May 9th, 2012

On May 9th, it will be 1 year since I heard those words that would change my life forever, while sitting in the ER with my Mom.

"Mrs. Schlaht, from the CT Scan results, you have what I believe is Crohn's Disease. You will need to see a GI to do further testing ASAP."

Those words hit me hard and put my life into a spin that had yet to slow down.

I have gone through many types of medicines: Pentasa, Prednisone, Potassium, Entocort, Humira, 6mp, and many anti-biotics.

I have learned to give myself injections.

I have had my first over night hospital stay, which last 3 nights/4 days.

I have been to the ER more times than I can count.

I have had blood work done 2-3 times a month.

I have had multiple testing done.

I have had complications due to the drugs: sinus surgery; 3 root canals and crowns; nausea; vomiting; bleeding; pain - physical and emotional.

I have had partial obstructions.

And most recent, it was confirmed that my stricture in my ileum is scar tissue. We had hoped for inflammation instead, but there was very little.

I have some more testing on the 20th of this month, and then my follow up appointment with my GI on the 30th. From there we will determine the next step. Re-sectioning surgery is VERY VERY VERY high on that list.

It's been a rough year for myself and for Ben, as well as the rest of my family.

I have become an admin on a great FB group. IBD Journeys http://www.facebook.com/groups/ibdjourneys/

I have made some amazing friends that share my same disease of IBD.

I have done the Take Steps for Crohn's and Colitis Walk.

I have learned a lot about myself and my strengths.

Please continue to pray as we pursue the next step in this process.

Thank you to everyone who has been an amazing support system for myself and others with IBD.

And it begins……TTC post

Ben and I decided before we got married that we wanted to TTC (try to conceive) right away. TMI? Probably, but I want to document our adventure here so that we can look back on it someday. Like a diary, if you will. :)

Anyway, back in July and August, I did some routine blood work at my primary care doctor. This lead us to find an abnormal parathyroid, several vitamin deficiencies, and sky rocketed triglycerides. My doctor recommended that I see an endocrinologist to find out why/what was going on. Since Ben and I were marrying in a few months, my doctor and I agreed that we should wait to see specialists until I was able to be added on Ben’s insurance with better coverage. So we waited.

Yesterday, I went in to get the process rolling again. Today, I got blood drawn for all of the lab work that is being re-run to make sure I have correct numbers should I need to see a specialist. Fun times. (not!). Blood work results should be back next week. Keep your fingers crossed for me, k?

Back to the TTC topic…..I have always wanted to do an all natural child birth with a midwife, and Ben is supporting this 100%. We have a pre-conception appointment coming up in the next few weeks. To say I am a little overwhelmed, nervous, and scared would be an exaggeration. I am also EXTREMELY excited to begin this process. It’s a very personal choice, I realize that, and it’s not for everyone, but I think I can do it.

So, my questions are, has anyone done the midwife/birthing center route? Do you recommend it? or no? Any stories you would like to share? I need details people!!!