone exists who wants to save you and forgive you of all the things that make you feel guilty about your life makes you squirm. Maybe the idea of accepting forgiveness when you cannot even forgive yourself is just too much to handle. It's too overwhelming. I believe it's true. I believe this is the best story to believe of them all. It gives me hope, joy and peace beyond understanding. </div>
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Happy Holidays</div>
Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00446159398261238210noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-140967312895387499.post-80786152441371389602013-12-03T18:32:00.000-08:002013-12-03T18:32:49.309-08:00Healthy All-Natural Green Bean Casserole<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
Healthy All-Natural Green Bean Casserole (except for the fried topping ;))</div>
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Isaac and I were so proud of ourselves this past week when we made a healthy rendition of the infamous Thanksgiving green bean casserole. We said "No" to canned green beans and "No" to cream of mushroom soup! However, I could not resist the yummy crunchy fried onion topping!</div>
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To make this wonderfully delicious healthy casserole, we followed and combined the ingredients and directions of these two recipes:</div>
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<a href="http://teaspooncomm.com/teaspoonofspice/2012/11/healthy-green-bean-casserole-the-recipe-redux/">http://teaspooncomm.com/teaspoonofspice/2012/11/healthy-green-bean-casserole-the-recipe-redux/</a><br />
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<a href="http://www.foodnetwork.com/recipes/paula-deen/green-bean-casserole-recipe/index.html">http://www.foodnetwork.com/recipes/paula-deen/green-bean-casserole-recipe/index.html</a><br />
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In an overview, here is our version:<br />
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Ingredients:<br />
<li class="ingredient" id="zlrecipe-ingredient-0" itemprop="ingredients" style="color: #552a00; font-size: 15px; line-height: 24px; margin: 0px; padding: 0px;"><span style="font-family: inherit;">3 pounds green beans, trimmed (I literally grabbed a bunch at Sprouts and it was plenty)</span></li>
<li class="ingredient" id="zlrecipe-ingredient-1" itemprop="ingredients" style="color: #552a00; font-size: 15px; line-height: 24px; margin: 0px; padding: 0px;"><span style="font-family: inherit;">1 tablespoon + 2 teaspoons extra virgin olive oil</span></li>
<li class="ingredient" id="zlrecipe-ingredient-2" itemprop="ingredients" style="color: #552a00; font-size: 15px; line-height: 24px; margin: 0px; padding: 0px;"><span style="font-family: inherit;">1 tablespoon butter</span></li>
<li class="ingredient" id="zlrecipe-ingredient-3" itemprop="ingredients" style="color: #552a00; font-size: 15px; line-height: 24px; margin: 0px; padding: 0px;"><span style="font-family: inherit;">1/2 of an onion chopped</span></li>
<li class="ingredient" id="zlrecipe-ingredient-4" itemprop="ingredients" style="color: #552a00; font-size: 15px; line-height: 24px; margin: 0px; padding: 0px;"><span style="font-family: inherit;">1/4 teaspoon salt</span></li>
<li class="ingredient" id="zlrecipe-ingredient-5" itemprop="ingredients" style="color: #552a00; font-size: 15px; line-height: 24px; margin: 0px; padding: 0px;"><span style="font-family: inherit;">Fresh ground pepper</span></li>
<li class="ingredient" id="zlrecipe-ingredient-6" itemprop="ingredients" style="color: #552a00; font-size: 15px; line-height: 24px; margin: 0px; padding: 0px;"><span style="font-family: inherit;">1/2 teaspoon dried thyme</span></li>
<li class="ingredient" id="zlrecipe-ingredient-7" itemprop="ingredients" style="color: #552a00; font-size: 15px; line-height: 24px; margin: 0px; padding: 0px;"><span style="font-family: inherit;">2 packages (8 oz) cremini mushrooms, sliced</span></li>
<li class="ingredient" id="zlrecipe-ingredient-8" itemprop="ingredients" style="color: #552a00; font-size: 15px; line-height: 24px; margin: 0px; padding: 0px;"><span style="font-family: inherit;">2 tablespoons whole wheat flour</span></li>
<li class="ingredient" id="zlrecipe-ingredient-9" itemprop="ingredients" style="color: #552a00; font-size: 15px; line-height: 24px; margin: 0px; padding: 0px;"><span style="font-family: inherit;">2 tablespoons all purpose flour</span></li>
<li class="ingredient" id="zlrecipe-ingredient-10" itemprop="ingredients" style="color: #552a00; font-size: 15px; line-height: 24px; margin: 0px; padding: 0px;"><span style="font-family: inherit;">2 cups 2 percent lactose free milk</span></li>
<li class="ingredient" id="zlrecipe-ingredient-10" itemprop="ingredients" style="color: #552a00; font-size: 15px; line-height: 24px; margin: 0px; padding: 0px;"><span style="font-family: inherit;">Frenches Fried Onion topping</span></li>
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You can substitute any ingredients for organic ingredients and that would make it even better!<br />
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What we did:</div>
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Trim the ends of green beans and washed them. Boil the green beans for about 15 minutes. </div>
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Sautee onions and mushrooms in pan with oil and butter for about 8 minutes or so. Stir in salt, pepper and thyme.</div>
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In another pan, we added milk and some more butter constantly stirring while slowly adding all the flour. Stir, stir and stir. </div>
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Then we added the milky mixture in with the veggies and stir some more.</div>
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Add green beans and stir! </div>
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To make it more creamy add more flour or milk till it looks yummy. </div>
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Pour mushy green bean yumminess into your favorite casserole dish, and (this is the best part) pour the fried crunchies on top! </div>
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We had some bread crumbs in our pantry so I put some of those on top too to add more crunch to it. ;)</div>
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Bake in the oven at 350 degrees for 30 minutes. </div>
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Enjoy!</div>
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When we took our casserole to the Bohanan Thanksgiving, it was gone within 10 minutes, and boy was it good! We were impressed with our own cooking skills. haha. </div>
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And for those of you who are lactose intolerant like me, we also used lactose free milk for the mashed potatoes. Those turned out yummy as well!</div>
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Hope you all try this casserole dish at home! </div>
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Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00446159398261238210noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-140967312895387499.post-62523993710991520942013-11-26T18:58:00.000-08:002013-11-26T19:02:57.889-08:00Committing to Him When the Pain Keeps ComingThis week, I was reading the bible and pondering on the verse that says, "Commit your way to the Lord" Ps. 37:5. To truly commit my way to the Lord is to give it to Him and leave it with Him. Usually, I lay it before Him and then walk away with it again accomplishing nothing.<br />
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How do I commit something like a health condition to the Lord that physically does not really go away. I wake up with it each morning and fall asleep with it. So, how do I truly give it to God and let go?<br />
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I have been so thankful lately that God is blessing me with a season these past few months of a "break" from my Crohn's disease symptoms. I spend a normal amount of time in the restroom like everyone else (once a day :)). I have more energy lately, and I am able to eat more in my diet. Also, I am almost done weaning off of Pentasa.<br />
