Fiber: Friend or Foe?

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.

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!

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.

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.

It’s funny how something with no nutritional value can have such an impact on our bodies – both good and bad.

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.

Here are some examples of each:

Soluble: beans, peas, oatmeal, nuts, seeds, apples, strawberries, pears and blueberries.

Insoluble: whole grains, brown rice, bran, carrots, cucumbers, zucchini, tomatoes, grapes, dark leafy and green veggies

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.

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.  

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.

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! J

 Below are some articles that provide more information:

http://www.caloriesperhour.com/tutorial_fiber.php

www.nlm.nih.gov/medlineplus/ency/patientinstructions/000200.htm

www.m.webmd.com/food-recipes/features/fiber-how-much-do-you-need?page=2

Primary Care Physician Problems

Recently, I found out that my primary care physician will not be accepting my health insurance as of July 2013. This is really difficult news for me, because I have had a hard time finding someone covered under my insurance who I like, who spends enough time with me when I do not feel well and who can manage my health well without being rushed. Doctor's are very busy these days, and it is difficult to find one who is thorough and does not rush through each patient. I am not a "5-minute" patient.

After I got over the initial shock of the letter I received in the mail, I have just been thinking about it. No need to rush into finding someone new. I still have time. I know God will take care of me and find me someone who can help manage my health well. I am just going to be praying about this. If you have any suggestions for me of anyone in the Edmond/OKC area, please let me know.

After switching GI doctors a year ago, I really have grown to like my GI doctor and her nurse. They know me by name, always call me back promptly and spend an adequate amount of time with me with I come in for my appointments. She is very thorough and always seems positive that I will reach remission someday soon and that there will be a cure in my lifetime. I like that about her. She is good about managing my drugs and getting me what I need. This is what I need in a PCP as well.

My last appointment with my GI went well. I have officially been off of Endocort (a low dosage steroid that I have been on since diagnosis) for nearly a month now. That feel so nice to be rid of a drug! I am now in the slow process of weening off of Pentasa, an anti inflammatory drug that I have been on since diagnosis. She says hopefully my body will only need Cimzia, but we will see how I do while weening off Pentasa. I have seen a small increase in symptoms since the start of my ween. If symptoms continue or get worse, I will stop the weening.

Managing drugs and symptoms is still such a new and overwhelming thing for me. I hope I get better at it as time goes by. Or better yet, I hope I just get better in general! I hope as I continue to feel better that my energy increases. I'm 26 years old, I really would like more energy to be able to enjoy more activities in a day.

The Impact of Sharing My Story

Well, I am 7 days away from my first Crohn's and Colitis Fundraiser on May 4 here in OKC. I'm pretty excited about it. By choosing to participate in this process, I have already met more people than I imagined who have Crohn's disease like me. Not only have I met people who I can relate to, my team has also raised more than 1,500 dollars! That went over our my initial goal! I am so thankful for all the generosity and support that has come my way.

I was blessed with an opportunity at work that helped spread awareness and raised funds for my team. Chesapeake came to me and asked if they could put my personal story out on it's employee home page. At first, I was overwhelmed with the idea of sharing my story with all thousands of employees who work for Chesapeake across the United States. I had no idea what kind of response I would get. But I decided to do it. I thought if I want to meet more people like me, raise awareness and understanding of my illness, then I must take this opportunity. And I am so glad that I did!

The week the story was posted, I received so many emails, prayers and donations! I have made some friends and increased my confidence in sharing my story. It is important to be heard, speak up and to educate. It is important for me and it is important for those who do not know. I learned that my voice and my story made a difference. It touched others. People who suffer from any type of illness shouldn't have to suffer alone. We need support. We need each other.

~

This last week was not a great one for me. I did not feel great. Spent quite a bit of time in the bathroom with more loss of blood than I like and spent a lot of time curled up on the couch or my bed. My headaches has increased as well. I believe I not only am getting migraine headaches, but also something called cluster headaches. My joints in my hands have been really achy. Some of my fingers are so sore I cannot pick up a bowl with one hand. I have a doctor's appointment next week. I am feeling better this weekend so far, and I sure hope this next week I feel good!

Please be praying for me!

If you would like to donate to the Crohn's and Colitis Foundation please follow the link below.

http://online.ccfa.org/site/TR/SpecialEvents/Chapter-NorthTexas?px=2773189&pg=personal&fr_id=3890

Love: A Noun or a Verb?

Love.

The word brings to mind hearts, pink, flowers, marriage, sex, kissing, passion, movies, ballads...feelings. I immediately think of feelings I have felt when I feel love. I think of how media has defined the meaning of love from birth. Is that all true? I think to an extent.

When I look up the definition of love in the dictionary it says, "a noun: a profoundly tender, passionate affection for another person; a feeling of warm personal affection for another person; sexual passion or desire."

