Wednesday, December 29, 2010

Life Update!


Right now I am typing from my hospital bed since I've been in and out of the Emergency Room over the holidays. I've suffered from a lot stomach pains for over 5 years now and it recently (after giving birth, in particular) got really bad. Lately I've been so weak, I haven''t been able to hold up my own body weight.

I was rushed to the hospital in Strathroy one day, then Christmas day I went in again (in London this time) with breathing issues and a huge face rash and they hooked me up to an IV. Then I started to go downhill and on the 27th I was getting so sick and weak I went back to Emergency at 3am at night. They performed an emergency biopsy in the morning, to find that I have Crohn's Disease.

"Crohn's disease causes inflammation of the digestive system. It is one of a group of diseases called inflammatory bowel disease. The disease can affect any area from the mouth to the anus. It often affects the lower part of the small intestine called the ileum.

Crohn's disease seems to run in some families. It can occur in people of all age groups but is most often diagnosed in young adults. Common symptoms are pain in the abdomen and diarrhea. Bleeding from the rectum, weight loss, joint pain, skin problems and fever may also occur. Children with the disease may have growth problems. Other problems can include intestinal blockage and malnutrition.

Treatment may include medicines, nutrition supplements, surgery or a combination of these options. Some people have long periods of remission, when they are free of symptoms."

Lucky for me, I didn't have bleeding or anything to that extent, but I fear when they check my intestines down my throat (hopefully in the next couple of days) that there will be lots of issues to go through. Not eating wheat or having dairy helped the issue by covering it, but they told me I did not have Celiacs. (Now we know it is not true and still needs to be tested at some point properly)

I still won't be able to have wheat or dairy, as it won't help this get any better and it is a little easier on the digestive system. Crohn's is hereditary, and actually affects one in 300 people in their 20s which I find very surprising! In case you're wondering, and just so you know, it didn't affect the outside if you know what I mean. I really hope I don't need surgery, but I will keep you updated :) 

UPDATE: I still have to watch and not eat wheat or gluten as there was no way they could test for celiac at this time. I am still gluten-intolerant and have to be extra careful with what I eat as it will be a low fiber diet. Still at the hospital, but hopefully out by tomorrow!

6 comments:

Ina said...

So sorry to hear you have Crohn's! Kevin has ulcerative colitis, which is similar. He had a really rough time about 1,5 years ago and that was partly why we couldn't make your wedding. Luckily he found a treatment that works, and goes in for it about every 8 weeks or so. Good luck finding something that works for you, and I hope you feel better soon!

Anonymous said...

Hey Shell, sorry to miss you yesterday, but I met your lovely daughter, what a sweetheart. Plse take care and feel better soon. Anything I can do, plse let me know. Luv ya Heather

Siri said...

Thinking of you Michelle! So sorry to hear about the pain you are going through.. Hope that things will be better for you now!! Lots of love :)

Anonymous said...

Hi Michelle,
Glad to hear they have finally found out what is making you so sick. With the proper treatment and diet, you will be back on the road to recovery! Sure you can't wait!
Thinking of you and sending possitive thoughts your way oxox Aunt Dianne

Anonymous said...

Your positivity is simply amazing, Michelle. I'm so encouraged by your persistence and perseverance! Sorry to hear you spent your holidays in and out of the hospital though, must be frustrating to go through all this pain with little-to-no answers.
Hopefully you will be able to find ways to cope with Crohn's and hopefully your intestines will love you and cooperate with you!

All the best! Let us know if there's anything we can ever do for or with you and your family!

I'll be crossing my fingers you stay out of the hospital and praying you are pain-free!

Rosemary

Unknown said...

Wow!

Thank you all so much for such amazing support!

The holiday's this year have been a little weird and all over the place. It's so nice to know I have such awesome friends and family to get me through these tough times. :)

I'm on the right road to recovery, now ;)

Love you all, and thank you again :)

Elle
xoxo

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