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Although my typical crohn's symptoms are under control, this does not mean that my whole body is healthy like a normal person's either. I must not forget that I still have an autoimmune disease that can affect every aspect of my body.<br />
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Unfortunately while my stomach symptoms are getting better, my joint pain is getting worse and my GI doctor believes I developed a form of <b>arthritis</b>, which very common with Crohn's patients.<br />
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My joint pain started in the spring right after I weaned off of Endocort, a type of steroid. My doctor believes the steroid was keeping my arthritis from starting in my body. I cannot go back on the Edocort as a long term solution, because steroids are not good for the body long term.<br />
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So, my doctor is trying very hard to get me in to see a rheumatologist so I can get a correct diagnoses and form a treatment plan that is best for me.<br />
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In the mean time, tomorrow I will be getting my first <b>steroid injection</b> into my left thumb joint. This joint hurts the worst, and I have lost some range of motion. I'm nervous about the shot, because the idea of a shot going into a joint and not fat gives me the chills! eek.<br />
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I joke around a lot with my friends saying that with my health condition it seems to just be "one thing after another!" There are days I do not want to commit my health, my worries, my fears, my anger and my frustrations to the Lord. I want to control it and just deal with it. Or ignore it. Pretend it's not there.<br />
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But the God blesses persistence. God asks us to have faith in Him, because "He can do immeasurably more than ask or imagine, according to His power that is at work within us (Eph. 3:21)."<br />
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He can only bless us if we allow Him to work within us. We must allow Him to take control. We must give Him the reigns each morning and maybe multiple times through the day.<br />
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Lord,<br />
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I am so thankful that you are giving me healing and relief from my stomach problems I have struggled with for so long. I know that your hands are on me and giving me physical relief. <br />
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I want to leave before you right now my fears that are rising over my arthritis pain. How will this affect my future? Can I handle this and Crohn's disease too? I know I can't, that is why I need you. I'm so young. I want a future that allows me range of motion and flexibility and no pain to take care of my future babies. With my pain in my thumb, I want to be able to pick up my baby, fold laundry and do dishes.<br />
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These are my fears that are swirling around in my head. Take them. Please. Give me strength tomorrow and all the days to continue to commit myself to you - not just my medical concerns but all aspects of my life, my marriage, my future, my family and my job. <br />
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Amen<br />
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<br />Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00446159398261238210noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-140967312895387499.post-11213061302111336232013-11-12T17:57:00.003-08:002013-11-12T17:57:51.064-08:00Did the Flu Shot Give Me the Flu?My husband and I both have contracted what we believe is the flu. No, we have no visited a doctor, but it's pretty easy to detect the flu - fever, runny and stuffy nose, congestion, dry cough, headache and body aches. We both started feeling sick on the same day too.<br />
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So, who caught it from who?<br />
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About 3 weeks ago, I received my annual flu shot like the good girl that I am. Isaac did not. Isaac has never gotten a flu shot and says he never gets the flu - until now. Looking back on my childhood, I always got the flu at least once a year. Although, I don't seem to get the flu as much not that I am in my twenties.<br />
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<a href="http://www.realfarmacy.com/11-reasons-why-flu-shots-are-more-dangerous-than-the-flu-itself/">This article</a> has been trending Facebook telling readers 11 reasons you should not get the flu shot. Our sickness and this article created dialogue between my husband and I that got me thinking. Did the flu shot give me the flu, thus giving the flu to Isaac? Should I continue getting a flu shot?<br />
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The Center for Disease Control and Prevention (The CDC) provides <a href="http://www.cdc.gov/flu/about/season/flu-season-2013-2014.htm">this FAQ page</a> about the flu shot. What I got from this is that the flu shot is altered every season by scientists making an estimated prediction as to what types of flu will be most "popular" in communities. The flu shot does not protect against all types of colds and flu viruses, only those that are predicted to be most common. So, yes you can get sick and have other flu-like viruses even after getting the flu shot.<br />
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The CDC says that those who are most vulnerable are those with lowered immune systems, babies and the elderly. However, they suggest that everyone receive the seasonal flu shot.<br />
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I have a lowered immune system due to the immunosuppressant injection (Cimzia) I take bi-monthly for my Crohn's disease. uh oh.<br />
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The Crohn's and Colitis Foundation of America (CCFA) supports the CDC by encouraging all inflammatory bowel disease patients, especially those who are taking immunosuppressant drugs, to get a flu shot. The CCFA's website also says that the flu shot will protect individuals from common strains of flu viruses - only the most common ones.<br />
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Like the trending Facebook article talks about, it is true that the flu shot puts a little bit of the virus in your body to help your body become immune to the common spreading virus. However according to www.cdc.gov:<br />
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<span style="background-color: white; font-family: Verdana, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: 12px; line-height: 15.953125px;">No, a flu shot cannot cause flu illness. Flu vaccines that are administered with a needle are currently made in two ways: the vaccine is made either with a) flu vaccine viruses that have been 'inactivated' and are therefore not infectious, or b) with no flu vaccine viruses at all (which is the case for recombinant influenza vaccine). The most common side effects from the influenza shot are soreness, redness, tenderness or swelling where the shot was given. Low-grade fever, headache and muscle aches also may occur.</span><br />
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<span style="line-height: 15.953125px;"><span style="font-family: Times, Times New Roman, serif;">The most interesting fact I found on the CDC's webpage was their blunt confession that "unfortunately the flu vaccine does not always provide adequate protection against the flu. This is more likely to occur among people with weakened immune systems or people age 65 and older."</span></span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Times, Times New Roman, serif;"><span style="line-height: 15.953125px;">So basically, the flu shot is not something to bank on nor, in my opinion, is it a complete waste of time. I believe it is better than nothing, but no it doesn't always work. And it does not keep you safe from all flu viruses across the board. </span></span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Times, Times New Roman, serif;"><span style="line-height: 15.953125px;">Truly, the best ways to stay safe from viruses in general is to:</span></span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Times, Times New Roman, serif;"><span style="line-height: 15.953125px;">Wash your hands regularly</span></span><br />