As a verb it says in the dictionary, "to have love or affection for; to have profoundly tender, passionate affection for,; to have a strong liking for; to need or require; to have sexual intercourse with."

Really? The very sounds almost exactly like the noun. Sounds like a whole bunch of feelings. I'm kind of shocked that is all the dictionary said. Feelings come and go. Anger, annoyance, grumpiness, happiness, passion...they all just come and go.

I am a christian. There is no hiding that. The bible's definition of love is probably something everyone has heard recited either in the movies, at church or most commonly, in a wedding. This definition is so overlooked. We know the words. Some of us know it by heart. But rarely do we live this definition of love. So often do we forget how to love. We rely on feeling it instead of doing it. We base our relationships off of feelings.

Love is patient, love is kind. It does not envy, it does not boast, it is not proud. It does not dishonor other, it is not self-seeking, it is not easily angered, it keeps no record of wrongs. Love does not delight in evil but rejoices with the truth. It always protects, always trusts, always hopes, always perseveres. Love never fails. (I Cor. 13:4-8)

These are verbs. These are actions. This is an action template for how to love. How to make it work through better and worse. Through good feelings and bad feelings.

This definition is real. I have been reading these words since I was a little girl. They still look very difficult to accomplish. This definition of love looks hard. It looks scary a bit scary honestly, because I am a sinner. I fail all the time at this type of love. I'm the most impatient person I know. I'm not always kind. It's really hard to not keep a record of wrongs. And I know I can be a selfish woman.

But God says this kind of love never fails. This is the kind of love I want in my life and in my family history.

I choose to pick my sinful self up each day and choose to love this way. I choose to fight for love as an action. I choose to rely on true love.

These are words we should write on our hearts. Put at the forefront of our minds. Last year on my wedding day, I vowed to spend my life striving to live this kind of love. Making a vow to someone is even more of a reason to make love my actions.

Love as an action is no easy task, but it is one that lasts and never fails.

Pets Improve Your Health

I grew up with no pets in my family, except a couple of fish that died pretty quickly and a bunny I found in the yard that died in my hands the next morning-I think I scared it and it died! Izzy is my first pet to own and truly take care of. And I truly believe she is a gift from God for Isaac and I. My little morkie love reduces our stress levels when we are around her, keeps us company, make us laugh and cuddles with me when I don't feel good. She has actually been a good heating pad for my back or stomach when my intestines are raging too.

Isaac and I bought her last March in the midst of planning our wedding, we had no idea how much fun and smiles she would bring to our life. Her presence is such a comfort to me when I am not feeling well or need company when Isaac is at work. I have seen a whole new side of my husband that I have fallen in love with. He sings her songs, and he is so sweet and loving with her.

I started doing some research on pets and their affect on people's health. The articles below states that pets are natural stress reducers for humans, help lower cholesterol and blood pressure, and help fight off depression. I believe it!

Owning her has helped me learn more responsibility that I had not learned before as well. At first, I thought that taking her potty and feeding her would be a hassle to my life and schedule. But when you love something or someone so much, you enjoy having the responsibility to take care of their little life. I would think that it is a similar feeling when you have a baby. But I could be wrong.

Please take a look at the articles I found below about how pets can improve your health by helping you live a longer and happier life!

Pets Improve Your Health

Pets Improve Your Health

Below is Izzy!

Food, Fatigue and Fortitude

Tonight I went out to dinner at Flat Tire Burger in Edmond, OK with a couple of girl friends. I checked their menu before we went so I could make sure there would be food options for me to order since I do not eat ground beef regular hamburgers. Thankfully, they had turkey burgers and chicken sandwiches. I ordered a turkey burger and had a few sweet potato fries. Something went wrong. Pretty quickly after the last bite of my burger went down, I starting getting this intense sharp pain in my side. My stomach hurt the rest of the night. I took Bentyl, which is a drug that helps when I have really bad stomach pain. It did help.

I'm still not completely sure what it was. I'm thinking it was the iceberg lettuce on my burger. I typically stay away from that kind of lettuce, because I had read it does not digest well. Well, I guess that is true for me. Definitely no more iceberg lettuce.

Often times, people will say to me, "If you just eat right, you'll be fine right?" or "If your not feeling well, you just need to eat better." Food does not control Crohn's disease, it just helps manage it for me. I have been doing better the last few months, and I definitely believe it is a combination of finding the right drug (Cimzia) and sticking to a healthy diet and staying away from my "trigger foods."

Finding out what my trigger foods exactly are has been tricky, and trial and error. Some for me include iceberg lettuce, lactose, queso, food with a lot of oil or grease, raw vegetables, spicy food, and when I'm really sick I keep my diet low in fiber. Diets high in fiber make my symptoms worse when I am in a flare. But when I am doing better, I will introduce more fiber back into my diet, like eating an apple with the skin and eating a sandwich with wheat bread. I am not afraid to speak up and say no to a restaurant if I do not feel comfortable with my menu options.

