Caring for Crohn's & UC

I was first diagnosed with Crohn’s disease via a colonoscopy in November of 2006 at the age of 22. Just three months after starting my first teaching job. I first started to have symptoms of lower, left side abdominal pain in April of 2006 during my student teaching.  Since my first colonoscopy I have had two more, along with a CAT scan to diagnose a partial blockage of where my small and large intestines meet, back in April of 2012.

This past summer, after a few months of pain and failed steroid treatments. I I had another colonoscopy and a barium x-ray with a small bowel follow through.   At the same time I was following a strict low residue diet and decided to try Lialda again.  To my surprise, my colonoscopy was normal and my x-ray was “surprisingly normal”.   This was great news, as the pain had also subsided.   I will be most likely be on Lialda for life, but that is something I can live with.  I also take Turmeric and Peppermint leave capsules daily to combat spams and bloating.

I refuse to let Crohn’s disease run my life, I will run it!  Granted I can no longer eat pineapple or popcorn, along with many other high fiber fruits, but if that is what it takes to stay healthy, then that is what I am going to do.   I rather run, play soccer and rock climb.