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<span style="line-height: 15.953125px;"><span style="font-family: Times, Times New Roman, serif;">Stay away from other sick people. Maybe walk around with a mask on from November till May...jk, but seriously. </span></span><br />
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<span style="line-height: 15.953125px;"><span style="font-family: Times, Times New Roman, serif;">Take vitamins that help build a strong immune system</span></span><br />
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Do what you can to built up your immune system. Our bodies are intricately complex and designed to fight internal battles. But we must supply the tools and nutrients it needs for those battles.<br />
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What do you think? I'd love to hear other's view on getting the flu shot - especially those with chronic illnesses.<br />
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<br />Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00446159398261238210noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-140967312895387499.post-38339857671817455862013-11-04T17:58:00.001-08:002014-05-01T11:40:52.569-07:00The Model Home SeductionIn the one year that we have been homeowners, I have fallen prey to the seduction of model home. From the day our offer was accepted on our home, my head started making plans. Plans that included many dollar signs.<br />
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First, I made plans to fill all the blank walls. And there are so many blank walls to fill. Then I made plans to purchase decorations for every major holiday. I did not realize how many holidays there are till I wanted to decorate for them. More plans followed with desires for new and additional furniture to fill our home (inside and outside), new floors, kitchen counter tops and of course backsplash. When spring came, more plans began to develop in my mind for landscaping. And the list just goes on. I wanted all this and a vacation! </div>
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There are things you need as a homeowner, like a mower, blinds for privacy, a refrigerator and a washer and dryer. Many of my plans did not include necessities but wants that sure felt like needs. </div>
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The lure of the model home I believe is a struggle for many women. If my home is beautiful, put- together, clean and decorated like a Pottery Barn catalog, people will think that my life is just as great. If my home meets certain perfection requirements, then people will see that my life is calm, cool and collected as well. Friends and family will never know that we live off of a budget. Guests will never know what we can't afford. </div>
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Such dirty little lies. </div>
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I'm slaughtering these lies with the truth that we do live on a budget. We can't afford all my plans right now. And that is okay. </div>
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To obsess over and strive for the perfect model home will create a less than perfect life. </div>
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Spending money constantly on unnecessary material things will affect finances, which in turn will cause anxiety and strain on a marriage. Maybe just little arguments here and there, but it can grow. And this is not the kind of growth I want in my household. </div>
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When my focus is centered around creating a false appearance and pleasing house guests, my heart is not focused on loving my husband and just enjoying our time together as newlyweds. My mind is not focused on spending time with the Lord and finding fulfillment from Him in His Word. </div>
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My husband has consistently reminded me we have to pace ourselves when making adjustments to our home. When it comes to finances, the necessary items must come first (like when we had to purchase four new tires for my car last week). The things we want must be budgeted, saved for and spaced out (like wood floors).</div>
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To be smart with money is to be smart with marriage. </div>
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Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00446159398261238210noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-140967312895387499.post-56853548454349497912013-10-30T18:12:00.004-07:002013-10-30T18:16:34.456-07:00Healthy Fall Slow-Cooker Chicken StewThis week, my husband and I made the perfect healthy, fall, crockpot chicken stew with a side of baked french bread. We even ate it at the table with a pumpkin as the center piece just to envelop us in the season of fall.<br />
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Click this link to find the recipe and try it yourself. <a href="http://www.delish.com/recipefinder/slow-cooker-stout-chicken-stew-recipe-ew0212?click=recipe_sr">Healthy Fall Slow-Cooker Chicken Stew</a><br />
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This recipe is perfect for someone with tummy troubles like inflammatory bowel disease. Very low fat. Instead of regular bacon for flavor, I used turkey bacon. All the veggies were soft as baby food and easy to digest. And the meat was extra lean. Pair your hot bowl of stew with some french bread, and you have a calm, satisfied tummy.<br />
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Two years ago when I was diagnosed with Crohn's disease, I was not smooth in the kitchen. Actually, my version of cooking was whipping up some Kraft mac-n-cheese. ha. When I realized that I could help my Crohn's symptoms and my health by drastically adjusting my diet and learning to cook Crohn's- friendly foods, I jumped right in.<br />
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However, learning to change my diet and learning to cook has been a process. It is a process I have had to be patient with. At times, my meals just plain stink. They don't turn out how I envisioned or how the photo looked online. And sometimes, I succeed - like this week with my chicken stew. Learning how to cook for my stomach is a long process of trial and error. I don't usually like trial and error, because I am impatient and want good food now. But that's not reality.<br />
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I may never be a master chef in the kitchen, but I do know that with some patience and an open-mind, anyone can learn to cook delicious, healthy meals that keep the stomach happy. :)<br />
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<br />Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00446159398261238210noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-140967312895387499.post-35905951639879535742013-10-25T20:18:00.001-07:002013-10-25T20:18:28.995-07:00I'll Buy You Rogaine When You Start Losing All Your Hair<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
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In Ingrid Michaelson's song "The Way I Am," she sings about growing old with your spouse. When she sings the line "I'll buy you Rogaine when you start losing all your hair," most envision an older woman buying her balding husband Rogaine. So sweet huh? </div>
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Last week, my sweet, young husband bought ME, his young wife, Rogaine for my hair! Never would have thought this day would come...and so soon. </div>
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Last month, I wrote about experiencing hair loss and speculating that my Crohn's drugs were the reason. However, I decided to go see a dermatologist a few weeks ago about my increasing hair loss, and she revealed some interesting findings. </div>