I feel like that is important for anyone who needs to stick to a new diet. Be confident and do not be afraid to speak up to say "no" to certain food or restaurants. Put your health first. I would rather be able to go out to eat with friends enjoying my meal and not worried if I will be sick later. But of course, I cannot control everything, like tonight with the iceberg lettuce incident. Now, I know better :)

Food does not 100 percent control or manage inflammation for me.  I have read articles on Crohn's patients who claim to be healed from a special diet. And that is wonderful if that diet worked for them. But the plan I am on right now with my doctor seems to be helping lately, and I do not want to try anything different. I like feeling better. :)

Lately, it seems fatigue is my main enemy. Fatigue is a common symptom with chronic inflammation. When my body is constantly fighting inflammation, it is tiring. I get tired easily, require a lot of sleep and rest or downtime, and seem to get nauseating headaches often.

Isaac and I went out to Bricktown last weekend to watch his cousin's band play on Saturday night. By 11 pm, we were ready to go home and get in bed. Isaac was tired, because he had worked all day. But why was I? I slept in till 10:30 am. I'm glad we got out and did something. I try and make myself do things sometimes even when I don't feel like it. It's good for my spirit to get out and have some fun.  I definitely make sure I listen to my body when it is telling me "please let me rest." That means saying "no" to social events sometimes and just giving myself plenty of downtime to relax.

I hope anyone with a chronic illness or a health condition learns how to balance diet, social life and rest time for their body. Learning when to say "no" and when to say "yes" to help live a balanced life are pertinent. Never feel guilty for saying "no" to events or feel like you might inconvenience someone by requesting specific food items. These are the lessons of determination and boldness I have had to learn in order to take care of myself in the best way.

The Silent Sufferers

Crohn's disease is often called "The Silent Sufferers" disease. This is because it affects parts of the body that are embarrassing and uncomfortable to talk about. Body parts that are on the inside and unseen by others. It is difficult for others to see and understand the pain, the ulcers lining the intestines and the inflammation that causes sometimes debilitating stomach cramps, nausea, diarrhea, loss of blood in stool, extraintestinal manifestations (other organ systems that are affected by Crohn's) and so on. I would also say that Crohn's is a disability that feels invisible. People often like to see to believe.

I have heard others who have autoimmune diseases say that it would be easier to get empathy for their daily struggle if their arm was cut off, because that disability is more visible and understandable for the public.

Although I am thankfully able to hold a full-time job, be happily married, travel, and live a normal life, I still struggle. It it just not as visible as if my arm were cut off. (please note that I am not saying that I would rather my arm be cut off, it is just a good analogy).

All Crohn's sufferers and anyone who has a chronic illness asks for is empathy and understanding. And if you don't understand, acknowledge that. You simply don't understand. I would rather hear that you don't understand than "just suck it up," "you're being a wimp," "just eat the right foods," "why aren't your medications working?" If you don't know what to say, my suggestion would be, "i'm sorry, that must be tough."

This week was a rough one for me. Ever since I was diagnosed with Crohn's, I have also been suffering with migraine headaches. I'm not sure if they are related or not, but wouldn't be surprised. They could be related to drugs I'm taking. Who knows. Or maybe it's age. In my last blog post, I mentioned this migraine headache issue. I decided to go see my primary care physician last Tuesday about my head that is aching so much, weekly and nearly daily.

Here is what I am trying right now:

In January, I switched birth control brands from Microgestin to Junel, so I decicded to go back to Microgestin since that is when my headaches started to get worse.

I also decided to try some sinus clearing methods to make sure it is not allergy/sinus related headaches.

My doctor also gave my prescription for Topamax, a migraine prevention drug, to try. I tried it for 4 days, and could not stand the drug. I absolutely hated the side effects. I could not funtion. I felt buzzed and drunk, couldn't concentrate, and my body felt tingly and numb. Ick!

Another extrainstestinal issue I am dealing with as a result of my Crohn's is mild rosacea on my face. Metronidazole has not seemed to be working, Eucerin bedtime redness relief doesn't seem to do much, I need a new moisturizer that heals my redness and dryness. I get tired of spending money on products.

Right now, I am trying some samples of face cream called Natura Bisse, which is really expensive, and next I am going to try some samples I have of Bobbi Brown face cream, which around $50 I believe. the Natura Bisse stuff just in two days has made my skin more calm. It doesn't seem as dry, red and seems more smooth.

Does anyone know of any other skin care line that might have this same affect, but less than $100??

Friday, I was feeling my worst. Topamax was at its worst in my body. For some reason my intestines decided to flare that day and I was not feeling well, and my skin just did not feel pretty. I cried in my car at lunch. I know everyone has these kind of days where everything just comes to together all at once. Life can get overwhelming sometimes - regardless of if you are dealing with an illness or not.