4 years ago today I had my first colonoscopy. That colonoscopy determined that I had a diagnosis of Crohn’s Disease. It proved that the symptoms I was experiencing weren’t normal. It was a relief to know that there was a name to what was “wrong” with me.
Less than a month after that diagnosis I got to experience how serious this disease is. I had 2 long term hospital stays within a month and a half. I was discharged from my second hospital stay right to an infusion center to have my first treatment of a biologic...my body didn’t accept the basic, run-of-the-mill, Crohn’s meds....The meds my father takes. Crohn’s is known to be hereditary...I got it from my daddy. A cousin on my fathers side also had it. It was so bad her colon was removed and she had a bag.
I was on Remicade for 8 months. It worked wonderfully for my Crohn’s, but I had debilitating migraines and joint pain. I started Cimzia in February 2015. At the time I was thinking that there was no way I was regularly going to stick needles into my body monthly. Well....in March 2016 I was sticking needles into my body every 3 weeks. To this day it’s the treatment I have. In February I have a follow up with my GI in which a possible new medication will be discussed.
My most recent colonoscopy and MRE show active inflammation in my colon.....you can feel fine, but your insides can still be effed up. 😕 I also had an abdominal ultrasound that showed gallbladder polyps...continuous ultrasounds (every 3-6 months) will be needed for the next 2 years to make sure those polyps don’t turn cancerous.
While halving this chronic illness can suck, it has helped me to be non-judgemenal. To never judge anyone, as you don’t know what they are currently going through...I gain 50lbs in 3 months from the Prednisone I was on and when I finally went back to work after 3+ months I dealt with the judgemenal looks from my co-workers.....
Crohn’s has made me stronger. It has allowed me to be very grateful for all the good days I have....as I have experienced very bad days. It has made me become more empathetic and less judgemental of others.