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I have been losing handfuls (way too many) of hair in the shower and when I brush or run my fingers through my hair. My husband also had noticed that my hairline seemed to be receding. On the sides, my hairline appeared to be balding. Ugh! I could feel a significant different in the thickness of my ponytail as well. Very depressing and very worrisome for a young woman like myself. </div>
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Sidenote: Don't ever tell a women that hair loss is no big deal or that she still looks beautiful. It IS a big deal - especially to a woman.</div>
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I have been taking hair vitamins (Biotin) and started using Nioxin shampoo, which helps hair grow back. I didn't seem to notice much of an improvement yet. </div>
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When I saw the dermatologist, she looked over my medications and ask how my health has been these last few months. When I told her about my horrid Steven Johnson reaction three months ago that led to a 3-week-long fever, she said, "that's it!." </div>
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When the body goes through a high-stress event, like a high fever for many weeks, the scalp can shed quite a bit of hair for the three to six months following the stressful event. Other physical stressors that cause this can be pregnancy/giving birth, switching medications, birth control, pneumonia or other health illnesses. For more information visit, <a href="http://www.webmd.com/beauty/hair-health-11/hair-stress-effect?page=1">http://www.webmd.com/beauty/hair-health-11/hair-stress-effect?page=1</a></div>
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So, it all makes sense now. I had a strong allergic reaction to a drug three months ago which led to a high-fever for nearly three weeks which ultimately led to intense hair loss for these last three months. This is hopeful for me! The doctor told me that within three to six months, my hair should stop falling out so much, and within six months to a year, it should all grow back. </div>
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She also encouraged me to continue taking my hair vitamins and to try using Rogaine near my hairline in the balding spots. Good news is my co-worker noticed that I have many baby hairs growing back in my hairline! </div>
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It's crazy how that one antibiotic I took back in July (Sulfameth) can have such an affect. And honestly, I'm a lucky one. It really could have been so much worse. Steven Johnson syndrome can kill people and cause so much more damage that just a fever and temporary hair loss. I'm very grateful and blessed. </div>
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Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00446159398261238210noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-140967312895387499.post-81398656374652788552013-10-15T10:03:00.000-07:002013-10-15T10:03:58.716-07:00The Great Crohn's PainThe Great Crohn's Pain. It comes when you least expect it. It creeps in during the night suddenly wrapping around the sufferer's midsection and lower back. The Crohn's Pain leaves behind an achey abdomen for days. The Crohn's Pain is one of my most hated symptoms.<br />
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I woke up in in the middle of the night Saturday night to this achey, burning pain that wrapped around my midsection like a band. This is just part of having Crohn's disease. All I could do was curl up in a ball in bed and patiently wait for it to subside and fall asleep again. I spent more time in the restroom this weekend, and I've just been achey ever since.<br />
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Isaac and I spend the weekend in Tulsa, OK at a cozy bed and breakfast. I'm not sure if these symptom flares are due to food I was eating, the homemade cookies that the B&B offered us each day or just because, well, I do have a chronic illness. When I look back on the weekend, I did not eat bad. I actually always eat pretty good. Sometimes, however, it could be the smallest thing that might set me off....like a sauce on a sandwich.<br />
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But, I do not think it was necessarily all diet related. I think I just had a small flare. Plain and simple. Cannot control that. Now, I will purposefully eat very bland for the next week just to keep my insides calmer. Small set backs are normal. I will get back on track to feeling better, I just know it. And honestly, this really wasn't as bad as I have have it in the past. Thank God.<br />
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These are the times when I love pulling out my trusty heating pad. Love that thing.<br />
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Now, Isaac, Izzy and I are sprawled out on our new sectional sofa watching The Hobbit with my new candle, "Leaves," from Bath and Body Works is burning. Mmmm. the smell of fall is filling our cozy home on this rainy day. These are the kind of days I live for. I love having relaxing days before I go back to work. I'll wake up in the morning ready to face the work week.<br />
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Happy Monday everyone!<br />
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<br />Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00446159398261238210noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-140967312895387499.post-71970328808743468522013-10-04T19:22:00.002-07:002013-10-04T19:22:54.819-07:00Feeling Good for Fall!It is officially Fall, and this is the first Fall season that I have not had a flare since diagnoses, which was just over two years ago. It feels amazing. I am feeling good, and I am loving it. "Good" to me is also learning to live with my new normal, which does include fatigue, some achey joints and hair loss. But those things are livable. An adjustment, but very do-able. As long as I only visit the restroom a few times a day for short periods of time, I'm happy.<br />
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Recently, Isaac and I visited San Francisco for a week vacation. It was a lot of fun and very busy. It was not the type of relaxing beach vacation, but the kind of sight-seeing trip that you need a vacation to recover from the original vacation. We really enjoyed it, and it was good for us as a couple to travel in that way. It is challenging to "go,go,go" all day long while trying to figure out <i>where</i> you are even going. There is something about navigating a strange, crowded city together that can bring you closer.<br />
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Did we argue or get snippy at times? Yes, of course. Traveling can be stressful and tiring. Don't be a fool to believe that vacations are always smooth sailing for a traveling couple. :) Every person travels in a different ways. Some plan, and some are spontaneous. Some start packing a week before, and some pack the night before right before bedtime (my husband :)).<br />
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We both realized that we did not enjoy large touristy masses of people. It seemed to stress us out and irritated us both. We preferred the less crowded areas of town like Ocean Beach, Napa wine country, Muir Woods, driving in a rental car across Golden Gate Bridge and not on the public bus, and Golden Gate Park. But you can't go to San Fran and not see the tourism sites! I loved seeing the Painted Ladies, THE Full House house, Lombard Street (one of the most crooked streets in the world), and of course, Alcatraz.<br />
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Shortly before we left for our trip, I had an infected abscess. Thankfully, I was able to get the infection under control with the correct antibiotic and thoroughly enjoyed my trip. I was very worried about that getting in the way.<br />
