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!