Recovery Time

Had what must have been food poising a few weeks back. Hit me for six and it took at least a week to recovery.

After a few days the symptoms where just like a bad bout of Crohns. This really worried me as I had been doing so well for ages.

I had faith and just tried to look after myself as best I could. Stayed off work for a few days, then worked from home, ate good food, stayed away from booze (not that i felt like it), and eventually I got back to normal.

Say It With Flowers

Another outpatients appointment loomed and I realised the same doctor had been looking after me for over 13 years!

My Doctor has been so great over this period. She has always been really concerned for my well being (as any good doctor should be) and interested in how I am coping with Crohns in my life. It is always a pleasure to tell her any good news I may have, such as getting a new job, moving house, and any other personal achievements.

I expect she has enjoyed seeing me mature and overcome a lot of the difficulties growing up with Crohns through at me.

So for this appointment I decided to buy her a big bunch of Lillies to say thank you.



It felt good giving her some recognition, although I was reminded by the excitable receptionist that they and the nurses play there part too. Perhaps I will get them a pot plant next time ;)

A Gentle Reminder

Despite feeling much better of late I still suffer symptoms which remind me of my condition. I have given up on the notion that the disease will just disappear, it is something I will have for the rest of my life.

After many months of feeling fine I had a fortnightly stint where bloody appearing in the toilet bowl daily. This can be quite a distressing site, but something I am now becoming accustom to.

(Note: I did not take this picture, i would normally have half this amount at worse)

I can recall the first time it happen, and the shock I felt seeing bright red crimson on the toilet paper... Initially you panic a little, thinking "f**k internal bleeding".

I've mentioned it before to my specialist doctor, who I really respect and trust, who sees me for my outpatient appointments, and she says it is perfectly normal.

I sometimes wonder how many people with the condition suffer from this and frequency. Also what is actually happening inside me. I tried to hunt down an old Chrohns forum which i once used to ask thses questions, but can't seem to find it via Google anymore. I'll keep looking.

It's Friday... Wooo Hooo

Food Intolerance

I have found over the past few years that food intolerance plays a big part in my condition. So it was with interest that I read this article on the Daily Mails website.

It is great to hear that people are combating the symptoms of Chrohns with no need for drugs. I know the dietary exclusion method is pretty hardcode, but it is a price worth paying if it works.



Since quiting smoking my condition has improved dramatically and I have even begun starting to introduce yeast back into my diet in small quantities. Although I still have the odd problem with serves as a reminder of my condition and has encouraged me to continue with this blog. More about that in a future post...

Like a Phoenix from the ashes

....well not quite

BUT THE BLOG IS RE-BORN!

After some encouragement from a friend I have decided to start up this blog again. As I have also discovered over the years Crohns always seems to rear it's ugly head just when you think you are getting better.

It's been a year now and I have made some good improvements, but I still have issues to deal with most days and would like to continue to share my experiences and thoughts with anyone who cares to read this little blog.

Don't expect a lot though.. Perhaps a short post each month at best...

Thanks for recommendation

Thanks to the anonymous comment poster who recommended Breaking The Vicious Cycle. I had heard of this ladies book before, but recently deleted it from my Amazon wish list. After reading the website I decided that this book sounds promising, so i will get it ordered and report back.

A recomendation of my own would be the Gut Reaction journal. I finally read it in the bath this evening, after it sat gathering dust under my bed for two months. Well worth signing up for, entertaining read, and some good advice. The wacky professor's letter and answer page is worth subscription alone - classic book plugs.

Still haven't fogiven Blogger for screwing up mu blog! BASTARDS!