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Many have asked me how I eat when I am on vacation, especially when we are on-the-go like we were in SF. Since I was not flaring, I was able to easily find something to eat most places. I am able to handle more foods and not be as picky when I am not flaring either. I always stay away from rich lactose foods, large amounts of highly greasy foods, and fatty meat, like ground beef, steak or bacon. Last year when we drove to Winter Park, CO, I had to be more careful. It was difficult finding meals that would sit well in my stomach when we were on the road for 10 hours during the day. We had to stop and use Urban Spoon to search for sandwich places that were off the highway sometimes.<br />
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I hope everyone is enjoy their Fall season! Our leaves have not started changing colors yet, but I can tell they are about to. We need to mow our grass one more time, then I believe we will be done till next year. Very exciting! This weekend, we are going to pick some pumpkins and purchase mums for the front porch. I love doing family, home activities :)<br />
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<br />Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00446159398261238210noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-140967312895387499.post-79867162447864031782013-09-14T18:06:00.001-07:002013-09-14T18:06:45.333-07:00Medication and Hair LossI've been taking prescription medication on a daily basis for two years now. In the beginning, I noticed my hair falling out in the shower, but then after a few months it got better. This past April, I tried weening off of Pentasa, and after a few months of being on a lower dosage, my stomach symptoms weren't doing so well. In June, my doctor decided to put me back on the full dosage of Pentasa. It was then that my hair started coming out by the handful in the shower.<br />
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Over the past few months, my hair has gradually become thinner. Thankfully, I have always had thick hair, so my head can handle it - for now.<br />
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A few weeks ago, Isaac and I took a vacation to San Francisco. (We had so much fun!) When we were at the Painted Ladies homes, Isaac pointed our that the sides of my hairline looked to be receding a bit. He asked if it had always looked like that. You wouldn't notice it unless I had my hair pulled back in a pony tail. This got me worried.<br />
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I noticed that, yes, my hair did look to be receding on the sides fairly noticeably. Now, I'm not sure if this is solely medication or something else. I read online that this can happen from not brushing your hair on a regular basis (which embarrassingly I don't do, because I curl hair). It can also happen especially on the side where you part your hair ( I do notice it more on that side of my head).<br />
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My hair stylist suggested that I try this product called Nioxin for thinning hair. I did my research, and it seems to produce good results pretty quickly. I read that it works best if you use the shampoo, conditioner and scalp therapy serum all together. I paid 33 dollars for the package of all three products at Ulta, which seem like a good deal to me.<br />
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So, we will see how it works! I am hopeful as I have been taking a hair, skin and nails vitamin as well.<br />
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Although my stomach/Crohn's symptoms have been doing pretty well lately, these types of symptoms for a 26 year old are very difficult to endure as well. I would like to try to ween off Pentasa again before the end of the year. I am determined to be on as little prescription drugs as possible.<br />
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I chose the Nioxin system kit #6, which is for medium to coarse chemically treated hair that is noticeably thinning to you. I hope this gives me my thick, full hair back soon and makes it stop coming out in the shower!<br />
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<br />Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00446159398261238210noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-140967312895387499.post-909601981890599562013-09-01T20:56:00.000-07:002013-09-01T20:56:01.782-07:00You Can't Manipulate God"You can't manipulate God. Don't ever think it. You can't pray in hopes of getting what you want. It's God's will that prevails."<br />
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~Mark of the Lion series Book II, Francine Rivers<br />
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This quote from a novel I am reading stuck with me this evening.<br />
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When people pray, most pray for what they want God to do for them. Honestly, why wouldn't we? We are taught to pray this way from an early age. We pray for things that will make us happy. More money, good looks, a lover, good health, success, etc.<br />
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And then we thank God for those things that make us happy.<br />
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I believe the purpose of life to not do what makes me happy but to please the Lord and follow His will. However, I never thought of praying for my will as manipulation - or even wrong.<br />
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The online dictionary definition of manipulation is "to adapt or change to suit one's purpose or advantage."<br />
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What this quote says is that by requesting God in the form of a holy prayer what we want in order to benefit ourselves and fulfill our own desires is a form of manipulation. It is wrong. God's will is always best. He knows what he is doing and has a purpose for every living thing. He is omnipotent. He is ruler of all.<br />
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So to dare to pray for our will and not the all-knowing, all-powerful, forgiving and gracious Prince of Peace's will be done, we are fools.<br />
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We may not understand why God allows for things to happen in life that may not make us happy or may be very difficult. Sometimes we do not see the bigger picture. <i>Why do some make more money when I do not? Why is that woman blessed with all "the right" curves on her body and not me? Why did my home get hit by a tornado and my neighbors did not? </i><br />
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<i>Why did God allow me to get Crohn's disease? Why do I have to deal with health issues as such a young age? </i><br />
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Why? I do not know. All I know and have to trust in is that for now I have Crohn's disease, because it is God's will. He is and will continue to use this disease that comes from a sinful world for good. If he can use my pain to bring others to Him, then please bring on the pain.<br />
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What's funny to me is that when Satan intends to hurt us, bring us down or weaken us, God can always use the bad and turn it around for good. You may not see it at first, but He will if you let Him.<br />
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My new prayer is:<br />
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God, I allow you to work in my life whatever way you choose. If you need to use Crohn's disease or some other ailment in my life to bless others, then please do so. I pray that you will give me the strength to be used by you and to wake up each morning praising you for what you are doing in my life - whether is makes me feel happy or not. I also ask that you will help me to recognize when I am praying for what I want solely for my own benefit. Your will be done, not mine.<br />
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AmenAnonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00446159398261238210noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-140967312895387499.post-22515548925171432362013-08-11T19:21:00.000-07:002013-08-11T19:21:41.330-07:00I am Free IndeedTomorrow is Monday. Dun, dun, dun... :) I am so happy to be all ready for the week and sitting in bed right now at 8:30 pm. Sundays are my days to grocery shop, pick up the house a bit, pack my lunch and just mentally prepare myself for the upcoming work week. I like to feel relaxed and ready to go. <div>
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My last post I wrote about my battle with Steven Johnson syndrome. Sadly, it did not end that night I posted the blog. I also battled with a a nasty persistent fever for several days as well due to the syndrome. This past week, I was able to better function, but the fever still slightly comes and goes. To make it through work I pop in ibuprofen, and that helps. I like to stay on top of my work and emails. </div>
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Also, this past week my abscess became infected again. Currently, I am on a safer antibiotic called Amox-Clav that hopefully will help the infection. Unfortunately, it has given me a yeast infection. (of course it did ;)) I am thankful though, because I would much rather have a yeast infection than Steven Johnson Syndrome reaction again. </div>
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Isaac and I did a very adult-married couple thing this weekend. We spent many hours at Mathis Brothers (the Wal-Mart of furniture in Oklahoma City) and bought a new couch! Furniture is so exciting! The couch we picked out is actually a sectional, which is what Isaac has been wanting for a long time. It will create more seating and give our living room such a homey feel. We had to special order the pieces though, so it will not be in for at least 8-12 weeks! </div>
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Sadly, my favorite thing to do in the evenings during the work week is to lay on my couch and relax. I am very excited to lay on this new comfy couch that we will both have room to spread out on. :) </div>
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Speaking of lay on the couch - Last night after we went to dinner with another young couple, we called it a night around 9 pm (haha, obviously we are old and married). Isaac and I both excitedly put our "comfy pants" on and took our places on the couch. </div>
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While he began to play his favorite video game, I searched for a movie to watch. I found "Lovelace," a movie about Linda Lovelace. Since I did not grow up in the 1970's or 80's, I did not know much about Lovelace. I won't go into detail, but Lovelace grew to stardom from her short pornography film career in the 1970's. Later in the 80's, she claimed that she had been forced into the career, raped, beat by her husband and held at gun point many times. The controversy in her story is that some believed her, some did not. </div>
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For some reason, this story intrigued me and saddened me. I'm not sure what I believe. After watching the movie, starring Amanda Seyfried, and researching her story online, I do believe she was scared, confused, and just did not stand up for herself. She didn't believe she could get out and felt stuck. That is always a lie. </div>
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I have never been in a situation like hers. But I do know what it is like to feel paralyzed with fear. I do know what it is like to feel stuck living life a certain way or believing a lie about myself. That is satan trying to control me. My life's prayer is to recognize when I allow him to do this to me. I'm not sure if Linda Lovelace ever became a Christian, but I do know that with God's help, there is always a way out. We are never stuck. Through Jesus, I have freedom, and I do not live in bondage to anything. </div>
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Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00446159398261238210noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-140967312895387499.post-68852899152170443902013-07-26T19:50:00.001-07:002013-07-26T20:03:43.431-07:00I'm the Lucky One - My Struggle with Steven Johnson SyndromeIn my last post, I wrote about my perianal abscess. I had been given an antibiotic, Sulfameth, to help with my infected abscess. About a week later, I started getting real sick. I was having an adverse reaction to my antibiotic, which was called Steven Johnson Syndrome (SJS).<br />
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SJS is a rare, life-threatening condition that is brought on by a severe reaction to a medication. The family of drugs that caused my reaction are sulfa dugs. Basically, what can happen to the body is the human skins starts literally burning from the inside out, and it can spread rapidly. It causes flu-like symptoms, and a reddish, purple rash that can spread all over your body including the eyes and mouth. If it spreads to the eyes, patients can go blind. Many patients are admitted and treated in the burn unit in the ICU due to the outer layer of skin falling off.</div>
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Thankfully (and I am so so thankful), we caught mine early and mine did not progress as far as it could have. I feel by God's grace my life and future were spared. For the first time in my life, I do not feel like a victim of an illness but so blessed and protected from what could have been. </div>
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On Monday (day 6 of taking the antibiotic), I woke up with an intense headache that continued all day long. I began just not feeling well that day. The next morning, I woke up around 5 am feeling very nauseated, and by 6 am I was vomiting bile and blood. A couple hours later, I noticed large purple and reddish welts all over my face. It looked like blood splattered and stained on my skin. At that point, I knew something was wrong. </div>
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My husband took me to an emergency doctor's appointment with my primary care physician. By that point, my lips and tongue were swollen and numb feeling. She diagnosed me with SJS. This was the first time I had heard of this syndrome. She told me to tell everyone I know and carry in my wallet that I have a deathly reaction to the family of sulfa drugs. </div>
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From my research, I have learned that most people take the full course of the antibiotic and do not start showing symptoms till days later. At that point it is irreversible and too late. This is why I feel lucky. I was able to catch it early, stop taking the drug and have time to flush it out of my system this week. </div>
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Good news is that within 48 hours the rash was nearly gone. I thought I was doing better till a fever of 101.6 struck me thursday evening and continued off and on till tonight (Friday) when it finally broke I think for good. Isaac said a fever is good, because that means my body is fighting the rest of the infection. Having a fever with no other illness like the flu is strange...but still just as miserable. </div>
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I'm sitting in my bed typing this feeling much better, but still very weak and tired. I hope I am on the mend. All I can think is <i>thank you Jesus for saving me. </i></div>
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I cried one day thinking about what I was spared from. I have been through a lot with my health problems, but this really made me realize how much worse it could be. And I feel so blessed for the life I have. </div>
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All thanks goes to Jesus my loving Father. I do not know why he spares some and not others. But I do know he has a purpose for all of us. And I know he never turns His back on those who love Him. </div>
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Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00446159398261238210noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-140967312895387499.post-78093048575703814742013-07-19T14:47:00.000-07:002014-05-01T18:08:38.131-07:00Crohns is a Pain in the Abscess <span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">This week, my Gastrointestinal doctor discovered an infected perianal abscess. I scheduled the appointment due to some groin pain I was experiencing. I know abscesses are common for patients who have Crohn's disease due to lowered immune systems. Therefore, this information did not come as a surprise. </span><br />
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<span style="font-family: inherit;">"An anal abscess is a painful condition in which a collection of pus develops near the anus. Most anal abscesses are a result of infection from small anal glands.</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: inherit;">The most common type of abscess is a perianal abscess. This often appears as a painful boil-like swelling near the anus. It may be red in color and warm to the touch. Anal abscesses located in deeper tissue are less common and may be less visible (www.webmd.com)."</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">My GI decided to send me to a general surgeon that day to try and have it drained. </span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">I visited with the general surgeon. He gave me two options. He could numb the area and drain it in the office. He would have to leave the wound open and pack it with gauze so it would heal from the inside out for a month or so. That sounded awful. </span></div>
<div style="background-color: white; margin-bottom: 10px; margin-top: 3px; padding: 0px; text-align: left;">
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><span style="line-height: 16px;">Or he said he could send me home with antibiotics and see if it would drain on its own. Once the infection heals and is less inflamed, I can come back in September to have the surrounding tissue removed and stitch it back up. This is the route my husband and I chose. </span></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; line-height: 16px;">For the next few days, I was in quite a bit of pain. After calling </span><span style="background-color: transparent; line-height: 16px;"><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">my primary care physician for advise, he told me to put a heating pad on the area so that is might drain. Heat causes the puss to rise and drain. This advise helped and the pain decreased significantly. </span></span><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; line-height: 16px;">I can sit and actually function better now.</span></div>
<div style="background-color: white; margin-bottom: 10px; margin-top: 3px; padding: 0px; text-align: left;">
<span style="font-family: inherit; line-height: 16px;">"Abscesses are caused by obstruction of oil (sebaceous) glands or sweat glands, inflammation of hair follicles, or minor breaks and punctures of the skin. Germs get under the skin or into these glands, which causes an inflammatory response as your body's defenses try to kill these germs (www.webmd.com)."</span></div>
<div style="background-color: white; margin-bottom: 10px; margin-top: 3px; padding: 0px; text-align: left;">
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; line-height: 16px;">Abscesses can appear anywhere on your body, but they are most common in the groin area, armpits, on your face and near your teeth. People with lowered immune systems are most susceptible. </span></div>
<div style="background-color: white; margin-bottom: 10px; margin-top: 3px; padding: 0px; text-align: left;">
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; line-height: 16px;">I hope this is helpful for those of you who may discover a strange sore lump. Don't ignore it, go see a doctor. It must be taken care of. </span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; line-height: 16px;"><br /></span></div>
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Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00446159398261238210noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-140967312895387499.post-40851157755033833712013-07-14T20:21:00.002-07:002013-07-14T20:21:30.653-07:00Apologies for My Summer Obsession Hey everyone!<br />
<br />
I apologize for my blogger silence for a little bit. I have to admit to you all.....I have recently been somewhat obsessed with watching Pretty Little Liars on Netflix. In less than a month, I am almost done with season 3. Honestly, I would never let me own teenage daughter (if I had one) watch this show. But I can't stop watching it. So much drama, so many dirty secrets and a murder mystery. What's not to love?<br />
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haha I am watching it now as I write this blog. So silly.<br />
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A couple weeks ago, I went to see my GI doctor for a check up. I was looking forward to this visit. Since March, I had been trying to wean off of Pentasa, an anti-inflammatory I have been on since my diagnoses, and my body was not responding well to the weaning process. I was so determined to get off that drug that I just kept trying to wean for 3 months even though it was causing me to flare and get sick. This drug is a horsepill that I have to take 8 times a day (!) and is my most expensive drug I pay for out of pocket.<br />
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Of course since I was flaring I since the start of the wean and I started having joint pain around that time too, we decided it was best for me to go back on the drug for good. My doctor said that my body must need Cimzia and Pentasa to keep my feeling good.<br />
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That proved to be correct when after a few days of being back on the drug, my stomach started feeling better almost immediately. Since then my stomach has been doing much better and the joint pain seems to be doing a little better. My left thumb joint still hurts though.<br />
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The only negative side effect from start back up with Pentasa is I have noticed my hair falling out when I take a shower. I remember this happening when I first started taking the drug, but it subsided after a few months. I started taking a hair, skin and nails vitamin a few days ago....I hope it stops soon. It's annoying and scary putting handfuls of hair in the trashcan.<br />
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Overall, I'm feeling better, and I really feel like this drug combination is that combo for me. At least I hope!<br />
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This weekend, I had a plethora of energy somehow. Usually I'm so tired...it's nice to have some energy. I mowed the front and back yard, bathed Izzy, did a few loads of laundry, vacumed and dusted the whole house, cleaned the kitchen and hung curtains while using a DeWalt for the first time! Such a productive weekend. :)<br />
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<br />Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00446159398261238210noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-140967312895387499.post-42161035049605818942013-06-13T22:37:00.000-07:002013-06-13T22:37:02.568-07:00We made it! Our First Wedding Anniversary. My next GI appointment is on June 24. I am anxious about it, because I have a couples things to talk about with my doctor since the last time I saw her in March. I have been having joint pain for the past couple of months, so much that I have to wear a brace at time on my left hand and wrist. Also, since the start of weening off of Pentasa in April, it seems my stomach symptoms are not really improving. I seem to be bleeding a lot when I use the restroom. Even if I just sit on the toilet to pee, I lose blood. I have strong painful bouts of diarrhea every 7-10 days-ish. It seems to come on so suddenly. I'm unsure if this is because I'm weening off the pentasa or what. Maybe my body just needs the Cimzia and the Pentasa. Things seem pretty steady though lately. Not remission, but not terrible. I must take it one day at a time.<br />
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Me and Isaac's one year wedding anniversary is on Saturday, June 15. We made it. I think to make it through the first year of marriage is a big achievement. So many people give up so easily. The longer we have to get to know each other, I feel that we will get better at being married. I still have so much to learn about my husband and how to be the best wife I can be. Marriage is teaching me the best ways to be unselfish and how to put another human life before my own. It definitely is like a mirror of my flaws. I see things about myself that I need to work on or face that I might never see if it weren't for Isaac in my life.<br />
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It feels so joyous to be doing life events with my best friend. We get to own a house together and make it our home. We get to be loving parents to our dog. me, Isaac and Izzy... we are a family. I love my new little family that has formed this past year.<br />
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Often time, I pray to God about my marriage. The most important thing I ask Him for is to have many, many long years with my husband. Time is essential. Time gives more memories, more chances to forgive and love, and more opportunities to get to know each other better and in deeper ways. This one year has flown by, and I know the next several will fly by even faster. I pray that we use all the time we have with each other so wisely, and to never waste the time the Lord gives us. I pray that I will never hold back and learn to love this man incessantly and unconditionally. I hope I learn to see him through Jesus' eyes more and more each day - with forgiveness, empathy, compassion, patience and kindness.<br />
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The two words I have heard Jesus whisper to me so many times this year when I might be annoyed with his socks on the floor or if we just got in an argument are "love him." He reminds me that I made a vow to love this man in better or worse. I will love him no matter what and never give up. I made a promise to love him even when it is hard, not just when I am happy with him. He is my best friend, my #1 supporter, my partner, and my one and only man. :)<br />
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Isaac is one of the only people in my life that reminds me to have faith that God can heal my Crohn's disease. He asked me, "Why wouldn't he?" He helps remind me that Jesus is the ultimate healer and doctor. I pray that the Lord continues to speak through us to each other. And I pray that we always keep God in our marriage, because through him we find healing, forgiveness, redemption, love and strength.<br />
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Happy Anniversary Babe! Can't wait to love you more.Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00446159398261238210noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-140967312895387499.post-67916025608951653652013-05-18T21:19:00.003-07:002013-05-18T21:19:46.752-07:00Fiber: Friend or Foe?<br />
<div class="MsoNormal">
Over the past couple of years, I have learned that fiber
plays a big role in your diet, health and tummy. For someone with Crohn’s
disease, fiber can be a harsh enemy to the stomach at times. </div>
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Experts say that we need at least 30 grams of fiber a day on
average. Fiber is in fruits, vegetables, whole grains and legumes (mostly
beans, alfalfa, peas, clover and peanuts). Fiber forces your intestines to work
harder causing your bowel movements to move faster through your system. This is
a good thing if you are constipated or to just keep regular bowel movements.
However when you have Crohn’s disease, bowels do not need to be moving faster
during a flare. Periods of flares or times when symptoms are not under control,
bowels are moving too much with frequent diarrhea, ulcers and inflammation in
the intestines, blood in stool and a low grade fever. During these times, I want my bowels to slow
wayyyy down!</div>
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Eating a low fiber diet will help slow bowel movements down
while decreasing bloating, cramping and extreme gas. I first tried this and
altered my diet a couple of months after I was diagnosed. I was amazed at how
much changing my diet helped me feel better after meals. Of course this does
not heal or take away the Crohn’s, but it helps my symptoms. </div>
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It has been important for me to learn to not stick to this
low to no fiber diet all the time. My doctor’s and nutritionist remind me to
slowly incorporate more fiber back into my diet during times when I am feeling
better. Fiber is good for me when I am feeling better. It’s a constant back and
forth of listening to my body and learning when to say “no” to certain foods. Despite
the fact that fiber is harsh on my intestines, it works to clean out my colon
to reduce risk of colon cancer. Fiber helps transport cholesterol out of our
bodies, reducing the risk for heart disease. Fiber also helps keep people slim,
because you feel full sooner, it stays in your stomach longer and we do not eat
as much. </div>
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It’s funny how something with no nutritional value can have
such an impact on our bodies – both good and bad. </div>
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There are two types of fiber, which can help determine what
fiber is best or not best to eat - depending on your tummy is doing. Soluble
and insoluble fiber. Soluble dissolves better and is a little easier to digest.
Insoluble is resists digestion and does not digest well at all. This is the
kind you want to stay away from during times of inflammation or diarrhea. </div>
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<b>Here are some examples of each</b>:</div>
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<b>Soluble:</b> beans, peas, oatmeal, nuts, seeds, apples,
strawberries, pears and blueberries. </div>
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<br /></div>
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<b>Insoluble</b>: whole grains, brown rice, bran, carrots,
cucumbers, zucchini, tomatoes, grapes, dark leafy and green veggies</div>
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When my symptoms are not under control, I usually steam or
boil my veggies till they are mushy. This way I can still get nutrition from
the foods while they are able to go through my stomach easier. </div>
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I also am able to eat peaches, apples and baked potatoes
without the skin. I eat apple sauce, smoothies, bananas (I eat these all the
time! They are my number one “safe food.”) and white breads, like white English
muffins for breakfast, white sandwich bread, ciabatta bread, french bread/rolls
and sourdough bread. </div>
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<br /></div>
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When I am feeling good, I am able to eat very green salads. Never
any form of iceberg lettuce. That does not digest well and tears up my insides!
Hate that stuff. Last month, I forgot to take the iceberg lettuce off of my
turkey burger I ordered at a restaurant, and man oh man did I hurt. </div>
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I really hope this is helpful! This information can help
anyone with tummy issues. And let’s face it, whether you have Crohn’s or not,
we all have tummy issues! <span style="font-family: Wingdings; mso-ascii-font-family: Calibri; mso-ascii-theme-font: minor-latin; mso-char-type: symbol; mso-hansi-font-family: Calibri; mso-hansi-theme-font: minor-latin; mso-symbol-font-family: Wingdings;">J</span></div>
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<o:p> Below are some articles that provide more information:</o:p></div>
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<a href="http://www.caloriesperhour.com/tutorial_fiber.php">http://www.caloriesperhour.com/tutorial_fiber.php</a></div>
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<br /></div>
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<a href="http://www.nlm.nih.gov/medlineplus/ency/patientinstructions/000200.htm">www.nlm.nih.gov/medlineplus/ency/patientinstructions/000200.htm</a></div>
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<a href="http://www.m.webmd.com/food-recipes/features/fiber-how-much-do-you-need?page=2">www.m.webmd.com/food-recipes/features/fiber-how-much-do-you-need?page=2</a></div>
Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00446159398261238210noreply@blogger.com0